Parents' Guide to Grown Ups 2

Movie PG-13 2013 101 minutes
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Common Sense Media Review

S. Jhoanna Robledo By S. Jhoanna Robledo , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Crude, sophomoric sequel doesn't improve on original.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 13+

Based on 22 parent reviews

Parents say that the film is overwhelmingly criticized for its inappropriate content, with numerous reviewers emphasizing the sexual innuendos, vulgar language, and overall crude humor, making it unsuitable for children under 15. While some found moments of humor and argued it might appeal to older teens, the general consensus is that it fails as a family-friendly sequel, with many recommending against it entirely, particularly for younger viewers.

  • inappropriate content
  • mixed humor
  • unsuitable for children
  • vulgar language
  • poor sequel
Summarized with AI

age 12+

Based on 84 kid reviews

Kids say the sequel is a mix of humor and crude content, often resulting in mixed reviews; while many find its comedy entertaining, others criticize its lack of storyline and excessive sexual innuendos. Overall, it seems suitable for older teens, but caution is advised due to its inappropriate material.

  • fun humor
  • crude content
  • mixed reviews
  • age caution
  • no strong plot
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

Having made a name for himself in Hollywood, Lenny (Adam Sandler) is back in his hometown with his wife (Salma Hayek) and kids, eager to spend time with his best friends: Eric (Kevin James), Kurt (Chris Rock), and Marcus (David Spade) -- and their families. Coming home is loads of fun, but there seems to be a new posse in town in the form of frat boys who've taken over the guys' old roost. Plus, the bully who once terrorized Lenny is around, as are old frenemies.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 22 ):
Kids say ( 84 ):

A few bits might make audiences guffaw -- one involving a naked man landing on top of another after diving into a lake, for example -- but otherwise, this movie just doesn't feel grown-up enough. The humor is immature, dated, corny, and tired. (Are we really still supposed to laugh at poop and fart jokes and Chia Pet references? Paging 1989!) Plus, it's downright sexist at times (not to mention unoriginal, as in the case of the harried mom of a toddler who has to look down his diaper to see how "bad" his #2 is).

It's such a waste, considering the rapport of the stars. Sandler and his buddies really do have great chemistry, which means Grown Ups 2 isn't a total waste of time. (The other bright spot? Seeing Taylor Lautner overplay as the villain.) But it's too bad they aren't working with better material.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Grown Ups 2's core foursome -- what keeps them together through the years? Does their friendship seem enviable, immature, or a little of both?

  • What roles do women play in the film? Do they conform to stereotypes? How about the men?

  • Is nudity and scatological humor a requirement in films like this one? Who is that type of humor intended to appeal to? How can you tell?

Movie Details

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