Bad Neighbours (2014)

Directed by: Nick Stoller
Written by: Andrew Cohen, Brendan O’Brien
Starring: Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Zac Efron, Dave Franco
Genre: Comedy
Rated: 15

With Seth Rogen’s highly-regarded acting resume boasting comedic gems like Knocked Up and Superbad, it’s obvious that by putting him at the forefront of any new film, it’s going to sell. So before Stoller has even started to create storyboards, Rogen has raked in a vast audience and guaranteed a huge opening weekend.

Then, Stoller takes Zac Efron, the sweet Disney-star turned sexy Hollywood hunk, and he throws him in the works as well. At the signing of a contract, BAM – Bad Neighbours is a potential box-office hit.

Well, this is one film that doesn’t collapse under the pressure of high expectations. In fact, quite the opposite - this film exceeds them. It is laugh-out-loud hilarious, outrageously entertaining and very sweet at its heart.

Rogen and Bridesmaid’s Rose Byrne are new parents Mac and Kelly, whose idyllic life on a peaceful estate is ruined when a college Fraternity – lead by shirtless stoner Teddy (Efron) - move in next door. Following their quest to keep the quiet and Teddy’s quest to party 24/7, a competitive battle between the neighbours erupts.

Rogen and Byrne have outstanding chemistry – together they are extremely likeable and achieve the most laughs throughout. It is refreshing, if not scarily eye-opening, to see Rogen progress from playing the irresponsible, drug-smoking adult and take on the role of a mature parent, however he does it very convincingly. You find yourself rooting for the couple, and also kind of hoping your family life will turn out like theirs – caring and settled however still with the ability to let loose and have fun.

Efron is savvy and quick-witted, showing a more rebellious and more likeable side of him that was absent in his previous films. His performance here lets go of High School Musical’s Troy Bolton, allowing us to finally take him seriously as a real and talented actor.

The younger Franco (Dave) lives up to his brothers standards, proving to be funny and smart as Teddy’s sidekick Pete. Smaller roles from Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Craig Roberts are also played exceptionally well, all the more contributing to the earnest hilariousness and honesty that this film so wonderfully captures.
Although a bit messy and thrown together on Nick Stoller’s part, Bad Neighbours is a very entertaining watch. It has everything a comedy needs – a cast that knit together like they’ve known each other years, a bit of eye-candy, a cute baby, wild parties, and of course, a script that fuels an endless uproar of laughter.

****