Five Film Facts: 'American Reunion'

Can you believe it's been 13 years since "American Pie" forever ruined apple pie for the rest of us? The film franchise that took gross-out humor to some of its most-unappetizing depths is back for more. And for the first time since "American Pie 2" (2001), the whole crew is returning for the fun, including Jim, Michelle, Oz, Choir Chick, MILF Guy No. 2, Stifler, and even Stifler's mom. We know we can expect more bawdy antics when our old friends return for East Great Falls's "American Reunion," but here are five fun facts you may not know about the film.

Don't Call it a Comeback
Playing the part of the no-longer virginal Vicky in the first "Pie" made Tara Reid a huge star, so much so that strangers would regularly share their own first-time stories. Thirteen years and a few bad choices later, Reid's popularity had somewhat waned. So when she showed up to the "American Reunion" premiere, looking every bit the vision in white, many tabloid and gossip sites went gaga, saying that Reid is making her big comeback in this film. But Reid insists that's not the case. When asked if she's back for good, the actress replied, "I've never been away, but yeah, hopefully."

Harold & Kumar Connection
Writers/directors Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg were huge fans of the franchise, especially "American Pie" (1999). In fact, they liked John Cho's character so much they wrote an entire screenplay because of him: "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" (2004). Hurwitz explains: "It's crazy, because John Cho only has one memorable line in the first movie. He's just like, 'Dude! That chick's a MILF!' … That's all it took for us to fall in love with him. We wrote an entire movie because of that one little line." Cho, who plays Harold in all three "Harold & Kumar" movies, returns for the reunion to play the part of MILF Guy No. 2. The film also features two more "Harold & Kumar" veterans: Eddie Kaye Thomas, as Finch, and Neil Patrick Harris as the host of "Celebrity Dance-Off."

Caught With His Pants Down
Because "American Pie" set the bar so high (or low) when Jim (Biggs) abused a warm apple pie, star and executive producer Biggs kept pushing Hurwitz and Schlossberg to create something just as memorable for the reunion. Biggs gave the filmmakers carte blanche to come up with the set piece. The filmmakers came up with a bit in which Jim gets caught by his young son, literally with his pants down. As luck would have it, the scene was filmed on Alyson Hannigan's first day back on set. "Yeah, it was like, 'Welcome back to the franchise, Alyson! Here's my penis!'" adds Biggs.

Mrs. Robinson's Roommate
In one of the most unlikely and memorable love stories in cinema history, Paul Finch (Thomas) falls hard for his buddy Stifler's mom (Jennifer Coolidge). Oddly enough, after filming wrapped on the first film, Thomas needed a place to crash, so Coolidge let him stay at her house. "He was this young, very pale kid. Now, he isn't pale. All the boys are going to some Hollywood trainer. They all look like a million bucks. ... [Thomas] was this sort of eccentric kid who read a lot of books when he lived at my house. I don't think Eddie's picked up a book in …. No, I'm joking," Coolidge said. No word on whether or not there was a pool table at Coolidge's home.

Feels Like the First Time
It was vital to the filmmakers that all the stars and many of the bit players return for the reunion. Considering it's been 13 years since the first "Pie," it's amazing that the whole crew not only agreed to do the film, but also were able to coordinate their schedules to do so. Upon reuniting, it was just like old times. "Once we were all back together and seeing everyone, it didn't take long for us. It was like, 'Oh right. I do this, and then [Jason] Biggs does something ridiculous and embarrassing and then Seann [William Scott] hits me in the balls and then we make a bunch of money at the box office,'" says Eddie Kaye Thomas.