THOMAS IAN NICHOLAS (Kevin)

What did you think of the direction your character's relationship with "Vicky" (Tara Reid) went in the sequel?

I really just enjoyed the fact that in the first one, everything was a real choice. In the first one, the fact that they actually ended up having sex, even though there was that whole situation with the "I love you," and they were breaking up the next morning - that happens. And just in the same sense that we didn't get back together but that it was kind of up in the air of whether we would be friends or not be friends - that happens, too. Unfortunately, more often than not, two people who date and break up are not able to continue on in a friendship. I was happy with that turn of events, and that was a good message. Just like if you were friends with this person in the first place, keep that going. I mean obviously there was something there to begin with and just because we're not perfect as human beings, you can move on.

"Kevin" and "Vicky" have a great scene at the beginning when they kiss. Did you work on that scene a long time?

When you are anticipating it, you know that you are not going to kiss, but you have to make it look like you are going to. J.B. just really wanted to capture that moment and Tara and I really wanted to make it believable. As hard as it was, we were there to do it and make it as real as possible.

If that scene didn't work, that would have been the end of your whole relationship. That would have been the end of our arc, and everything would have been cheesy. We didn't want that to happen. We wanted it to be believable. Hopefully people will squirm in their seats over their own experiences in relation to that scene. We've all had girlfriends/boyfriends, but I don't remember being friends with them after we broke up.

And that's the heart of the movie. You've got that message. It's like Jason's character chooses the girl who means more to him. And that's the thing, why we can get away with the humor in this thing - and the gags, and the embarrassing moments - is because you have a little bit of growth in all the characters that gives it that touch of realness, that's just enough for people to really connect with the story.

How about the awkward feeling of coming home after being away for awhile? Ever feel that way in your personal life?

Personally, I'm really close with my family so it's not really ever been uncomfortable. In fact, they are having a BBQ today that I'm missing. I just had my birthday party and a friend from elementary school showed up - he's in the Navy now - and he surprised me at my birthday party. I just turned 21 a couple of weeks ago.

When you were shooting your scenes inside the beach house, did you all stay at the beach?

We really only had two weeks actually on the beach. A lot of it was on the stage, but that was a lot of fun. That was during the end of the film that we were on the beach. It was really close to summer so it was getting nice, and we definitely had some fun being there on that location. We had trailers with the view out the window of the ocean, and we called that "work."

J.B. Rogers, who was the First Assistant Director on the original "American Pie," is directing this time around. How was that for you?

I personally felt really comfortable with the fact that we had someone that was a part of the first one, as opposed to someone from the outside. He understood what the core of the movie was, he had come up with ideas for jokes in the first one, and he really had a handle on it. When I found that out, that everyone was back, J.B. was directing, and Adam Herz was writing the sequel, all the pieces were in place to not only have fun, but to make a good film.

What about the chance of a third "American Pie?"

My thing is, as far as I know, when we had done the first one, we didn't really plan on two movies. I think it should be treated the same way as far as the third one is concerned. We'll see what happens and the powers that be will be the deciding factor and who knows? We'll see what they say.

As an actor, do you find it harder in a sequel to come into a role you've already created?

It's like when you go to school and you study up for that exam. You sort of have that in the back of your mind and it's kind of like once you learn it and create it, it is easy to step back into it. I think I was able to bring in a little bit of what I learned in my own life into the character, and hopefully improve on my performance. I always try to improve - I'm very, very critical of myself.

How much longer do you think you'll be able to play teenage characters?

(laughing) In Hollywood?

Are you keeping busy with your music and other aspects of filmmaking?

I really just enjoy all aspects and I've always watched it as I've been involved in acting, and asked a lot of questions. I look forward to getting involved in different aspects of the industry. Then with music, I don't really have the band anymore per se, but I'm working on a solo album and having a lot of fun writing for the first time. We'll see what happens with it, but acting is my first love. It's why I got into this business, but if I have the good fortune of doing other stuff - it would be fun.

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