Neighbors (2014) - Nicholas Stoller

Mac and Kelly Radner are a young, newlywed couple who've just moved into a quiet neighborhood.  Attempting to manage parenthood, the couple couldn't be happier with their new surroundings until a fraternity moves into the house next door.  At first things seem to be working out, with Teddy, the president of the fraternity, quickly embracing friendship with Kelly and Mac after they introduce themselves.  After night after night of loud parties, Mac reaches his breaking point, calling the cops to make a formal noise complaint which inevitably kick starts a war between family and frat.  Nicholas Stoller's Neighbors is a comedy that amuses with its unique and entertaining concept but unfortunately the laughs aren't plentiful enough to make this comedy special.  Zac Efron and Seth Rogan are both perfectly cast in their respective roles as the generic Frat boy and the young parent who still wants to be considered cool.  The two actors play off each other well, being complete opposites both physically and mentally.  That being said, it's Rose Byrne's performance as Kelly Radner who practically steals the entire film, showing a great understanding of comedic timing as she mischievously plots against the fraternity.  Neighbors is a film that seems to set its sights on the typical Apatow formula, having tons of juvenile humor, but it never reaches the dramatic resonance it seems to aim for in its deconstruction of growing up.  There is no denying that Neighbors is a fun time but given the Rogen/Goldberg track record as of late, I couldn't help but feel disappointed by their latest effort.

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