Plot: What’s it about?
He was able to avoid his father’s rage and the local thugs to make it through high school. Then he managed to master college, despite several obstacles and setbacks. But now, Kid (Christopher Reid) is facing one of the most important days of his life, as he is about to take the vows, and remove himself from the free agent market. While he always imagined himself marrying his high school sweetie Sidney (Tisha Campbell), times have changed and he is getting hitched to Veda (Angela Means), a hottie with some issues. Of course, his best friend Play (Christopher Martin) is there to help him prepare, and he’s also in charge of the bachelor party. As always, Play sees the chance to throw the biggest house party of all time, and he jumps at the chance, even using he and Kid’s standing as newly minted music agents to book a hot group, Sex As A Weapon to play the shindig. Once again, it seems as though the dice might roll in his favor for once, but again Kid finds himself in the middle of trouble. Whether it’s little nephews stealing musical acts and getting him in trouble with mean dudes, or Sidney coming back to town and sending Veda into a jealous fit, Kid has a lot to deal with before he walks down that aisle.
Those lovable scamps Kid ‘n’ Play are back one more time, to give their fans a final installment in the House Party legacy. While some hammer this movie as forced and unfunny, I think it’s very entertaining, though not as good as the first two films. I happen to like the natural succession of these films, from high school to college to marriage, it’s gives the movies a feeling of oneness, instead of three separate films. This is due partially to the return of some characters, as well as the excellent casting choices on who should be brought in to fill in voids of those who left. The talent brought in this film is terrific, and adds a lot to the humor and tone of the movie. This is loaded with profanity and ebonic slang, even more than the first two films, so you old farts better keep those subtitles on again. The main source of new laughs in this movie are the cameos and other guest roles, such as the appearance of Chris Tucker, musical group TLC, and David Edwards, who was removed from the cast of MTV’s The Real World when he pulled a sheet off a woman. Sure, this isn’t complex and deep cinema, but if you like this type of movie like I do, you’ll want to snatch up all three films to add to your collection.
This film was directed by Eric Meza, who has only one other movie under his belt, but it’s an urban comedy classic as well, The Breaks. I seriously hope Meza can make some more movies as funny as these two in the future, and if so, I’ll be the first guy in line at the theater. If you’re a fan of the style of humor in the House Party movies, be sure to watch The Breaks, you’ll be glad you did. As always, the leads here are Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin, who are also known as Kid ‘n’ Play. These two might have supreme talent in the acting field, but given the nature of these films, they more than hold their own. One of the few other returning actors is Tisha Campbell (Tv’s Martin, Sprung), who gives a solid turn and adds a common thread to the other films. This film is filled with smaller roles and cameos of folks you’ll recognize, such as music group TLC, Chris Tucker (Friday, The Fifth Element), Gilbert Gottfried (Problem Child), and many others. The supporting cast here also features Bernie Mac (Life, Booty Call), Angela Means (Sprung, Tv’s Martin), and David Edwards (Half Baked).
Video: How does it look?
House Party 3 is presented in both 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and full frame formats, with both version on the same side of this dual layered disc. I could find no serious flaws in this presentation, the print used is in excellent condition and the compression is gorgeous, no artifacts to be seen. The colors appear bold and with without bleeding or oversaturation, and flesh tones seem normal at times. The contrast is up to standard as well, with no visible detail loss and well defined shadows. This is as good as it gets, as far this movie goes.
Audio: How does it sound?
This release includes a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, but unless the soundtrack is on, you wouldn’t know it. But since this is a dialogue driven comedy, there isn’t much call for the surround speakers anyway. When needed, they provide the soundtrack and subtle effects with the punch they need, but the rest of the time the front channels are in control. You’ll want to hear the dialogue, and this mix makes sure every joke is loud and clear.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This release contains trailers for the House Party series, and some talent files for the cast and crew.
