Institute History
Description
For all of you who think our evening receptions aren't wild enough. here's a party you should check out. House Party is a film set within the hip-hop culture of today's black teenagers. It centers around a particular day and night in the life of Kid and his "homeboys," who are planning a booming party. Even though it's a school night, everyone is getting ready for a big evening of wild talk, wild music, wild dancing, and the wild thing.
Kid, who sports a zany hairdo that would pique the envy of Don King, is a self-assured teenager, except when it comes to his rap. Naturally the party will be the perfect occasion to show off his wares, impress the girls, and slick it in the face of Play, his colleague in rhyme. Cocky enough to take on Stab, the school’s hulking tough guy, Kid ends up in the principal’s office for letting himself get beaten up. Although he is grounded by his father, Kid's determination and libido push him to risk a potentially long and fruitful life in favor of the dancing and the ladies. In the end it's not his father who nearly kills him; it's Stab and his cartoonish, bat-toting friends. Ironically it's the fascist police who save Kid, only to land him in a jail cell where the other prisoners want to initiate him. Director Reggie Hudlin keeps House Party cool and brisk, and certainly funny at all times, particularly the lines delivered by the parents.
The Hudlin brothers, who are responsible for this outrageous escapade, make the most of their casting. Especially noteworthy are the two female leads, A.J. Johnson and Tisha Campbell, as two girls from opposite ends of the social ladder. They are portrayed as smart, responsible, and very sexy women who know how to have fun and keep the boys at bay. All teenage dilemmas, games and innuendos aside, this film reinforces the values of friendship and taking responsibility, all the while maintaining its humor and giving us a revealing look at a popular subculture.
Saturday, January 20 10:00 p.m.
Prospector Square Theatre
Tuesday, January 23 10:00 p.m.
Egyptian Theatre
Friday, January 28 7:00 p.m.
Prospector Square Theatre
Saturday, January 27 10:00 p.m.
Prospector Square Theatre
$5.00