Movie #323 - Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl
2004 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 42 min
Director: Kevin Smith
Starring: Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Raquel Castro, Jennifer Lopez, Jason Biggs, George Carlin, Stephen Root, Mike Starr, Will Smith

Despite a quote that says so on the back of the DVD, I don't think this is "Kevin Smith's greatest film yet."  While it's nice that someone thinks so, that claim belongs to Dogma.  But this film -- as a classic troubled family man rom-com type deal -- has a much wider appeal than just jaded Catholics, so I can see how some might laud this as his best.

Maybe.

The truth is, his characters have weird names that sound silly.  The relationships are a bit flat.  And Liv Tyler's just not as sexy as she thinks she is.  Although many applaud J Lo's early death in the film, cuz hey J Lo's gone, this film had the potential to become another Gigli and fast.  George Carlin does what he can to save the movie and Will Smith's cameo as himself is pretty funny. 

But no, it's not Smith's greatest film.  It's a mediocre attempt at the "main stream."  Even Zac and Miri Make a Porno was more entertaining.

Movie #123 - American Wedding

American Wedding
Universal Pictures
2003 - Rated R - 1 hr 36 min
Director: Jesse Dylan
Starring: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Eugene Levy, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas, January Jones, Fred Willard

Oh yay, they're grown-ups now...at least that's what we're lead to believe by this very mature-looking movie poster.  And yet, in the first scene, where is Michelle?  Under the table 'servicing' Jim at a four-star restaurant.  And oh, who's come to give Jim a pep-talk on proposing to Michelle, but doesn't know she's under the table and can hear him?  Jim's dad.

Who writes these scenes? Does this person have a cringe filter? Is anyone else really uncomfortable watching this? I deal with it, but man... opening every movie with a Jim gimmick is tired by now.  Still, the actors manage the scene well and it becomes more funny than awkward after a bit, so it redeems itself.

In this movie, we get to see Stiffler truly ostracized, and then redeemed, so hooray for him. But where are Chris Klein and Mena Suvari? Are we even going to mention that one of Jim's best friend's has disappeared into the black abyss somewhere between freshman year and graduation? No? Okay then.

This one's not bad - it's a good blend of recycled jokes that stay true to the franchise and new material that will make you laugh, cringe, and laugh again.  That bachelor party? Dear God, people.  That Schadenfreude affect is still very much alive in this film.

And no, after this one, we don't own any other American Pie films... Stiffler's little brother doesn't get to have a spot on the Wall.

Movie #122 - American Pie 2

American Pie 2
Universal Pictures
2001 - Rated R - 1 hr 48 min
Director: J.B. Rogers
Starring: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge, Eugene Levy, Eddie Kaye Thomas

As sequels go, this one isn't so bad... mostly because the entire cast came back to do it (unlike the third movie in this trilogy).  No desserts are harmed in the making of this, but Jim's awkward sex streak rages onward and even lands him in the hospital, glued to himself.  How charming.

I think someone wrote his character to make us all feel better about ourselves. Schadenfreude is a beautiful thing.  And it kept selling movie tickets, so here we are. 

The story lines progress in a believable way in this one, with all the couples split apart because of college-related circumstances.  It's interesting to see them all regroup and try to recapture their high school days a year into college.  They do a pretty good job of it, too.  Some of the jokes are reused a bit too much, and Stiffler's little brother is a pain in the ass, but it's watchable.  You'll laugh and definitely feel better about your own awkard sex-capades after this movie.

Movie #121 - American Pie

American Pie
Universal Pictures
1999 - Rated R - 1 hr 35 min
Director: Paul Weitz
Starring: Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Alyson Hannigan, Shannon Elizabeth, Tara Reid, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Seann William Scott, Eugene Levy, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge

Iconic film of the 90s/00s? This is probably in the running.  It has hot girls, teen sex, comedy, fart jokes, and Stiffler.  So yeah... it's up there.  It also has one of the most notable lines in Gen-Y filmography: "No longer will our penises remain flaccid and unused!" As well as sparking a term that's still sticking with us - the MILF.

That aside, Jason Biggs is adorable, Eugene Levy is awkward in the way only he can manage, Mena Suvari is slightly less annoying than she was in American Beauty, and Tara Reid wasn't a crazy bitch yet.  Also, there's a LOT of young actors with three names in this movie... check out that cast list. Weird, huh?

So it is what it is.  There's pie humping, underage drinking, and jokes at a band geek's expense.  Also, there's now an irritatingly huge film franchise thanks to this little movie (honestly, why are they still making these? And why is Eugene Levy still in them?) But none of them are as clever and fun as the original.

Have your pie and eat it too!
(Sorry, I can't help myself sometimes...)