A Calamitous Coming-of-Age Movie Served With a Side of Heart
American Pie (1999) is more than just a raunchy teen comedy movie; it is the very first teen comedy movie that single-handedly changed the genre for life. It was directed by Paul Weitz and its screenplay was written by Adam Herz. The movie dives right into the over-the-top and almost relatable world of adolescence, the humorous nature of growing up, and the erotic pressure of losing one’s virginity. Although rude and immature in nature, it is a film that manages to evoke emotions.
Synopsis
American Pie is set in a high school in Michigan, and it follows four teenagers, Jim, Kevin, Oz, and Finch, who are friends and set out to try, using all means necessary, to lose their virginity before graduation. What comes next is a pie that is in itself chaotic full of cringe omissions, awkward self-experiments, embarrassing livestream fails, and the infamous pie scene.
The subplots that each character goes through is quintessentially American, from Jim’s endlessly awkward encounters with women to Finch’s weirdly mysterious yet hysterical deep emotional transformation, to Oz’s learning emotional intelligence. While brimming with laughs out loud attempts, the film brilliantly balances moments with acute sincerity about relationships, life, growing up, and insecurities.
Awards and Wins
While American Pie never won any accolades, it quickly became popular among a dedicated audience and contributed to several aspects of popular culture. It spearheaded a franchise, set new standards for box-office revenue generated by R-rated comedies, and received the following accolades;
MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss (thank you, Nadia)
Teen Choice Awards for Best Comedy
And a well earned position in the “Most Quoted Teen Movies” Hall of Fame.
Cast & Crew Directors: Paul and Chris Weitz
Written by: Adam Herz
Highlighted Cast:
Jim – Jason Biggs
Michelle – Alyson Hannigan
Oz – Chris Klein
Kevin – Thomas Ian Nicholas
Finch – Eddie Kaye Thomas
Stiffler – Seann William Scott
Tara Reid, Natasha Lyonne, Shannon Elizabeth, Eugene Levy
The cast brought to life the ideal combination of clumsy cuteness, franticness, and warmth. With Biggs portraying the character who became the poster boy for lovable cringe, while Scott brought the world of Stifler and with him came a new era of the contemptible jock.
IMDB Ratings
American Pie earning 7.0 on IMDb and scores of sequels tell us it still has a cult following. Viewers delighting in the unapologetic teenage crude humor that surprisingly carries a sweet plot at its core, although reviewers remain conflicted praising the movie and its vulgarity when looking at their teenage audiences.
Self Reflection
When I think of American Pie, I remember the cringe-worthy, yet nostalgic moments of my high school days. The movie is funny in the most ridiculous way, but that is what makes it easy to enjoy. Deep within the filth is a screen play that accurately portrays the complexities of growing up.
It’s best enjoyed with a group of friends over a bowl of popcorn. Disgracefully sophisticated, I know. And yes, dessert will never be the same.
Broader Perspective
The franchise started a movement and American Pie single handedly brought back the teenage sex comedy for an entire generation along with Superbad, EuroTrip, and The Girl Next Door. American Pie made band camp popular, awful teens everywhere full of hope, and Eugene Levy the most relatable and loveable dad.
Just like that, American Pie is a time capsule for the 90’s youth culture with a reminder of big clothes, dial up embarrassment, and the everlasting search for… well, you know what.
