National Lampoon's Van Wilder

National Lampoon's Van Wilder has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Philo, and in the UK on ITVX Premium. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. With 1,964 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Ryan Reynolds's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, National Lampoon's Van Wilder earns its spot. The jokes in National Lampoon's Van Wilder land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Van Wilder has been attending college for far too many years and is scared to graduate, but Van’s father eventually realizes what is going on. When he stops paying his son's tuition fees, Van must come up with the money if he wants to stay in college, so he and his friends come up with a great fund-raising idea – throwing parties. However, when the college magazine finds out and reporter Gwen is sent to do a story on Van Wilder, things get a little complicated. Ryan Reynolds and Tara Reid lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2002. The timing in National Lampoon's Van Wilder is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in National Lampoon's Van Wilder. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Ryan Reynolds anchors an ensemble with real chemistry. Genuinely funny, consistently, across the whole run.