The movie did what I suppose most high school reunions do, relive the memories of old times. Only, since I'm fairly positive that there are still copies of the original American Pie floating around, those memories can be relived just by watching the original film. This addition to the American Pie catalog felt like a B-movie. Dare I say, even straight to DVD type quality. The comedy was there at times, but often felt like a sad immitation of the much better, earlier films.
Sean William Scott was back as the crazy Stifmeister and even his character came across as a water downed version of his former self. His office job story was lame (liked the gym coach from American Wedding better) and didn't produce laughs... wait. Come to think of it. I don't believe I laughed at all during this film. I was mildly amused at times, yet laughter was not produced from my gut. How odd.
Moving on to the next issue. The female characters. None of them were given anything funny or memorable to do other than just stand around. I understand that the movies are from the guys' points of view, but give the women in the film some type of interesting story lines. Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) played her ditzy character from previous films as a sad mopey dopey boring betty. The movie sorely missed that spunky Michelle from the earlier films.
Ready for more disappointment? The meeting of Jim's Dad and Stifler's Mom had epic written all over it. Then the writer's forgot the epic part. We had a great set up. The two are together, alone, and in a bedroom. They drink alcohol and then... the fuzz show up. SO FUNNY! Me laugh big time. NOT! Thanks for a great shoulda coulda woulda chicken out and do nothing moment.
When looking at this film as a whole. I think it's main issue (aside from poorly written comedy) was that there were too many different stories going in different directions. There's the main story with the characters trying to reconnect with their high school days. Then each character individually has their own side story, none of which are that interesting or funny. For example: I like the character Oz, but I really didn't miss him when he was MIA in American Wedding and would have liked to have seen more of the feud type situations between Stifler and Finch (was Finch even in this movie?). Oz's unfunny dancing with the stars story line was weak and the movie would have survived without it, thus clearing up additional room for other characters (i.e. Kevin, Vikki, Finch, Michelle).
The Breakdown: I suppose in a way, American Reunion did its job. It made me reminisce about moments from past American Pie films. Perhaps I will go back and watch those because this lackluster flick failed to create new and memorable comedic moments. Hopefully if more movies are made, they'll be worth my time (Suggestions: American Road Trip, American Mid-Life Crisis, American Retirement).
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