American Reunion

Franchises. You gotta love 'em. This is where a film is made, and because it makes more money than most expected, they make another one. Then another. Get it? Well, it's been nine years since the American Pie franchise has produced their last theatrical release. They have made video versions of the franchise since. With "American Reunion", they're a little older, but definitely not wiser.

Over a decade has passed and the gang return to East Great Falls, Michigan, for the weekend. They will soon discover how their lives have developed as they congregate for their high school reunion. How has life treated Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs), Michelle (Alyson Hannigan), Heather (Mena Suvari), Oz (Chris Klein), Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), Vicky (Tara Reid), Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), Stifler (Seann William Scott), Jim's Dad (Eugene Levy) and Stifler's Mom (Jennifer Coolidge)? In the summer of 1999, it was four boys on a quest to lose their virginity. Now Kara (Ali Cobrin), who Jim used to baby sit, is now a cute high school senior looking for the perfect guy to lose her virginity to. Some things just never change.

Others to round out the cast are John Cho as MILF Guy #2, Jay Harrington as Dr. Ron, and Chuck Hittinger as AJ.

This was written and directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg based on characters by Adam Herz. This had the same feel as the original "American Pie" '99 in that this was about as adolescent. Come now, After more than 10 years later, one would think these guys were a little more mature than this. Stifler, I understand. He was a screw-up in the original, again in "American Pie 2" '01 and still again in "American Pie: The Wedding" '03, but you know this. He is the kid that never grew up-- foul-mouthed, animated, over-the-top, always talking about sex.
So in this incarnation, one can't expect any more out of Stifler. Actually, Scott as Stifler was the character that saved this film at all, because he was so over-the-top with everything. In one scene, Jim is trying to explain why he called Stifler a dick. He says, "OK, you're a-a dick, but a good dick; you're our dick". And they both chuckle and Stifler accepts this by not feeling left out. This is how you explain things to someone who's never grown up.

Anyway, certainly if you've liked this franchise, you'll revel in this, because it's like going back in time. Yes, they may be a little older, but definitely not any wiser.

Out of 4 stars: 2.5                   Rated: R                     113min.