Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, I'm going to level with you: Grown Ups 2 is widely considered one of the laziest comedy sequels of the 2010s. It's the cinematic equivalent of watching your dad's friends try too hard to be funny at a barbecue, except with a bigger budget and worse jokes.

The film leans heavily on crude humor, bathroom gags, and mean-spirited pranks that haven't aged well (and honestly weren't that great in 2013). While it attempts to wrap everything in themes of friendship and family, those moments are buried under an avalanche of fart jokes and uncomfortable situations.

For families looking for actual quality comedy that brings people together? There are dozens of better options. This is the movie you accidentally watch when scrolling and then regret 20 minutes in. The 6.1 TMDB rating tells you everything you need to know—even fans of the genre found this one lacking.

If your teen is determined to watch it because they love Adam Sandler, fine. But set expectations low, and maybe have a backup movie ready for when everyone collectively decides they've had enough.

Age Fit

Technically aimed at teens 13+ due to crude content, but honestly, even they deserve better comedy. Younger kids won't get most references, and older teens will likely find it painfully dated and unfunny by 2025 standards.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

35

Adam Sandler comedy sequel known for crude humor, bathroom jokes, and mean-spirited gags. While it attempts themes of friendship and family, the execution relies heavily on juvenile pranks, body humor, and mocking others. The tone is chaotic rather than emotionally grounded, and doesn't model particularly positive behavior despite the 'friends reuniting' premise.

Imaginative

20

Formulaic comedy sequel with zero creative ambition. Follows a predictable 'wacky day in the life' structure with recycled gags from the first film. No world-building, no inventive storytelling, no invitation to think differently. It's a paint-by-numbers comedy that doesn't ask viewers to engage their imagination in any meaningful way.

Safe

45

Likely PG-13 territory with crude sexual humor, extensive bathroom jokes, some bullying behavior, and objectification of women that would be uncomfortable for family viewing. No graphic violence or gore, but the pervasive inappropriate humor makes it unsuitable for younger viewers and potentially awkward for mixed-age family watching. The 'surprise' factor of crude jokes appearing frequently keeps the safety score in the lower range.

Enriching

15

Offers virtually nothing in terms of growth, insight, or meaningful takeaways. The humor is lowest-common-denominator and doesn't build skills, empathy, or understanding. Any lessons about friendship or family are buried under layers of crude jokes. Entertainment value is also questionable given its 6.1/10 TMDB rating and reputation as one of the weaker Sandler comedies. Kids won't learn anything, and adults will likely cringe.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If your teen already loves lowbrow Sandler humor, this delivers exactly what they expect
Might generate some laughs from the sheer absurdity of the situations (though mostly unintentional)
Short enough at 101 minutes that it'll be over relatively quickly
Could serve as a teaching moment about what NOT to find funny (silver lining?)

⚠

What to Watch For

Pervasive crude humor, bathroom jokes, and sexual innuendo throughout
Mean-spirited pranks and bullying behavior presented as comedy
Objectification of women and outdated gender dynamics
Zero educational or emotional value—this is pure (questionable) entertainment
You'll probably spend more time cringing than laughing

Conversation Starters

"What did you think was actually funny versus just... gross?"
"How do you think the characters could have solved their problems without being mean to each other?"
"Why do you think some comedies rely on bathroom humor instead of clever jokes?"
"Would you want friends who acted like these grown-ups? Why or why not?"

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