Nothing has changed since high school for ‘American Pie’ crew

The gang returns to wreak havoc on East Great Falls High again… “American Reunion”

Directors: Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg 

Starring: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott

Grade: C+

The gang returns to wreak havoc on East Great Falls High again in the newest installment of the “American Pie” series.

“American Reunion” brings back the original lineup for a more adult-themed film that attempts to divert from their previous installments in an old-fashioned ’90s nostalgia fest before throwing in the towel.

The class of 1999 returns to East Great Falls High for the always important 13-year reunion with each of the characters bringing their real-world baggage to town.

Jim and Michelle Levenstein (Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan) struggle to balance raising their child and keeping the passion in their love life. Their issues are illustrated by a hilarious opening scene that remains true to the franchise’s crude past while still serving a purpose for the plot.

Stifler (Seann William Scott) is still as chauvinistic and homophobic as ever — except without personal gratification and a crown of popularity to excuse his behavior. Although the new, sad version of Stifler detracts from the movie’s humor, he sums up the film’s intent simply when describing the reunion weekend as a chance to “party together and do all of the same s**t.”

The group members don’t have any purpose at the reunion besides increasing the movie’s attraction. Chris and Kevin (Chris Klein and Thomas Ian Nicholas), have less-than significant others and work in careers of little plot importance. Their minor unhappiness issues are resolved through reconnecting with their first loves.

“American Reunion” struggles with a difficult question of self-identity throughout the film — what do they do with a teen, sex comedy without teens or sex? The movie flounders as it attempts to grow in maturity while still making room for masturbation jokes.

A glance at the bands comprising the soundtracks of the three prior “American Pie” movies is all that viewers need to understand the issues with the franchise’s newest installment, “American Reunion.”

While bar bands and ’90s rock compilations routinely feature Tonic and Third Eye Blind songs, few would shout for the groups’ most recent singles at concerts. Eventually, people just want them to play the hits.

A strong point of “American Reunion” are the scenes between Jim and his father, played by Eugene Levy. The awkward banter and comedic timing between Jim and his father remain hilarious and satisfying, regardless of the topic.

But “American Reunion” is determined not to let those icky, modern-day character conflicts developed in the prior two-thirds of the movie spoil the reunion party. The film derails faster than Woodstock ’99.

Cliche songs of the ’90s play, insignificant and minor characters from the previous movies return and everyone leaves the reunion party happy, except for audience members who expect “American Reunion” to add anything new to the saga.

In its best moments, the “American Pie” movies provided a slice of life for suburban American teen culture in the late ’90s. The franchise’s ability to connect with young Americans from that generation is the only explanation for a series reboot.

Unfortunately, the sincere moments in “American Reunion” are too few and the nostalgic pandering too plentiful for the movie to be a success.