American Pie: Reunion (2012) Review

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Synopsis:

Save the best piece for last.

The characters we met a little over a decade ago are returning to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion. In one long-overdue weekend, they will discover what has changed, who hasn’t and that time and distance can’t break the bonds of friendship.

Review

The pie is back! It’s been 13 years since the first American Pie came out. I still remember it opening at theatres and causing the biggest buzz ever! It truly is an American teen classic. So when I heard about a 4th being made, I was pretty confident they would pull it off. The main reason being, is that the sequel and third in the trilogy (now quadrilogy) did just as well.

I had seen the trailer twice and at least it didn’t divulge too much. My optimistic mind-set paid off and you will be glad to know this movie doesn’t skip a beat to bring us an awesomely funny comedy, still retaining the classic undertone of the series.

The film begins with a brief update to where the whole crew are, and up to at the moment. If you don’t know who the characters are in this franchise of films, you should stop reading and go watch the previous movies…now! Some of the characters appear sooner, while a few others are eased into the film as it progresses. I am glad they did this instead of just throwing the entire cast at us in one gulp. It’s a nice build up, with a few new faces added to the mix.

Everyone is spot on and act just how you would expect them to, not that it makes it feel stale, but more of nostalgia, as if you are joining them on the reunion which adds a pleasant touch. Certain members of the cast do get more screen time than others, but they do all get enough time to make themselves feel a part of the group and film.

As for the story, it may sound clichéd, but there is more to it than meets the eye. It is a great trip to go on as well as a glimpse into how each person is coping in life. It’s a cool perspective to view as the times of being a teenager are long gone…or are they?

The film takes place in the town they grew up in, so you may notice a few set pieces that will look familiar. For the most part we are taken around to a couple of different locations. It bodes well for the film and has enough variation so that you don’t feel stuck in the same scene for too long.

The comedy (aka Special Effects) is incredibly funny. If you have enjoyed the humour in any of the previous three movies, this will be straight up your alley…and then some! The one liner’s, dialogue that gets played off each character, crazy antics or just plain facial expressions should have you guffawing in no time! I viewed the film with a full house of cinema-goers and from what I could hear and see everyone thoroughly enjoyed it, with several folks even clapping at certain scenes.

It really is a funny comedy with some really absurd/madcap situations that will make you laugh and cringe…maybe even at the same time. One thing I also liked was the incorporation of in-house jokes that sadly you will only get if you have watched the previous “Pie” movies. It definitely makes you feel like one of the crew as if you have been there from the beginning. On a side note – You could watch this movie as a standalone, but I think most will enjoy it more from viewing the first three editions.

I don’t have anything bad to say about the film other than it won’t be for everyone, expect a few cheesy scenes and that some characters will stand out more than others.

At the end of the day, “American Pie 4” is an absolute riot! Funny characters, kooky situations, great comedy…this is one reunion you don’t want to miss! It is doing well thus far mustering $40million since its opening on Friday. Oh and be sure to be seated after the film fades to black for one final scene that really does put the cherry on top.

Worth the watch if: You are a fan of the franchise, looking for slightly risqué comedy or are fans of the cast.

Trailer

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