Review of American Reunion (2012) by Jeffrey L — 05 Jan 2013

After three theatrical installments and numerous (mostly lously) DVD sequels, the American Pie gang is back to dish out (no pun intended) more raunchy gags for avid fans. Reuniting nearly every cast member from the first film may have been a difficult task, but somehow they managed to get them all back. Watch out fans, there is still more pie to go around!

Now married with a son, Jim Levenstein is once again the main guy, suddenly burdened by lack of sexual activity with his wife, Michelle. Reuniting with friends for a high school reunion over a decade after their 1999 graduation, many of them have moved on with their lives. Yet, things go right back into the crazy stage, especially when Steve Stifler hits the scene (to everyone's dismay, of course). Though they are all gratefuk to see everyone for the first time in many years, drama is inevitable as many still have mixed feelings for their high school sweethearts and cannot resist feelings of jealousy and bitterness. Mix some raunchy gags with all this and the result is...American Pie!!!!

A sequel better than most would expect, enough laughs sustain it most of the way. The two-hour length may not be necessary, but this should not bother most of the quirky crowd the film is aimed at. It's fun to see everyone back as many of their film roles have been in short supply in recent years yet all of them still look and act sharp. Even Eugene Levy (the lone veteran who has made at least one appearance in every installment) and Jennifer Coolidge come off better than expected, who also have appeared together in Best In Show, A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration. Also the first installment directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg instead of Adam Herz.