Directed by: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg
Starring: Jason Biggs, Eugene Levy, Chris Klein, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Universal Studios
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 113 minutes
Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
When “American Pie” came out I was still in high school just like Jim and his friends. I have grown up with these films and even have a kid myself like Jim. But “American Reunion” though is just one sequel too many. I think I had enough after the second, let alone the four (not referenced) direct-to-video spin-off/sequels. This film is just the a continuous of the same, it really doesn’t take the franchise into anything new at all or doesn’t give it any direction. There were a few decent laughs but nothing special, overall. Eugene Levy (again) was the best part of this film and should have his own movie. Also I understand they wanted to re-create the original poster with this film but Natasha Lyonne was seriously in the film for 40 seconds.
The Blu-ray edition includes two cuts of the film: a 113-minute theatrical cut and a 114-minute unrated version. So you can see that it doesn’t matter which one you watch they are basically the same, just like the last few sequels. This release comes in a combo pack with a Blu-ray disc, DVD disc and a streaming UV Digital Copy. The 1080p video resolution looks ok but nothing special and is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The audio track is also decent with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, not really challenged.
The special features are also decent but nothing to call home about. There are two audio commentary, the first is with co-writers/co-directors Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, some funny moments overall. The second “Out of Control” audio track is a video commentary with Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott and other members of the cast who pop-up on screen throughout and give comments. I preferred the second one for sure though it is sometimes erratic.
Next up, there are over 40 minutes collected of deleted, extended, alternate scenes, as well as a Gag Reel (which funnier than whole movie). “The ‘Reunion’ Reunion: Re-Launching the Series” is a behind0the-scenes featurette with the cast chatting about returning. “The Best of Biggs: Hangin’ with Jason B.” is an all you can eat Jason Biggs buffet. “Lake Bake” is a location feature with the cast and crew. “Dancing with the Oz” is a look into Chris Klein dance act. “American Gonad-iators: The Fight Scene” is a feature on the films climactic fight sequence. “Jim’s Dad”, aka the best part of the film, takes a look at Eugene Levy’s character. “Ouch! My Balls!” is a behind-the-scenes with the cast planting spoof. Lastly there is an interactive yearbook with clips from the entire Pie series.
