Is Grown Ups 2 Worth Watching? A Parent's Guide

Natalie Brooks

3 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.4

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Humor and Target Audience

Grown Ups 2 relies heavily on slapstick and crude humor. Is this appropriate for your children's age and maturity level? The movie's humor is targeted towards adults who appreciate lowbrow comedy. Younger viewers may find some jokes confusing or inappropriate, leading to awkward family moments.

• Consider the age ratings: It's rated PG-13 in most regions, indicating the presence of some material parents might find objectionable.
• Assess your children's tolerance: How do your kids react to potty humor, suggestive dialogue, and slapstick violence? Their maturity level is key here.
• Preview clips: Don't just rely on the trailer. Watch a few short clips online to get a better sense of the humor style. YouTube offers plenty of snippets to preview.

Storyline and Plot

While the plot is simple – focusing on the reunion of childhood friends – it's the comedic situations that drive the narrative. Is a simple, predictable storyline acceptable for your family movie night? The plot centers on the friends' return to their hometown and the ensuing chaos. It's a predictable, formulaic structure, relying heavily on the comedic talents of the cast rather than complex plot twists.

• Predictable scenarios: Expect a series of escalating comedic scenarios and familiar character tropes.
• Lack of depth: Don't look for complex themes or intricate plot development. It's pure comedic escapism.
• Refreshingly simple?: The simplicity of the plot might be a positive or negative, depending on your preferences. Some might find it refreshing, others might prefer a more engaging narrative.

Offensive Content and Parental Concerns

Grown Ups 2 contains some offensive language, suggestive humor, and potentially inappropriate situations. This section examines these elements. Parents need to consider the impact of these elements on their children's understanding of humor and social norms.

• Examples of offensive content: The film features instances of crude language, including sexual innuendo and toilet humor. There are also some slapstick scenes that could be considered violent by some. (Avoid specific spoilers here).
• Impact on children: Consider how your children might interpret this type of humor. Does it align with your family values?
• Pre and post-viewing discussions: Have open conversations before and after watching, addressing any concerns or questions. This can turn the viewing into a teachable moment.

Alternatives for Family Movie Night

If Grown Ups 2 isn't suitable, what are some better alternatives for a family movie night? There are many fantastic family-friendly comedies available that offer equally hilarious entertainment without the potentially problematic content.

• Similar comedic styles: Look for movies with similar comedic styles but more appropriate content. Consider films like Paddington or The Mitchells vs. the Machines for comparable humor without the crude elements.
• Stronger plots and positive messages: Choose movies with engaging storylines and positive messages that resonate with family values.
• Review sites: Utilize sites like Common Sense Media for age-appropriate movie recommendations and reviews.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether Grown Ups 2 is worth watching depends entirely on your family's preferences and tolerance for raunchy humor. Carefully consider the age and maturity level of your children, and pre-screen the movie to gauge its suitability. If you're looking for a simple, laugh-out-loud comedy, Grown Ups 2 might deliver, but be aware of the potentially offensive content. There are many family-friendly alternatives that offer equally enjoyable entertainment without the problematic elements. Before deciding if Grown Ups 2 is the right choice for your family movie night, remember to always preview movies before watching them with your children, and engage in post-viewing discussions. Make an informed decision about whether Grown Ups 2, or a similar but more appropriate family comedy, is worth watching for your family.