This second direct-to-video instalment in the American Pie
series again features Levy doing the same old schtik as ‘Jim’s Dad’ –
the breakout character of the 1999 original whose since become a staple
in the series (Whether it calls for him or not). Thing is, and in this
case more than ever, his character has about as much to do with the
film as a pastry chef does tomato soup. “I’ve nothing to do with
whatsoever”, Levy’s character says in the film. He’s of course
referring to the ‘Naked Mile’ run that the film fixes on, but it’s a
statement that fits just as beautifully to the his importance to the
film. Granted, Levy’s only here because well, none of the other
original stars [of the first three, theatrically-released, films] cared
to return. And when Thomas Ian Nichols is knocking back roles, you’ve
gotta wonder what blend captain eyebrows was smoking when he read the
script. Bottom line : This is a stinker, whoever signed up must’ve been
on drugs at negotiation time – hard drugs. In this one, Erik Stifler, cousin of the infamous rowdy boys Steve (from American Pie 1-3) and Matt (from American Pie : Band Camp),
is struggling to live up to his family name. In short, he’s a nerd.
Doesn’t help matters much that he’s never had sex either. In an effort
to pop his cherry and experience the wild life, he joins two buddies
for the annual ‘Naked Mile’ run that’s being held at his cousin
Dwight’s college campus. Its there that Erik gets his first serious
taste of boobage. Oh, and where does Levy come into it? Well, of
course, he just happens to 1) attend the same Yoga class as the one
that the lead character's girlfriend does and, b) is the surprise host
of the 'Naked Mile' college run. What was so great about American Pie
is that it was much more than just a teenage sex comedy with bare asses
and crude humour – it was smart. It was genuinely funny, too. For every
gross-out gag, there was an amusing line to go with. Naked Mile
is as far from that genuinely enjoyable film as you could possibly
imagine. Gone is the plot, underlying messages about friendships and
relationships, and witty humour, and in its place pure smut. Yep, tits
… but little else. In 1984, there was a place for films like this. In
2006, the only place for it is on cable TV.
EXTRAS Director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz
provide an insightful and very honest – Donner is understandably and
obviously rather hurt still, by what happened way back when, and isn’t
afraid to let it rip. For instance, he refuses to name ‘Richard Lester’
by name but sours at watching one of “his” scenes – commentary for the
film, that’s worth listening to once you watch the film with its
soundtrack. Other extras include an introduction to the film by
Donner, a featurette about how the restored version came about, and an
option to view the ‘new’ scenes on their own. Conclusion:
Movie: 10%% Extras: N/A
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