American Pie 2 (2001)

Describing most of American Pie 2’s big jokes would get this website grounded, so trust me: they’re the same jokes as last time, just louder and with a lake view. The guys rent a beach house for one last summer, and the plot is a to-do list of embarrassing situations for Jim to stumble into. Jason Biggs is still a gifted human cringe, and he commits like his career depends on it. The surprise is Alyson Hannigan. Jim’s trip to band camp to get dating advice from Michelle turns into the only part of the movie with real feelings, and the two of them are honestly sweet together. Eugene Levy is again the MVP, a dad so supportive he makes every room shrink. It made $287.6 million worldwide on a reported $30M. A 3.7 because a sequel that only repeats itself is a rerun with a bigger budget. $99.18 says you pass a house painter on a ladder this summer and wonder if he’s secretly saving up for a lake party.

What works: Alyson Hannigan and Jason Biggs have a genuinely sweet friendship, and Eugene Levy is still the funniest dad in comedy.

What doesn’t: It recycles the first movie’s embarrassment gags at a higher volume, and most of the gang has nothing new to do.

Who it’s for: Fans of the first one who want one more summer with the same guys and don’t need any surprises.