American Reunion reunited the original cast from the highly successful American Pie franchise for their high school reunion. Poster property of Zide/Perry Productions and Universal Pictures.
By: Jacob Elyachar
Thirteen years ago, the world was introduced to five high school seniors: Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs), Steve Stifler (Seann William Scott), Oz (Chris Klein), Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) and Kevin Myers (Thomas Ian Nicholas) in American Pie. After two more sequels: American Pie 2 (2001) and American Wedding (2003), the original cast is back in the film called American Reunion.
American Reunion’s plot showcases how the guys return to East Great Falls, Michigan for their high school reunion. However, things are very different for each character. Jim, who married longtime love: Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) in American Wedding, is busy trying to reignite his relationship with his wife and taking care of his two-year-old son; Oz is now a T.V. personality; Kevin is married and works as an architect. However the only two people who remained the same were Finch and Steve Stifler.
Along the way, the film reintroduced characters including Kevin and Oz’s former girlfriends: Vicky and Heather (played by Tara Reid and Mena Suvari respectively); Stifler’s mom: Jeanine (Jennifer Coolidge) and Jim’s father (Eugene Levy), who is still grieving over his late wife. The film also shows audiences that despite being 13-years-older and being away from their respective characters, a majority of the actors (especially Biggs, Scott, Hannigan, Thomas, Coolidge and Levy) perfectly resurrected their characters that impressed die-hard fans but also welcomed a whole new generation of fans into the American Pie family.
The only negative thing that this author has on this film is the pacing. American Reunion felt that it dragged on with several of the scenes that were unnecessary to the plot including the introductions of Cara, who lusted after her former babysitter and her bratty Stifler-like boyfriend.
Final Thoughts and Grade: American Reunion tells a superb story that not only stands on itself but also revisits the subplots of each of the franchise’s three movies and give satisfying conclusions that both franchise fans and movie goers will be happy with. In addition, this film will make you laugh and cheer at the end of the experience. B
I cant wait to see this. AP is one of my fav movies of all time. i was afraid it was going to get bad reviews. thx for the heads up!