American Pie: Band Camp Review Score: 8/10 | Date Posted: December 25th 2005 In: DVD Reviews Starring: Tad Hilgenbrink, Arielle Kebbel, Jason Earles, Eugene Levy, Tara Killian Directed by: Steve Rash Released by: Universal American Pie: Band Camp Review by Ricky Smith | HNR Contributor Well if you left American Pie 3 saying that’s the end of the franchise! Look no further as the Direct-to-DVD future has arrived bringing us a forth installment of the classic teenage romp series. Before we begin, I want to say that I am a huge fan of the franchise, but AP3 left me with such a bad taste in my mouth; not only because of the story or the way it looked, but for what they turned Stifler into so I approached this film cautiously. I mean, why AP3 was not one big bachelor party, I’ll never know? But I thank the producers for Nikki Ziering. Anyways, on to the review. We pick up the film with Matt Stifler (Steve’s brother, no not the original in part 1) but newcomer Tad Hilgerbrick watching some of his big brother’s wannabe Girls Gone Wild videos. Seems as if Steve is no longer a PE teacher at East Falls High and is now some D movie filmmaker and as the case of many younger siblings wanting to emulate their older brothers, Matt is no different.. Upon their last day of Grade 11, Matt and his cronies decide to pull a prank on the band right before the closing ceremonies thus ruining Elyce’s Arielle Kebbell chance to showcase her conducting talents. In comes guidance counselor (I kid you not) The Sherminator. Yes Chris Owen comes in for a memorable cameo as Chuck Sherman “he’s been sent back in time to change the future for one lucky student.” (Dude, when we last saw you, you were upstairs about to give it to Nadia, now you’re a counselor? If he screwed that up he should be getting counseling, not giving it) Either way, because Matt messed around with the band, the Shermanator decides he’s sending Matt to band camp to see how hard they work and because it’s a convenient place for more hi-jinks to occur. Enter Tall Oaks Band Camp. Yes everything is the same as AP2 and it looks great. Matt has pre-ordered every single kind of video equipment available (not bad for 16 year old) and is going to make his bro proud by filming his own movie; Bandy’s Gone Wild. Upon his entrance to band camp he meets Elyce’s nemesis and leader of the Beachwood band; Brandon played by Matt Barr. Matt and him toss the Stifler F***face insults but it ends up with Elyce and Matt getting into trouble and are sent to the Macro (no idea what the hell this) which conveniently turns out to be Jim’s Dad. Yes it seems Jim and Michelle are about to become parents! And Jim’s Dad has nothing else do to (I still don’t know what a MACRO is) but apparently it’s Michelle’s old job. The next forty-five minutes are spent with usual plot points from most films. Girl and boy hate each other. Boy is too cool for band. Boy tries to impress girl and helps out band. Boy screws up and band turns on him. Looses girl. In amongst that are some really hilarious moments, however like AP3 it never hit its full comedic-potential. They had the usual “cameras” in the showers and a “Jim moment” when Matt makes love to a film instrument, but where the film excelled is actually trying to carve out a story, albeit a melodramatic story. Nonetheless, I give full credits to the filmmakers for not only making this film look and feel like the original two, but for having the courage not to rely on its predecessor for old jokes, plot-points or character duplication.. Band Camp stands on it’s own to feet, although shaky at times and exudes a confidence that it wouldn’t surprise me if it spawns a new franchise or series. Tad Hilgenbrick does an admirable job emulating a cult icon, but brings in his own characteristics and nuances to the Stifler brood which makes for a delight on screen. Eugene Levy is used well, maintaining a nice balance and we forget that he has absolutely no reason to be there! But are happy he is. The film itself is well shot and the story, although convenient at times, actually harbors a descent ending. I think a little effort developing the other characters would’ve enhanced the film, but again, we are watching it to get one more taste of the man we call Stifler! Even if it isn’t the original; it suites me just fine. Considering this is a low budget, direct-to-DVD feature I give it the highest marks for trying to diffrenitiate itself in a franchise that has it’s niche, as well, for the ability not to rely on T&A (although it’s there) and for actually carving out a storyline. The film does loose marks for the new lasting impression of The Sherminator (he should be in Uruguay with Nadia, fighting crime) and for not having enough T&A to suit the average male viewer…It, as in life, is all about balance.

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