Pitchforks: 4/5
Starring: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan
Rated: R
Release: April 6
We all remember Stifler, Finch, Oz, Jim and Kevin. The familiar names of the once prepubescent and hormone-raging teens have returned to the big screen in “American Reunion.”
Disregard the shamefully disappointing copy-cat films “The Naked Mile,” “Beta House,” and even the “Book of Love” because the original crew is back with the same authenticity and gusto we loved so much in “American Pie 1,” “American Pie 2” and “American Wedding.”
Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) are married with a little one of their own. Michelle remains the quirky yet lovable band dork that coined the memorable question, “Hey, remember that one time at band camp?”
Now that the couple is married with a child, they find themselves less adventurous in the relationship as they would have hoped.
The lacrosse-playing heartthrob Oz (Chris Klein) lives a fulfilling life (or so it seems) with his sports career and his model girlfriend by his side.
Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) and Vicky (Tara Reid) are a thing of the past. Although known for the infamous cunnilingus scene in the original “American Pie,” Kevin assumes his responsibilities as an apron-wearing housewife by cleaning and watching reality television shows with his wife.
“The Stifmeister” (Seann William Scott) has officially gained employment at the behest of his mother, and Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) returns as sharp and clever as ever.
When the group catches wind of the upcoming high school reunion, the boys unanimously decide to go with the exception of Stifler. As always, though, Stifler lands himself in the company of the boys without their invitation.
With the original gang reunited, an inevitable pact of weekend fun is established. Jim grows reminiscent of his glory days while staying at his former residence. This being the location of the widely broadcasted “YouTube” video of Jim and former crush and foreign high school hottie Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth). Jim’s dad (Eugene Levy) has difficulty getting back on the market.
The tables turn when Jim and Michelle start giving advice to his dad about relationships and dating with as much awkwardness and embarrassment as the original movie contained.
“American Reunion” contains fan favorites from the preceding movies, allowing for nostalgic moments while still holding surprise to keep the fans on their toes. The shenanigans maintain nose-cringing and jaw-dropping humor.
The originality of the pranks performed by each cast member proves to be the most favorable aspect of the movie. Some films trap themselves with their trademark scenes and merely attempt to create a repeat, which is not the case for “American Reunion.”
The obvious hindrance is the lack of scenes at the actual reunion. A majority of the film takes place throughout the city, but not the night for which everyone was reunited in the first place. The reunion is more of the place for making amends (or revenge in one person’s case). More of the plot could have been derived from the reunion to boost storyline.
Each character stays true to their original persona, but with an amplified comeback to keep the audience entertained and to avoid mundane re-dos. “American Reunion” is a sure bet for providing the hilarious tomfoolery that was in the first three movies.
Reach the reporter at cstarboa@asu.edu
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