It takes a lot for R-rated comedies to stick a landing in my memory. Most of them fall back on foul language and gags that wouldn’t fly in a PG-13 simply for laughs. Unfortunately, that’s the low road that American Reunion takes. Instead of containing fun new content, it relies on mindless vulgarity and repeat gags from the previous three installments for entertainment value. Sure, I laughed while watching it – but I completely forgot about it by the time I returned home.
The entire gang is back in town for their 13th high school reunion. First off, which school holds a 13-year reunion? Secondly, how many graduates flock to their home town for the unremarkable number 13? In Movieland, apparently, everyone comes home for that random celebration. Every character from the series that you can possible think of returns for the fourth theatrical American Pie movie and they all have one thing in common – none of them is happy with where they are in life. Luckily, they’ve come to the right place to get their feet back on the ground because this reunion is about to change everything for everyone.
What happens? The gang gets back together and immediately get into the same shenanigans we expect them to – most of the problems caused by Stifler acting like a 12-year-old. This round contains multiple felonies, underage drinking and Stifler trying to hook up with minors.
When you think back on it, nothing really happens in American Reunion. The movie is a shamelessly pointless attempt to see how many of the old cast members they can get to return. Since none of the actors are doing anything remarkable, of course, they all return – but more effort is put into cramming in the cameos than making anything new or fresh for the characters to do. It’s more of the same.
If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to spend some time with the American Pie characters this weekend, do yourself a favor and re-watch the first movie.
Photo credit: Universal Pictures
