Movie Review: American Wedding
Ever since Michelle, the cute, horny girl from band camp, met the sweet, confused and very experimental Jim to create the most hilarious and first of the teen gross-out films, movie fans have loved and rooted for the American Pie characters. Now, in this supposed wrap-up of the film series, the two get hitched with Stifler and pals using the occasion to go wild...as usual.
(Warning: This film is R-rated for sexual content, language and crude humor.)
Back in high school Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs) fell in love with pastry. He and his pals would try anything to get laid and sweet but horn dog band camper Michelle Flaherty (Alyson Hannigan) impressed Jim with her sexy appetite. All that is in the past as Jim and Michelle are ready to tie the knot.
Despite getting assistance from his dad (Eugene Levy) and mom (Molly Cheek) and finally winning over Michelle's folks (Fred Willard and Deborah Rush), Jim has trouble making sure Michelle gets the wedding of her dreams. When her gorgeous sister, Cadence (January Jones) arrives, she stirs up lust in Jim's brainy pal Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) and the ever ready to par-tay, Stifler (Seann William Scott) who are both determined to nail her. Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) is along for the ride and the bachelor party.
Stilfer's personality takes a 180 and he charms himself onto the wedding party where, as usual, he manages to create utter chaos.
Okay, you either love these films or hate them. If you get a kick out of the adventures of Jim and company, rest assured that this outing is as gross as ever and has just as much friendship and charm. It's Seann William Scott's movie as Stifler dances in a gay bar, has "relations" with a granny and ruins all the wedding flowers, etc. What is great is that the character actually grows and seems to learn from his mistakes as he morphs into a more caring person (just as raunchy but.. more sensitive).
The core of these films, the warm and off-center relationship between Jim and his dad (played wonderfully by Eugene Levy), is still going strong. For example.. Jim says "Dad, would you have passed up sex with Nadia?". Dad replies "Why, did she say something?" Hilarious!
The sub plot of Stifler and Finch's rivalry for the affections of gorgeous Cadence is fun to watch as the two actors successfully switch personalities. I'm not sure why poor Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) is in the film since he has little to do but tag along but, it's nice to have the core gang together.
Despite the gross out humor, nothing is mean-spirited about the wild stunts pulled here. "Wedding" is all about friends who endure despite differences and parents who love their kids and, this time, about two kids we've watched grow up who take that big, "adult" step. Sequels are rarely better than the original and this one is no exception but, you'll enjoy it none-the-less and laugh yourself silly most of the time..
For true-to-character silly, raunchiness... 4 out of 5 stars.
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Lynn Barker is a Hollywood-based entertainment journalist and produced screenwriter.
