Plot: What’s it about?
Is it really that hard to have a good time? If you ask Kid (Christopher Reid), he would tell you it is almost impossible sometimes. Just when he has the chance to romance his dream woman and dance the night away, things start to fall apart. You see, his best friend Play (Christopher Martin) is throwing a house party of epic proportions and of course Kid is invited, but he’ll have to go through some obstacles before he can boogie down. His wise ass and easily angered father Pops (Robin Harris) has grounded him, which means he’ll be sitting at home while his buddies get their groove on, unless he can formulate a plan. But he has done just that, and plots to escape from his home once Pops finally falls asleep. Even he makes it out of the house though, he has even more problems, since some thugs from school are looking for him and they aren’t pleased. And if he reaches the party? Cranky neighbors and asshole cops are bound to attempt to put an end to the good times, so time is running short for Kid. Will he manage to woo his love, have some laughs, and still sneak past his sleeping father when gets home, or will Kid’s fun end before it ever starts?
This film is the founder of a genre, one that continues to this day with hilarious results. The genre I am speaking of is hip hop comedy, of which Friday and The Breaks have become staples. If you’ve seen films like those, then you have to pay respect to the originals, the movies within the House Party series. Never serious and always funny, the House Party movies are filled with self parody, as are the more recent efforts in the genre. I won’t argue that these movies have little to offer in terms of complex dialogue or deep storyline, but then I have to say, I wouldn’t want those elements in this movie. If I want a movie like that I’ll pop in Citizen Kane, when I want to laugh my ass off, I want House Party. In order to like these movies you have to be able to handle some serious slang and profanity use, but it’s all in good fun. If you’re an old codger though, you’d better keep those subtitles on, because you’re going to need them with this one. I recommend this as well as the other House Party movies to those who enjoy movies of this type, and a rental or purchase would be money well spent.
This film was written and directed by Reginald Hudlin, who was also behind another comedy I love, The Great White Hype. While his directing skills might be underused on this movie, his writing works to perfection, with hilarious quotes and situations. I am also taken by the ultra colorful visual style used here, it works well with the subject matter and atmosphere of the film. While this is an ensemble cast for sure, the real stars are hip hop artists Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin, better known as Kid ‘n’ Play. In more serious fare these two might falter, but in a movie like this they seem like master thespians and their chemistry is excellent. These two returned for all three films in the series, as well as another joint project, Class Act. Robin Harris (Harlem Nights, Mo’ Better Blues) is hilarious as the ever angry father in this movie, though his death stopped him from returning to the series. Also giving terrific turns here are Martin Lawrence (Blue Streak, Bad Boys) and Tisha Campbell (Little Shop Of Horrors, Sprung), both of whom return in the series. Campbell appears in all three, while Lawrence called it quits after the second installment.
Video: How does it look?
House Party, unless I’m mistaken, seemed to “skip” the Blu-ray format and is now a part of the Criterion Collection in 4K. How’s that for a leap? I found some of the brightest colors ever in this film, and the transfer comes through with bright and error free hues, as well as normal and consistent flesh tones. Contrast is sharp also, with high visible detail level and well defined shadows. For those that really want the tech-end of this new transfer: “supervised by director of photography Peter Deming and approved by director Reginald Hudlin, this new 4K restoration was created from the 35mm original camera negative.” So there ya go. In a word – it’s great.
Audio: How does it sound?
In the “odd sound mix” department, the 4.0 track is quite unique. The surrounds aren’t used much outside of the bass laden soundtrack, but when subtle use is noted, it is effective. The music is the dominant element here, but the minor effects seem to come through unharmed and clear. The dialogue is the key to this film, and this track ensures all the vocals, spoken or rapped, are clear and at a proper volume. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a film without an LFE channel.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – Reginald Hudlin obviously holds this very near and dear to his heart as this is his baby. The project goes back to his college years in the early 80’s and he has tons to say about the film, casting and everything in between. It’s a good, newly-recorded track.
- Storytelling From the Inside Out – Hosted by Professor Racquel Gates, this features writer/director Reginald Hudlin and producer Warrington Hudlin as they dissect the film, its roots and that it was meant to be a “black” version of a John Hughes movie. The entire process is shown, even up to New Line Cinema taking a risk on this sort of film. It paid off.
- Actors Reunion – A video call with a majority of the major (and a few minor) actors from the film as they reminisce about the film, the overall experience and the film’s long-lasting appeal.
- House Party – The 1983 short by Reginald Hudlin that served as the inspiration for this film. Of note, this was Hudlin’s Senior project while a student at Harvard.
- Theatrical Trailer
- Illustrated Booklet – Author Michael Harriot contributes an essay about the film accompanied by the usual array of production photos.
The Bottom Line
Yes, House Party is now a part of the Criterion Collection. Admittedly, it’s a rather offbeat choice but I’m glad that it happened. I’d not seen this in quite some time, but there’s more to the film than meets the eye. Criterion’s done a bang up job on the transfer and adding some new supplements to what’s a cult classic, for sure.
