If there was every a movie that defined our generation, it would be American pie. The insight into our superficially myopic view on life, largely motivated by sexual exploration of promiscuity hit the nail a on the head. I remember it clearly. Freshman year of high school the first American Pie came to viewers everywhere, loathed by the critics, unanimously relished by the teenage nation.
Many may disagree, but I mark this movie as a shift in cinematic humor. It swung for the fences, allowing humorous situations stand for themselves, without feeling the need for bombastic deadpan banter. A film ubiquitous with middle America, cul-de-sac's, unbuttoned flannel shirts, and heinously amorphous skateboard shoes. It, like many hit movies, was quoted into oblivion, causing many, such as myself, to put this one on the shelf for awhile. Other movies that have joined it are: Old School, Anchorman, and pretty much any movie from the Frat pack. I guess that's the risk you run when you write a screenplay complete with pleasurably quotable aphorisms.
The best way to ruin a good movie is to over quote it. Do people really assume that their tone and mannerisms will thwart those of the highly paid actors that comprise these films? Leave the acting to the professionals, we've all undoubtedly seen these movies anyway. The reason I still love this movie is, because it's a constant reminder of the anticipation felt before an illicit soiree, the zeal of the first sexual encounter, and all the painfully awkward situations that come to fruition in the search for personal identity.
There's no question, this film was cheesy and hyperbolic at times, complete with monologues packed with verbiage most high school students will never fully comprehend. It was a film that gave hope to everyone, the jocks, the social pariahs, and yes even the average guy still clutching to his sexual innocence. You'd be hard pressed to meet someone that hasn't seen this movie and found some way to enjoy it. It'll be considered part of the cinematic cannon in the years to come, joining the coterie of movies, such as Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink, films of teenage angst the generation before us looked to for social constructions, dictating appropriate youth behavior in all it's capriciousness. A classic it may not be, excuse my inclination to over do it.
These films possess far more influence than most understand. As a student of media, fully equipped with a journalism degree, I've seen the results of this social experiment. Even in college, rarely a night would go by that a drinking bout wouldn't incorporate some type of botched cinematic quotation, indubitably culminating with the imbibing of some alcoholic concoction. I did my best to refrain from being one of these vapid souls and simply reverted back to "cheers." Claiming these movies didn't alter my own behavior would be an utter lie, so I won't do that. American Pie also did a superb job of choosing accompanying music, the songs to this day, envoke a stream of emotions and a montage of girls, drinks, and nights long past. No Apologies, I Don't Think Before I Speak
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