The Party Crashers

I saw this film at the "Camera Cinema Club" in San Jose, CA yesterday. I really liked the story and sound track, although the acting was a little weak at times. The director/writer/producer/star was there to answer questions afterwards, and he was quite amusing in person as well.

Note also that I think the film should really be listed as 1997 (I think that's what the copyright said) or 1998 (the web site said it was first shown publicly then).

Party Crashers is a clever and funny movie with plot twists, a lot of dark comedy, and a great sound track. Teens to adults will enjoy this film, making you laugh even as you think about the social commentary. Characters are fun and engaging.

Party Crashers laid-back approach may seem slow to people expecting "Die Hard" but in a Beverly Hills penthouse, but like many "insider" films, those who are in the know can find much to appreciate. Living in a city known for its earthquakes, riots, and various other man-made and artifical disasters has made Angelenos some of the most jaded people on earth. Of course they would act this way, especially if they were taken hostage by the three guys in the movie. Are there plot holes, oh yeah. Should Phil Leirness spend more time on directing than hamming it up in front of the camera, well I'm not a drama critic but probably. Does it feel slow, yes but it due more to Leirness' obvious homage to the classic films of the 1930s. His minimal camera movement and favoring of wide shots bring to mind the days of classic cinema when directors knew enough to let the action play out and not ruin it by the rapid fire cutting that many audience members have become familiar as the norm. Adding to this feeling is the rapid fire, witty dialogue that harks back to Hawks classic comedies. The commentary on the DVD, which definitely one of the more enjoyable ones I have ever heard, is full of amusing stories, both real and fictious. Leirness' dry wit great to listen to as you do laundry.

This hip little caper has definite high-points-- cool cinematography, engaging sound track, attractive actors/actresses, intermittent witty banter. Technically, the movie is solid.

The plot revolves around a wealthy socialite character-- unfortunately, the actress who plays the role delivers a totally unnuanced performance that eclipses everything else, making the script seem more sophomoric than necessary. The chemistry between the actors could also be better...the interactions can at times be a bit wooden.

I saw this film on DVD because I'm a huge fan of John Saxon (who isn't?!?). The first thing that struck me was how cool it looks. The cinematographer is Matthew Libatique (who did "Gothika" and "Requiem for a Dream") and I'm definitely going to check out more of his early films. Although the film must've been super low budget, the attention the filmmakers gave to actually creating a unique mood and look for the film pays off as it gets the viewer through some of the rougher patches and more clichéd moments. Another major virtue is the song score by Sid Hillman (who plays himself in the movie and if you stick through the fun end credits, you learn that he actually played a second role as well, and it's hilarious!). I've researched him and it seems like he's had a couple of albums released independently, but he certainly deserves a wider audience. The cast is mostly unknown, except for Shawnee Smith, who gets one of her best roles as a spoiled rich girl (is there any other kind?) who loves to provoke people (her father, her suitors ... everybody). I particularly liked the Asian actor, Burt Bulos, so much that I rented another film he starred in ("Yellow", which isn't as good, but he's great). The director is quite good in the film as well (and you'll love his audio commentary). Overall the cast is attractive and hard-working and it even features Josh Randall (from "Ed" in an early performance). My only complaints are the brief running time (things get wrapped up really quick, although the ending is really sick and funny), and the fact that John Saxon, though top-billed, doesn't have a very big role. It's not a cameo, but it's a supporting part and I was hoping for more. I wonder if he had fun making the film because it seemed like a pretty cool project in which to be involved.