Van Wilder
User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 51
  3. Negative: 6 out of 51

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. RyanM.
    Sep 10, 2002
    7
    I agree with the world, it is almost painfully falt, but I found the opening 5 minutes some of the funniest fottage of the year. And that's a fact.
  2. JayD.
    Sep 11, 2002
    8
    This movie certainly does not deserve the low ratings it received. If it had been meant for up tight types in need of some colon blow of their own you might have something to complain about. However, it certainly reached its target audience. Sure the love story is weak, but Ryan Reynolds showed us that he has incredible comedic timing. His performance carries the movie, he did not have the luxury of a great supporting cast like many of his predecesors had (American pie ect.). In spite of this i found this movie nearly as funny, and yes i realize it was not as well written but i laughed just as hard. And no that doesn't speak volumes about my maturity level and intelectual capacity. I just accepted the movie for what it was, a fun and enjoyable comedy directly aimed at our young adults. If you can not see that then dont bother reviewing movies you have no intention of liking. It is obvious your minds were made up about Van before you set foot in the theatre. Ryan Reynolds can and will make you laugh through the use of facial expresions alone, i cant wait till his next film comes out! … Expand
  3. Rob
    Jul 2, 2003
    0
    I cannot believe people actually have the audacity to compare s--t like this to "Animal House". This is a lot of nauseating gastrointestinal jokes, with a fun dog sperm gag thrown in for extra fun. Please, I want to own this movie, right away.
  4. BobG.
    Mar 5, 2004
    10
    It's funny.
  5. ryanm
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Genius friggin genius, loved it, blah.
  6. SeanF
    Jul 5, 2009
    9
    I shall admit from the beginning of this review that I was seduced by Van Wilder (or should I say Ryan Reynolds) from the start. For me he plays the role of a man-child not wanting to leave university perfectly. The character of Van could have so easily been an unlikeable, unlovable idiot in the wrong actors hands, but Reynolds injects charm and a Jim Carreyesq humour that works. Admittedly this is not Shakespeare, and I… Expand
  7. Gilbert
    Oct 2, 2002
    2
    Violently crap, unfortunately.
  8. KeesungK.
    Apr 5, 2002
    7
    Hey, I don't know what these critics expect from comedies, but I knew about National Lampoon movies reputations and their level of humor when I went to watch it; I expected much lower density of entertainment in this movie. Boy was I wrong... Guys, it's a comedy. When it comes to making audience (I suppose young audience like myself) laugh, this movie does its job and does it well. Average of 21 points is definitely not what I would give. Well...they are the ones who gave "Royal Tenenbaums" 75, so you should make your own judgment.… Expand
  9. SteveoK.
    Apr 8, 2002
    7
    Ryan Reynolds is really good, the Indian kid is hilarious and the gross out gags go beyond anything you've seen before. Derivative? Sure. Funny? You darn tootin. Critics just don't get it.
  10. BobH.
    Dec 1, 2003
    10
    Trying to help it out a bit.
  11. Kyle
    Mar 14, 2003
    10
    if your a guy and not gay, then this movie is perfect and ranks up there with american pie 1 and 2 and porkies.
  12. Vee
    Oct 3, 2004
    3
    Bland.
  13. KevinS.
    Apr 5, 2007
    9
    This movie was hilarious and all these critics are retarded and need to find a new job!
  14. MikeyG.
    May 13, 2002
    7
    To paraphrase the brilliance of Bachelor Party: I usually don't like my filth this clean! This movie is too nice for the genre. A couple of good gross out scenes, for sure, but the overall sweetness of the movie seems out of place. However, Ryan Reynolds should be able to pull off the Tom Hanks movie career upgrade based on the way he carries this movie and makes it enjoyable. Just don't do any movies with Meg Ryan or Sally Field!… Expand
  15. JackMoviegoer
    May 6, 2002
    4
    I am just throwing my proverbial two cents because this film is pretty bad, but does not deserve to be on your list of all time bad movies. There is actually a decent message here. At the same time, there are some really really disgusting scenes, some of which the ASPCA may take issue with. This is not a movie you should take your kids to or allow them to watch at home. If you get a free copy of the video, watch it, fastforward through the parts that are ridiculous (you will know quickly), and listen to the dialogue, some of which is pretty funny.… Expand
  16. ChuckW.
    Sep 3, 2002
    8
    I felt this movie was hysterical. Ryan Reynolds has a delivery that's reminiscent of Chevy Chase back when he was good. Teck, however, was a throwaway character. He had no purpose whatsoever, and wouldn't have been missed if his character didn't exist.
  17. TylerC.
    Oct 24, 2003
    0
    Do not ever, ever compare this ridiculous movie with Animal House or compare Ryan Reynold with Chevy Chase. The only reason this movie is compared with Animal House is because Tim Matheson is in both of them and the makers of this movie could only dream that they could make something one millionth as good as Animal House. Van Wilder has been a student at Coolige College for 7 years. The exact same amount of time that John Belushi's character was in college. Coincidence? Not a chance. Every joke that is in this movie has been borrowed countless times from other comedies. The exception is the donut scene which I will admit is probably original but more disgusting and repulsive than anything from Animal House. I get to rent movies for free and I still want my money back.… Expand
  18. Thaman
    Mar 14, 2003
    10
    Sweetness.
