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Posted May 1, 2012 by Mikael Angelo Francisco in Movies/TV
 
 

MOVIE REVIEW: American Pie: Reunion (No Spoilers)

United International Pictures, Solar Entertainment Corporation
Philippine Release: May 2, 2012
Rated R-18; 113 minutes

More than a decade has passed since the world first witnessed a sexual encounter between a full-grown man and a freshly-baked apple pie on the silver screen. Factor in two big-screen sequels and three direct-to-video spin-offs, and it’s not surprising how a lot of people would question the point of seeing American Reunion. After years of being served the same pie, just how much more mileage can be expected from dick gags, breast exposure and a perpetual pining for Stifler’s mom?

Fortunately, American Reunion conquers that setback by building itself around it. Perhaps the biggest strength of American Reunion lies in the way it references the most memorable aspects of the first three movies. Longtime fans will appreciate the use of many of the songs in the original soundtracks of the franchise, as well as subtle (and not-so-subtle) in-story nods to lines, themes and predicaments prevalent in the American Pie movies.

This is not to say that the film completely sidesteps the issue of maturity and age – after all, the central theme of Reunion is, well, a reunion. Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs), along with Steve Stifler (Seann William Scott), Chris “Oz” Ostreicher (Chris Klein), Kevin Myers (Thomas Ian Nicholas), and Paul Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) have (in the case of Stifler in particular, rather reluctantly) assumed the responsibilities that the real world dropped on them without warning. A call for a homecoming party for class 1999 reunites the boys with the many colorful characters they interacted with in the first film, and it quickly becomes apparent that marriages, children and careers were never enough to let them completely let go of the past. What is old is new again, as friendships reform, feelings resurface, and inappropriate objects are stuck in equally inappropriate orifices all over again.

Amusingly, this principle is utilized to great comedic effect throughout the film; the classic “Jim and his dad talking over each other’s voices” device, for example, is present in many scenes, and all of them are the right doses of awkward and funny. Additionally, Jim’s dad (Eugene Levy) definitely gives Stifler a run for his money as the movie’s most entertaining character this time around. The scenes with him matching wits (and alcohol tolerance) with various characters are easily some of the best parts of the film. The movie doesn’t waste any time in trying to make you laugh – the first five minutes are a complete laugh trip for anyone who hasn’t already seen the trailers.

The film serves as a neat little end to the series, and at the same time, a possible gateway for reinvigorating the franchise (while I’m not entirely convinced that a reinvigoration or reboot needs to happen, there is no doubt in my head that it will at least be entertaining, if this film is any indication). Many plot threads that were never completely resolved in the prior movies are dealt with here; in fact, some plot threads that we probably didn’t even think of as “dangling” are addressed in the most deliciously ironic ways possible. Do not make the mistake of walking in and expecting anything even remotely resembling a serious life lesson, though. In classic American Pie fashion, the movie often puts the protagonists through the most morally questionable scenarios, which are resolved with little to no consequence to any of them, and often in the most hilariously embarrassing ways possible. The movie does tend to get preachy about certain concepts related to love and family, but it only adds to the irony that is conservatism against a backdrop of panty shots and blowjobs.

There are some things that just need to exist, not for any deeper reason, but just because. This movie is a good example. Many will come to this movie for the copious amounts of nudity and Stifler’s trademark irreverence for everything and everyone. Others will probably watch this because of nostalgia. What is certain, though, is that no matter how many times it has been done over the years, the classic recipe still delivers and satisfies. It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen and tasted the same thing for more than a decade – it is still as good as how you remember your first taste was, perhaps even better.

Just like warm apple pie.

 


Check out more reviews below:

American Reunion Review
by Earl Maghirang

What’s to love about the fourth installment? Well buried beneath all those disgusting imagery and sexually charged scenario, there’s still a couple of life lessons you could pick up along the way. Take for example fidelity issues for young, married couples. There’s also themes of growing up and moving on (i.e. Stiffler refusing to drop the high school shenanigans). Read full entry here >> .

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9 out of 10 stars
by Lakwatsera Lovers

All the American Pie characters are back and they are returning to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion. The friends reunites for another weekend of fun, laughter and R-comedy all over again. Married couple Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) already have a kid and having a hard time to be alone to spend for their romantic pleasures, while Oz is now a TV sportscaster currently dating a hot model chick. Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) a married man who still has feeling to her former girlfriend, Vicky (Tara Reid) while Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) is now a mysterious drifter and Stifler (Sean William Scott) who pretty much haven’t changed at all still attended the Reunion even his close friends didn’t invited him. Read full entry here >> 

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3.5 out of 5 stars
by Film and Events check

Thirteen years later, and after two sequels and a series of direct-to-video spin-offs, comes the fourth theatrical release: American Pie: Reunion. Married couple Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Flannigan) are already with a son, and the rest have their own adult lives– except for Stifler, who hasn’t moved on from high school. The men take a trip back to their hometown in Michigan for their thirteenth high school reunion and, of course, find themselves once again in sticky situations in all its  R-18 dirty and sexual humor. Read full entry here >> .

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American Pie: Reunion is funny, in places, and is certainly worth watching if you’re a fan of the franchise.
by Event Lover’s Hideout

It was summer 1999 when four small-town Michigan boys began a quest to lose their virginity. In the years that have passed, Jim and Michelle married while Kevin and Vicky said goodbye. Oz and Heather grew apart, but Finch still longs for Stifler’s mom. Now these lifelong friends have come home as adults to reminisce about-and get inspired by-the hormonal teens who launched a comedy legend. Read full entry here >>


Mikael Angelo Francisco