American Pie - Ultimate Edition DVD
Theres something about your first piece
Rating: 7/10
Running Time: 95 minutes
UK Certificate: 15
On DVD
Just how many fist-bitingly embarrassing situations can a group of awkward teens squeeze themselves into in one movie? Not enough obviously, which would explain the two sequels. But if you want to see the funniest and sharpest exploits of pastry-loving Jim Levinstein (Jason Biggs) and his sex-craving compadres, look no further than this one the original and best.
Sick of failing in their countless bids to lure various ladies into bouts of hanky-panky, Jim and three of his school pals (Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas and Eddie Kaye Thomas) make a pact to get laid before graduation and it has to involve real life girls too. In other words, pies dont count.
Of the string of teen gross-out fests that splattered onto our screens around the turn of the millennium, this one must surely rank among the biggest rib-ticklers. Sure, it sets out to disgust on more than one occasion, but it also presents us with a gaggle of characters who, deep down, are a surprisingly likable bunch. Theres an unconventional charm about the whole thing, and chances are youre likely to be much too busy laughing to worry about throwing up (failing that you can always do both, but I wouldnt recommend it).
Among the hearty cast (who, it has to be said, have gone on to experience mixed successes) are two scene-stealers Eugene Levy as Jims cringe-inducing pop and a pre-fame Seann William Scott as party-daft wildman Stifler. Their scenes are invariably the best, but by no means the only ones that work. If you havent done so already, get this one out and see for yourself.
It's Got: One home-made apple pie ruined.
It Needs: To save time by going to the bakers.
DVD Extras This Ultimate Edition of the DVD contains a Spotlight on Location featurette, a cast and crew commentary, a photo montage from the set, some deleted scenes, and a sneak preview of the sequel. All three Pie movies are also now available in handy box-set form as American Pie: The Threesome. Got that? Good. DVD Extras Rating: 7/10
Summary
Grab yourself a slice. Of pie, that is.