American Pie: The Wedding Review:

Synopsis

With East Great Falls High now a distant memory, Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) have grown up and are getting married. Stifler (Seann William Scott) can't wait to check out the bridesmaids and is looking forward to organising the ultimate bachelor party. Michelle's gorgeous sister, Cadence (January Jones), flies in to be maid of honour and when Stifler and Finch (Thomas) catch a glimpse, the battle to bowl over the beauty begins.

Stifler abandons his legendary dating behaviour and opts for a nice boy approach leaving Finch no choice but to play the ad boy philanderer. Who will Cadence choose – the perfect gentlemen Stifler or low life Finch? As the countdown to the wedding begins, some outrageous events unfold, including naughty maids, sexy female cops, dancing lessons, a church full of dead flowers and a hairy wedding cake...

The Films

After a much-loved original film and a worthy sequel, Jim and his pals are reunited for American Pie: The Wedding (known simply as American Wedding in the US). A lot of the original gang are back in full force, but the original girls, with the exception of Alyson Hannigan, are notably absent.

The story picks up with Jim, Finch and Kevin fresh out of university - Stifler, meanwhile, has opted for a career as a high-school football coach. Having dated for some three years, Jim finally decides that it's time to pop the question to Michelle, who agrees without delay. A series of mishaps and misunderstandings expectedly ensue as the day of the wedding draws ever closer.

After a good first scene to reacquaint fans back into the American Pie world, the film wastes little time hurtling towards the wedding. The first half an hour is not as funny as the rest of the film, with Stifler being jarringly different to how people would have remembered him from the first two films - there is something intentional or consciously malicious about his most casual put-downs that simply wasn't there before. However, the Stiffmeister soon returns to form and the comedy picks up markedly.

Jason Biggs doesn't seem to be as much of the narrative's focus point as before, which is a shame, but his Jim alter-ego still makes a hilariously textbook mess of situations on a number of occasions. One of the film's wisest moves is not to cause (and later heal) rifts between the engaged couple - that road has been taken by many tales. Thomas Ian Nicholas, once again, gets no good lines as Kevin and is the most uninteresting, blandest characters in the entire production.

Most of the comedy comes from Stifler's interactions with the supporting characters, while Finch also makes a valuable contribution in the comedy stakes. On the parental front, Jim's dad is yet again played with brilliance by Eugene Levy, motivational mentor extraordinaire, while Fred Willard and Deborah Rush, as Jim's in-laws, get to grips with the style of the comedy without any difficulties. January Jones also co-stars as Michelle's stunning younger sister.

The tone of the film is very much in keeping with the previous two instalments, although our characters, bar Stifler, have understandably matured somewhat. Anyone who enjoyed the first two films should, therefore, find themselves warming to this third outing. Some additional material has been added to the Unrated DVD cut of the film, including a few odd lines scattered about and a significant extension of the bachelor party scene. This extra footage is obviously not needed plotwise, but certainly (and probably purposely) boosts the level of nudity to way beyond that of the original films.

Overall, this third American Pie film was better than expected and will be heartily enjoyed by the many fans of the series. However, with graduation over, this seems to be a convenient high note upon which to end the gang's antics - for now at least.

Video

The 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer looks absolutely fantastic, easily outperforming the visuals of either previous film. Colours are very rich, while black levels are spot on. Grain, print damage and noise are present, but usually kept to the lowest of levels. A few aliasing instances will also be noticed by the knowing eye, but a handful of such minor slip-ups can be easily overlooked.

Sharpness also reaches commendable levels and the only complaint is that a few scenes, such as the opening restaurant sequence, are a little too dark, as if the contrast has been boosted a little too much.

Overall, however, the transfer barely slips up and successfully brings an All-American feel to every frame of the film.

Audio

Wisely, this disc ditches the DTS 5.1 sound option found on the American Pie 2 DVD - films like these make no use of such advanced tracks and the scarce capacity of the disc can be put to far better uses.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is no more than average for the genre and certainly not spectacular or remarkable in any way. Dialogue is crystal clear, while the surround speakers send out some music every once in a while. Essentially, this non-action film needs (at least on a basic level) no more sophistication in the sound design than this and the track suffices.

