Well... occasional hilarity, anyway. The biggest problem with Neighbors is that it isn't nearly as funny on a consistent basis as its fun premise leads you to expect. There are only a couple of solid jokes involving the couple's baby daughter. Nearly all the sight gags that don't involve sex or nudity were spoiled in the trailers and commercials for the film. And unfortunately, a fair chunk of what's left doesn't focus enough on "the war," but on schtick that's been covered in previous movies. We've seen hijinks within a fraternity, and we've seen a free-spirited young couple coming to terms with being new parents -- this movie doesn't add much to either scenario.
What does save the movie a bit from its unfortunate familiarity is a solid rapport between a number of skilled comedians. Seth Rogen is generally a "love him or hate him" type of celebrity, but he's less of a slacker stoner here than in any other movie outside of 50/50, if that helps. Zac Efron proves skillful at "self-delusional" comedy, playing a character that doesn't realize how ridiculous he is. Perhaps the real gem in the cast is Rose Byrne, who displays some true comic chops. This may not come as a surprise to fans of Bridesmaids, but to someone like me, who really knows her best from the TV series Damages, it's still a bit of a shock. There are also fun supporting turns by Christopher Mintz-Plasse (aka "McLovin") and Lisa Kudrow, and cameos from a number of current network and cable sitcoms.
Still, I'm not sure that good performances spiked with clever improvs are enough to recommend a movie that really ought to have packed more laughs into 90 minutes. The idea here is simply better than the execution. I give Neighbors a C+.
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