Believe it or not, “Grown Ups 2” is writer, producer and star Adam Sandler’s first sequel. For more than a decade Sandler’s made bomb after bomb (with the exception of “Jack and Jill”, though most don’t consider that an exception). His films consistently get hammered by critics while still making enough money to keep his Happy Madison production company fat and happy (aside from last year’s “That’s My Boy”, which made practically nothing). During a recent interview, former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, who plays a cop in “GU2”, said of his acting: “I’ve come a long way since ‘Kazaam'”. That may be true, but not even Shaq can save this from joining Sandler’s growing list of “disaster” films.
Everyone is back from the 2010 original (which grossed a staggering $162 million) except for Rob Schneider, which is OK, since he was one of the weaker elements of that film. But, sadly, that’s about the only positive thing to say when comparing this film to the original. Sandler’s former Hollywood agent Lenny and his wife (Salma Hayek) have moved back to their hometown with their three kids. Lenny’s childhood friends (played by Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade) still live in the town as well with their families. Maria Bello and Maya Rudolph play two of the wives. Spade’s Marcus has learn that he has a 16-year-old punk son, who’s coming to visit. All the other kids are typical movie stereotypes as well, including the bullied wimp and the shy, but talented singer.
“Grown Ups 2” takes place over one day, which begins as the last day of school and ends as the first evening of summer. Lenny throws a party, which all of his friends (and old enemies) attend. There’s an attempt at some sort of “message” about sticking-up for yourself, but that turns out (unintentionally) to be the most laughable part of the film. It’s truly amazing that “GU2” has less of a plot and even fewer funny moments than the original. I think Sandler spent more time picking out the costumes for the 80’s-theme party than on the actual script.
Sandler has become famous for jamming as many small parts and cameos for his buddies as possible into his films and he goes above and beyond this time. Steve Buscemi, Jon Lovitz, Taylor Lautner and Colin Quinn are among those who deliver embarrassing performances. Georgia Engel, “Saturday Night Live”‘s Andy Samberg (who worked with Sandler on “TMB”), Chris Berman, Dan Patrick and even N.Y. Yankees announcer Michael Kay also show-up briefly. And the list goes on. Because of so many cameos, real comic-actors James and Rock don’t get much screen time, especially in the tasteless final half hour, which appears to have been at least partially improvised and is pretty painful to watch.
Like its predecessor, “Grown Ups 2” is rated PG-13 for offensive and disgusting humor, although this film is not as crude as the first one. But when a deer urinates onto Sandler’s face :30 into the movie, you know it’s going to be a rough ride. Practically every attempt at humor is based on body fluids and noises, excrement and sexual innuendo. There isn’t one clever moment or well-delivered line in the entire film.
It’s obvious that Sandler and all his Hollywood and sports pals have a great time making these movies, and he’s certainly got enough money and power to continue to churn them out. It’s just too bad he doesn’t care enough about the finished product. Hiring some good writers and paying for some acting lessons for all his friends would be a big help.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Grown Ups 2” gets an F. Sorry, Shaq – but your Buick and Gold Bond commercials are more entertaining than this entire film.