American Pie has been a cultural touchstone since the first film landed in theaters in 1999. The series created an indelible mark on pop culture with its perfect mix of humor, friendship, and relatable coming-of-age experiences. The last of these was American Reunion, the fourth movie in a series that dates back to the original, now-classic American Pie and its two sequels along the way.
Plot Overview: American Pie: American Reunion
American Reunion occurs thirteen years on from the characters’ graduation from high school. Jim (Jason Biggs), Michelle (Alyson Hannigan), Stifler (Seann William Scott), Oz (Chris Klein), Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) and Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) return for their high school reunion in East Great Falls. Now each character is in the throes of adulthood, facing marriage, career issues or a wistfulness about their youthful days.
Jim and Michelle are now trying to balance the trials of married life and kids, Oz has become a TV personality, Kevin is married now, but feeling sentimental, Finch is mysterious and spiritual, and Stifler is still trying to party like he was in high school. They are excited to be together again, even though they have become older now.
Themes and Elements
Nostalgia: The film does a wonderful job at nostalgia both in picking up from old high school haunts to resuscitating friendships to one last round at the changes time brings.
Friendship is the heart of American Reunion and the enduring connections that exist even through the bumps of life.
Belly Laughs and Blunders: A signature of the franchise, this film is chock full of laugh-out-loud moments, especially due to Stifler’s behavior and the uncomfortable situations in which Jim frequently finds himself.
Growth and Maturity: Unlike the last few films in the franchise, American Reunion delves into more serious themes like marriage, parenthood, and the challenges of a career, making it more relatable to an older audience who watched the movies as teens.
Memorable Moments
The return of the legendary apple pie joke that references the original feature.
Stifler’s legendary party that reminds everyone why he is still the life of the party.
The earnest yet cringey father-son banter between Jim and his dad (Eugene Levy).
Arriving back at the high school and reflecting on the events of the past, evoking a flood of memories from both the characters and viewers alike.
Cast and Performances
A major draw for long-time fans of the series was that American Reunion featured the entire original cast. Jason Biggs is still going strong as the lovable, awkward Jim and Seann William Scott in which he still delivers his best performance as the excess sex-crazed Stifler. Alyson Hannigan lends warmth to Michelle, and Eugene Levy proves again to be a comic linchpin of the series.
Reception and Legacy
American Reunion received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics lauded the nostalgia and the chemistry of the returning cast but said the humor seemed a little too familiar. But for fans of the original pictures, the movie made a fitting ending, bringing closure to favorite characters.
The film performed solidly at the box office, grossing more than $235 million worldwide against a $50 million budget, a sign that the American Pie brand still had some box-office viability.
Conclusion
American Pie: American Reunion is not just another chapter in the franchise, but rather a poignant celebration of the enduring power of friendship, the bittersweet nature of growing up, and the hilarity that ensues along the way. For longtime fans, it is the perfect mix of nostalgic moments and laughs, and is certainly a must-see for anyone who grew up with the series.
Whether you’re revisiting the series or are watching it for the first time, American Reunion is a good reminder that — no matter how much we burst our anthill alums say may change in life — some friendships never will.
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