American Pie-Surprisingly Innovative
I doubt very, very much that anyone involved thought that American Pie was going to be a massive hit that grossed over $200 million dollars, but there are two simple reasons this film did so remarkably well. One, every generation needs it's Porky's and two, as crude and crass as the film may be it is also deliciously funny and breaks many of the commonly held rules of what can be put in a mainstream film. Even though American Pie is very much low-brow it is innovative in its approach and if there is anything that the movie going audience is starving for, absolutely starving for, its innovation. Mainly the hunger is for innovation of ideas and scripts, not just new shiny effects.
Even in the days of good old Billy Shakespeare the ignorant, unwashed masses loved a good, complex story that took them away from the fact that they were being slowly eaten by lice and other varmints. Consider further that this was the case even when there was no real education for the beast of the land and most signed contracts with an X. If only the studio geniuses understood this simple fact.
American Pie follows the sex, booze and fun antics of a group of friends and does so better than any film of its kind in quite some time. What separates it from most gutter humor is, of course, that it breaks some rules, for example, what happens to the American Pie-without giving anything away-what happens to the pie is pretty, well, remarkable to see in a major Hollywood release.
Another fact that makes American Pie standout is that the actors involved were trying to stand-out and make a name for themselves, pure and simple. All involved tossed in great performances from Jason Biggs, who did a nice job, but isn't a lead by any stretch of the imagination, to Alyson Hannigan and Shannon Elizabeth to Sean William Scott who is truly special. Is the humor sophomoric, well yes, and perhaps that is a complement and will you enjoy it if you are say over 35, well, probably not as brain chemistry changes as one gets older and the like. Bottom line is this, American Pie is, at times, one frighteningly funny film.
Story A (The story is simple but amazingly effect at pulling laughs from the audience.)
Acting B (American Pie is littered with entertaining acting performances, but Jason Biggs doesn't really have what it takes to carry a lead role. Biggs is destined to be a supporting player and if he can push his ego aside, he may develop into a decent one.)
Visuals C
Originality/Innovation A (American Pie is innovative within its genre and that definitely counts for something whether its a horror film, a gross out teen comedy or a manipulative, tear-jerker involving a child dying of cancer released at the end of the year to try and grab a few statues.)
Enjoyability Grade A+
Home Theater/HD Factor C
Overall Grade A (If you want a good laugh, you can't go wrong with American Pie. A final thought on American Pie, consider for a moment that this film made nearly twenty times its budget. Few films that are not all gimmick or mass hysteria, such as My Big Fat Greek Con Job, can even approach having that said about them.)
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