When you have a massive hit with a film like American Pie, what is the logical step to take? MAKE A SEQUEL YOU DUMB SHIT. And that is what happened in 2001...American Pie 2 graced the cinemas, and made over three times as much money it's opening weekend, than the original film did. But now comes the questions that was everyones mind. Would this film be better than the first film? Could this film push farther than the grasps of the first film? And could the viewer base grow larger? I would have to say yes on all counts.

After their first year at college, the guys reunite for another summer of fun. Jim continues his quest for sexual independence by seeking the help of his old prom date, Michele, after an unexpected call from Nadia who plans to visit Jim. Meanwhile, Kev and Vicky find themselves in an awkward situation after having broken up for a year. Oz must deal with a long distance relationship when Heather heads off to France to study abroad. Old feuds die hard as the ever-so-horny Stifler harbors his hatred toward Finch, who is practicing the Hindu practice of Tantra.

What this film does is this...where the first film showed the “exaggerated” realism of high school friends...this film shows how it is when close high school buddies go off to college, and then meet up again after not seeing each other for quite some time...again in an exaggerated subtext. And that is what these films do best...they tell real life issues. Everyone knows what's it's like to have great friends, and then you part ways...and sure you will talk, but it can feel a little awkward once you see each other again...even if you say that it won't. And when you thrust (pun intended) those premises into an American Pie film...solid gold happens.

And just like in scary movies...comedy sequels have their own unwritten rules. They need to be more over the top...if there was nudity in the first... there needs to be more here...and the acting needs to at least stay on par for where the last film was. And this film delivers on all fronts. Let's look at the over the top part of this, shall we. Stifler had a party in the first film, where he drank a “cum-beer”...where can you go from that. Well, let's piss on Stifler. Sure, some might be thinking this isn't worse than that...but put it in context with movies. This time around it's not a 3 second scene that is over before you know it. This time it lasts for a lot longer on screen...and Stifler enjoys it...that is, until he realizes what is actually happening to him. That is genius in my book. And I saw this film three times in theaters...and the audience lost it at that scene time and time again.

Jim's parents walk in on him trying to jerk off in the first film...so what can we do this time. Well, let's have walk in while he is pile driving a female friend in his dorm room. These are those awkward moments that the viewers love to see. And Jim's father makes these all the more uncomfortable when he tries to converse with the two “lust bunnies” while the are naked on the bed. And then the girls parents walk in...its just a great recipe to start off a movie.

And the last one I'm going to comment on is Jim's embarrassing moment. He fucked a pie in the first film, and gets caught be his dad. How can you top that. A masturbation scene. Sure, it sounds stupid...but it is incredibly funny. I mean he super glues his hand to his cock thinking it's lube...that is AMAZING. And the great physical comedy Jason Biggs pulls off in this scene is fantastic. And then of course, how do you make it worse? Have cops think you're a burglar...arrest you...and have to have your dad come and take you to a hospital while in one hand you are holding your “divining rod” and in the other is glued a porno tape. I wish I could come up with this shit...then I would be a millionaire. All I'm saying is this...when you think of the level of comedy the first film had...I have to say this one surpasses it by a long shot.

|The greatest thing I can say about this movie...is that there is far less Tara Reid and Shannon Elizabeth in this film. And I don't think that was coincidence. I think the producers, writers, and directors looked at what the fans were saying, and actually took it to heart. Even more so in the next film...but we'll get to that soon. I will say I think the overall story in this was lacking a little bit from the first film...but the comedy of it wipes all of that out of my mind. I mean, they rent a house for summer vacation, and then have to work to pay for it. Why would you rent a place for summer vacation if you didn't have the money? That's not much of a vacation is it? But it is the catalyst for all the bullshit that happens in this film...so once again I will let it go.

The biggest thing I would have loved to see more of in this film...is more Eugene Levy. It felt like a big piece on the “pie” was missing with not having him apart of the story a little more. And that is again made up for in the next film. And this film also plays into the sweet motif as the first film had...by bring Jim and Michelle together in the end. Sure that whole ending was telegraphed from 200 miles away if you were paying any bit of attention to this film...and it succeeds on actually being a very touching moment at the end when Jim realizes he loves her, and goes to her...leaving Nadia stranded at the beach house. Which leads into another of the subtext analogies this series is trying to make. That your idea of perfection and love may be skewed...and you will be astounded when true love reveals itself to you. Who knew these films could be so deep.

In closing...I think this film was a huge success...which I was not expecting going into it. Because normally I am so disappointed with sequels, that it sickens me. But like I said, I saw this film in theaters three times, and only saw the first one once...that is telling you something. Like with anything...this film will not be for everyone, and I know there are plenty of people out there that do not agree with my analysis and opinion of this movie...but it worked for me. And that is all that really matters. Check it out, if you haven't already.

Till Next Time Kiddies...

-RJ