Please note that this film is available in two versions - the "R" version that appeared in theaters, as well as an "unrated" version. Both versions are rated "14A" in Canada.

American Pie's story is criminally simple: Four high school senior boys are convinced that going to college as virgins is akin to a death sentence. "They'll have special dorms for guys like us!" one exclaims. So they all agree to fix the problem, and the best opportunity is the annual high school party and drunk-fest known as prom. Of course, they need some girls to make this work, and the film contributes specimens that would keep any guy's fantasies up all night.

The boys rove the high school like heat-seeking missiles looking for any likely target that will help them reach their goal, resulting in many descriptive sexual conversations. Observing their exploits, we are party to scenes involving male and female masturbation (the latter with nudity), oral sex, and sexual intercourse.

The girls' parts are coyly written attributing them with the ultimate power that will enable the guys to meet their goal. So coy, in fact, female audiences may miss the point that although the female characters get to pick the perfect time, they still all submit in the end.

Originally given an "NC-17" rating that wouldn't allow any teens to see the film (even with parents), American Pie required four sets of cuts to achieve an R-rating from the MPAA in the U.S. Even this rating prohibits U.S. teens from seeing the film without an adult--so why is this film about teens aimed at teens?

Perhaps a comment from 29-year-old producer Chris Weitz in a recent interview for the July 16, 1999 Entertainment Weekly can answer that question. He giddily speculates that, "[The teens] will definitely find a way to get in." He even goes as far as suggesting that they could buy tickets to a G-movie and then go to American Pie in the same theater.

With American Pie's video release, Universal Studios decided to provide the R-version along with a second "unrated" version that includes the front cover message "UNRATED: The version you couldn't see in theaters". I can only assume the cuts made to achieve the R-rating are now replaced, which means this is essentially an "NC-17" movie, aimed directly at teenagers.

For Canadian families, the problem is even worse. The CMPDA (Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Association) has branded both versions as "14A," meaning in their opinion, this film is suitable for teens over 14 while those under 14 should watch with an adult.

American Pie may only illustrate the fantasies of Adam Herz, the 26-year-old screenwriter, and 29- and 33-year-old co-producers Chris and Paul Weitz. But, they have been given license to portray these obsessive sexual habits and perversions in front of the audience most likely to sex-ceed, our teenagers.

Talk about the movie with your family...

If any of your children have seen this movie, be aware that sexual behaviors and values have been portrayed, at times with nudity, that may not meet your family's standards and expectations. Topics of discussion you may want to consider would include your feelings about sex outside of marriage, the idea of using sex as a recreational diversion, and the effects of alcohol on our abilities to make important decisions. You may also want to discuss masturbation, oral sex, and the use of objects to create sexual pleasure. All these topics (and more) are explored in this film.

Rod Gustafson

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