The majority of college students are tentative to share even minor details of their social lives with their parents. As a matter of fact, college is a setting where many live by a sort of “what happens in Vegas” motto. Although Hollywood’s outrageous portrayal of college parties has been nowhere close to accurate, the reality of it is still not something one would want taking place anywhere near parent scrutiny. Things get interesting in the upcoming comedy “Neighbors” when a fraternity house leader is all for moving his brotherhood into suburbia and next door to a couple of new parents.
None of the moments in Universal’s newly released trailer are particularly noteworthy, yet the freshness of the storyline actually leaves us wanting more. Young audiences have hit the light entertainment jackpot with this film, with comedic favorite Seth Rogen and chick magnets Zac Efron and Dave Franco thrown together. Rogen plays Mac, a new father and husband, taking a break from his quintessential role of the snickering, hapless stoner (a.k.a. himself) that audiences have grown to love. However, Rogen seems every bit as hapless in this series of developments, just a lot less befuddled. The young couple seems to have a slight case of “Arrested Development,” using cringe-worthy lingo like “take it sleazy” to seem up to speed with their collegiate neighbors. Naturally, the group carries on with its festivities and proves to be the most uncontrollable fraternity ever.
The trailer shows a succession of comical struggles that Rogen and his wife Kelly (Rose Byrne) face living next door to the fraternity until the situation eventually escalates into full-blown neighborhood warfare. After the couple’s baby girl investigates what Rogen initially thinks is a small, white “balloon” in the front yard, the two make it their mission to take down Delta Psi.
Director Nicholas Stoller generally turns out comedies that resonate well with a young adult audience. “Neighbors” is a collaborative effort between Andrew J. Cohen and Brendan O’Brien, both of whom co-wrote the screenplay for “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.”
Perhaps “Neighbors” has gratifying character maturation in store, but it really it just seems to promise an unpredictable, hysterical and slightly obscene good time. The forthcoming comedy definitely earns itself a spot on the watch list of college students everywhere.