It would be easy to dismiss this half-realized remake as vapid, puerile trash. So … yeah, it is vapid, puerile trash. I see no reason not to take the easy path.
Seriously, House Party, 2023, was unnecessary, contrived, and relies far too heavily on celebrity to account for the fact that it can’t hold a candle to the Kid ‘n’ Play original. But, that said, it wasn’t miserable, and occasionally watchable if for no other reason than some quality celebrity roles filled out by Mya, LeBron James, and Kid Cudi as themselves.
Kid Cudi steals the show as the enigmatic, reserved, bizarre party guest who just happens to be a member of the secret illuminati. Ah, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
As usual in films like these, there’s a responsible friend, Kevin (Jacob Lattimore), and an irresponsible friend, Damon (Tosin Cole). This Damon does NOT rhyme with “shame on,” btw, something that you’ll hear throughout the film. Kevin is the one we care about; he has joint custody parenthood and he’s just trying to make it work. Damon, OTOH, is depicted as lazy and morally bankrupt, as demonstrated when he gets them both fired from their house cleaning job.
There must be a standard practice playbook on releasing staff from house cleaning jobs and I’d BET BET BET there’s a rule stating not to fire anybody on site … especially if they have keys to the house they’re cleaning, right? Especially if they haven’t finished yet, right? I mean, we can all see this coming, can’t we? The boys get fired. Kevin goes to his sad place knowing that he needs $10k to make a tuition payment for his daughter. Kevin, have you not filled out a student finances form (I filled out one a year for as long as my child was in grade school)? Did this film research anything?! Damon gets the bright idea to host a house party and then the pair examine their current surroundings only to discover it is owned by LeBron James.
Well, gosh, even I would party in LeBron James’ house if given the chance. This leads to the major highlights and disappointments of the film for Damon is into exploiting LeBron’s house
and possessions – check out his immediate appropriation of LeBron’s draft day suit – while Kevin just wants to keep the house nice so he can net enough money to make that tuition payment. I find the saving/stealing possessions routine stale in films like this. I’m also amazed at the indifference of the party guests – I wouldn’t want to damage LeBron’s crib any more than security would want me to.
And add to this the fact that I really didn’t care for either lead. At some point, fellas, you have to realize you’re completely profiting off LeBron’s name and downplaying your encroachment like MAGA “protecting” voting rights. So while I did find humor in a few places, the main plot was completely lost on me. Aside from a DJ who under-the-influence convinces himself that he’s a time traveler, the best parts of the film were all celebrity offerings, which doesn’t seem right, does it? The regulars are supposed to help the guests, not vice-versa, right? Bottom line is I found House Party watchable, but nowhere near as fun as the Kid ‘n’ Play original.
Taking over the house of LeBron James
Two mediocrities dare to play wealth games
Don’t mess with the King
Cuz you know, here’s the thing:
When he returns its kick ass, then take names
Rated R, 100 Minutes
Director: Calmatic
Writer: Stephen Glover, Jamal Olori
Genre: The remake nobody asked for
Type of being most likely to enjoy this film: The kind of teen who hopes the R-rating means boobs
Type of being least likely to enjoy this film: The kind of teen who finds out it did not
