National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002)
There’s really only one reason to see “Van Wilder:”
Ryan Reynolds. Well, if you’re straight there are three
reasons, Ryan Reynolds and Tara Reid.
Reynolds made a small name for himself on ABC’s
“Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place” (later the pizza
was dropped). In that small screen venue, he was able
to hone the comedic skills that have made him the new
generation’s best hope for comedic genius. I can see
him at the level of Jim Carrey or Robin Williams one
day. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he’s cute as fuck
too.
Reynolds has a very subtle comic wit and a sense
of timing that makes him much more sharp and intuitive
than other, younger comedians. He’s personable, charming
and quite smart.
“Van Wilder” (a film that Artisan presumable paid
National Lampoon to add their name to the title) may
not be the best movie ever made, but it has some really
hilarious gross-out jokes that are sure to evoke laughs.
Yes, hopefully this film will end the already dog-tired
genre (that’s a joke if you see the film) of gross-out
comedies that the Farrelly Brothers are now so sorry
for starting. To put it in place: “Van Wilder” is funnier
than “Tomcats” but only by a smidge. It’s tons better
than “Say It Isn’t So” but nowhere near the level of
the “American Pie” films.
Yes, there are fart jokes, shit jokes, masturbation
jokes, cum jokes, gay jokes and sex jokes galore. This
is a junior high school boys’ laugh riot. But through
it all, Reynolds and Reid elevate the film just a tad
above the base humor to bring us a sweet love story
and two characters that it is almost impossible not
to like.
Oh yes, this is a stupid film. Critics will love
raking it over the coals. Critics, for the most part,
are a bunch of humorless virgins, though, so what the
fuck do they know? If you’re looking for some stupid
larfs, you can’t beat “Van Wilder…” at least for a while.
The centerpiece cum joke scene alone is worth the price
of admission.
Notes:
Also with Edie McClurg (in a tiny, tiny role),
Paul Gleason, Tim Matheson, Curtis Armstrong, Tom Everett
Scott, and Eric Estrada (as himself in a cameo).
Also known during production as “Van Wilder” and
“Van Wilder: Party Liaison.”
Filmed in Reynolds hometown of Vancouver, British
Columbia in Canada.
Reynolds’ aficionados may also remember him from
Canadian TV’s “Fifteen,” a junior high soap that Nickelodeon
aired in the states a few years back.
Director Walt Becker (not of Steely Dan fan, I
presume) has a movie called ”Buying the Cow” that ended
up on the shelf when Destination Films went belly-up.
Reynolds also has a role in that film.
|
Report
Card
Script:
C-
Acting: B+
Cinematography\Lighting: C-
Special Effects\Make Up: C-
Music: F
Final
Grade: C+
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