This raunchy comedy is aimed directly at teenage boys who are stressed about sex. Whereas previous films in this genre, Animal House and Porky's, put the emphasis totally upon the male libido, this drama written by Adam Herz and directed by Paul Weitz manages to include in its purview the sexual urges and perspectives of young women as well.
Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), who's already reached third base with his steady girlfriend, Vicky (Tara Reid), suggests to his Michigan High School senior buddies that they all lose their virginity before graduation. After a bizarre and embarrassing close encounter with Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth), a voluptuous exchange student, Jim (Jason Biggs) lands a date for the prom with Michelle (Alyson Hannigan), a member of the band who has some surprises in store for him. Oz (Chris Klein), a shy soccer player, joins the glee club and falls for Heather (Mena Suvari), a straight-laced girl who is suspicious of his interest in her. Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) concocts a phony word-of-mouth campaign about his sexual prowess.
American Pie, taking a cue from There's Something about Mary, contains a series of gross-out scenes designed to appeal to teens. Its minimalist message is that sex never works by deadline and usually proves itself to be more mysterious and complicated than it could ever be imagined in horny adolescents' fantasies.