REVIEW: 'America Pie: Reunion'

The full cast of American Pie return for a high-school reunion, from the directors/writers of Harold & Kumar. Now playing nationwide, click for movie times.
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After almost a decade of abstinence (spin-offs side), the American Pie series returns, wiping the dust off of the yearbook, the pie dish and the Tara Reid. Its resurgence makes more sense than, say, Scream 4, but whilst the lads have become adults, the humour is still adolescent.

The ensemble cast is impressive in its scope, drawing out some genuine surprises as old franchise faces are reintroduced. Through this, Reunion rides the nostalgia factor pretty well, catching up with memorable side characters’ lives. Some cameos make more sense than others (Neil Patrick Harris shows up for 10 seconds of nothing) and two of the main characters (Kevin and Finch) could’ve used less time in the background.

The banter between Jim and his Dad is still just as awkwardly hilarious as it’s ever been, with Jason Biggs and Eugene Levy pulling it off effortlessly. Strangely enough, the funnier “oh yes, we went there” moments are sometimes met with “oh no, we didn’t go there” instances - the encounter between Jim’s Dad and Stifler’s Mum being the biggest letdown.

Most of the comedic situations supervene on heavily contrived moments and it’s a frustrating element that’s quick to get under your skin. Whether this significantly impedes your enjoyment of the film depends on your tolerance of this brand of humour. For those onboard, they’ll be satisfied with Reunion’s ability to rise to the occasion 13 years on.

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