Too good natured to succeed.

Rating: Null/10 (27 October 2000)

A supposed continuation of risquÃ© early eighties frat comedies such as Porky's, this rather slicker and bigger budgeted studio offering made its money through several hyped up gross-out gags that ultimately belie the films true intentions. Unlike its predecessors, American Pie is never prepared to venture into true bad taste territory, preferring instead to supplant its raunchiness with a desperately twee undercurrent. Scenes of almost gruesome sentimentality are often sandwiched between the cringe-inducing moments which provide the occasional (but genuine) laughs, and the old fashioned values that end up being preached simply stand out as heavy handed in light of the nature of the material and of teenagers in general. There are amusing segments and good performances all round, especially from Eugene Levy's 50's throwback father figure, but second time around the flaws stand out awkwardly. Many of the maudlin moments will undoubtedly end up being fast-forwarded through on video.
2 1/2 out of 5.