AMERICAN REUNION
(R)
MOVIE: *** (out of 5)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5)
BY KEVIN CARR
After 13 years (and what an odd choice of timing that is), the entire gang from “American Pie” returns to the movie screen to deal with their lives in their 30s. The result is “American Reunion,” which represents the first theatrical film for the series in a decade.
For some strange reason, the Great Falls High School is having a 13th high school reunion, and we see the characters all come back. The focus of the film is Jim and Michelle, who now have a two-year-old and are facing intimacy issues. However, the magic of the movie comes from Stifler, who has turned into one of the best characters in the whole series.
It’s full of raunchiness and some fantastic nude scenes, as you’d expect from an “American Pie” film. The beginning is extremely rocky, and I really hated the general set-up. Fortunately, there’s some fun moments of comedy throughout, and the heart that helped the original “American Pie” work is also present. It’s by no means as funny as “American Pie,” but it’s easily the best sequel of the film that has been made… for what that’s worth.
Even though the film itself is a bit of a retread of a popular property, there’s plenty of bonus content on the Blu-ray. Exclusive features to the Blu-ray include the “Out of Control” track, extended scenes, alternate takes, “The Best of Biggs: Hangin’ with Jason B.,” “Lake Bake,” “Dancing with the Oz” and the “American Reunion Yearbook” which includes profiles of the most popular characters.
Additional features that are also available on the DVD include deleted scenes, a gag reel, a feature commentary, plus the featurettes “Jim’s Dad,” “Ouch! My Balls!” and “The ‘Reunion’ Reunion: Re-Launching the Series.”
The Blu-ray also comes with a DVD and Digital Copy, as well as UltraViolet streaming capabilities.