When I was growing up, John Hughes created some of the more notable coming-of-age films in cinematic history. Classics like Ferris Bueller, The Breakfast Club, and the wildly inappropriate Weird Science (we will cover that at another time) were fun to watch over and over again. However, I remember thinking how few teen movies there were with people of color. Of course, there was Cooley High in the 70's, but after that, there wasn't much that resonated like those films. Luckily, the Hudlin brothers-along with candy-coated rap sensations Kid 'n Play--an instant classic is born.
While most people think House Party is primarily about two friends trying to throw the dopest party in school-which they achieve-it is secretly a story about an overworked father named Pops (Robin Harris) trying to raise a teenage son, on his own. Pops was well aware of the dangers that affected young black males, so more than anything; he wanted to keep his son close to home, educated, and out of trouble. However, what would a movie about teenagers be without them making rebellious decisions, and luckily, Kid takes everyone on a fun journey through a black suburb to make it to his friend Play's party. Keep in mind, it may seem insignificant now, but black kids in a friendly suburban neighborhood was a rare onscreen appearance. These were not the stereotypical black kids from a troubled area; they were smart, good kids who only wanted to party and get laid.
After getting into a fight at school, and to keep him safe, Pop puts Kid on punishment. Kid sneaks out any way to attend Play's party and finds himself pursued by the same bullies who attacked him in school-a stooge-like trio played side-splittingly by R&B group Full Force. Never mind that these dudes look like they should be seniors in college; Full Force are the perfect foils to Kid's savvy wit and consistent stroke of good luck. Along the way, Kid 'n Play find time for love, or sex if you are Play. Both men a bestowed two beautiful young ladies to pursue in the form of the lovely AJ Johnson (Sharane) and Tisha Campbell-Martin (Sidney). Both guys are after Sharane-the bad girl in the bodysuit. While Sidney-the sweet suburban girl-longs to be noticed in the shadow of her sexy best friend. All of these elements are blended with Pops hunt to retrieve his son from this party while dealing with two moronic, and bigoted cops that keep popping up and the most inconvenient times.
Almost thirty years after it is original release, House Party is as enjoyable the 100th time as it was the 1st time. The themes in House Party are timeless. The jokes are still funny, and the cast is a pure cinematic joy. Kid 'n Play became bigger stars on the screen than they ever were as rappers, and that is a good thing. Both actors play well off each other, and they're charisma keeps the movie and light and smooth pace. Moreover, if that was not enough to get you interested, there's a young Martin Lawrence who shows you an earlier taste of his comedic genius and near the midpoint of the film, is without a doubt, one of the best dance battles in movie history. House Party is a rousing good time for all and a movie that deserves to be considered as one of the best comedy and teen movies...period.
While most people think House Party is primarily about two friends trying to throw the dopest party in school-which they achieve-it is secretly a story about an overworked father named Pops (Robin Harris) trying to raise a teenage son, on his own. Pops was well aware of the dangers that affected young black males, so more than anything; he wanted to keep his son close to home, educated, and out of trouble. However, what would a movie about teenagers be without them making rebellious decisions, and luckily, Kid takes everyone on a fun journey through a black suburb to make it to his friend Play's party. Keep in mind, it may seem insignificant now, but black kids in a friendly suburban neighborhood was a rare onscreen appearance. These were not the stereotypical black kids from a troubled area; they were smart, good kids who only wanted to party and get laid.
After getting into a fight at school, and to keep him safe, Pop puts Kid on punishment. Kid sneaks out any way to attend Play's party and finds himself pursued by the same bullies who attacked him in school-a stooge-like trio played side-splittingly by R&B group Full Force. Never mind that these dudes look like they should be seniors in college; Full Force are the perfect foils to Kid's savvy wit and consistent stroke of good luck. Along the way, Kid 'n Play find time for love, or sex if you are Play. Both men a bestowed two beautiful young ladies to pursue in the form of the lovely AJ Johnson (Sharane) and Tisha Campbell-Martin (Sidney). Both guys are after Sharane-the bad girl in the bodysuit. While Sidney-the sweet suburban girl-longs to be noticed in the shadow of her sexy best friend. All of these elements are blended with Pops hunt to retrieve his son from this party while dealing with two moronic, and bigoted cops that keep popping up and the most inconvenient times.
Almost thirty years after it is original release, House Party is as enjoyable the 100th time as it was the 1st time. The themes in House Party are timeless. The jokes are still funny, and the cast is a pure cinematic joy. Kid 'n Play became bigger stars on the screen than they ever were as rappers, and that is a good thing. Both actors play well off each other, and they're charisma keeps the movie and light and smooth pace. Moreover, if that was not enough to get you interested, there's a young Martin Lawrence who shows you an earlier taste of his comedic genius and near the midpoint of the film, is without a doubt, one of the best dance battles in movie history. House Party is a rousing good time for all and a movie that deserves to be considered as one of the best comedy and teen movies...period.