American Pie (1999)
Also known as "American Pie - Ultimate Edition DVD"
There's something about your first piece
Starring: Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Alyson Hannigan, Shannon Elizabeth, Tara Reid, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Seann William Scott, Eugene Levy, Natasha Lyonne, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge, Chris Owen, Molly Cheek, Lawrence Pressman, Casey Affleck
Director: Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz
Running Time: 95 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: 15
Comedy, Romance
On DVD Just how many fist-bitingly embarrassing situations can a group of awkward teens squeeze themselves into in one movie? Not enough obviously, which would explain the two sequels. But if you want to see the funniest and sharpest exploits of pastry-loving Jim Levinstein (Jason Biggs) and his sex-craving compadres, look no further than this one - the original and best.
Sick of failing in their countless bids to lure various ladies into bouts of hanky-panky, Jim and three of his school pals (Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas and Eddie Kaye Thomas) make a pact to "get laid" before graduation - and it has to involve real life girls too. In other words, pies don't count.
Of the string of teen gross-out fests that splattered onto our screens around the turn of the millennium, this one must surely rank among the biggest rib-ticklers. Sure, it sets out to disgust on more than one occasion, but it also presents us with a gaggle of characters who, deep down, are a surprisingly likable bunch. There's an unconventional charm about the whole thing, and chances are you're likely to be much too busy laughing to worry about throwing up (failing that you can always do both, but I wouldn't recommend it).
Among the hearty cast (who, it has to be said, have gone on to experience mixed successes) are two scene-stealers - Eugene Levy as Jim's cringe-inducing pop and a pre-fame Seann William Scott as party-daft wildman Stifler. Their scenes are invariably the best, but by no means the only ones that work. If you haven't done so already, get this one out and see for yourself.
DVD Extras: This 'Ultimate Edition' of the DVD contains a 'Spotlight on Location' featurette, a cast and crew commentary, a photo montage from the set, some deleted scenes, and a sneak preview of the sequel. All three 'Pie' movies are also now available in handy box-set form as 'American Pie: The Threesome'. Got that? Good.
It's Got: One home-made apple pie - ruined.
It Needs: To save time by going to the baker's.
Alternatives: American Pie 2, American Pie: The Wedding, Road Trip, Freddy Got Fingered, Not Another Teen Movie, Ten Things I Hate About You
Summary: Grab yourself a slice. Of pie, that is.
Review by Gary Panton
External Links
American Pie at the IMDB
Comments1 Comment |
| American Pie is one of the funniest movies of the 1990's, and it would be sad to miss it if you enjoy comedies which border on the absurd and ridiculous (in addition to being crude). I highly recommend it... |
| Comment by:- gilletbd1977 | www.thedvdreport.com/dvd_revie... | 03 March 2005 | ip: logged |
