Neighbors (2014)

This review skips about half of Neighbors, because about half of Neighbors can’t be described anywhere kids might be reading. The other half is pretty funny. Mac and Kelly want sleep, the frat next door wants the loudest party in its history, and the movie stacks gags until everybody is exhausted. The plot is thin, and some bits run long. The clean stuff, though, is great: car airbags hidden all over a house, a party where every guest dresses as a different Robert De Niro character, and Hannibal Buress as a cop who’d rather be anywhere else. Rose Byrne is the secret weapon. Kelly isn’t the eye-rolling wife, she’s the one with the sneakiest plan on the block. Zac Efron is funnier than anyone expected. It made $270.7 million worldwide on a reported $18M. A 5.7 because the cast is quick and the gags burn out well before the frat does. $5,871 says the next time music thumps through your wall after midnight, you bang on it with a broom and feel briefly powerful.

What works: Rose Byrne’s scheming mom, Zac Efron’s surprisingly sharp comic timing, and a few great set pieces like the airbag prank.

What doesn’t: The story barely exists, and plenty of the jokes lean on shock value and go on far longer than they should.

Who it’s for: Adults who like their comedies loud and messy, and new parents who would very much like the neighbors to keep it down.