National Lampoon's Van Wilder (2002) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

National Lampoon's Van Wilder2002

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

Van Wilder is a time capsule from an era before Hollywood went all-in on ideological messaging. It leans into crude comedy and traditional college hijinks rather than woke themes, definitely non-woke fare by today’s standards.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

Van Wilder is pretty much the antithesis of modern 'woke' cinema. Characters are firmly rooted in stereotypes, but there's no evidence that any casting was identity-driven or prioritized ideology over classic raunchy comedy or believable archetypes.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

The film embraces traditional comedic tropes about masculinity, college life, and relationships. It definitely pokes fun at authority, but there's no undermining of family, religion, or traditional values, instead, it revels in irreverent humor and slapstick.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

There's no sign of the modern ideological monoculture here. Characters are exaggerated, sure, but there’s not much commentary on identity politics or any attempt to push a uniform modern social agenda.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.