American Pie 2 (2001)

OK, we all know that American Pie was the surprise hit of 1999. As for the second, no other sequel in recent years has conjured such anticipation. With the first the plot was fairly original, the characters timeless, and many scenes-- absolutely unforgettable.

AP 2 begins at the close of the first year at college. The original crew consisting of Jim, Oz, Finch, and Kevin, return home and quickly set up shop at a lakeside palace for a summer of fun and females. What ensues are equally memorable scenes such as encounters with "lesbos", porn mishaps, band camp blunders, and far eastern sex practices.

There is Jim preparing for the arrival of Nadia with the help of band geek/sadomasochist Michelle, Kevin trying to make sense of a new relationship with Vicky, Oz patiently waiting for his girl to return from Europe, and Finch studying tantra awaiting the return of Stiffler's mom. I should mention that the legendary Steve Stiffler has been invited as a way to finance the excursion. Of course with him comes his classic party-boy-stiffmeister style.

What makes this sequel so worthy is the fact that EVERY siginficant character returns. Who could forget the cool and seasoned Jessy or Jim's HILARIOUS try-hard dad or Nadia or THE SHERMINATOR. Even the MILF guys are back!!! It is a film that masterfully builds on the riotous themes of the first.

My advice to the directors though: STOP HERE. We all know Hollywood and my hunch is that these actors will need a paycheck down the road. Then again, Sean Penn got his start in Fast Times at Rigdemont High along with many other budding stars.

Do yourself a favor and see this movie, it will not disappoint.