'American Wedding' (2003)
Published September 08, 2003
All these elements to strengthen the narrative and characters worked, to a degree, in that objective. Further, it worked to a degree, as well, as an attempt to create a film a little different than its predecessors and a closing to the saga. It wasn't simply a rehash, certain canine and such examples notwithstanding, of the previous two, which is a positive achievement. It similarly managed to successfully redirect our concern from the previous group of four to the brand new group of three in Jim, Michelle, and Stifler. However, it did lack the pure comedic punch of its previous hits in the process. Was it a worthwhile trade-off? Maybe. It is really a question too complicated and subjective to positively answer. It could have been done better I can definately say, some of these reasons I have already mentioned.
Any way you look at it, 'American Wedding' was in the end an alright movie, and a decent conclusion to at least this volume in the franchise. The comedy could have been better and better handled in most parts. But there were some relative gems, such as Stifler's scene in the gay bar, although stereotypical in its occupants, the funny elements surprisingly didn't rely on gay-bashing in any way but was very positive, and not actually relying on the stereotype itself for the real humor. I was rather impressed with how they created the true humor given the near universally used homosexual oppurtunities, and considering both the type of film and the fact that it is a big studio picture. If you have seen the previous two, go have some fun, without expecting anything spectacular. If not, what are you doing even reading this?
As a side note: Here's a real winner of a title: "American Pie 3: Piece of Pie," 2002's working title for the movie. Wow, the utter genius amazes me.
Website: (http://www.americanpiemovie.com/index.php) No review this time, but there are lots of games and things to check out if you so desire. Just not me.
(Review ©2003 by Joshua Parkinson, posted originally at http://www.indestructiblecycles.com)
- 'American Wedding' (2003)
- Published: September 08, 2003
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- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Comedy
- Writer: Josh Parkinson
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Oh please, no kids!
My wife is a big fan of these movies, so I've seen them, except for this one. I'm sure I'll see this one, too. I console myself with the thought that Hannigan is truly a joy to watch.
While I would probably watch almost anything with Alyson Hannigan in it, I just know there is a spec script floating around Hollywood with the phrase "Stifler's grand-mom".
Or "why don't we send the kids to one summer at band camp?"
If anything, the American Pie franchise has reinforced the genius of Eugene Levy.
He is probably one of the most consistently successful SCTV alumni. He lives with his family in Toronto and has built some great characters in movies without the gear of being a star. He's just funny (in some often not very funny movies).
He does his stuff, makes with the wacky and moves on.
I've never met him, but know if I did see him at Dooney's, or Book City he would be a classy, warm fella all the way.
Ha! You know, surprisingly enough, I don't think there was one mention of band camp the entire movie.
Eugene I'm sure is a hell of a guy. And the guy reminds me of John C. Reily as well, although Reily is in the dramatic arena, always at the top of his game no matter what part, and severely under recognized and appreciated. But maybe its better that way.
John C. Reily is an awesome character actor, though I would have to put William Macey ahead of him, but for comedy, would have to say Stephen Root (King of The Hill, Oh, Brother Where Art Thou, Office Space) is the king of USAian character actors because he is the role, not the actor.
William H. Macy is incredible, but he has had relative acclaim, has had major roles, so he doesn't really apply to the point I was making. And to compare Macy with Levy, I would have to say there isn't a comparison. But Reily is definately the dramatic counterpart of Levy, although your comment sparked up a point in my mind that he isn't necessarily a character actor, he has had other roles that shows he can do more than the same guy. But the point is there.. consistently top work in small roles and underappreciated. Macy is only underappreciated! Hey, did you see Macy in Seabiscuit? The only redeeming part of the whole mediocre bomb! I laughed my head off when I saw him! Shows he isn't just a character actor either.
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I saw this on bootleg, but aside Eugene Levy, it left me somewhat underwhelmed.
Can't say I really want to see American Pie 4 the Diaper Years.