Review of Neighbors (2014) by Eric C — 25 Dec 2014

"That's when bad neighbours become bad friends". While the Australian TV soap highlighted the positive side to having neighbours, 'Bad Neighbours' instead shows them as the loud, obnoxious pricks next door they can sometimes be (something easy to relate to if you ever lived next to Southampton Solent students, or next to me during my Simply Red/Lighthouse Family karaoke sessions). Main themes include the idea of growing up, or more specifically the lost of youth/partying days. This was another thing I could connect to since my fun uni days have recently ended (cue violins in the background and me weeping).

The comedy has its poor moments, mainly through the basic, immature double entendres, e.g. "Sorry my balls got in your face". Yeah we get it, good one. It also relies on sexual references a lot of the time, a common trend in all modern comedies. Feels like we can't escape from hearing about someone's genitals. Nonetheless, mostly respect is due since the majority of it is funny and falls within Seth Rogen's usual high quality brand of comedy. Zac Efron is well cast despite this not being a cheap chick flick or a cringey musical where kids crack out a tune because they've learnt how to piss standing up. Rogen and Rose Byrne are well matched as a comedic pair while Ike Barinholtz's contributions from the supporting role are noteworthy. The story stays grounded and it even has a small bit of enlightenment to offer those who perhaps indulge in the jaggerbombs a little too frequently.

I had my doubts after viewing the trailers. Seth Rogen has had a solid run of good movies (forgetting 'The Green Hornet') and I figured it was bound to come to the end. But while 'Bad Neighbours' is not amongst his best work, it is certainly a whole lot better than expected. Good Ole Reliable Rogen.