90′s wiki: House Party
Back in 1990 hip hop was part Afrocentric education and part fun and vibrancy. House Party definitely falls into the second category. Taking much inspiration from the Spike Lee movies of the era, but without of the preachy tone, this film showed normal black teenagers just out to have some fun – in spite of their over protective parents, schoolyard bullies and police harassment. In other words, this is a rare ‘feel good in the hood’ movie that shows ghetto life doesn’t have to involve guns, drugs and alcohol but shows good people having a good time together.
The action revolves around rap duo Kid ‘n Play (Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin) and their attempts to organise a party at Play’s house whilst his old folks are on holiday. Sounds easy if you don’t take into acccount some comedic bad boys in the form of RnB production powerhouse ‘Full Force’ who will stop at nothing to cut Kid and his oversized high top fro down to size. If that wasn’t enough, Kid also has to contend with his old school ‘Pop’, played to full comedy value by the late Robin Harris. Harris’ portrayal of this role has set somewhat of a blueprint and been imitated by the likes of Bernie Mac and John Witherspoon (who makes a brief appearance as a nosy neighbour).
When the party finally gets started, Martin Lawrence handles the DJing duties whilst Kid n Play engage in a freestyle battle to impress the two female leads Sidney (Tisha Campbell) and Sharane. The defining moment of the film is the 90′s new jack swing dance-off that ensues between Kid n Play and the girls, parodied and mimicked countless times, and easily one of the most enjoyable moments of 90′s cinema. There is a warning about the dangers of drinking and a safe sex message to boot, but in the midst of all the teenage fun its a fleeting moment of parental nagging in a film that is rarely condescending to the viewer.
Popularity: 86% [?]
Edited: September 9th, 2008