Techtite's DVD Reviews!

American Pie

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DVD Review by Techtite

Note : This review is for the UNRATED DVD version. 

The Film : The best summary of this film is said in the DVD's behind-the-scenes featurette, by a cast member. "To me the film is," Natasha Lyonne (Jessica) begins, rolling her eyes, "an honest portrayal of what high school was like." However, after a deep breath, she continues, "Though I don't really remember high school that well, nor did I attend that often, but I assume that for many people this is what high school really seemed like." Such is a perfect summary of the pros --and cons-- of American Pie.

The truth is, unlike such classic teen flicks as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, this film is what a teen might daydream high school life is like, versus what they know it to be. Here's a prime example; a female foreign exchange student (Playboy mag alum Shannon Elisabeth) strips in a boy's bedroom while he's not there (why? whatever). She does so right in front of a camera on the guy's computer, which is linked to the internet and all the kid's friends. Wow, dude, what a totally cool...nerd! Regardless, such are the flaws and strengths of American Pie; while not very true-to-life, it's rarely dull.

The film's primary flaw, oddly enough, is the scene that caused the title itself. A boy is told that "third base" with a girl is like apple pie. So, goofus doofus soon finds himself "doing it" with an apple pie, to see what it feels like. No joke; literally or figuratively. How ridiculous! It makes the star character look like a complete freak. I admit, there are moments when a geek can be empathetic, even if a little odd; "Booger" from Revenge of the Nerds, or the bug-loving title character of Lucas, for example. This, however, is going a bit too far. "Doing it" with a pie? Stu-pid.

Pie or no pie, there are moments where the movie succeeds, particularly with the "moral" by the film's end. The point seems to be, the more you think about sex 24-7, the less chance it will be even slightly up to your expectations. Furthermore, in order to have good sex, you have to actually care about who you're with, and make sure they are having as much fun as you. Nice message. If it wasn't mixed into such a gross-out movie, maybe it would even rise the film's/DVD's rating by a notch...

The DVD : Well, the film is in widescreen, and in its director's cut; that's intriguing enough. There is also a behind the scenes featurette. Although it pales in comparison to the ones placed on the DVDs of Animal House and Fast Times, it's intriguing to see, even if only ten minutes long. There's also the feature length commentary, given by the producer, the director, the writer, and three cast members.

While the main menu doesn't show it readily, clicking a small arrow at screen bottom reveals even more bonus materials. Included is a listing of film quotes; click on the quote and see a quick clip of where that quote played in the film. A music video from the film's soundtrack is available, along with the original trailer. PC owners can view a DVD-ROM version the original movie web site, saved to this disc for posterity.

In the end, if you really liked the film, I'd say this DVD is a good buy. Even if you could get the VHS version at half-price, I'd recommend the DVD more. There's more on this disc than even the DVD of Titanic...and how sad is that?

	Final Rating : Small Crater. Not half as good as the classics, though still intriguing.
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