Eurotrip (2004) I wish I had taken

Twenty years ago, the best "not real" song from a movie was released. "Scotty Doesn't Know" may or may not have rocketed up the charts (I didn't care enough to look) with its pop-punk message about fucking another guy's girlfriend. The movie that delivered us this gem, Eurotrip, was also released because that's how time works. Get your shit together, reader.

     I love this movie. It's National Lampoon's European Vacation mixed with American Pie and is better than both of those. Whole scenes live in my brain, not only the song but various moments (Oh, scuzi, mi scuzi) and lines ("Put your clothes back on, white boy") that I have said out of context to the confusion of everyone at the funeral.

     Simple premise: Scott (Scott Mechlowicz) gets dumped at graduation and is mean to his German online friend who turns out to be a sexy woman who likes him. He gets on a plane with his friend Coop (Jacob Pitts) to travel to Europe and find her. They meet their friends, the worst twins ever Jenny (Michelle Trachtenberg) and Jaime (Travis Wester), and have various adventures ranging from partying with soccer hooligans to partying at sex clubs.

     While the whole thing feels chaotic, the script and direction are pretty tight. Running gags fly through the film, such as the song "Scotty Doesn't Know" appearing in different versions including a dance mix and a ringtone with the characters noticing. Events lead easily into one another, with wild swings not feeling coincidental but consequential. Our characters act each in their own nature but also within the nature of the movie. Nobody feels "too horny" or "too nerdy." Achetypes exist, but not at the expense of the story. The only deviation might be Coop. He is the most cartoonish of the group, yet he is consistent throughout the film as being the horny drug seeking deviant who gets by on luck and guile and getting punished as much as he succeeds.

     Will this movie change your life? No. Will it make you laugh? I don't know, fuck off. If you are curious, Youtube the song and the scene with Joanna Lumley as the hostel clerk. Both have surprises within.

     To note, I watched this movie after the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg because this is how I mourn people I respect. I consume their creations. She's a bright light here, fun and open and enjoyable to watch. I hate that we won't get more from her.

     Seek this out at your local library if they have Hoopla. Or don't. Maybe you hate fun and public services. In that case you can go to hell.

     This review got confrontational, and I do not apologize. Unless you think I'm serious, then double fuck you.