‘American Reunion’

The movie franchise that changed the way we look at apple pie since 1999 is coming out with its final chapter. The East Great Falls class of 1999 is back together for “American Reunion” which hits theaters April 6.

The complete original cast is returning, which doesn’t happen often. A little older, a little wiser, and still immature. Nearly 13 years ago, four raunchy boys were devising a plan to lose their virginity by prom night. Now, after graduating high school, navigating college, and a marriage, they’re adults with careers and kids.

Photo courtesy of screenrant.com

The story finally continues after a brief, sad hiatus into straight-to-DVD movies starring unknowns with “Band Camp,” “The Naked Mile,” “Beta House” and “The Book of Love.” Eugene Levy is the only actor who made an appearance in all of the “American Pie” movies.

In an interview with The Huffington Post Alyson Hannigan said, “It's really true to how real life would be, where everybody, they've all gone in different directions. You'll be able to catch up with all the characters, see what they're doing, where are they now, it's as if no time has passed when they all come back together.”

I’m excited for “American Reunion” for countless reasons. Some ideas lend themselves to sequels. This doesn’t feel like a sequel, it’s the next chapter of life with some old friends. We grew up along with them and there is a character we can all relate to in some way.

“Most of us can relate to a Stifler, Finch, or a Jim and Michelle,” said Sam Woolsey, senior at Colorado State University. “And we all know someone who acts like Stifler, has a mom like Stifler’s, or quotes him constantly.”

Richie Kurtzman, a CSU alum whose high school reunion is next summer, said, “'American Pie' makes me think of partying, going wild, drinking alcohol and promiscuity, which is what they portray in the films. It’s men being men saying lewd and crude comments, getting drunk and hopefully doing what they want with women they want.”

Amount the "American Pie" trilogy grossed worldwide. 
Infographic by Kelly Sterner

Despite the crude humor and unfortunate events with baked goods and super glue, there is a touching story behind “American Pie” that gets an audience emotionally involved.

Patrick Goldstein, blogger for the Los Angeles Times, said, “‘American Reunion’ is a perfect fit for the age of pop nostalgia. By letting us see our favorite teen dimwits all grown up, it reminds us that we’re never too old to act young and hilariously dumb all over again.”

Any way you slice it, “American Pie” is about friendship and navigating the world of sex and awkward parenting. Where we learned flutes are for more than playing and pies are for more than eating.

In the words of Jim’s dad, “It’s a perfectly natural, normal thing.”

I’ll have an “American Pie” marathon before I go see “Reunion.” Like they say on the movie poster, save the best piece for last.