On Oct. 6, Netflix released the ninth film from the American Pie franchise, American Pie Presents: Girls’ Rules, starring Cory in the House’s Madison Pettis and Never Have I Ever’s Darren Barnet. The sex-positive film is a modern rendition of the classic 1999 comedy flipping the switch so that this time the main characters are 17-year-old girls. American Pie Presents: Girls’ Rules is perfect for those who are fans of films such as Mean Girls, Neighbors 2 and Booksmart looking for something similar but brand new to stream.
Just like the original American Pie, the movie starts with Annie (Madison Pettis) having an awkward sexual encounter with her boyfriend’s parents — an opening scene so startling you might have to look away. Then, Annie along with her three best friends Stephanie (Lizze Broadway), Michelle (Natasha Benham) and Kayla (Piper Curda) make a pact with each other to accomplish their personal relationship goal before the Fall homecoming dance.
For each girl the goal is entirely different. For instance, Annie made a pact to finally lose her virginity to her longtime boyfriend Jason (Zayne Emory) who just moved away for college , Kayla wants to win back her ex Tim (Camaron Engels), Stephanie pledges to date a nice guy for the first time and Michelle strives to find a man to sweep her off her feet.
The squad’s loyalty to each other is put to the test when they all begin to fall for the same guy, the new kid at school named Grant (Darren Barnett). Despite them all falling for him, he seems to be only interested in Annie, who happens to have a boyfriend. Things then get even more awkward when Annie’s dad starts sleeping with Grant’s mom.
The movie incorporates feminist ideals in its own unique way. I thought that the characters showed a strong sense of maturity by the end of the film. This sets a great example for young women and teaches them not to be afraid of their sexuality — but to explore it. Weather its toys, boys or screen sex, find what works for you and go with it.
I will not lie and tell you that this is one of the greatest films of the year, but I can promise you American Pie Presents: Girls’ Rules is wildly entertaining and you will enjoy seeing familiar faces breaking into new roles. I recommend the Netflix film to anyone who is a fan of the original American Pie starring Jason Biggs and Eugene Levy so you can experience the teenage sexual awakening through a new set of eyes. American Pie Presents: Girls’ Rules might be just right for your next girls night in or to watch alone with a glass of wine.
American Pie Presents: Girls’ Rules is available to stream on Netflix.