American Reunion

Release Date: Apr 06, 2012 

Runtime: 1 hr. 53 min. 

Director: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg 

Cast: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Eugene Levy, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, John Cho, Jennifer Coolidge.

In 1999, one movie changed the fate of baked goods forever. Raunchy, uncensored, and crudely entertaining, "American Pie" helped pave the way for teen comedies alike; including two moderate sequels, and the rather unmentionable direct-to-dvd's. But like most things you own in high school, you tend to outgrow them, and that's exactly what happens here in "Reunion." Despite thirteens years in between the first film and now, the characters and scenarios really haven't changed much. Jim is still getting caught in compromising positions, and Stifler is still...well, Stifler. It's the nostalgia that draws you in, but ultimately lets you down, like a long-running gag that's tirelessly been depleted. With familiar antics and lewdness as before, the sequel loses any form of novelty the fourth time around. This is keeping in mind the return of the entire cast, many of whom were absent in the last two rounds. Fortunately, as it's worth mentioning, Eugene Levy as Jim's dad continues to be the comic scapegoat. His unconventional fathering methods have always been the highlight of the "Pie" series, and the same can be said for this entry. If we've learned anything from his words of wisdom, it's that everything happens naturally. And likewise, this franchise has essentially run its course.

Rating: 2 stars

The Cabin in the Woods

Release Date: Apr 13, 2012 

Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min. 

Director: Drew Goddard 

Cast: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford.

It begins with a cabin. Throw in five susceptible college kids in a remote location and you have yourself a template for most prototypical horror films of Hollywood past. Only, this isn't your typical horror flick. And this is no ordinary cabin. Rather, it's a homage/breakdown of oldies and favorites combined, with predictability being further from the truth. From the inventive minds of first-time director Drew Goddard and producer Joss Whedon, comes a reimagined storytelling that bends the genre unlike any other. To expect the unexpected is a voluntary prerequisite, but to interpret the hidden layers is a gratifying experience all on its own. Recognizable inklings and characters are but a small fraction of the bigger, more stimulating picture that lies ahead. And with it comes an appreciation of thinking outside of the metaphorical 'cabin.' That's not to say that the flaws are irrelevant in relation to the content. Contrary to the trailer, "Cabin" draws more chortles than frights, which in turn may disappoint horror seekers expecting thrills. In addition, the ending twist may not be the most ideal way to go after an ingenious premise that defies our ability to speculate. But twist, it will, for you'll surely be left befuddled; because you know a movie's done its part when the only word you can think of at the end of it is, "interesting."

Rating: 4 stars