Grown Ups

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Grown Ups is available in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and BINGE, and in the US on Philo and Starz Apple TV Channel right now. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Adam Sandler leads a cast with real comic timing. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

There is a reason Grown Ups keeps coming up in conversation. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Grown Ups from the crowd. After their high school basketball coach passes away, five good friends and former teammates reunite for a Fourth of July holiday weekend. Adam Sandler and Kevin James lead a cast that never overplays a joke. It was released in 2010. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Grown Ups holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Grown Ups is a strong candidate. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Adam Sandler sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.