The Land of Lazy can crown a new king because with Grown Ups 2 Adam Sandler has officially nabbed the throne. This sequel is entirely without plot, purpose, or possibilities – although to continue in this alliterative vein, there is plenty of piss, poop, and other potty humor – as well as something called a burpsnart (just to prove that Grown Ups 2 isn’t completely unimaginative). The film seems to exist for no other reason than to cash in on the phenomenal success of the 2010 original (after all, this is Sandler’s first sequel), and to provide easy work for lots of Sandler’s pals. (The first film did so well that Sandler rewarded some of the key personnel with Maseratis, so the only question regarding this film is what color they want for their new models.)
Picking up some time after the holiday reunion of old high school pals which took place in the first film, Hollywood agent Lenny (Sandler) has moved back to his sleepy hometown with his wife (Hayek) and kids in order to improve their quality of life. Events then just tumble along as the film progresses, every one of the plentiful characters getting a few moments of screen time. The movie opens with an errant moose peeing on Lenny’s face while he’s asleep in bed, and it closes with a burpsnart. In between, there’s mostly flatulence, with a few chuckles here and there – not unlike a home movie made by Sandler & Co. while away at camp.
This article appears in July 19 • 2013.
