Synopsis
The film “American Reunion” serves both as a continuation and nostalgically reminiscent of the roots of the franchise, making it the fourth installment of the series. The film is directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, and it brings together the original cast from the 1999 teen comedy movie “American Pie.” The cast visits East Great Falls, Michigan for their high school reunion.
The plot begins over ten years since the characters graduated from high school. Jim Levenstein and Michelle Flaherty, played by Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan respectively, are now married and struggling with their relationships due to lack of intimacy post parenthood. Alon, Eugene Levy portrays Jim’s father who is now a widower dealing with loneliness, further adds notable touching subplots which enhance the film’s focus on crass humor with a touch of sentiment.
Jim reconnects with his longtime friends: Kevin Myers (Thomas Ian Nicholas), who is now married but somewhat tired of the domestic life; Oz Ostreicher (Chris Klein), a former sports celebrity now living in LA with a shallow model girlfriend; and Paul Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), who continues to be mysterious and philosophical. There is also Steve Stifler (Seann William Scott), who is trapped in his immature, party-boy persona. He works an office job that sucks the life out of him, but still yearns for the craziness of his youthful days.
While gathering for the weekend-long 13 years high school reunion, unresolved romance, nostalgia and tension begin to overflow. Jim and his friends revisit their school days, grapple with their lives thus far, and attempt to accept growing up.
In one of the major arcs, Jim bumps into Kara (Ali Cobrin), his former neighbor and babysitter, who has blossomed into a stunning eighteen year old. Her flirtation with Jim sets in motion a comedy of hazardous and hilarious misadventures as he struggles to uphold his virtue as a husband and father while fending off temptation.
At this point, Oz rekindles his relationship with Heather, a controlling doctor’s girlfriend and his high-school sweetheart. Their chemistry once again comes alight, resulting in Oz re-evaluating his choices. Vicky (Tara Reid) has a non-perverse, but misunderstood sleepover with Kevin, creating issues with his spouse. Finch boasts about his travels, but later admits he fabricated parts of his life to show off to others.
As always, Stifler provides many of the film’s most outrageous and juvenile comedic moments, attempting to relive the glory days of high school by crashing and instigating fights at parties. As much as Stifler attempts to maintain his chaotic persona, he too has to confront the fact that ignoring adulthood is impossible.
Reconcile refers to the act of accepting one’s flaws and misjudgments, which is what this film is ultimately trying to convey. In the end, during the high school reunion dance when tensions are high and secrets unfold, characters come to grips with unresolved issues, emotionally crying out what they have suppressed for too long. In this case embracing the idiom it’s not the destination, but the journey.
Cast & Crew
Main Cast:
Jim Levenstein will be portrayed by Jason Biggs, who in this production returns as a family man trying to balance fatherhood and his relationship with Michelle. As a father, Jim continues to endure struggles which makes him relatable. Biggs does not shy away and keeps the awkward charm to his edges, endearing to his character.
Alyson Hannigan as Michelle Flaherty-Levenstein – Jim’s unique spouse who plays the flute is a mother now, and Hannigan skillfully balances the humor and deeper emotional currents within her character.
Seann William Scott as Steve Stifler – Likely the most emblematic character of the whole saga, Scott brings back the same timeless, unrefined, and sometimes crude Stifler, but this time with more depth and a touch of maturity.
Chris Klein as Chris “Oz” Ostreicher – Klein explores themes of fame and accomplishment through his character. His storyline balances romance with reflection.
Thomas Ian Nicholas as Kevin Myers – Nicholas brings balance to his Kevin portrayal as he struggles with marriage’s settled expectations, making him the more grounded member of the group.
Tara Reid as Vicky Lathum – Reid returns as Kevin’s ex, exploring themes of unfulfilled love in “what if” relationships.
Mena Suvari as Heather – As Oz’s ex, her emotional reunion with him provides a counterbalance to the film’s prevailing silliness.
Eddie Kaye Thomas as Paul Finch – As always, Finch is quirky, but this time his odd vulnerabilities are more evident.
Eugene Levy as Noah Levenstein – The reliable source of humor for the film, Levy brings warmth, awkward wisdom, and timing to his portrayal of Jim’s father once more.
Supporting Cast:
Ali Cobrin as Kara
Dania Ramirez as Selena
Jennifer Coolidge as Stifler’s Mom
Katrina Bowden as Mia (Oz’s girlfriend)
Directors:
Harold & Kumar franchise directors Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg bring their distinct brand of humor to the franchise; they blend raunchy comedy and sincere character moments, something very few in the industry can pull off.
Writers:
The script was in the capable hands of Adam Herz (original characters), Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg. They maintained the tone of the early films in the series.
Production Companies:
Universal Pictures, Relativity Media
Release Date:
April 6, 2012
IMDb Ratings
American Reunion has an IMDb score of 6.7/10 as of the most recent information available. This rating is indicative of a solid reception from fans and audiences who grew up with the series. Critics gave the film mixed reviews, often citing a reliance on nostalgia and familiar tropes. Nonetheless, longtime fans appreciated the return of the original cast and how the film honored the spirit of the first installment.
Opinions were generally favorable as the film provided closure to many character arcs, and it did not deviate too much from what made the original film a success: vulgar comedy, awkward romantic interactions, and deep rooted companionship. Still, some reviewers noted that the comedy was somewhat dated and the film did not strive to achieve anything innovative in its narrative.
Notwithstanding this, American Reunion achieved something other sequels have failed to do – give fans what they expect. This included a fun and emotively gratifying reliving of beloved characters. It blended slapstick and sentimentality so that, unlike its predecessors, it felt more mature while retaining its humorous nature which is what fans have always loved.
Conclusion
“American Reunion” functions as a suitable closing chapter to the original American Pie saga. The film explores the concepts of reflection, growing up, and the rediscovery of the simultaneously sweet and bitter sensations of youth. For the series’ followers, the film delivers a full-circle moment where there is a balance of crude humor with honest contemplation on getting older, friendships, and romance.
Rather than simply being an additional addition to lewd comedies, the movie analyzes the transformation of individuals or lack thereof, the evolution of friendships, and the significance of reconnecting with one’s history in order to embrace the future fully. Even though the film does not break any new ground in its story or jokes, American Reunion offers a good dose of nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt moments.
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