Extras

A solid set of extras inhabit the bonus section of this single-disc title, starting with the first audio commentary by Director Jesse Dylan and Seann William Scott, followed by the second audio commentary by Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan and Thomas Ian Nicholas. Both tracks are funny and full of amusing behind-the-scenes anecdotes - Scott and Dylan even periodically slip into mock intellectual 'artiste' commentary mode.

Up next is the minute-long introduction to the film, during which Writer Adam Herz attempts to explain what material has been added to this particular version and why. Up next is a 22 minute of deleted scenes with individual introductions by either Adam Herz or Seann William Scott. The scenes are pretty average and none stands out as particularly worthy of reinstatement into even this extended cut, but their inclusion is appreciated on the disc nonetheless.

The outtakes run for 6 minutes and are fairly funny, although it seems that there were less laughs and line fluffs to be witnessed on set here than on the last film. Having the lion's share of the lines in the script, Seann William Scott is predictably the most prominent contributor to this montage. During one instance, his line 'It's hard to be smart' comes out as 'It's smart to be hard' - since he's addressing January Jones at the time, his alternative comment appears to be entirely valid.

The extras continue with a 7 minute 'Stifler Speak' featurette, which is not exactly a masterclass on swearing like the Stiffmeister but enjoyable all the same. Adam Herz explains how he writes for the character, while some clips of the Seann William Scott in full profanity mode are also in order. Meanwhile, the 'Enter The Dominatrix: Inside The Bachelor Party' featurette is a 10 minute behind-the-scenes look at the strippers scene from the film. Lots of sex toys, pain infliction and flesh are on show for all...

The 'Grooming The Groom' featurette, which is a 7 minute item, focuses on Jim's nether regions and contains a lot of information about how the fake pubic hair was created. Jason Biggs even demonstrates his technique for the bathroom trimming sequence. The penultimate extra is the Cheesy Wedding Video, which is a self-explanatory 3 minute mock montage from the film highlighting the most loved-up moments from the wedding day.

The final supplement is the 10 minute 'Nikki's Hollywood Journal' featurette, which follows Nikki Schieler Ziering (aka the stripper Officer Krystal in the film) as she buys clothes, goes to the gym and has herself beautified all in preparation for the world premiere.

Overall, these numerous extras are are well-suited to their audience, offering an excellent and humorous look into the making of the American Pie: The Wedding.

Feature 7/10
Video 8/10
Audio 7/10
Extras 8/10

Overall 8/10

DVD Bulletin

After finishing college Jim (Biggs) sees the next natural step in his relationship with Michelle (Hannigan) is to get married. After a rather public proposal, the two start to plan their dream wedding. With the help of Finch (Thomas) and Kevin (Nicholas), Jim hopes to get everything right for Michelle but when Stifler (William Scott) finds out that he is not included, he takes matters into his own hands by getting close to Michelle’s parents and her extremely attractive younger sister Cadence (Jones).

Most of the gang return for a third slice of American Pie and the jokes are as sordid and childish as ever.

Even though a lot of the cast are missing (Chris Klein as Oz, Shannon Elizabeth as Nadia, Mena Suvari as Heather and Tara Reid as Vicky), the key and best characters have returned for more fun with toilet, sexual humour. Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan are as good as ever as the hapless Jim and the nymphomaniac Michelle. They have excellent screen chemistry and have really grown into the roles. They are so well suited that you just can’t help smiling as you watch the two characters at the altar exchanging their vows. Seann William Scott and Eddie Kaye Thomas continue their mutual dislike of one another as Stifler and Finch. Fighting for the attention of Cadence, played by January Jones, Stifler and Finch go through a hysterical reversal of roles. Just imagine Stifler trying to be intelligent and you’ll get the picture. Thomas Ian Nicholas’s Kevin is still as uninteresting as ever, as the role is still seriously underwritten. Eugene Levy as Jim’s Dad steals the show again with some classic one-liners and his usual brand of advice.

