American Pie
Official Universal Site
Starring: Jason Biggs, Jennifer Coolidge, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Eugene Levy, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Chris Owen, Tara Reid, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari, Eddie Kaye Thomas
Category: Comedy
Rating: R

If you don't remember high school – or have a recollection that's fuzzy and vague – American Pie will bring it all back and then some. Okay, so maybe you don't have a "personal" experience with a hot apple pie… this is still a funny movie.



The most central character in an ensemble cast is Jim, played with amazing honesty and depth by Jason Biggs. I don't refer to the pie scene – among others. But catch the "approach" at the party, or his mad dash on "filming day" and you'll see what I'm talking about.



Standouts among the cast include: Hannigan, late of Buffy fame, whose line "and one time, at band camp" will make you want to pull your own teeth out. Chris Klein gently plays the requisite jock-turned-softie Oz. Eugene Levy appears as Jim's well meaning, but unable-to-really-communicate, proud papa. Natasha Lyonne plays the mature beyond her years fairy-godmother-like Jessica. And Eddie Kaye Thomas plays the fastidious Finch, who detours to his home bathroom in lieu of school facilities.



American Pie isn't for everyone. If you're easily offended, then I'd recommend this one even less than Austin Powers (which earned a sophisticated PG-13). American Pie is very edgy, and doesn't exactly give the best message to teenagers. But if you do decide to go – or have already seen it – tell me one thing: did you really *believe* Sherman?

Strangely enough, although this is without doubt a dead-on recreation of high school life in 1999 – it is not meant for kids or even teenagers. It's R rating is for nudity, language, sexual content, and adult themes.

Thumbs up!

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Copyright 1999 by Kathe