Plot: What’s it about?
Rick Gassko (Tom Hanks) has lived a wild life, doing little aside from partying with his friends and looking for the next chance to have a good time. Some of his friends have gotten married over the years, but a core of thrill seeking bachelors remain and of course, he is right in the middle of that crowd. But that’s about to change, as he has decided to get married to his current sweetheart Debbie (Tawny Kitaen), now he just has to break the news to his buddies. His friends are sad to see him leave the ranks of course, but they quickly recover and push forward toward one final, massive bash to end Rick’s days as a single man. Yes, the boys have started planning Rick’s bachelor party and with these guys, that means hookers, tons of booze, and of course, one of the greatest nights of their lives. But when Debbie’s jealous former beau Cole (Robert Prescott) and her disapproving father (George Grizzard) throw a monkey wrench in the plans, it could spell the end of Rick and Tina’s relationship. Can Rick prove once and for all that he’s a loyal love, even if his hotel room is packed with half naked women and gallons of alcohol?
I think this film is best remembered as an early film with Tom Hanks, but in truth, this is a classic of the ’80s wild movies, a true legend. I didn’t say a classic in all of cinema mind you, but Bachelor Party is a lot of fun and fans of ’80s cinema will rejoice this release. Even though this flick runs on cable almost every day, I had to own to laserdisc, as so much crude humor and crass antics are trimmed from that television edition. As with many other party based pictures of this time, Bachelor Party is rude, crude, and never apologizes, just like it should be. It is loaded with sexual content of all kinds, from simple remarks to breasts of all sorts to an incident with a donkey, I kid you not. This is such a fun and outrageous movie, it never fails to entertain and I can watch it over & again, a trait not often seen in more recent outlandish comedies. Hanks plays his role to perfection, while a cast of beauties, buffoons, snobs, and even a Hindu pimp backs him up, very appropriate casting all around here. This movie is not going to be down everyone’s alley, but fans of Hanks and ’80s comedies shouldn’t miss it, as it offers one heck of a good time.
This was one of his earlier feature film efforts, but even back in 1984, you could tell Tom Hanks had real screen potential. Hanks works here with a crass, but likable character and runs with it, making the audience fall right into his hands. Due to the often outrageous nature of the movie, I think it would be easy for the viewers to turn on Hanks’ character of Rick, but his performance ensures that never happens, very good work indeed. He makes the material work to the hilt also, even the lamest jokes bring a smile and that’s something not all actors can manage, to be sure. I really like Hanks in these wacky comedic roles, but it seems as his dramatic career has skyrocketed, we may never seem in this form again, which is a shame. You can also see Hanks in such films as Philadelphia, The ‘burbs, The Money Pit, Volunteers, Cast Away, and Forrest Gump. The cast also includes Tawny Kitaen (Witchboard, Instant Justice), Robert Prescott (Real Genius, Spaceballs), Adrian Zmed (Grease 2, Tv’s T.J. Hooker), William Tepper (Miss Right, Breathless), and George Grizzard (Wonder Boys, Small Time Crooks).
Video: How does it look?
Bachelor Party is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. I was worried this film would look very dated, but I am pleased with this presentation from Fox. I think Fox delivers some of the best catalog title transfers in the business and here, that holds as true as ever. Of course, the film’s visual style is very dated and reeks of the ’80s, but the materials have been well presented in this release, which is a relief. The bold, vibrant colors of the ’80s look as tacky as ever, which is good news of course, while flesh tones seem natural and warm also. A few of the darker scenes some show grain, but still look decent and most of the time, contrast is more than solid. I never expected Bachelor Party to look this impressive, very good from Fox indeed.
Audio: How does it sound?
This isn’t really an audio driven picture, but the music does need some push, which the included 4.0 surround track is able to provide. I mean, don’t expect the power of an action flick by any means, but as far as the material’s needs, this option is more than adequate in all respects. The music comes through well, though it lacks the oomph I’d like at times, no real issues, however. The various sound effects surface in decent form also, though remember that this is not an impact driven audio experience by any means. The vocals are sharp and refined here, with no volume errors to contend with in the least. This disc also includes mono tracks in English and French, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes a wealth of brief interview pieces, which were made back around release and equal hilarious moments. The videos shown look so dated, it’s almost hard to believe the film has held up so darn well. There’s a lot of these brief interview session, but none are too informative, so expect the usual, basic promotional fluff. This disc also includes the film’s theatrical trailer, as well as some television spots, which are always fun to view.
