American Reunion Review

13th Apr 2012

Jim, Stifler, Oz, Shit Break and the rest of the gang are back again – in their 30’s and facing their high school reunion.

The film has been met with split opinions about it. Is American Pie outdated now in its antics? Do we care that they got the entire cast back together from the original film (Most returned for the second, and maybe half showed up for the third) and is everyone utilized properly?

Well most of this can be answered by how much love you have for the series. This film was not invented really to grab new fans. If anything it’s the comedic return to roots nearly a decade later much like the Scream franchise did when they dug out Scream 4. That film also worked mainly on the merits of whether you liked the first one. If you do then you will enjoy it, if you never did then don’t try.

Basically the set up is simply that everyone is back in town for the reunion party. In the lead up to the big event the boys and girls get together and spew out their frustrations with life, love and may rekindle a few friendships, antagonisms and love along the way. It’s all very predictable – with plenty of embarrassment moments, but what surprises is actually how funny it all is.

Not to spoil anything but rest assured that him will find himself in many compromising situations and Stifler will play many far-fetched practical jokes and just about put the wind up everyone’s skirt before the credits roll. And let’s not forget the scene stealing Eugene Levy as Jim’s dad who goes beyond the call of duty this time – full integrating himself into all of the chaos as opposed to just reacting to it.

It isn’t just the main cast literally every supporting member gets a look in along with a few new faces. With this large group of actors though you know that a few are going to end up with cameo appearances (Natasha Lyonne (but did we really care for her character in the first place?), The Sherminator, Nadia) and others get limited screen time with little to do (Tara Reid & Thomas Ian Nicholas). Basically like the sequels they have given centre stage to the more fun and interesting characters.

The poster claims they have saved the best slice for last… Is that true? Well – Well it’s the same pie for sure; it may all depend on whether they bake any more.