Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James
Directed by Dennis Dugan
Adam Sandler leads another all-star reunion which, despite moments of genuine laughter, amounts to a vanity project for his crew of misfits in Grown Ups 2.Following the success of 2010s first outing, the gang is back for more predictable hi-jinks.
The good news the movies worst gag occurs in the first 10 minutes, as a computer-generated deer urinates all over Sandler and proceeds to runs amok through his house, so it goes slightly uphill from there.
This is not the only use of terrible special effects for a comedic bit; at one point David Spade is confined inside a giant rubber wheel and takes a cartoonish trip through town.
Grown Ups 2 actually manages to work in some sections, though.A legitimately funny sub-plot involving Twilight heartthrob Taylor Lautner leading a group of hostile frat boys against Sandlers townies works well and a sexy car wash scene with a twist offers a gut-busting nod to some of SNLs current players and Andy Sambergs Lonely Island troupe.
With so many actors competing for screen time its difficult for one to really shine; Sandler and Chris Rock hold the ramshackle group together in typical fashion, while Kevin James and David Spade are sorely underused.In fact, Vancouvers own Alexander Ludwig nearly steals the entire show as Spades brooding and beefy illegitimate son.
In short, the patchwork comedy contains a fairly balanced dose of eye-rolling awfulness and immature giddiness.
