Im thinking I need to be a Journalist for the Financial Times to get an overall Exceptional rating, ...
Im thinking I need to be a Journalist for the Financial Times to get an overall Exceptional rating, hard to please people on here...
Member since:11.07.2008
Reviews:40
Members who trust:3
Introduction -
My friend Tim introduced to the film, he clearly had a misconception about what University (English version of College) would be like, turns out his false ideas all spawned from one film, Van Wilder: Part liaison. The film was released in 2002 as a comedy and was directed by Walt Beckers.
The lead male role is played by Ryan Reynolds, an at the time fairly new actor who has since continued to play similar comedy based roles in films such as 'Just Friends'. Tara Reid plays the lead female role, best know for her performances in the American Pie films and Cruel Intentions.
Plot -
The film starts as it means to go on, we see Vance (Van) Wilder (Ryan Reynolds) standing with an old Chinese lady kneeling down in front of him, but we only see the top half of her head. Accompanying this rather suggestive scene are some even more suggestive sucking sounds, all is revealed however when the screen pulls back and we see her measuring his leg to adjust his trousers and sucking a lollipop. I knew straight away I was in for a good show.
We immediately see that Van is an incredibly popular and highly respected young man; he has been at Coolidge College for seven years and in that time has made quite a name for himself. He is so popular he even has assistant auditions; the lucky candidate gets to help Van with the planning of fundraising events for charity, parties and Vans general admin. After sampling all Coolidge has to offer Van still hasn't found a worthy assistant, enter Taj Mahal Badalandabad (Kal Penn). Taj at first appears to be a 'shy' foreign exchange student from India, but after a few questions we find out he is on a mission to 'get
laid' and have a good time, just the kind of man Van wants.
Van has actively avoided trying to graduate for the simple fact that he enjoys it too much; however, after paying for Van's college fees for seven years his dad pulls the plug on the funds, in order to stay Van must raise the money himself. After being approached by a group of geeks to arrange a party for them for $1000, he sees he could use his talent of arranging amazing parties to raise the four payments of $5000 he needs to stay at Coolidge.
While all this is going on, Gwen Pearson (Tara Reid), star reported for the college newspaper has been asked by her editor to write an article on Van. Her first one is so popular she is asked to do a follow up; unfortunately being the smooth guy Van is he sees her attempts at meetings to be romantic dates, much to her initial distaste. Her current boyfriend Richard (Dick) Bagg (Daniel Cosgrove) is busy preparing for medical school, leading the Delta Iota Kappa (DIK) fraternity and now disapproves of Van's intentions; he takes an immediate dislike to Van and the conflict beings.
From then on the two are in a constant struggle to both keep their dignity and Tara's attention; the pranks they pull grow increasingly extreme and are hilarious to watch. I won't tell you any more because I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise.
My Opinions -
The casting for the film was spot on and is the reason for the films success, the role of Van was made for Ryan and he performs it brilliantly. Ryan has a natural charisma that seems to make everyone around him happy, and those watching him smile. After watching the film I thought to myself, 'I wonder if anyone like Van actually exists', his character seems to draw people in and encourages them to achieve their best, as shown in a scene with the basketball team, where they are performing poorly until Van gives them an encouraging speech while the deaf coach is turned away, very funny.
Aside from Vans charismatic side he also has a very caring one, which is highlighted in a few scenes. He not only takes the time to look after the campus 'sick guy' who always picks up random diseases, but more importantly he takes an immediate liking to Tara and soon finds himself infatuated. Ryan has no trouble switching between the two roles.
Kal does a tremendous job playing Taj, himself and Van are two very different characters, Van is very cool and calm while Taj is very alert and nervous. The two bounce off each other wonderfully and there is a natural comedy spark between them. Kal is an actor not embarrassed to make a fool of himself and so is perfect for the role, he also gives a realistic performance of someone who 'worships' Van and would do anything for him. This is proven by the fact that he agrees to work for Van for free after only knowing him for a few days, 'loyal' defines him perfectly.
Tara plays the serious reporter role, a student very much focused on her career and future, after knowing Van though she starts enjoying life more, and listens to his words, one line in particular 'Don't take life too seriously, you wont get out alive'. It once again shows his ability to bring out the best in people and I liked the way that point was highlighted throughout the film. Tara does a good job in my opinion, the chemistry between her and Van is believable and a pleasure to watch, especially when she is dressed in her ice hockey gear, a scene for the gents.
Another good performance came from Daniel as Dick, very funny but serious at the same time, he has some great lines and I like the way he always seems to turn the situation into a medical disease (you will have to watch to see what I mean).
The film as a whole is great, the script writing is something to be admired, and I am surprised the film didn't become as successful as the American pie series, it is in my opinion more entertaining. The film proves the point 'Time flies when you're having fun', it has a running time of 93 minutes which whizzes by, the comedy simply doesn't stop, every scene has a joke or funny quip that you sometimes only notice the second time you watch it. The music is very fitting to the film, with tracks from The living End, Jimmy Eat World, Sum 41, Air Supply, N.E.R.D and American Hi-Fi. There is however a small inconsistency in the film, in a scene where Taj is trying to woo a lady, he says the track on the radio is 'The white Barry', referring to Barry white, the song is in fact "Stumblin' In" by Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman, I presume they couldn't get the rights.
The DVD has a few good extras like deleted scenes, outtakes, Burly Bear TV specials, a Comedy Central: Reel Comedy TV special, a "Bouncing Off the Walls" music video performed by Sugarcult and other promotional material like television ads and poster art.
Verdict -
Comedy Genius are the only words to describe it, I would recommended the film to teenagers or adults, some of the jokes and scenes are in my opinion too suggestive for younger children, although there aren't any 'full sex' scenes. There has been a sequel released which I haven't as yet watched focusing on Taj, although I haven't heard good things. You can pick the film up for around £3-4 from Amazon or play and is worthy of any DVD collection. The older generation may not be able to relate to some of the scenes, the film is focused on the younger generation, but I am sure they will still get a few chuckles.
Rent - Yes Buy - Yes Borrow - yes
9.5 / 10
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 2004 - Comedy - Director: John Hay - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jimi Mistry, Kate Miles, Dougray Scott
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Production Year: 1992 - Comedy - Director: Tim Robbins - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Ray Wise, Alan Rickman, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Robbins
Good review of the film and I'm sorry for the H, but for this to be a full DVD review, I would prefer to see a review of the extras in the same detail as your review of the film, not just a brief mention of them.
Van Wilder(Ryan Reynolds) has managed to spend a decade loafing at college by deliberately ... more
failing his finals each year. When his dad wakes up and pulls his funding, Van turns to his party-organising skills and big-man-on-campus image to pay his way. C...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Van Wilder(Ryan Reynolds) has managed to spend a decade loafing at college by deliberately ... more
failing his finals each year. When his dad wakes up and pulls his funding, Van turns to his party-organising skills and big-man-on-campus image to pay his way. C...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
To Van Wilder (Ryan Reynolds), college doesn't get you ready for life, it is life. So when ... more
his father puts a stop to his cash flow, it looks like the party might finally be over for Van. Down, but not out, Van, and his team devise a series of money-mak...
Ryan Reynolds gives a charismatic performance as a seventh year senior Van Wilder who ... more
wants nothing more than to continue his cushy life at Coolidge College as "Campus Legend." With a personal assistant and a panache for throwing parties graduation ...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
![Van Wilder - Party Liaison [DVD] [2002]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78521944.jpg "Van Wilder - Party Liaison [DVD] [2002]")
Sep 25th, 2008
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