The humour is as gross as ever and the comedic set pieces match the tone set by the previous movies. You know what to expect and the American Pie team deliver the goods, been the best exponents of the teen gross out comedy genre. But what sets these movies apart from the multitude of facsimiles that followed the original is the underlying themes that run through each film. The first covered sexual discovery and the second relationships, the third covers marriage, responsibility and finally growing up and again it does it really well. Credit has to go to the writer of all three movies, Adam Herz who has injected these elements of Jim’s life in between his usual disastrous escapades.

American Pie: The Wedding is as funny as the previous two films and a great conclusion to a very well written and acted series (Unless we get a fourth outing of course). While I would have liked to have seen a bigger bachelor party and had a better explanation why so many of the characters where missing in the plot, the remaining cast members more than made up the ensemble sort comings. Just put it this way, you will never eat a chocolate truffle again.

Star Rating = * * *

PICTURE & SOUND
Presented in Widescreen 2.35:1 Anamorphic with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, the transfer as with most modern films, is crystal clear and sounds superb. The colours are vibrant, especially during the wedding scene and the surround sound comes into its own during the ‘Nightclub Dance-battle’ scene.
This is also the Un-rated, extended version that is riddled with extra or extended scenes. Most are expanded character interaction but the highlight is the extra scenes in the Bachelor Party, which makes an already funny scene even more hysterical.

BONUS MATERIAL

Audio Commentary from director Jesse Dylan and star Seann William Scott
This is a very funny commentary from both the director and star. Director Jesse Dylan tries to talk about the more technical side of the filmmaking process but the constant gags and interruption for Seann William Scott turn this commentary into a fun, amusing insight into the movie.

Audio commentary from stars Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Eddie Kaye Thomas & Thomas Ian Nicholas

The best commentaries are one with groups of cast members and this is no exception. You can tell the four young stars have become firm friends over the last three movies, as there is a real sense of fun and mockery in their conversation, which you would only get among good mates. Some of Eddie Kaye Thomas’s (Finch) put downs and one-liners are priceless and Jason Biggs is a genuinely funny guy.

Deleted Scenes (22.09)

Twelve deleted scenes introduced by writer/producer Adam Herz and star Seann William Scott. Each of them gets an explanation why it was cut but you can honestly see why for yourself. The extended Blow-up Doll scene is a highlight however.

Outtakes (6.06)

Bloopers from filming which mainly feature Jason Biggs as Jim and Seann William Scott as Stifler. It makes you think that William Scott can’t help but laugh during every take.

Stifler Speak (7.15 mins)

Writer Adam Herz and Seann William Scott talk about everyone’s favourite foul-mouthed Jock, Steve Stifler. William Scott shows us behind-the-scenes footage of him improvising many of Stifler’s lines and Herz explains his joy at creating and writing the character. Seann William Scott’s first casting video is also included and the rest of the cast talk about living with Stifler.

Enter the Dominatrix: Inside the Bachelor Party (9.47 mins)

Ex-Playboy Playmate Nikki Ziering introduces a spicier behind-the-scenes featurette. From the writers coming up with all the crazy ideas to the actual filming, Nikki takes you on a tour of the set and all the props used in the outrageous scene. There is also a Finch cam, as Eddie Kaye Thomas walks around the set eyeing the girls and laughing at his friends.

Grooming the Groom (6.34 mins)

Star Jason Biggs discusses Jim’s region, as the hapless Groom gives himself a special haircut for his wedding night. We also go behind-the-scenes of the “Pube tornado”.

Cheesy Wedding Video (2.59 mins)

Behind-the-scenes of the wedding but filmed in a way to look like a stereotypical wedding video, right down to the awful backing music.

Nikki’s Hollywood Journal (9.54 mins)

The beautiful and funny Nikki Ziering’s video diary about how she prepared for the LA premiere of the movie. It includes trips to the gym, skin doctor, dress shop and of course hair and make-up.

OVERALL

With an extended version of the movie and some excellent bonus material, this is a must for all American Pie fans. The commentaries are very funny and the featurettes are a superb insight into the making of the film. Writer Adam Herz is the star of the show, as he speaks passionately about his creations and the sense of fun runs through every part of this DVD.

DVD Star Rating = * * * *

Jamie Kelwick

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