“Grown Ups 2” Rated pg-13
By Kyle Osborne
The following moments from “Grown Ups 2” are not spoilers, for there is no plot to be spoiled. Adam Sandler returns with Chris Rock, Kevin James and David Spade for a film that is several levels lower than “low brow.”
If you see “Grown Ups 2,” you will see:
A deer standing on its hind legs, urinating on Sandler and family inside their house.
A sight gag involving chocolate ice cream that’s made to look like poop.
A sight gag involving beer that’s made to look like pee.
Five “burpsnarts,” the name given to a parlor trick of burping, sneezing and farting in rapid succession.
Two projectile vomiting scenes.
Several butt-cheek scenes, some clothed, some not, all gross.
A dozen cameos that are almost all duds, except for some fun mugging by Shaq.
Sandler is a repeat offender when it comes to making scatological sagas, but why should he stop? They’ve made him a very rich man. Unlike “The Wedding Singer” or “Billy Madison,” most of Sandler’s outings have aimed low and still have missed the mark. But if you thought films like “Jack and Jill” or “That’s My Boy” were hilarious, I’ve got just the movie for you this weekend—this one.
The reason that even his worst films find an audience, as my theory goes, is because Sandler is a loyal and kind person. He still gives his old running buddies bit parts in all of his films, and he still pays the extra money for rights to songs from otherwise forgotten bands like REO Speedwagon for the soundtracks. He has a heart, and his inherent decency somehow seeps into even his most putrid releases. People can sense that he’s authentic. He really does wear sweatpants and over-sized t-shirts every day, just like his characters. Just a theory.
What’s particularly disheartening about “Grown Ups 2” is that it is filled with talented and funny people doing stupid and unfunny things. Imagine instead of seeing this movie that you sat at a kitchen table with Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Sandler. How hard would you be laughing? How quick and funny would these guys be in conversation? You’d probably rather pay money to see ninety minutes of just that conversation, than you would a film like this.
But still, Adam Sandler is the nicest millionaire you’ll ever give 11 bucks to.
Hey Ric–I also liked “Funny People” a lot–but like Spanglish and Punch Drunk Love, I associate those films with the directors who made them, more so than Sandler himself.
I like to remember Adam Sandlers pinnacle in the three off the radar films Spanglish, Punch drunk Love and Anger Management. These efforts prevent the hate from blossoming.
He used to be good, and for now its good enough just as long as I dont have to watch what he does now.