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American Pie review by Joe Mauceri 
Jim, Oz, Finch and Kevin - four high school friends - make a pack to lose their virginity on or before prom night. AMERICAN PIE follows these four characters' exploits at dealing with women and coming of age. The film may seem to ride on the backs of teen cinematic classics, like "Fast Times" or "Risky Business." Nevertheless, the film has an honest, fress feel that allows it to stand out on its own. Screenwriter Adam Herz delivers a story that balances National Lampoon style humor with dramatic moments. Some plot points are larger than life, but memories and history are revisionist. AMERICAN PIE, unlike most teenage films, has a quality that can remind audiences' of their high school days. There are those universal high school situations that we all can relate to, and a few new ones with a 90's spin. In fact, several moments take a basic set up in new and surprising directions. The film provides some of the most genuinely funny moments by a film yet this summer, and is refreshingly naughty. The casting feels like it was done in terms of body types. However, once these young actors strut their stuff they deliver memorable performances. Most of the hardy laughs come from the on screen chemistry between Jason Briggs and Eugene Levy. Levy, a veteran of Second City Television, plays Briggs father, who gently tries to guide him through puberty. Mena Suvari, who was amazing in "The Slums of Beverly Hills," spices things up with her charm and flare. Alyson Hannigan plays this mousey flutist who ends up with Jim on prom night. She is so perfectly annoying, pulling off a real twist. AMERICAN PIE is a large slice of garde "A" comedy, with a scoop of sexy scenarios on the side. This is a delightful summer movie to beat the heat and laugh out loud. OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
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