When the laughter-packed sequel “Grown Ups 2” hit theaters in 2013, fans were once again treated to the comedic antics of Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and Maya Rudolph.
Building on the dynamic established in the original film, “Grown Ups 2” brought back a cast full of familiar faces to the fictional town of Stanton.
Despite the Connecticut setting presented in the film, the actual shooting locations were extensively throughout the eastern region of Massachusetts.
The film’s opening moments, featuring a deer in the house, were shot at a private residence in Marblehead.
The surrounding woodland scenes, including the memorable chase, were also shot in Massachusetts, adding a genuine New England backdrop to the hijinks on screen.
Viewers relished in the chemistry amongst the leading crew, as each actor reprised their beloved roles, delivering the same humor that audiences had come to expect from the franchise.
The production team, spearheaded by director Dennis Dugan, dedicated significant effort to create a semblance of continuity and camaraderie, not just among the characters, but also within the setting of the film.
This attention to detail extended to selecting filming locations that would support the film’s comedic narrative.
The eclectic mix of suburban and woodland environments found in Massachusetts provided the perfect stage for this sequel’s shenanigans. Do you want to know where was Grown Ups 2 filmed? Stay with us!
Contents
Key Takeaways
- “Grown Ups 2” features the return of actors Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and Maya Rudolph in a comedic sequel
- Although set in the fictitious Stanton, Connecticut, the filming took place primarily in Massachusetts
- The sequel maintained the humor and character relationships that contributed to the success of the original film
Filming Overview
Grown Ups 2, the sequel to the hit comedy Grown Ups, saw its production rooted in the heart of Massachusetts. The filming spanned over a couple of summer months, with a focus on replicating the feel of a small Connecticut town.
Primary Locations
The production team set their sights mainly on Swampscott and Marblehead, Massachusetts, to bring the fictional town of Stanton, Connecticut, to life.
Crews converted local areas into charming movie sets that matched the film’s small-town vibe.
- Marblehead: Specifically, 204 Ocean Ave in Marblehead was chosen for a notable scene involving a deer in a house
- Swampscott: This town, along with Marblehead, hosted the bulk of the filming, reinforcing the small-town feel the film intended to capture
- Tyngsboro: Notable mention goes to Tyngsboro for the memorable runaway construction tire scene that required more space and a certain look
Challenges and Anecdotes
Filming commenced on May 2, 2012, and wrapped up by July 15, 2012. During this time, the crew faced the typical challenges of shooting in real-world locations, including weather issues and coordinating with the local communities.
- Weather: Massachusetts’ unpredictable weather played a part in scheduling conflicts and filming delays
- Local Coordination: Working closely with the residents and local authorities of Swampscott and Marblehead was crucial to ensure the filming process was smooth and respectful to the daily routines of the townsfolk
- Runaway Construction Tire: One of the more outlandish challenges involved a scene where a huge construction tire goes on a rampage. It required precise timing and safety measures to pull off convincingly
The crew’s efforts, from dealing with the unpredictable weather to the heartwarming cooperation of the Massachusetts communities, were pivotal in bringing Grown Ups 2 from script to screen.
Cast and Characters
In “Grown Ups 2,” the ensemble cast from the original film returns, continuing the story of childhood friends navigating life’s comic predicaments. They’re joined by fresh faces, adding new dynamics to the mix. We talked about where was Grown Ups 2 filmed. Now let’s take a look at the cast members that made the movie amazing.
Lead Ensemble
Adam Sandler reprises his role as Lenny Feder, a Hollywood agent who finds out that a quiet hometown life can be just as chaotic as the city.
Kevin James portrays Eric Lamonsoff, Lenny’s friend who faces his own set of family and work challenges.
Chris Rock takes on the role of Kurt McKenzie, a stay-at-home dad trying to maintain sanity amid the madness, while David Spade embodies the perpetually single and carefree Marcus Higgins.
- Salma Hayek stars as Roxanne Chase-Feder, Lenny’s fashion designer wife, bringing a touch of sophistication to the group
- Maria Bello plays Sally Lamonsoff, Eric’s wife, who grapples with her husband’s quirks
- Maya Rudolph as Deanne McKenzie, Kurt’s wife, adds humor and heart as she juggles family life and her own aspirations
Supporting Roles
The film’s supporting cast introduces a variety of characters that create a richer comedic landscape:
- Nick Swardson is Nick, the offbeat bus driver whose antics are a constant source of amusement
- Alexander Ludwig appears as Braden, the imposing frat boy, who adds an element of rivalry to the story
The cast’s chemistry is palpable, delivering both laughter and a sense of camaraderie that resonates with audiences. Whether it’s the main crew or the supporting players, they all contribute to the film’s unique blend of humor and heart.
Production Team
The success of “Grown Ups 2” relied heavily on a talented production team, each member bringing something special to the table. From the well-orchestrated direction to the visual storytelling, they worked seamlessly to create a memorable comedy experience.
Key Crew Members
Director: Dennis Dugan led the charge, bringing his touch to the sequel of “Grown Ups” with a vision for heartwarming laughter.
Writers: The script came to life thanks to the collaborative efforts of Fred Wolf, Tim Herlihy, and Adam Sandler, ensuring a mix of humor and relatability.
Producers: Happy Madison Productions, led by Adam Sandler, alongside Jack Giarraputo, brought their A-game, making certain the comedic tone resonated through production.
Distribution: Once the laughs were captured on film, Sony Pictures Releasing took the reins to deliver the movie to audiences everywhere.
Columbia Pictures: As a major player, they provided not only support but also the necessary resources and backing needed to handle a project of this scale.
Cinematography
Director of Photography: Theo van de Sande captured the essence of Stanton, Connecticut’s fictional setting (filmed in Massachusetts) with his eye for detail and color.
Visual Style: The picturesque Northeastern locations Springfield, Essex County were showcased through Van de Sande’s lens, creating that ideal summertime nostalgia on screen.
Reception and Legacy
Grown Ups 2, as a sequel to its predecessor, had quite the journey in theaters and left a mark in various ways. From its box office turnout to the response it garnered from critics and at award shows, the comedy flick prompted varied reactions.
Box Office Performance
The PG-13 rated comedy film proved its mettle at the box office, reflecting the audience’s interest in a humorous take on adulthood and nostalgia. Despite mixed reviews, people showed up, proving the film’s commercial viability. Its performance can be summed up in a concise manner:
- Opening Weekend: Strong, defying critical expectations
- Overall Gross: Substantial, maintaining consistent audience interest
Critics and Awards
Critics generally did not embrace Grown Ups 2 with open arms, and it had its share of not-so-favorable moments at award functions. The Boston Globe and other notable publications contributed their fair share of critical assessments, which were on the cooler side of warm.
- Critical Reception: Mostly negative, underlining a gap between critic and audience reception
- Awards: Notable for its nominations at the Golden Raspberry Awards, a parody award show “celebrating” the worst in film
Despite the lack of accolades at prestigious award ceremonies, and in some cases receiving nods for less esteemed honors such as the MTV Movie Award, Grown Ups 2 remains a topic of conversation for its comedic ambition and the legacy of being a sequel that managed to draw crowds, even if it didn’t win over the majority of critics.
Cultural Impact
When “Grown Ups 2” brought its production to the scenic locales of Massachusetts, it did more than just use the state as a backdrop. The movie fostered a positive connection with the localities, engaging communities and amplifying the area’s charm through its promotion and filming activities.
