Review of House Party (1990) by Yorkman — 09 May 2016

There are certain movies made that capture their 'moment in time', and House Party is most definitely one of them.

1990 saw the explosion of rap/hip hop, as it moved out of the shadows and into the real mainstream.

Within this were two very different stylistic approaches.

For the 'dark side', there were the 'Gangsta' rap groups and artists, labelling themselves and pimps, gunrunners and murderers, extolling the virtues of money, sex and power.... The whole essence of 'Juice'.

For the 'light side' there were the more radio-friendly acts who were (generally) younger, spitting lyrics about high school, dating, borrowing their dad's 'ride', and the more down to Earth realities that appealed across various demographics.

One such 'light side' act was Kid 'N Play (Christopher 'Play' Martin, and Christopher 'Kid' Reid).

As with any act that developed into one which obtained a 'proper' record contract, they were marketed as somewhat 'unreal' characters, within a defined 'real' world. Kid was the more naive, childish and imaginative one, Play was the more direct, aggressive, but still approachable one....

Their popularity through the period of 1988/1989 convinced New Line Cinema to invest in a low budget movie in which their 'characters' are involved in the titular House Party.

The story is simple enough..... Play's parents are away for the weekend, so he decides to have a party at his house. Kid, having got into an altercation at school is grounded by his 'Pops', played brilliantly by the late, great Robin Harris, and therefore has to sneak out to attend.

The DJ of the party is 'Dragon Breath' Bilal (so called because his breath reeks... A long running joke in the film) who reluctantly brings along his decks, vinyl and microphones.

The female interests of the film are the gorgeous Sharane (A.J. Johnson), who lives with her huge family in the projects... And the more demure, philosophical Sydney (Tisha Campbell), who's a rich kid that feels out of place.

Rounding off the main cast are the film's antagonists... 'light side' rap group Full Force members "Paul Anthony" George as 'Stab'.... Lucien "Bowlegged Lou" George, Jr as Pee Wee.... And Brian 'B-Fine" George as Zilla... A gang of three misfits, whose leader (Stab) has a personal hatred of Kid.

All the principles join the party, Kid and Play both make a bee-line for the more attractive (and slutty) Sharane, much to the disappointment of Sydney who has a crush on Kid. Stab, Zilla and Pee Wee attempt to gate crash, but are foiled. The neighbours call the police, over the noise. And one of the party-goers gets hideously drunk and needs to be escorted home.

All the while 'Pops' is walking over... Dealing with bigoted police along the way (in his own inimitable style).

Things come to head when Kid (after dropping off the drunk guy) is separated from the group, and has a run in with Stab, Pee Wee and Zilla. All four are arrested and, after 'Pops' realises he won't catch Kid at the party and decides to wait for him to come home, the 'gang' have to bail Kid out of Jail.

In the end, after Kid connects with Sydney, and Play gets (amusingly) rebuffed by Sharane, Bilal drops Kid off at home and demands that Play pays for a meal at a Sizzler (or similar!!). Bilal and Play drive off, leaving Kid to climb in through his bedroom window........ Only to find his 'Pops' there waiting for him, grasping a leather belt.... 'Pops' announces that Kid shouldn't get too comfortable, because he's in a lot of trouble!!!

The film is directed by Reginald D. Hudlin, and features some utterly brilliant music of the time. Performances are great, all across the book, and the pace of the film is also incredibly tight. There aren't any lulls in the 102 minute run-time.

The only real negatives, in a retrospective way, are the clear avoidances of anything related to 'gangs' and 'drugs'. All the 'youths' in the film are beautiful and clean-cut, no one looks poor or unhappy!

So, from a looking back ideal, you could argue the movie is not representative of the actual times in which it was filmed.... But to do so does miss the whole point.

House Party is a feel-good movie of the highest order. Brilliant soundtrack coupled with fine acting and direction.