National Lampoon's Van Wilder: Freshman Year - The Prequel Unveiled
National Lampoon's Van Wilder: Freshman Year is a 2009 American sex comedy film that serves as the third installment in the Van Wilder series. As a prequel to the original Van Wilder film, it explores the origins of the iconic character and his early college experiences. Directed by Harvey Glazer, the film was released directly to DVD and Blu-ray.
Synopsis
The film follows Van Wilder as he embarks on his freshman year at Coolidge College. Eager to emulate his father's memorable college days, Van arrives with high expectations, only to find that Coolidge is now a far cry from the party school his father described. The college is under the strict rule of Dean Reardon, a military man who prohibits alcohol, drugs, and all things "sexy".
Plot
Van Wilder arrives at Coolidge College, following in his family's footsteps. He discovers that the once-spirited institution is now a military-based academy under the control of Dean Reardon, who wants to make Van's life miserable because of his father. Undeterred, Van, joined by his new friends Farley, Yu Dum Fok, decides to challenge these new rules and restore the party atmosphere to Coolidge College.
Van turns a one-bedroom dorm into a two-bedroom suite. His roommate is Farley, a pothead from Jamaica. The boys decide to throw a party on campus, which isn't allowed, along with kissing, drugs, booze, sex, or anything else that's 'fun'. The only person to show up to the party is Yu Dum Fok.
As Van attempts to win the heart of Kaitlin Hays, he also finds himself at odds with Dirk Arnold, Dean Reardon's ROTC student. The film chronicles Van and his friends as they navigate college life, pursuing romantic interests, and outsmarting the administration.
Read also: A Prequel's Party Problems
Van falls for Dirk's girlfriend, Kaitlin, causing Dirk to get even more upset. Kaitlin thinks, lives, and breathes the military, and believes in chastity before marriage. Of course, Van has to shake things up.
In the end, Van triumphs over Dirk, wins Kaitlin's heart, and liberates Coolidge College from Dean Reardon's oppressive rules.
Cast
The film stars Jonathan Bennett as Van Wilder, taking on the mantle of the iconic character. Kristin Cavallari plays Kaitlin Hays, the love interest, while Steve Talley portrays Dirk Arnold, Van's rival. The cast also includes Nestor Aaron Absera as Farley, and Jerry Shea as Yu Dum Fok. Kurt Fuller plays Dean Reardon.
Release and Home Media
National Lampoon's Van Wilder: Freshman Year was released directly to DVD and Blu-ray on July 14, 2009, by Paramount Home Entertainment. The home media release features both an unrated and a rated version of the film.
The DVD and Blu-ray releases also include bonus features such as an audio commentary with actors Jonathan Bennett, Kristin Cavallari, and Steve Talley, as well as director Harvey Glazer.
Read also: A Look at Van Wilder's Origins
Reception
While Van Wilder: Freshman Year aims to recapture the spirit of the original film, it faces the challenge of living up to its predecessor's cult classic status. The film's humor and plot have been points of discussion among fans of the series.
Read also: Van Wilder: Freshman Year Streaming Options
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