When most people talk about teen movies the first films that come to mind often come from the narrow mind of John Hughes. They immediately throw around titles like SIXTEEN CANDLES, THE BREAKFAST CLUB, or FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF — but in my opinion you can’t talk about quintessential teen movies without mentioning HOUSE PARTY.
This film defined what it meant to be young, black, and fly. On the surface it’s a simple story about a kid (pun intended) who has to sneak out of his back window to attend one of the dopest house parties of the year. But underneath it’s about what it means to be a good friend. There are rules. You never go for the girl your best friend wants. You don’t hit below the belt, even in a rap battle. If three bullies threaten to kick your friend’s fucking ass — you have his back. And if one of you goes to jail, you do whatever you have to do to get the money to bail him out.
I love everything about this movie. It’s special from beginning to end. From the moment you hear Luther Vandross singing about an epic party to the very end when you hear Kid getting his ass beat by his pops — this teen movie is an unforgettable gem. Kid and Play aren’t boys in the hood — they’re two kids who live in the suburbs that want to chase girls, wear fly clothes, and have fun.
This film might sound like a light silly movie, but for me — it was like a warm hug. It was so familiar yet aspirational. It was revolutionary. And that’s why, in my opinion, it’s a classic.
HOUSE PARTY is available to rent via YouTube, Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, and Google Play.
We’ll finish up the first week of #EssentialTeenFilms tomorrow!
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Craig Robinson entertians at the Dana Brunetti’s Pre Oscar party hosted by Steve Shaw at the private residence of Jonas Tahlin, CEO of Absolut Elyx on February 28, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for Absolut Elyx)
Seems like the actor Craig Robinson is everywhere these days. He offers up his voice in the new comedy Sausage Party, shows up in the hit series Mr. Robot, headlines a new film out this month, Morris from America, and he’ll host yet another rousing production of the Black Movie Soundtrack at the Hollywood Bowl.
The first show, which took place in 2014, was “a soulful celebration of black cinema classics.” This year, it’s back by popular demand with Robinson once again at the helm as host.
He spoke with Take Two host Alex Cohen about the event and started off by listing some of his favorite black cinema films, what artists he’s looking forward to and previewed some of his singing skills with Luther Vandross.
Van Jones Credit Stephen Voss for The New York Times
Jones is the president of Dream Corps, a nonprofit organization, and is a CNN contributor.
Age: 47
Occupation: Social entrepreneur
Hometown: Jackson, Tenn.
His Top 5 Afrofuturist Works:
1. “Sign o’ the Times,” Prince
2. “Octavia’s Brood,” Adrienne Maree Brown and Walidah Imarisha, editors
3. “Electric Lady,” Janelle Monáe
4. “Black Panther,” Reginald Hudlin
5. “Mothership,” Bill Campbell and Edward Austin Hall, editors
I’ve read that you’re a science-fiction and comic-book nerd and that you’re close with Newt Gingrich, who has written a few novels about alternate histories. Why do you think a lot of people who love policy wonkery also have an interest in science fiction? Because we’re all nerds.
