Gen Z is encountering “American Pie” for the first time, and they are raising significant concerns about its content.
Released in 1999, “American Pie” quickly became a popular comedy, leading to four sequels and generating a total of $990 million globally on a modest budget of $147 million. While the series is known for its crude humor, today’s teenagers argue that it wouldn’t be as well-received in the current cultural climate.
Critics of Gen Z’s perspective have taken to social media to voice their opinions. One commenter stated, “That’s funny. I find ‘woke teens’ extremely problematic.” Another added, “If I don’t like something on TV or in a movie, I just don’t watch it. There are probably millions of people who enjoy it, so get over it, get a life, and grow up.” A third supporter chimed in, “Who cares about their poor, soft, sensitive feelings! It’s a classic movie, absolutely hilarious!”
The movie’s problematic elements have been scrutinized before. Shannon Elizabeth, who played Nadia, the exchange student, discussed a particular scene with Page Six. In this scene, Nadia is unknowingly observed by Jim (Jason Biggs), Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), and Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) as she undresses. Tragically, her privacy is further violated when the footage is accidentally shared with her entire school. Following this incident, Nadia is deported back to the Czech Republic, while the boys face no repercussions.
Reflecting on the scene, Elizabeth remarked, “If this had come out after the #MeToo movement, there would definitely be a problem. I think it would have been received differently.” She also shared that filming the scene was uncomfortable, especially as she was new to the industry. “It was a closed set, and it was just me in this room with the boom guy above me. I remember trying to make jokes with the directors to lighten the mood because if I wasn’t nervous, maybe they wouldn’t be either.”
Seann William Scott, who portrayed Stifler, also believes “American Pie” would encounter significant challenges if produced today. In an interview with Jake’s Takes, he said, “You know, I was having a conversation with a friend the other day, and I thought, ‘You could never make American Pie these days.’ Some of the stuff in that movie, you would get arrested and probably go to jail for a long time if you did it. I think a lot of the broader comedies that gave me a career don’t have the same appeal anymore. It feels like people, myself included, appreciate more witty, smart humor and good writing rather than something over-the-top.”
Gen Z’s reaction aligns with the perspectives of these “American Pie” actors. In a 2020 experiment by Vice, Gen Z’s views on nostalgic films like “American Pie” were explored. Teenagers aged 16 to 19 shared their thoughts, highlighting a shift in how relationships are perceived. Taylor, 16, questioned the film’s realism: “I don’t know if that was realistic when the film came out, but I think men treat women with a lot more respect and equality now.” Olivia, 18, offered a harsher critique: “It’s bordering on incel attitudes. I think if you were a teenage boy watching this, you’d feel entitled to behave however you wanted towards women.”
Hannah, 17, focused on a specific problematic scene: “The part where Jim and the other male characters film the foreign exchange student in his room is deeply problematic. The film doesn’t even question the morality of this; it makes it seem like a joke, and the guys are portrayed as ‘legends’ for pulling it off. It’s a huge violation of privacy and definitely a sexual offense for Jim to film her, let alone share it with his friends. There’s no way a teen film made now would allow that.”