Is Grown Ups 2 Worth Watching? A Critical Look

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.1

Share

The Plot and its Strengths (or Lack Thereof)

Grown Ups 2 picks up years after the first film, with Lenny (Adam Sandler) and his friends now settled back in their hometown. The plot revolves around their children attending the same high school, leading to a series of predictably chaotic events. While the premise offers potential for comedic scenarios, the execution often falls short. The originality is severely lacking; the film relies heavily on slapstick and juvenile humor, offering little in the way of a compelling narrative.

• What worked: A few scenes showcasing the camaraderie between the main characters managed to elicit a chuckle or two, mostly due to the established chemistry between the actors.
• What didn't: The pacing is uneven, with long stretches of meandering plot points punctuated by bursts of forced humor. The plot feels significantly less focused and engaging than the original Grown Ups. The storyline feels somewhat contrived and predictable, lacking the charm and surprising moments of the original movie.

The Cast and Their Performances

The all-star cast, featuring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and others, is undoubtedly a draw. However, even their comedic talents can’t completely salvage the film. While their on-screen chemistry remains palpable, hinting at the real-life friendships that probably exist, the material they're given often feels beneath them.

• Standout Performances: Chris Rock offers some of the more genuinely funny moments, injecting a bit of sharp wit into the otherwise predictable script.
• Falling Short: The film relies too much on the established comedic styles of the actors, resulting in repetitive jokes and predictable character arcs. The supporting characters are largely forgettable, failing to add any significant depth to the narrative.
• Chemistry: The palpable chemistry between the main cast carries the film for some time, making the otherwise dull plot semi-enjoyable.

The Humor and its Effectiveness

Grown Ups 2 relies heavily on slapstick comedy and toilet humor. While some viewers might find this style amusing, the jokes often feel juvenile and lack the wit and cleverness of other Adam Sandler comedies. The humor rarely transcends its lowbrow nature, making it difficult to justify the film's existence.

• Jokes that worked (somewhat): A few physical comedy bits landed well, but they are too few and far between.
• Jokes that didn't: Most of the "humor" feels forced and relies on shock value rather than clever writing. The excessive use of toilet humor and bodily functions is likely to offend as much as it amuses.
• Comparison to other Sandler films: While there's a similarity to other Adam Sandler productions, the lack of compelling narrative and the over-reliance on crude humor differentiate Grown Ups 2 and make it comparatively weaker.

Grown Ups 2 Compared to the First Film

Compared to the original Grown Ups, the sequel is a significant step down. The first film, while not a masterpiece, had a more cohesive plot, better pacing, and a more balanced approach to humor. Grown Ups 2 feels like a lazy cash-grab, lacking the creativity and charm of its predecessor.

• Plot Comparison: The first Grown Ups movie had a simpler yet more engaging plot; this sequel is bloated and lacks direction.
• Character Comparison: Characters feel underdeveloped and their actions lack the logical progression that we see in the first film.
• Critical and Audience Reception: Both films received mixed reviews, but Grown Ups 2 generally scored lower with critics and audiences alike, highlighting its shortcomings.

Overall Verdict and Watch Recommendation

Grown Ups 2 is a disappointing sequel that fails to recapture the magic of the original. While the cast's chemistry provides some entertainment, the weak plot, uninspired humor, and reliance on lowbrow jokes ultimately make it a forgettable experience.

• Target Audience: Fans of Adam Sandler's raunchier comedies might find some enjoyment, but even for this demographic, it is a weak film.
• Alternatives: Viewers looking for a superior comedy should explore options like the first Grown Ups film or other comedies with better writing and character development.
• Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Conclusion: Is Grown Ups 2 Worth Watching? A Final Verdict

In short, Grown Ups 2 is largely underwhelming. Its weak plot, predictable humor, and overall lack of originality make it a difficult film to recommend. While the cast's chemistry provides some fleeting moments of amusement, these are too few and far between to justify a watch. Ultimately, this comedy sequel falls far short of the mark.

So, is Grown Ups 2 worth it? Probably not. Share your thoughts on this Grown Ups 2 review in the comments below and let us know – do you think Grown Ups 2 is any good? Is Grown Ups 2 worth watching? Use #GrownUps2Review and #GrownUps2WorthIt to join the conversation!