During American Reunion's credits there is a montage of all the actors as they appeared 13 years ago during American Pie. It's a sentimental piece for a movie that has such crude humor. If there ever was a reason to bring the cast back for one more film it only makes sense that it be a reunion movie. The film is chalk full of 90's nostalgia, as well as retaining the same 90's humor that was first introduced into the series 13 years ago.
The film is written and directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg. The two wrote all three of the Harold and Kumar films as well as directed the second and third installments. Just as the last Harold and Kumar film failed to truly bring back the essence of the original installments, the same can be said for this installment. The absence of the original screenwriter Adam Herz is a shame. I just could not help myself but think something was missing from the film. However there are some laughs to be had from the film.
The film opens with a conventional American Pie bit, which is scene of order that quickly turns into one of disorder. Jim(Jason Biggs) and Michelle(Alyson Hannigan) now have a two year old son. The audience is led to believe that Jim and Michelle have a healthy sex-life, but the truth of the situation is quite on the contrary. Michelle is stuck making sure the baby is satisfied and Jim works on his laptop, all before bed. After putting the baby to bed, Michelle decides to take a soothing bath before she herself goes to bed. This gives Jim the perfect opportunity to seek self satisfaction. Again as I mentioned before this simple harmless act turns into a crazy chaotic scene that includes a lubed tube sock, the baby, and the shower head.
Ameircan Reunion is set thirteen years after the first film. A high school "Class of 1999" reunion has been announced. The original gang all contact each other and plan to meet up. Oz(Chris Klein) is now a television sportscaster, Kevin(Thomas Ian Nicholas) is now an architect, Finch's(Eddie Kaye Thomas) role will remain secret, and of course Steve Stifler(Seann William Scott) hasn't changed one bit and is now a temp at a firm. The film compromises of various bits that leads up to the actual reunion itself. These bits are a "house party" at Stiflers in which Jim's dad(Eugene Levy) joins in on the excitement and finds himself alone with Stifler's mom(Molly Creek). On a side note, it's been 13 years since the first film but yet Stifler's mom is still doing the same thing. That is sad. I do not mean sad as in lack of creativity either. As an actual human being, Stifler's mother is actually a sad individual. She is clearly an alcoholic who dresses in the same manner despite her age, and never seems to find a man worthy of her. But I digress, most of the film's funny bits can be found here(the film's trailer).
Stifler is the main driving force behind the film's comedy. What disappointed me was the lack of actual reunion there was. Many people from previous films are reduced to simple cameos. Some how MILF guy(John Cho), got his cameo role in previous films bumped up to an actual supporting role. I would attribute this to his Harold and Kumar partners Jon and Hayden. Even Neil Patrick Harris makes his way into this movie as a celebrity dance off host. To be fair, I laughed quite a few times throughout and I did feel the sense of nostalgia that the filmmakers tried to push upon the audience, from the references to the soundtrack. The film ends in a way that would suggest that the franchise is trying to be re-established. After four films as well as four spin off films, is there anything left that is worth sharing? Possibly.
AMERICAN REUNION
Running Time 113 Minutes
Written and Directed by John Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg
Staring Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott and Chris Klein
2.5/4 Muffins
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