Review of "American Reunion," DVD version

 Review of

American Reunion, DVD version

Four out of five stars

Adolescent humor with an adult theme

 While this movie is mostly based on humor directed at adolescents, the underlying plot has a very adult theme. The gang from the “American Pie” movies returns and this time they are having a formal high school reunion. It is a chance to reconnect, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on the directions their lives have taken.

 In the style of the “American Pie” movies, there is slapstick, crude sexual and potty humor and wildly played out sexual scenes. Yet, supplementing these antics, there are people expressing regrets, apologizing for past behaviors, engaging in grandiose bragging and in many cases growing up a bit and coming to terms with what their lives have evolved into. In other words, generally doing what people do at their earliest high school reunions.

 Most of the humor is predictable, yet the coming to terms does have some unexpected events. Even the aged adults join in the adolescent-like antics,  discovering aspects of their personas that have either been lost or deeply suppressed.

 While not a movie that will have you roaring with laughter, it is fun to watch. As a veteran of a memorable high school reunion, I recognized some of the artificial facades of people trying to impress and return to the pecking order of their high school class.