Every
summer thousands of young men and women return home from their
first year as college and discover that the world they left
behind has changed. While they may see the familiar faces
and places, the new experiences of college and being away
cause a person to grow and view things in a different light.
For some
the changes are difficult as friends, family, and old flames
have moved on, and nothing is as it seems as the responsibilities
of becoming an adult cause many changes in people. This time
in a young person's life is also amazing as the new people
and experiences they encounter shape the person they are to
become, as well as the way others view them.
Buy
American Pie 2 [2001] at Amazon!
In 1999,
filmmakers Adam Herz, J.B. Rodgers, and Paul and Chris Weitz
created "American Pie" and in the process, delighted
audiences and created a film that was destined to become a
modern comedy classic.
While
American Pie was filled with raunchy humor, such as the now
classic "pie scene", the film stood out from other
teen sex comedies. The main reason for this was the honesty
and kindness the film and its characters shared that many
viewers related to, as a group of friends realize that as
their High School years are ending, life will be changing
for them, and how much they value the relationships they have
with one another.
"American
Pie" went on to make millions and no sooner had the film
opened than talk of a sequel arose around the studio. While
the filmmakers were interested in the idea of a sequel, they
knew they had made a special film the first time out, and
did not want to do a sequel that would not be worthy of the
first film, so they decided to take their time, and do a sequel
to American Pie only if they could come up with a concept
that was worthy of the original.
It is
said that good things come to those who wait, and fans of
the first film will be delighted that the patience the creative
team showed in developing the next chapter was worth the wait.
"American Pie 2" picks up one year later as the
gang from the first film return home for summer vacation.
For many of them, it is the first time they have seen each
other since graduation, and while there is excitement there
is also an air of uncertainty about the reunion.
Jim, (Jason
Biggs) is still getting himself into awkward situations, such
as his first attempt at sex since his prom night being interrupted
by his father,(Eugene Levy). Jim is paranoid about his performance,
and is determined to learn what he needs to be suave. Oz,
(Chris Klein) is happy to see the guys but is sad that he
will be apart from Heather (Mena Suvari), for a good part
of the Summer as she is studying abroad. Finch (Eddie Kay
Thomas) is still enchanted with his liaison with Stiffler's
mom, and complains that none of the women he has had since
can compare. Kevin(Thomas Ian Nicholes) is unsure about seeing
his ex Vickie( Tara Reid) as he still has feelings for her.
No sooner
do the boys get back then Stiffler (Sean William Scott), has
one of his famous parties for the returning students. Stiffler
is still as brash and insensitive as ever and is always after
the ladies, despite his disaster at the party in the first
film, and a subsequent disaster this time out.
They boys
rent a beach house for the summer and take a job as a painting
crew determined to have a great summer and throw parties that
will be remembered for years to come. Jim has his world thrown
for a loop when he gets a call from Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth),
who has never forgotten him, and is visiting from Czechoslovakia
and is coming to see him. Desperate to avoid his embarrassing
last encounter with Nadia that was broadcast over the net,
Jim seeks out Michelle(Alyson Hannigan) at her band camp to
discuss his performance. It is against this setup that the
jokes fly fast and furious, yet never get mean spirited. The
charm or "American Pie 2" is that the audience gets
to see the changes the characters have gone through and we
see them have to face the reality of growing older and having
their worlds and relationships with others change. They have
to do some soul searching and discover what is important to
them. Such is what makes the films so charming.
Yes the
jokes are funny, and American Pie 2 has more than its share
of gross out scenes destined to have audiences in the aisles.
However the core values of friendship, loyalty, and trust
is a basic part of the film. The chemistry amongst the cast
is fantastic and the characters are well defined as they face
the challenges of growing up in a funny, yet honest and sincere
manner without ever being preachy.
It is
refreshing to see that some people in Hollywood still care
about character development and plot, and lets hope that in
a few Summers from now, we are able to catch up with the gang
again. "American Pie 2" is a refreshing summer party
with good friends, and god times for all, and if you liked
the first film, you are sure to enjoy a second slice of the
pie.
4 stars
out of 5
Gareth
Von Kallenbach
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