Most people know that Seth Rogen got his start on Judd Apatow’s seminal television show Freaks and Geeks. Everyone thinks that they know that Zac Efron got his start in Disney’s High School Musical, but discerning geeks know that his real breakout role was as young Simon Tam in an episode of Firefly. How does that relate to Neighbors? Very little, other than allowing me an out to claim that I like Efron — including Charlie St. Cloud.

Neighbors’ stars Seth Rogen and Zac Efron make an interesting pair. Rogen has proven time and time again that he is a fearless comedian (though what is it with the male Freaks and Geeks alums who aren’t afraid to show a lot of skin). Efron’s taken on a variety of roles over the years, but this is his first Apatow-esque role (the under-appreciated That Awkward Moment was close, but not nearly as raunchy). The leads worked well together, and will probably clean up at the next MTV Movie Awards (they are the early favorite for best fight).

As great as Efron and Rogen were, it was Rose Byrne and Dave Franco that stole the movie for me. Bryne’s historically been a dramatic actress, but turns in Bridesmaids and The Intership (I’m probably the only one on the planet that preferred the latter to the former) and now Neighbors have proven that she’s got the chops to carry a comedy on her own. Her co-star Dave Franco is far and away my favorite Franco. He’s easily one of the most underrated young comedians in Hollywood today (and also the subject of one of the funniest meta jokes I’d ever heard on ABC Family’s criminally underrated Greek).

The movie did slow down at times, usually when the story shifted away from the family/fraternity conflict and focused on the regular challenges that Mac and Kelly experience as young parents. Both Byrne and Rogen put in the effort – and there’s definitely some good material there – but it just doesn’t sing like the rest of the film does. In these moments it almost feels like Neighbors is trying to be two films in one. There was also the inkling of a subplot involving Efron’s character’s lack of direction that ultimately went nowhere.

That said, there’s a great deal more to love about this movie than to dislike. This flick is funny – it could easily be the comedy of the year. Rogen has great chemistry with both Efron and Byrne, and the former holds his own in the over-the-top comedy Rogen is known for. While they’re not a pair I’d have imagined together before Neighbors, the did a fantastic job.

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CliqueClack has partnered with Universal Pictures to offer readers in the Indianapolis areas an opportunity to attend an advance screening of the new comedy Neighbors starring Zac Efron, Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Neighbors tells the story of a young couple suffering from arrested development who are forced to live next to a fraternity house after the birth of their newborn baby.

The screenings will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 7:00 PM at AMC Castleton Square.

A limited number of passes are available on a first come, first served basis. Simply comment on this post telling us why you want to see the movie and we will send your pass by email. Please make sure you have entered your email address correctly! As passes are limited, we will accept one comment per person/per email address/per household (this is not a random drawing so if you’re a couple, only one of you need comment!). CliqueClack reserves the right to discard any duplicates or comments that appear to be duplicates. Multiple comments from a single person will result in complete disqualification. Please keep these offers fair for everyone.

Please note that passes do not guarantee seats at the screening. CliqueClack has no control over the total number of passes distributed, and is not responsible for seating at the theatre. Seating is first come, first served so please plan to arrive early.

This offer will be valid until all passes have been awarded or on the day of the screening, whichever comes first. Have a look at the trailer below and then let us know why you want to see the film. Neighbors opens in theaters on May 9.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzZgJZMXNEc