American Pie Presents: The Book of Love (2009 Video) User Reviews

American Pie presents: Snore fest 2009

[Mash-the-stampede · 4/10 · 1 January 2010]

Hmmmmm.....it finally happened. The "American Pie" franchise got beaten to death, succumbing to it's inevitable demise with this tired, bored, stupified pathetic excuse for a film "The Book of Love".

Now before I go any further, I have to express that I am indeed an "American Pie" fan and enjoy all the films so far even the straight to DVD released ones of the past few years.

So naturally when I heard of the 7th film's release I was eager to sit back, relax and enjoy some more mindless potty humour and enjoy a few laughs....sadly, there were only a FEW laughs to be had as in I believe there were 2 scenes I found funny. I won't ruin those scenes for anyone who still feels the need to watch this film but I'll just say they involved a women's underwear department store and the other some old ladies false teeth!

The rest of the film relies on tired old jokes from the previous six films which by now aren't funny and are slightly altered to appear fresh and original but just end up falling flat and leave the viewer wondering if they were supposed to laugh or not.

The acting in this film is absolutely atrocious but no surprises there as the only relevant actors in the film were Rosanna Arquette and Eugene Levy who stole every scene he was in. Too bad his scene's were so short that his role was more like a cameo role which is a major shame but I guess this film was done on no budget and what little money they did have was used to pay Mr Levy for the one day of shooting he did for this film.

The characters this time round just weren't memorable and although I just watched the film lat night...I'm struggling to remember any one character's name!

The new "Stifler" was average too and without a string Stifler....what can you expect to get out of a so called "American Pie" film?

The film tries desperately to avoid boredom and throws in many pointless cameos from Hollywood Caleb's such as Bret Michals which just aren't funny!

I think I'll skip adding this one to my collection!

I'm nearly done complaining but before I wrap up....I would like to mention that it's a real shame this film is the one released 10 years after the original. If I was a rich Hollywood movie director/ writer...I would do a film about the original group getting together ten years later to celebrate their High School reunion! Think about how funny that film could be! See how all the characters turned out ten years after high school and what hilarious scenes could unfold if they all end up really drunk at their reunion? Will any old flames be re-ignited? Will Stifler still be an immature horn-bag? Will anyone shag a pie??? And the movie could be called; "American Pie: High School Reunion".

Now that sounds like an "American Pie" film that people would want to see!!!!

Please stop the straight to DVD releases!!!!

WORST American PIE

[anandaid · 4/10 · 5 December 2009]

this movie did not bring up to American pie standards the story line should have been looked at more carefully the actors for me should not have played the part, stifler is not a stifler if they want to make a new American pie again they need to bring up their A game like kicking off the actors and going back to Noah Levenstine's time when he was young because all the movies have pretty much said that he was a god. I watched the movie and after looking at stifler for the first time i knew this movie is the worst American pie, the story line had so much potential but they messed it up. This what happens now with movies now a days :(

I could feel my brain cells dying.

[electra_xan · 4/10 · 4 February 2010]

At first I thought it couldn't be much worse than the last one, but guess what! It was an even bigger waste of time. It's not the typical low-quality comedy that will at least make you laugh a bit and you will forget all about it as soon as it's over. It's more like a parody of the worst clichés ever. Only problem is it's not supposed to be a parody (or if it is they just didn't make it clear). It's something like the American Pie Paradox: the first 3 films set a really high standard (funny, original to an extend, well shaped action) and the ones that followed were more like a new low in the history of comedy. What surprised me was the fact that it was not even as bad as Naked Mile. At least there were a couple of funny lines and 3 or 4 funny scenes on that one. But this one? You can just leave the room for let's say 15' , come back and realize that you didn't miss anything at all. Total waste of time.

Rock bottom

[Sandcooler · 3/10 · 4 July 2012]

Dildo. If you're laughing hysterically right now, this is totally the movie for you. If not, "Book Of Love" is going to be a pretty tiresome ride. Nobody expects a great story when they see the "American Pie Presents" (what does that even mean?) moniker, but a little variation here and there would be pretty nice. I mean, come on. Another batch of hapless (not to mention unlikable) virgins getting into sexual misadventures? Another previously unmentioned Stifler cousin? Another utterly pointless appearance by Jim's dad? You know your plot elements are desperately uninspired when they make "Band Camp" seem fresh. The movie's also very unstructured, it's basically just a series of barely related sketches. Wouldn't be that much of a problem if the little vignettes were funny, but the supposed highlight of the movie consists of faux-Stifler getting raped by a moose. Creative stuff right there. The makers even seem fully aware they're making crap, but all they do to solve it is adding more frighteningly plastic boobs. This is just painful to watch.

awful

[Vr_Lux · 1/10 · 12 August 2011]

okay, I'll not beat around the bush here...

I am currently working on my laptop and this movie was just played on TV in the background. of course I saw the "moose" scene, which seemed to be a highlight of this movie. I directly zapped after this moment.

Let me tell you that this... "highlight" was actually pretty bad, the fun level was low, the CGI's were so cheap...it was just AWFUL !! Don't buy, rent or even watch this movie if you don't wanna be disgusted like me.

Just see the other reviews to understand what's going on here...I had even to cheat with the empty lines on this review to be approved, so I have nothing more to say about this crap.

The Book of Love Minus Love

[StevePulaski · 3/10 · 4 July 2010]

Yet another ridiculous American Pie spin off, unrelated to the first, that has now been spit into stores for kids to buy and call "the best movie ever". Just great. I always referred to these movies as "kid movies" because I find my friends liking the spinoffs more than the original three because of the excessive female nudity. Maybe we're heading down the sea of nihilism, I don't know.

We are enlightened to see that Bug Hall (The Little Rascals) plays the lead character in this mess, and I would just give the film one and a half stars for him and Eugene Levy, solely. He plays Rob a hopeless virgin along with his other friends Nathan (Kevin M. Horton) and Lube (Brandon Hardesty). While searching for the girl he likes, Rob accidentally sets the school library on fire in which he find the "Book of Love". Partly destroyed, it contains the tips and tricks on how to have sex and pleasure a women. The virgins are now on their quest to have sex and try gain girlfriends as well.

The plot, is rather stupid and just unappealing altogether. It's a typical late high-school plot in which you don't really care about. Yet again, no one returns from previous films, only Eugene Levy who must get paid a shiny new dime to keep returning in these films. He needs to get decent cut for what the franchise makes, otherwise, he would never in his life make such lackluster films.

I will go as far as saying I laughed in a few parts but like Richard Roeper stated, "One laugh every half an hour is not enough for me to recommend this...". The characters are mildly likable, but you don't really care what happens to them even though they are the protagonists of the film. The lackluster acting, the stereotypical objects disguised as girls, and the bad script and storyline is enough to bore you before the first thirty minutes have passed. Like I stated before, teens will like this for the nudity, but any self respecting fan will grow tired, weary, and be utterly repulsed by this loathsome filth disguised as pie. Next.

Starring: Bug Hall, Kevin M. Horton, Brandon Hardesty, and Eugene Levy. Directed by: John Putch.

An enjoyable film but is lacking the original touch

[alexander-george-1 · 6/10 · 12 December 2009]

So... this is the latest edition to the surprisingly long-lasting American Pie series. But what many people want to know is whether it is any good. It follows the plot of most teen-sex-comedies with a group of hopeless guys with their only ambition is to get laid. I know this plot seems overused (having been used in a lot of films) but I think that The Book Of Love brings a new take on it. As it comes to the conclusion that respect and love is the way to get sex.

Personally, I thought that it was an average comedy, having some funny moments but compared to other American Pie films the laughs were inferior.

You may say that the writer, David Steinberg, has lost his comedic touch with this movie compared to the all so superior American Pie 2. But I don't believe that this is so, because in my opinion, I think that the script was fine and that it was the some what mediocre actors who couldn't pull the jokes off. For example, Scott Stifler played by John Patrick Jordan was terrible compared to the other Stiflers. He just didn't seem to give off the vibe which Sean William Scott and others pulled off superbly.

But what this movie has compared to the other American Pie movies is the fact that the writers actually try to press the sensitive button, telling horny teenagers that showing love and respect for women will get you further in life. Which is very respectable in a sex comedy. This movie is nowhere near as good as the original American Pie movies but it is an advancement from the straight to DVD movies such as Band Camp (shockingly boring), Naked Mile (fun characters) and Beta House (completely ridiculous and OTT).

Overall, this is certainly worth a watch for any American Pie fan and as a teenager myself I would recommend to teenage boys for a bit of a laugh with your mates. Which brings me onto the question: Why has this been given an 18 certificate in the UK? To me this didn't seem to show anywhere near as much nudity and sexual content as the first two films in the series which were just 15's. But oh well, its the companies decision and there's nothing anyone can do about it. Enjoy the film!

Stupid, ridiculous and completely unfunny

[jacob-l-williams · 3/10 · 22 June 2010]

I didn't have high hopes for American Pie Book Of Love when I watched it, however I did expect like Naked Mile and Band Camp to be mildly amused for an hour and a half and for it to have a least some originality. However after the opening ten minutes I knew I had made a bad decision, the acting was horrible and all the jokes where either stolen from a previous American Pie film or just completely ridiculous... what is amusing about someone being raped by a moose? or killing an old lady?

The acting however was probably the worst part, with all the leads being so terrible that I won't even bother to look up their names, the stand out performance was by Louisa Lytton who comes from Eastenders, she had about ten lines but I was surprised how well she pulled off her character.

If you like unfunny, ridiculous, regenerated comedy then watch this film, however if you like funny and original (at the time) comedy watch the first American Pie or American Pie 2 as both of these are far far superior to the newest addition which barely deserves the American Pie name.

3/10

American Pie 7 still enjoyable

[collingwood · 7/10 · 11 December 2009]

Just as I love watching all the National Lampoon movies, American Pie movies although not as good as the first few, but still enjoyable to watch is The Book Of Love. Different actors and similar story line, but still titillating and got better as the movie went along. It's gone straight to DVD as it's not rated as going to be a huge movie, but for lovers of the previous ones, this is still good enough to enjoy. The harsh critics will hardly rate this movie, but for the average person who wants to escape and just watch for a bit of fun, they'll enjoy it more. It was a nice touch to see some old favorite actors from this genre included, such as Tim Matheson, C. Thomas Howell, Eugene Levy, Robert Romanus, Christopher Knight and Curtis Armstrong (Booger from Nerds). There are a couple of nice looking girls who will no doubt be appearing in future movies, Beth Behrs and Jennifer Holland. I'll be looking forward to the next American Pie when ever that might be.

Worst of all American Pie Parts

[riyazquest · 3/10 · 1 December 2009]

I saw this movie yesterday and i just wasted my 1:30 hr for watching this movie,u do not expect a great movie out of it but at least it should be a bit entertaining than the previous versions or par with the previous bone crackers.Actors are not at all good.Stifler(who has a bit of commanding role) is a complete waste in this movie,actors are not gorgeous or at least beautiful or at least pleasing,this version has severed the fame of American Pie brand and a huge disappointment to lot of teen comedy lovers.At least they should have repeated actors which may have made the movie a little bit dandy.So sit back and watch other movies instead of wasting your time and money on it.

I kinda thought it was Hilarious

[sadieonawire · 8/10 · 14 December 2009]

SO OK maybe its not your usual suspects from American Pie, buts its for a new generation of AP! I think that this movie was pretty funny I looked at some clips online and was LOLing I can't wait to see it...Brett Michaels is in it and he has a pretty funny part!!! I think the premise is the passing of the American Pie Torch to a new generation...this is why I think they went back to the roots of the Book of Love! they boys revamp it and make it new and relevant for today. Sure maybe the dialogue has more to do with getting laid then anything else and I am sure there are tones of topless bitties running around but I think The movie is Fun and not meant to be taken too seriously!

Below the usual par but still entertaining enough

[Gordon-11 · 8 December 2009]

This film is about three young adult men trying to score their first sexual experience.

"American Pie Presents: The Book of Love" is using the same jokes and humour from the previous American Pies, so it is pretty much running out on ideas. This time round, the filmmakers tried to blend in elements of "love and respect for the ladies" into the overwhelmingly carnal film. It is a welcoming change but it sounds quite out of place and very preachy.

I think "American Pie Presents: The Book of Love" is less entertaining than the previous straight to video American Pies, but it is still entertaining enough to be a brain off comedy.

Still entertaining

[davott11 · 7/10 · 27 October 2010]

Many of the reviews I have read suggest that this is a terrible movie and shouldn't really be watched under any circumstance apart from perhaps under torture. Having watched all the previous American Pie films and rather enjoyed them, I couldn't believe that an American Pie film could attract such negative comments so I decided to see what all the negative fuss was about.

Fortunately for all those American Pie lovers out there, this movie isn't actually that bad. Stifler was incredibly limited and instead of coming across as popular and slightly likable, he simply came across as a total idiot. Other than that, the three main characters were well acted and were surrounded by a cast of beautiful women so if you watch American Pie for the women, you will not be disappointed! The storyline was traditional American Pie and some of the humor was genuinely funny.

Although this film isn't quite as good as previous films, it is still worth watching if you just want to sit back and enjoy watching 3 clueless guys chase after topless women.

Irredeemably Bad!

[Darkside-Reviewer · 3/10 · 28 May 2021]

The first two minutes of this movie are so irredeemably bad that they make the opening scene from the original American Pie look dignified by comparison. The first three American Pie movie's are by no means cinematic masterpieces but they at least contained a cast of funny and likable character's who do eventually grow in maturity as the movie progressed.

America Pie: The Book of Love is one of the worst "comedy's" I have ever seen and that's coming from someone who grew up watching movies like Euro Trip, Road Trip, Scary Movie and Jackass.

When I sat down to watch this movie I was expecting to see some idiotic attempts at humour but what I didn't expect to see was a scene where a CGI moose violates a naked man over the hood of a car.

Seriously don't waste your time watching this movie it's neither funny or erotic unless you have recently sustained a massive head injury.

Doesn't deserve to be American Pie

[hugo93637 · 1/10 · 4 January 2010]

I fell this movie is so horrible i actually made an account here,which i previously did not have.I just have to say this movie is crap compared to the previous 6 movies.i have watched them all and have not been let down until his one.none of the actors were recognizable other than Eugene Levy, who was in the previous movies.and don't even get me started with Stifler.there was not enough of him even though there is no need for him because this "Stifler" is not good at all.This movie goes on my list of terrible comedies(Epic Movie and Disaster Movie included in list).There was not a single,i repeat,not a single moment in the movie where i actually laughed or had a smile on my face like the previous movies.I consider myself to have good taste in comedies so i might know what I'm talking about.But let you be the judge and don't take my word for it.But eh, id rather u take my opinion cuz u should not waste ur money on this crap. Maybe instead of hiring actors who don't deserve to be called actors,they should get the original crew to make another movie and catch up on Jim's marriage,Stiffler with Michelles sister,and Finch with the Fox aka Stifler's mom grawr. Thats pretty much it ladies and gentlemen.And by the way, screw 1 out of 10 stars,it 0 out of 10.

Why?

[adamstuartcox · 1/10 · 19 March 2012]

Seriously, who is paying to watch these things? This is the seventh American Pie film - despite the fact that any humour, charm or originality that the original had had run out about halfway through American Pie 2. The soft-core porn element is totally defunct in the internet age, and the plots have come to resemble episodes of Skins written by a Barbary macaque. In fact, Skins is worth mentioning - as it shows that teen comedies can actually be funny, well-written and intelligent. Compared to that, tripe like American Pie 7 is just insulting to teenage boys. Surely, this has to be the last of this franchise - I cannot understand why anyone would be paying money to watch or rent this tosh.

Squeezing the lemon out of the pie

[overlord_olsen · 3/10 · 8 June 2013]

Q: How many scenes with bare tits did we have on the number 6 of the American Pie squeeze-out? A: ehrm, five, mister money-making producer. Then make it seven in this thing! And make up something that can justify that we call it American pie!

And so it were. A truckload of breasts (not bad for a teen movie, I must admit. And I'm glad to see how they parted from the apparent"silicone only"-track from the earlier movies). And some vague connection to the infamous "Book of Love" and Jim's farther, the untireable Eugene Levy.

But what a weak film. Not worthy of the name, I must say. The laughs are all of the over-the-top style, which is very different from the earlier films, which were much more embarrassment-based, thus creating laughs alongside with building sympathy for the main characters. This is completely lost, and makes for 1 ½ hours + with seldom laughs and characters you don't care about.

Even spiked with a load of boobs, it's a cocktail not worth drinking.

Book of love? More like book of cliché... **may contain spoilers**

[lizwilder_1234 · 11 July 2011]

I'm sorry, but compared to all the other American Pie films, this was the worse. I didn't even think there was another American Pie film actually, i was just casually surfing the net when i found there was another American Pie film that had been made, so yeah... i checked it out. Oh god. Don't even bother. It's shocking and it doesn't live up to the American Pie name, in fact, they may as well have just called it 'The Book Of Love' instead of shaming the American Pie franchise. For one, the actors couldn't even act. Just a group of young students wanting to get 'laid', much like the first film, except they have a book of 'love' this time that Eugene Levy's character wrote (the only character from the original films) and, might i add, his character was just a writer's attempt at making it like the other films. It wasn't original, it was cliché, and to be honest, incredibly crap and unrealistic. For one, Stifler is locked outside in the snow and get's HUMPED, and i mean it, humped by a moose! If that's not bad enough, the moose doesn't even look like a moose. It just looks like some cheap animation some kids made and added for an attempt at 'humour'. I admit, there were some funny points and it did make me laugh once or twice... but if anything, i wouldn't bother with this film. Don't even go near it, it will not live up to your expectations of American Pie. Shockingly awful.

How is this the lowest graded spin-off?

[carlos37andre · 6/10 · 12 July 2020]

Seriously, I don't know if it's the fact I'm seen these movies in chronological order once again, and that due to the quality of the first three spin-offs plus this movie's grade here, my expectations couldn't be lower than they were, but I thought this was pretty decent! I truly think this is by a mile the best spin-off in the series, and I'll tell you why.

First, the characters, from good to bad, I truly thought Bug Hall did a good job here, he's good in the role, he's loud and funny when he needs to be, and honestly, I think he gives the best performance and has the most charisma of all the protagonists in the spin offs (you could probably argue for Tad Hilgenbrink in Band Camp, but the movie is so bad I can't even consider that...). I think Brandon Hardesty is... fine, I think he's "character arc" is kind of stupid, but still, he's doing ok with what he has. From the main characters, I truly just didn't like Nathan, I thought Kevin M. Horton was really bad in it, and well, we've seen this whole "girlfriend doesn't want to have sex" situation at least what? Twice in the series?

The girls are once again, there to be gorgeous, and talk about man, but AT LEAST, this time I thought most of them were actually acting just fine, Beth Behrs is probably the most successful in the whole cast, so I don't even have to talk about her (she's great), but even Jennifer Holland and Melanie Papalia I thought were good with what they had.

The new Stifler tho... my God, he's by far the worst one, he has no charisma, and he manages to be more of a impersonation of Seann William Scott than Matt was in Band Camp... and he's doing horribly in that too (his scene naked and been raped in the snow isn't funny at all as well). Anyways, he's probably my least favorite part of the entire film. Bad performance, bad character.

However, tho, I think the movie is for the most part pretty decent. As I said, it has a fine protagonist, and imo, it tries to bring something different to the series, besides repeating the same beats over and over again. Sure, it repeats beats (like the sex with a weird think), but it does some cool new beats, like the scene in the lingerie store, you start like "wait, that's too easy... oh, ok, I see". And the "come again" line is priceless. Even the Book of Love, I like how they came back to a small thing in the first film and explore it, and it was actually a fair argument to bring Eugene Levy back this time around (it actually makes sense!).

And you could say "wasn't that what they did int Band Camp?" and well... no it was not. In Band Camp they spend the whole film referencing stuff that happened before, bring us to a whole familiar scenario, but here, they just take an element from the first film, and give it a true back story (they don't even mentioned Kevin, and him having the book, we can just see small easter eggs).

Idk, the movie just feels more like a separated thing for most of it (besides all the Stifler stuff, for example), even the cinematography and direction I thought were way better than in the previous three. It doesn't feel like a made for TV film. Meaning it isn't cheap looking (like I feel the other three were).

Just to point out, some scenes I thought were truly funny and clever: The church scene is probably my favorite scene in the entire movie, it's such a clever bit, first with all those things they were talking to the mic while everyone was listening, and then the priest just cursing at the end, cause well... who gives a fu%$ right lol. The sex with the elderly woman is also funny, even tho is kind of gross, is one of the examples of "kind of doing the same bit, but innovating a little too", and it works.

And, of course, every scene Eugene Levy is in, is great.

It's also relevant to point out (I guess) that this movie kind of comes back to the nudity aspect the first three movies had, instead of been like Naked Mile or Beta House for example, and showing boobs for the sake of... well, showing boobs, it show us boobs, but it always seems like it makes sense, the nudity is kind of "earned" in a weird sense, idk if that makes sense.

Finally, I thought the soundtrack was good, I liked how they mixed new songs, and some old songs from the original movie in there, it fits well with the flow of the movie.

To sum up, I thought "American Pie Presents: The Book of Love" was a good movie, and it's definitely the best one in the spin off series, it manages to capture some of the feel from the original movies, and sure, it has some bad acting (like all the spin offs have), and some elements that could have been way better, however, the movie just feels to me like it's own think, it has its own voice, and isn't reeling on the original movies to work, reminding us every 5 minutes we are watching an American Pie movie. It's far from been perfect, but with a good performance from the lead actor, some really funny sequences, Eugene Levy, a good soundtrack, and just 93 minutes, it's far from been a bad movie either (I can't never complain about the boobs also, sue me).

6,5/10

Terrible excuse for using the «American Pie» name.

[even-larsen-204-913697 · 2/10 · 4 July 2018]

It was painfull watching. This Stifler character made me cringe so bad. With I didn't watch it

Not in the same league as the originals.

[stemelia21 · 6/10 · 26 December 2019]

This is a stupid film. Funny in parts but tries to hard to be like the originals. That being said it's watchable. Dont take it seriously from the out set and you'll get through it plus the countless female breasts throughout the whole film will help haha

Like weak coffee; the worst Pie - From a hardcore American Pie Fan

[boonzeet · 1/10 · 16 August 2011]

I'm disappointed in this movie.

main reasons:

• First 45 minutes of film can be skipped as the plot only starts strengthening towards the end

• Stupid, unfunny and needlessly sexual 'daydreams' of one of the characters.

• Characters names easily forgotten as barely mentioned.

• Stifler's actor did not understand what it was to be a Stifler. Stiflers are lovable idiots who have obvious flaws, this one was just a complete and utter arse and wasn't even remotely funny. Lines like "how about you blow me in (store name)", and the girls reply "sure", are just absolutely stupid.

• Stifler got raped by a moose.

• The girl's logic for nearly sleeping with Stifler was completely ridiculous, and Bug's character's ability to just accept this equally ridiculous.

• It just wasn't funny.

• Did I mention Stifler. Got raped. By a moose. Then released a song on iTunes named 'Moose D***'.

• Noel's role was pretty stupid and how he ditched his job to repair the book of love.

• Trying to be the same plot as the first film, sucking quite bad.

• The first film allowed you to connect with the characters and actually like them. I did not like any of these stupid characters.

Stupid garbage and a taint to the series.

Pros, and the bits I did like:

• The plot was actually a bit better towards the end

• There were 1 or 2 laughs.

• Seeing the credits roll made me very happy.

• It was nice having a non-American, the British girl.

• At least it had Noel Levenstein.

Unless you're a real American Pie fan, don't bother seeing this.

Funny, although you won't remember it after a couple of minutes

[Jackpollins · 8/10 · 9 February 2010]

As far as on again, off again film series go, American Pie has had its good and bad. I am pleased to say that the new installment in the series, The Book of Love is a perfect example of the good it has had. Splurging out new, young faces, such as Youtube star Brandon Hardesty and newcomer Kevin M. Horton, along with star of The Little Rascals movie Bug Hall. While all these fresh young faces make the film hilarious, the film is that much more funny with such classic faces as Eugene Levy & Rosanna Arquette. The film also features more than a handful of celebrity cameos ranging anywhere from Dustin Diamond to C. Thomas Howell to Bret Michaels. The film starts out with a semi-socially awkward teenager named Rob (Bug Hall) with his equally socially awkward friends Nathan (Kevin M. Horton) & Lube (Brandon Hardesty, who steals every scene of the film that he's in). When Rob floods the library, he must clean up and finds the legendary sex bible the high school they attend has. The book has been hidden under the book shelf and has water damage, so it is up to him and his friends to rewrite the famous book of love. While the film is predictable with typical situations and you won't remember for more than a couple of minutes after the final credits role, it's actually surprisingly extremely funny when you're watching it and definitely worth a shot.

A fairly watchable reboot...

[thomasspencer · 6/10 · 11 August 2011]

Although this is often regarded as a spin off, I feel it would be more truthful to call it a reboot. Well, that's what it feels like anyway.

The first three spin offs focused completely on the Stifler family. Whilst Band Camp was a good effort with some promise, Naked Mile and Beta House just felt cheap, lacklustre and extremely stupid. It was because of these two, I felt, that made it necessary to bring the franchise back to basics. And due to 'Reunion' not beginning production until a year later, 'The Book of Love' does just that.

First of all, I must say that the casting for this film worked relatively well. Of course, the characters were no where near as great as the original cast but they are in fact memorable in there own little ways. Bug Hall, who plays a Jim like character, feels extremely natural and actually pulls off a very likable performance. Brandon Hardesty, fresh from YouTube fame, is good but I feel he could have been used far more comically. He has shown a vast amount of talent for anyone who has viewed his You Tube re-enactment videos and he just falls in this picture a tad in the 'he's just there' category. Kevin M. Horton is comedy gold, a key scene in my mind is shortly after a mishap in a burlesque house, but I do feel he over acts just slightly. It doesn't necessarily distract you from the film but his performance just isn't as natural as Hall's. The female cast all have fairly standard performance's with none jumping out as memorable. However, Louisa Lytton, fresh from Eastender's, just feels unnecessary and out of place. Eugene Levy still stands strong with some real funny lines and scenes in this particular instalment but that's what we come to expect from the 'Pie' veteran. A lot of people have a problem with John Patrick Jordan as Scott Stifler. Although it definitely wasn't a good performance, it wasn't unbearably bad. He is only a re-occurring character which means that you don't necessarily have to withstand him for too long of a scene. Also, I felt that people may have been slightly unfair towards his portrayal. In my opinion, it's a fresh family member of the Stifler family and is actually deliciously dark as well. He seems ever-so-slightly more smug and plotting than other Stifler's possibly because he's quite literally high strung due to his name's legacy. However, I digress.

The plot is standard teen film. Three high school friends look to get laid and get into all kinds of blunders doing so. There's a nice nod to the main franchise with 'The Bible' element as well as a few references to past characters. Whilst not overly different from your standard teen comedy, it does do it's job well and offers up quite a few laughs along the way.

Despite this, there are a few shortcomings that can hinder your enjoyment. There are a few scenes in which CG is used and when it is, it's horrible. It literally looks like it was pulled out of a badly designed Playstation 2 game. Also, some plot lines seemingly come out of no where such as Jennifer Holland's character's frustration at being thought of as a 'trophy'. Another criticism would be that whilst the three leads all offer good chemistry and performances, there friendship seemed undeveloped. We didn't see enough scenes of the three just hanging out or having a laugh.

Overall, if your looking for a cheap rental comedy then perhaps pick this one up. You might find it enjoyable. If your a fan of the American Pie series but felt that Naked Mile and Beta House left you with a bad taste in your mouth, much like me, there is enjoyment and hilarity found in this film somewhere. If you preferred the preceding two then this sort of film probably isn't your cup of tea. However, I found it likable, funny and in some areas moving but was too full of those little flaws to make it a classic teen comedy.

Dreadful-Didn't make me laugh once

[mrkangaroo999 · 1/10 · 16 July 2012]

I won't talk about the dreadful plot, just talk about why this movie is so bad. Just stick to AP, AP2, AP3TW, APTR, as those are the only decent (and true) American Pie movies. This movie was terrible, and it seems like the writers wanted to show off their sexual knowledge, rather than focusing on actual humour. The only real American Pie character in this movie is Noah Levenstein(Jim's Dad), portrayed by Eugene Levy.

I don't like this movie one bit, despite being a massive comedy fan. The original, proper American Pie movies are far superior, and even The Naked Mile was better than this piece of-(insert profanity). If you know what's best for you, stay away from this.