Tools for this page
Print

National Lampoon's Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Jane Boursaw

The crazy college antics continue in the second crude, sex-laden movie in the Van Wilder series. In the first film, Ryan Reynolds played a popular student at Coolidge College, who decided that, after seven years as an undergraduate, he needed an assistant. So he enlisted the help of Taj (Kal Penn), a foreign exchange student whose goal was to lose his virginity. The two quickly became best buddies, hanging out and partying. This time around, Taj heads across the pond, hoping to further his studies at England's prestigious Camden University. Instead, he finds himself surrounded by snobby, uptight Brits. He makes it his goal in life to loosen them up.

Is It Any Good?

1

As you might imagine from the plot description, the movie involves many implausible and poorly scripted situations involving campus partying, drinking, sex, and crude humor. There's also a rivalry that develops between Taj and other students.

So what's the big problem? First of all, Van Wilder isn't even in this movie, so why name it VAN WILDER 2 (answer: to make the marketing folks' job that much easier)? Second, it's offensive, stupid, and completely pointless. Third -- oh, never mind. Just skip this movie and make sure your kids never see it.

Watch Our Video Review Think Twice

Sorry, you need to install flash to see this content.
Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.