Film Review: American Reunion

Was high school as funny as everyone remembers? Most people over the age of 20 will be in a situation where they’ve sat with school friends and reminisced on the good times. Who had sex with who. Those embarrassing moments that everyone remembers. For those involved it’s hilarious!  For outsiders the stories often fall flat on their face and receive a curious awkward smile quickly followed by a change of subject.

American Pie was funny.  The question is if we go back to its same formula is it still funny?  Given the recent nostalgic nature of Hollywood it’s time to revisit our pie humping amigos. We pick up with the crew years later, they’ve all gone their separate ways and lived their own lives.  Jim (Jason Biggs) is now married to Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) the lady who is best remembered for her poop shoot flute debacles.  Stifler (Seann William Scott) is working as an intern for a law firm.  Kevin is now a desperate househusband and Oz is a laughable sports broadcaster.  The whole crew decide to return to their hometown for a high school reunion.

Each of the characters have their own set of problems that grown up life brings.  Jim and Michelle are no longer at it like rabbits.  Stifler is treated like the b*tch of his workplace.  Oz has become a laughing stock and is ruled by his model girlfriend.  Finch has been living the high life and never found love……and Kevin? Well no one seems to care about him anyway.  Like any comedy with its root placed in teenage/gross out a lot of the comedy revolves around scenarios and set pieces which for the most part work.  There are plenty of nods of the hat to the events of the first American Pie.  Much like the first instalment all the gags and best bits belong to two men.

Sifler and Jims Dad. (Eugene Levy)  Seann William Scott is back in Stifmiester mode and in full force.  Most of the humour comes from the fact this character has still not matured since we first met him.  Jims Dad again has the best scenes.  He is without a doubt the best thing in the film from his awkward conversations with Jim to the result of a drinking session with Stifler.

Fans of the original will no doubt enjoy.   This is very much like catching up with old friends.  You will laugh and enjoy their company.  Anyone younger or older may give you strange looks but for your time together it’s a good chuckle.

 

7/10