National Lampoon's Van Wilder

MPAA Rating: R for strong sexual content, gross humor, language and some drug content

Moral Rating:
Extremely Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:

Primary Audience:
Adults
Genre:
Comedy
Length:
1 hr. 35 min.

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Tara Reid, Tim Matheson, Tom Everett Scott, Alex Burns | Directed by: Walt Becker | Produced by: Andrew Panay, Jonathon Komack Martin, Peter Abrams, Robert Levy | Written by: Brent Goldberg, David Wagner | Distributor: Artisan Entertainment

Producer’ synopsis:

“Van Wilder (Ryan Reynolds) is planning to go into his seventh year in college where he focuses mainly on partying and women. When his dad refuses to pay tuition bills anymore, he’s got to come up with a plan to save his rule as campus king. While this turn of events is happening in Van Wilder’s life, school journalist Gwen Pearson (Tara Reid) decides to do an expose on Van Wilder, leading them to a mutual attraction for each other.”

Year of Release—2002

Review of the sequel to this film: National Lampoon’s Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (2006)

Viewer Comments
Negative—This is an offensive film. It is not unequivocally hostile to certain aspects of Christian morality, in that it causes the main character to examine his life and engage in reform, but the thrust of the film is so coarse and gross and so accepting of sex outside marriage that it is utterly unacceptable. There are elements of this movie that would have made another movie that would have only been somewhat offensive, but at every turn the grossest take on any situation is chosen. The scenes involving the canine semen just show how gross this film is. Whilst offensive material does not normally actually turn my stomach, I imagine that this would be the effect on many people. I am surprised that Tara Reid is in this film, usually actresses try to move on, not wallow in it and “American Pie,” whilst equally offensive, had far better execution. Not worth seeing from a secular point of view. Extremely offensive from a Christian point of view.
My Ratings: [Extremely Offensive / 2]
—Bob, age 38
Positive—I believe that lack of reviews on this site for this movie is a testimony to the simple nature of the film. If you’ve seen even one preview for this movie then you know the general gist of the plot. When watching this movie you must keep in mind that it was designed for the younger, single adult crowd as a spoof on college and is not meant to be taken too seriously. I was suprised, however, to find subtextual content that actually had a moral message to it that developed as the movie progressed. If you can ignore the language, and have the discipline to divert your eyes during the one, predictible and short, sex scene, then there is a small message to be taken from the film. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t find myself analyzing my theological perspectives on human interaction after this movie, but it did have a feel good message to it in addition to mindless humor. If you’re only going to see one movie this season, do NOT see Van Wilder. But if you’re a movie fan, and you’re just looking for something to stare at for an hour or two that will make you laugh and stop taking life too seriously for a couple hours, this might be a fun movie for you. Things to watch out for: language and some nudity (predictable, and you know when it’s coming before it happens).
My Ratings: [Extremely Offensive / 3]
—Justin Crawford, age 23
Comments from young people
Negative—Terrible! No redeeming qualities at all. Some humorous parts, mostly stupid and vulgar. Not worth the money! Skip this one.
My Ratings: [Very Offensive / 2]
—Deanna, age 15