What happens when a relationship comedy meets Animal House? Not as much as you’d think, although Neighbors is frantic enough to leave the impression a lot is happening.
The movie begins with new parents Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne, from Bridesmaids) pondering how their lives have changed since having a baby. Before they can really explore the issue, a fraternity house moves in next door. This glitch in the zoning laws ushers in a nightmarish phase. The boys next door are up all night with loud music and partying. This is doubly annoying because it reminds Mac and Kelly of their lost youth.
First the parents try to make nice with their neighbors, which leads to the movie’s funniest sustained sequence, a night of blowing off steam. But a nasty rivalry sets in shortly thereafter.