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 is presented in both 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and full frame formats, with both versions on the same side of this dual layered disc. You’ll find 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 a film that’s ten years old this looks awesome, House Party has never looked this good!
Audio: How does it sound?
This is not an audio driven film, but the included Dolby Digital 5.1 track supplies an excellent experience. 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.
Supplements: What are the extras?
You’ll find some talent files and trailers for all three films in the House Party series.
