REVIEW: Van Wilder - Freshman Year (2009)

Only one question comes to mind. What were the producers thinking making this prequel to the 2002 hit National Lampoon film that helped launch Ryan Reynolds? Despite this film having its moments, this prequel just does not compare to the original or even its “sequel/spinoff”, THE RISE OF TAJ (2006).

Jonathan Bennett plays Van Wilder, who has just graduated from high school and is on his way to his father’s alma mater, Coolidge College. Upon arrival, he learns that college may not be all it is cracked up to be. The dean of the school, Corporal Reardon (Kurt Fuller), runs the school like it’s a military academy and has a hatred for the Wilder family. Naturally, he intends to do anything in his power to make Van leave Coolidge, including joining the ROTC program. There, he falls for his “commander”, Kaitlin (Kristin Cavallari) and makes life hell for Reardon and Kaitlin’s boyfriend Dirk (Steve Talley).

We all know the legend of Van Wilder and where it goes from there. Ryan Reynolds practically dominated the movie in 2002 when he played the “party liaison” who had to throw parties to pay his tuition after he is cut off by his father. Reynolds without a doubt IS Van Wilder. Jonathan Bennett, who takes over the role in this prequel, tries to be like Reynolds, but simply doesn’t do too good of a job. Not that he tries his hardest, because he does. Sadly, he just doesn’t really compare to Reynolds and quite frankly, they should have just left the legend alone.

There are some funny bits in the film that deems typical for this brand of “raunchy comedy”, such as a scene where Dirk and his ROTC group smear their faces with what they think it’s camouflage. It’s not and for this type of comedy, you can pretty much take a wild guess what the so-called “camouflage” actually is. Another involves Reardon thinking he is getting a massage, but gets something a little more extreme. It involves peanut butter and Van Wilder’s dog, who he meets coming out of a research lab. Once again, use your imagination.

What helped make the 2006 sequel/spinoff VAN WILDER 2: THE RISE OF TAJ is that Van has passed his brand of philosophy onto his assistant from the first film. That’s what made it an interesting film. However, as we learn how Van got his start. Well, some prequels work, this one doesn’t bode too well.

Unless you truly feel the need to see it, it is quite best to pretty much avoid VAN WILDER: FRESHMAN YEAR. It’s not as good as its predecessors and the lead tries too hard to be Ryan Reynolds, and doesn’t bode well.

AlbertV’s Rating: D-

Rated R for language, mild violence, sexual humor, and pure grossness.
Run Time: 91 minutes
Released by Paramount Home Entertainment

Directed by Harv Glazer. Written by Todd McCullough, based on characters created by Brent T. Goldberg and David Wagner. Starring Jonathan Bennett, Kristin Cavallari, Kurt Fuller, Steve Talley, Jerry Shea, Nic Nac, Nestor Absera.