Image courtesy of Universal Pictures

April 13, 2012

 

I remember when I saw the first American Pie film. I always wanted to be cool like the kids in the movie, but at the same time, I couldn't really relate even though I was the class of '99, just like the characters. I never went to big parties in high school. I never drank or smoked. I wasn't in band camp. I was a virgin, but I wasn't sex obsessed.



I have to say, 13 years later, I can totally relate.  It's weird how accurate American Reunion was in portraying what really happens when we grow up.



The film opens to R. Kelly's "Bump 'N Grind" and pans over to Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Allyson Hannigan) trying to get their kid to sleep. Once he's asleep, the couple goes their separate ways, to, yup, you guessed it, rub one out. Hell, it wouldn't be an American Pie movie without someone getting caught, right?



Cut to Jim talking to Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), who is now married and is very whipped by his wife, about their high school reunion, which is three years late because the first one no one went to and was lame (sounds like my 10-year reunion that I didn't go to).  Turns out all the guys show up, but they don't tell Stifler (Sean William Scott) because he's still crazy as ever. However, since he still lives at home with his mom working at a temp job, he turns up at the bar where the crew is hanging out, including Oz (Chris Klein) and Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas).



Now that they are all together again, they actually end up at a high school party on their old stomping grounds, where madness ensues when Jim has to drive his drunk teenage neighbor home. I should mention that he used to baby-sit her and she has a huge crush on him.  The audience will get a giggle when the girl's mother starts dancing with Oz, who is now a famous sports anchor and was on 'Dancing With the Stars.'



As Jim tries to balance hanging out with his friends, re-kindling his marriage with Michelle and helping his dad start dating again, it's clear he's very stressed out.  As many in their 30s are, trying to balance family life, social life and work life.



After what was supposed to be a rager at Stifler's, everyone gets in a fight and then shows up at the actual dance/reunion to make up.



I loved that everyone in the original film made some sort of cameo, for example the MILF guys, Stifler's mom, Jessica, Nadia, Heather, etc. And I loved how it portrayed how everyone really did grow up and Stifler really is that one guy who always wants to stay young and party it up. There's always one guy and you know what? He's usually not a bad guy.  Everyone has to have THAT guy in a group right? Just don't let him around your mom, as Finch learned.



And then of course, there is that realization, as the guys learned on the beach when the teens in town were harassing girls, that we are 'old' now.  They really did a nice job of making everyone who loves this franchise relate.  And still made it hilarious.  Don't forget to stay for the first set of credits for a great scene with Jim's dad, who by the way is still dispensing great advice, be it somewhat inappropriate. Except, seeing as how we're all older now, it really wasn't all that inappropriate, as you can see how Jim respects his father much more now that he is a father himself.



Great job all around. A definite must see if you love all the American Pie films.



4 stars.

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