National Lampoon's Van Wilder

Have campus comedies really reached the point where ante-upping gross-out gags are obligatory? Does National Lampoon's Van Wilder really need a gag involving bulldog semen served in pastries to unsuspecting frat jerks in order to be funny? Absolutely not. But it stoops to that level anyway, unfortunately, often at the cost of its hilariously droll dialogue and crafty comic energy. Ryan Reynolds (of TV's Two Guys and a Girl) emits a Puckish aura of smarmy charm in the title role as a consummate collegiate slacker (seven years of dorm life and counting) cut off by his fed-up father and left to his own financial devices. Before long he's earning tuition by creating "topless tutors" programs and offering his services as a "party liaison" to nerdy frats. It's just a pity the filmmakers couldn't see the higher potential in sticking with its snappy, sardonic writing and coasting on the charisma of its very witty lead. However, if you can take some of the stupider stomach-turning shtick routines, there absolutely is entertainment to be had here. Optional. [Note: DVD extras on this double-disc set (with the menu superimposed over a girl's "censored" or "uncensored" chest; fortunately, I was unable to activate the latter) include widescreen and full screen versions; the music video "Bouncing Off the Walls" by Sugarcult and featuring Reid and Reynolds; nine deleted scenes (including "unrated exclusive" '"Topless" Tutor'--which is not what you would expect); 12 outtakes; text segments from "The Van Wilder Files"; 13 audio clips from the soundtrack; three Burly Bear TV specials: "Half-Baked," "Impostor," and "Movie Junky"; a Comedy Central "Reel Comedy" special; trailers; TV spots; and an art gallery. Bottom line: loads of extras for a so-so satire.] (R. Blackwelder)