After many, many years, National Lampoon's updates the traditional college movie genre with this hilarious cult-classic, Van Wilder. I have no clue how I wandered upon this one, but however it happened, God must have been guiding us. It's a comedy that beats the ever-living crap out of most and that withstands re-watches very well (which is hard to do).
Van Wilder (Ryan Renolds) is the most popular kid at Coolidge College; and he has been for the past 6 years. He has spent his past three years actually trying not to graduate, and has been very successful at it. But his seventh year is disrupted by his father (Tim Matheson), who is cutting his tuition, and a beautiful blonde journalist named Gwen (Tara Reid), who makes him question why he's afraid to graduate. As he faces the loss of tuition, he comes up with schemes to stay afloat, keep his personal assistant Taj (Kal Penn), win Gwen's heart (and save her from a nerdy future with a frat boy), and somehow graduate.
Ryan Renolds is perfect for the part. In a lot of ways, he seems like a younger, sharper, stronger, and cooler Chevy Chase (he's shaken that appearence somewhat with following movies, but he's good at being the asshole guy that brings in the laughs). Everyone seems to be cast perfectly, except Tara Reid, who I just don't care for. Her rhaspy voice is kinda weird, and she seems a little too slutty as the nice, journalist... the change which occurs throughout the movie seems way too natural for her. But she does pretty well in the role and doesn't detract from the film too much.
Kal Penn (who is Kumar in Harld and Kumar) is perfect for his role, and is hilarious. The story is great. It really captures the college life and atmosphere of this generation much in the way that Animal Farm did in the late 70's. It's a comedic smash, but I'll warn ya... there are some scenes that can be pretty gross. So, if you've got a weak stomach, maybe keep a trash can nearby.
If you've managed to let Van Wilder slip through the cracks, I suggest pulling it out and watching it. No one I've shown it to has been dissapointed, and I haven't gotten tired of seeing it yet. You'll never think of college the same way again. And, to all you party liason's out there; I tip my hat. Party on.