Reel Critics -- JOHN DEPKO

Thankfully, there are no scenes involving the bizarre use of pies in

“American Pie 2.” But like the first movie, the story revolves around the

sex-obsessed world of its teenage characters. This movie is an endless

stream of sexual situations, sexual mishaps, sexual turnabouts, sexual

sight gags and sex jokes. While right in line with other teenage

gross-out films, this one is very funny at times without being

mean-spirited, in spite of its focus on adolescent humor.

Jason Biggs returns as Jim and manages to endure several moments of

supreme embarrassment and humiliation for comedy’s sake. There are lots

of homophobic and politically incorrect scenes involving both sexes. But

there is a softer edge to this movie as well, that even allows for a

sweet romance to be part of the otherwise crass plot.

Allyson Hannigan is Michelle, the lovable but nerdy girl who offers to

educate the inexperienced Jim in the ways of seduction. Her simple

kindness eventually steals the show from the hot babes and horn dog guys

who inhabit the rest of the raunchy story.

But the real value of this movie may be in showing parents how far we

have gone in determining what is acceptable viewing for teenagers. Though

played for laughs, the teens’ understanding of adult sexual matters is

clear and explicit. What might be a good chuckle for the kids could be a

real eye-opener for Mom and Dad. And brace yourself for more like it. The

first movie made $150 million, so there will certainly be “American Pie

3” and beyond.

* JOHN DEPKO, 48, is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator

for the Orange County public defender’s office.