Van Wilder
An essential part of a college student's experience is watching campus comedies. These types of movies depict a less realistic view of college life, but they sure can be funny! Focusing less on studies and more on partying & getting into trouble, this sub-genre shows students what they could be doing with their temporary independence. National Lampoon's Animal House is the undisputed classic college comedy; Revenge Of the Nerds and Dead Man On Campus have also inspired many laughs. In early 2002, National Lampoon again blessed college students with Van Wilder, a film that celebrates the Big Man On Campus and could be the funniest movie of the year.
Van Wilder (Ryan Reynolds) is cool incarnate. He's been going to college for seven years but had made an academic effort for only half of that time. Afraid of turning out like his work-oriented father, Wilder spends his time having fun instead. He even hires a personal assistant to perform various duties that he doesn't want to do.
When Wilder Sr. gets tired of wasting money on tuition for his lazy son, Wilder is left to find a way to raise it himself. Meanwhile, down-to-business Gwen Pearson (American Pie's Tara Reid), a school-newspaper reporter, is doing a human-interest story on Wilder. She portrays him as a party-throwing expert. Soon, the nerd fraternity hires Wilder to put on a party that would help them get laid like the cool guys. Wilder sees a way to use his party skills to raise tuition money. Everything seems to be working out for the lead character. Unfortunately, Gwen's boyfriend loathes Wilder and looks for ways to bring about his downfall.
There are many scenes in Van Wilder that had me laughing to the point of hyperventilation. Most notable are the interviews Wilder conducts with assistant wannabees, the introduction of the Indian foreign-exchange student who is chosen to be Wilder's assistant, The Topless Tutors, and a scene in which someone's protein drink is spiked with laxative, ala Dumb & Dumber.
Casting unknown Reynolds as the lead was a gutsy decision, but it worked out well. Reynolds is handsome, moderate and charismatic; one could easily believe why his character Wilder would be popular. Since we're on the subject of casting, let's talk about Tara Reid. One could look at her for a second and comment on her beauty, but there's more to her. Reid injects Gwen with character, no pun intended. Gwen doesn't give in to Wilder while researching her story; in fact, she doesn't think much of her subject until she gets to know him.
I wasted money renting Van Wilder; I should have bought it first. The unrated 2-disc DVD has deleted scenes, outtakes, a music video and other goodies. Don't miss out on a well-done college comedy, ever. Let's put it this way: If you like the tales the collegestories.com editors post, you'll enjoy Van Wilder.
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Several party scenes will motivate you to drink up, but be careful not to piss all over yourself.
This film alone won't ignite any sparks; however, a shared interest in sexual humor is a bonus in a relationship.
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Related Articles:
1) Animal House
2) American Pie