  19. FranciscoGabrielAgreloR.
    Mar 7, 2003
    10
    I found in this movie all that I was looking for. Ryan Reynolds was great.
  20. LizzieSn
    Jul 4, 2003
    10
    I love this movie, i laugh my ass off every time I watch it!
  21. LamontR.
    May 24, 2004
    10
    This is a funny damned movie. If you don't like it, you don't get it. It's funny in the way that Animal House was funny. Ryan Reynolds is a solid Otter update.
  22. ComedymanD
    Mar 12, 2005
    10
    I have no idea why this movie is so poorly rated. its damn good! its one of those "college humor" stories. its awsome.
  23. StephenW.
    Jun 21, 2005
    9
    Very entertaining movie. If you a soccermom or a goody-goody or christian, even all 3, you probably won't or should like this movie. The rest of us can "Deal" with gross, disturbing scenes (Donut part), enjoy it.
  24. AaronA
    Jul 9, 2005
    10
    Well duh, this movie was off the hook, and as for chevy chase, get a clue, i hated all of his movies. This movie was beyond funny, and just quite perfect. And they're right, how dare you compare animal house to this, this is so much better!!!!
  25. NickS
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    All around hilarious movie. Who ever gave it a 26 should be shot. All in all a great movie and something every college kid should own!
  26. MoK.
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    A college-comedy classic. SO many quotable lines and memorable moments. of course it's a lousy movie - but it's still hillarious. Reviewers need to chill out and stop reviewing every movie like it's an oscar contender.
  27. AN.
    Aug 29, 2007
    10
    Classic movie. Me and my friends were rolling on the floor laughing when it first came out. I must mention that we do have a rather immature sense of humor, which is why this movie appealed to us.
  28. JE
    Dec 9, 2008
    10
    A university/college student classic. We have a yearly showing on campus and its one of the most attended events of the year. Personally, its a favourite. Sure the acting isn't amazing, and the plots not deep, but It doesn't pretend to be anything but a fun, quotable movie. The reviewers are professionals, they look at films like a dog show judge looks at a dog. I love my dog cause it cuddles me and it fetches a stick, to me my dog is the best in the world, but it probably would be given a F- in a dog show. For its intended audience, and for just being funny, Van Wilder will always be a 10. I've quoted this movie more in my 4 years of University than I've quoted Monty Python, and that's quite a feat.… Expand
  29. R.L
    Apr 30, 2009
    8
    Van Wilder consummate play boy. all time part animal. And a spark of hope and inspiration when needed, these are a few of the many things that make watching Van do what he does best so much fun. Van Wilder stars Ryan Reynolds as the title character in this hilarious romp. Wilder is someone who we all want to be and who are all on the inside. Wilder is a 7th year college student at Coolidge College he's the king of the campus and he's got a party going every night, and a girl left and right, every guy wants to be him, and every girl wants him's, but when Van's dad cuts him off and leaves him hanging in the wind he's going to have to come up with away to stay in school or lose it all. Van Wilder is a movie that's got it all, hot girls. Wild Parties and outrageous humor that you just can't help laughing at. It's the perfect romantic comedy that is right up any guys alley( or girls, the ones that can stand this kind of humor anyways.) but all in all this cult classic is not just a good comedy but a good lesson that if you live your life by partying and evading the future you'll never get anywhere. Van Wilder is a party you don't want to miss or ignore.… Expand
  30. L.W.
    Aug 16, 2002
    9
    I think the movie was totally adorable. Not the funniest I've seen a while, and rather gross at times ... but ... quite likeable!
  31. NikolaosT.
    Nov 7, 2004
    10
    Ok..let me think..! This movie is one of the best teen comedies I 've ever watched. I think it's much more funnier than "American Pie1,2,3" , "Not another teen movie",etc. It's a movie.That's the difference with the others teen comedies. Ryan Reynolds is excellent and Tarra Reid too. I love this movie!
  32. aaronj.
    Mar 25, 2005
    10
    This movie is hilarious! great cast and a must see for teenagers. one of the most memorable movies i have seen!
  33. kingshahid
    Oct 23, 2011
    5
    This movie had some funny moments most notably with the Indian guy. Otherwise the movie bored me to shreds. The story seemed to have fit perfectly well into the movie of him being in school for 7years as there are many students in school for the fun of it.
  34. cameronmorewood
    Nov 12, 2012
    9
    Van Wilder is a new college classic with a great script and some pitch-perfect comedic delivery from Reynolds. It echoes 'Animal House' like nobody's business.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
26 out of 100

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 24
  3. Negative: 15 out of 24
  1. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Michael Dequina
    10
    Much too aggressively juvenile crass.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Steve Simels
    50
    While not for every taste, this often very funny collegiate gross-out comedy goes a long way toward restoring the luster of the National Lampoon film franchise.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    25
    Laughter for me was such a physical impossibility during National Lampoon's Van Wilder that had I not been pledged to sit through the film, I would have lifted myself up by my bootstraps and fled.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »