It's My Party (1996)

Masqueraring as a comedy when it clearly is not, Randall Kleiser's IT'S MY PARTY is a study in self-absorption and schmaltz that probably started with good intentions but became a mass of sweeping fragility swathed in pathos and cheap emotions. The premise is that a man, dying of AIDS, has decided to throw an all-out party where he will announce that he will commit suicide. An engaging extrovert, he displays the frenetic optimism precisely found in manic-depressives or people who tend to carry a load with stoic abandon until they no longer can carry it by themselves. Of course, this movie never bothers to truly dive in deep into Nick Stark's (Eric Roberts) psyche -- all we know is what we know and we're given some access into his past via flashbacks, but even then, they only serve as a point of reference, never as a true picture. And then, predictably, his ultimate decision, which is so ridiculous that I wondered if Nick wasn't really a woman pretending to be a man. Talk about a tragic heroine! At least Lee Remick has more to do as his mother, and oddly enough, the movie totally forgets about her and chooses instead to concentrate solely on the mechanics of the party, Nick's botched relationship with Brandon (Gregory Harrison) who left him when he learned of Nick's illness and has come to (maybe?) make amends, and scenes that spell Cute and Tender all the way. I didn't buy it then, I still don't buy it now, and I certainly can't recommend a movie where a gay man decides that the best way to go is with a bang, even at the expense of family members and close friends. That's the ultimate act of selfishness, even if this is only a story. There will be some sentimentalists out there who will weep their eyes out at the sole mention of this pile of dreck, but not me.

There are few movies that can make me literally sob, not just cry. This movie touched my soul. It is a well written story ingeniously casted. Actors including comedian Margaret Cho, former singing sensation Olivia Newton-John, Eric Roberts, Bronson Pinchot, Marlee Matlin, and others may not be "Top Dogs" in Hollywood, but, deliver compelling, heart felt performances that seem to come naturally to them. It's as if the parts they played were written for them. Perfect casting, good direction, and spectacular performances make "It's My Party" a must see film that you will never forget. Rent it, buy it, or borrow it. Just make sure you have some tissues handy.

Who this film is supposed to benefit, entertain, or do anything else for is beyond me. It has a remarkable cast but the story is completely depressing. I can't say much about the acting cause all anyone did in this movie was try to look happy to be there. I'm not to sure if that what the director told them to do or cause it was just what they did. Essentially it's about a guy who finds out he's going to be dead to the world by Monday. His boyfriend left him so he invites everyone else he knows to come over and keep him entertained before dying.I can't say I saw this recently (thankfully) but I can't say I remember a single funny moment in it. I can't recommend this to anyone either, it's just to bleak. This cast is wasted on a story I would wish on no one. I understand AIDS is a terrible and scary thing, that is no reason to depress people with this.This is not the most depressing thing I have ever seen but it comes close. It tugs at the heart, but leaves you completely down.

Dear friend: You are cordially invited to party with me right before I lock myself in my bedroom and kill myself. Farewell gift optional.Ewwww! Heebie jeebies!! Do *NOT* R.S.V.P.!!!This ill-conceived opus is T-T-T ...tacky, terrible and tasteless. And while I'm sure Dr. Kevorkian's VHS copy of this film is nearly worn out... when *I* cross paths with this unholy mess at the video store, I clutch rosary beads and crucifixes and Flo Jo my way right past it. And I'm not even religious.It's most unfortunate that someone, or anyone, involved here didn't come up with the idea of entirely re-writing this film into a black comedy. Or a musical. I'm serious. The Margaret Cho tap dance has already been choreographed in my head...Dreadfully depressing and devoid any redeeming quality or modicum of light-hearted humor, "Its My Party" is one big celebrity infested, on-screen funeral (sans the quick running time.) If funerals are your idea of a spankin' fun, knee-slappin, hee-hollerin' good time, then I salute you. Throw on a fierce black party dress, light a few vigil lights, pop this stinker in and enjoy!