American Pie 2 : Movie Review


Continuing the success of the first outing of American Pie, here we are re-united with the lovable bunch of friends. Despite the huge success that they have had, thankfully the full cast have returned for more of the same. Following in the footsteps of such a classic film is always going to be a difficult job and will leave itself open to a lot of criticism and comparisons, but one thing remains constant with the second installment and that is a great combination of comedy and affection.

Where so many other teen movies fall down is by going over the top with crude jokes, whereas Adam Herz manages to incorporate the naivety and weaknesses of the characters which the audience can relate to.

One big difference about the sequel is how it's entirely based around the guys, the girls in most cases (Tara Reid, Natasha Lyonne, Mena Suvari and Shannon Elizabeth) are pushed to the sidelines, not such a bad thing in the case of Shannon Elizabeth with that dodgy East European accent. Alyson Hannigan, playing the geeky nutcase Michele, has a deservedly bigger role and this time we get to visit band camp, as does Jim (Jason Biggs) who displays his skills with a trombone… Jim continues to get into some truly fascinating situations but always has his Dad, Eugene Levy, on hand to offer arkward advice and to turn up at exactly the wrong moment. Jim's Dad is brilliant and his attempts to be cool and 'in the know' are simply hilarious.

Stifler (Seann William Scott) is still definitely Stifler, the comic element in the group and he hasn't lost any of his buffoonery. One of the funniest moments of the film involves him luxuriating in a moment of champagne seduction under an unfortunately situated balcony.

The scenario of the film is basically the returning of the old friends after their first year at college and continuing their quest for fun, sex and friendship, vowing to make it 'the best summer ever'. The location is a beach house, an ideal place to carry on the mayhem. Paid for by doing work to peoples houses, which itself provides some interesting viewing. A great sound track accompanies the action with tunes from groups such as Blink 182, Alien Art Farm and The Offspring.

In a season of sequels, Jurassic Park 3, Rush Hour 2, Scary Movie 2 etc. this is one of the better ones, and if you've seen the first one you know what you're in for, low brow, sexually themed humour, and humourous it certainly is.

With thanks to the Warner Village Cinema at
Clifton Moor Centre, York.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author : John Harbisher Of Cinema.com