In 1999 a little film about a group of high-school boys planning to lose their virginity on prom night was released and, unbeknownst to the masses, it became a runaway success. The film was ‘American Pie’ and after spanning two equally successful, though not as well received, sequels and a string of straight-to-DVD additions (many of which were cashing in on the films name) it seemed as if enough time had passed for the baked-good loving shenanigans to be laid to rest.  But this is Hollywood and sequels are a dime a dozen these days so why not revisit a formula that has worked before?  ‘

American Pie: Reunion’ is indeed a sequel we didn’t need, it’s been 9 years since we last saw the gang and that can often be a bit too long between installments, but it’s got to be said that this is one sequel that’s worth the time. 

Having missed their 10-year reunion, best friends Jim (Jason Biggs), Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), Oz (Chris Klein) and Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) decide they should return to their hometown for their 13th year reunion.  Naturally the intent of a wholesome trip away is thwarted thanks in large part to eternal party animal Stifler (Seann William Scott) who still hasn’t really grown up from high school and plans on revisiting that craziness despite his friends all being decidedly grown up.  There’s a great sense of nostalgia with ‘Reunion’ as everyone from the previous films is back, and I do mean everyone; Tara Reid, Shannon Elizabeth, Mena Suvari, even the ‘Sherminator‘.  And this helps the film feel like a true successor in the series.  The storyline is simple, and perhaps a bit too light, but these films have never been about that as such, and they manage to string along enough of a coherent plot to allow the typical over-the-top scenarios the boys get themselves into, and there’s plenty of those on  offer.  If you had no interest in the films to begin with, or lost interest with the sequels, then ‘Reunion’ is unlikely to capture your attention, but if you are like myself and found the films to be humourous escapism entertainment then I suggest you get out there to re-acquaint yourself with some old friends.