REVIEW: AMERICAN REUNION

4/5

Let the good old times roll.

Starring: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Tara Reid, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari & Eugene Levy. Director: Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg. Screenplay: Jon Hurwitz &Hayden Schlossberg

This is one high-school reunion you don't want to ignore or put off. The 'American Pie' boys and girls are back for 'American Reunion' and this time it's not another case or slice of the 'Police Academy' over-kill, sequel fodder (God only knows what number sequel this is). This one really is for the good times. Stifler is throwing one more party and its about to get crazier and better than you remember. From 'Milf's' to Finches this is a real trip down American memory lane. James, Michelle, Kevin, OZ, Finch, Victoria and Heather are all back...and it's so good to see them again.

OK so if you grew up with these guys and this movie franchise then you'll know what to expect...or will you? Add some heart and some more twists and turns and you really have a great tale to reminisce on. One time this movie series was the cake, making innuendo's over flutes and classic American desserts. Before 'Superbad' teens and 'Project X' parties this teen-comedy raised the funny bar...and spiked it and now the old gangs back to teach the younger generation a thing or two.

Sure these guys must be around 40 now and if you remember your first time with the 'pie' (steady on we're talking about the film here) then you may begin to feel old...but still that's the only bad thing about this movie. Jason Biggs, Sean William Scott and Eugene Levy yet again are on hilariously favorite form, making this all look like a walk in the park all whilst showing they can run with a new gag or two. On the surface this 'American Pie' thing may seem old hat, but in the warm familiar center its all fresh...OK that was a bit weird, but from Jim's Dad to Stifler's Mum there's nothing wrong with letting the good times roll. The grosser the better. We all found this sort of stuff funny once...and we will again.

Of course times change and they do here too but that's what makes this film that much more fonder and funnier. From water cooler pranks to showing who really is the boss the Stifmeister hasn't changed and would you want him to? Seann William Scott shows us just how funny he still is and almost steals the show like always if it wasn't for the familiar favorite crop of characters that crop up too. From pop culture references to movie in jokes this is one for the nighties babies that have to come to terms with the fact that they're the new eighties babies and aren't the new kids on the block...even that reference is dated (DAMN I'm getting old).

Nothing beats nostalgia though and from the R. Kelly 'Bump and Grind' intro to all the surprises we just want to tell but can't ruin even the 'Twilight' generation would be hard pressed to get morbid over this one. It's just too smile and head roll back inducing. "Your mind may be telling you no, but your belly, your belly laughs will be saying yeah, yeah, yeah. I don't want to hurt anybody but there's something, something that I must confess...I didn't see anything wrong with this movie". So pull your socks up and don't come too late, because you don't want to miss the reunion. TIM DAVID HARVEY.