Customer Reviews

It's My Party [VHS]

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I came upon this little-known film by accident the other evening and it was a discovery that I was glad to have made. As has previously been stated, Eric Roberts portrays "Nick" who has been living an idyllic existence with his partner "Brandon," portrayed by Gregory Harrison. Suddenly, their lives are turned inside out when Nick is diagnosed with AIDS. Brandon is unable to cope with the revelation and begins to distance himself from his friend. The strain on the relationship caused them to have a permanent and ugly separation.

One year later, as the disease begins to progress to its eventual fatal end, Nick decides to throw a "bash" for his himself, as well as his family and friends. Nick also intends on taking his own life because prior to his mind and body's deterioration.

Nick's family and friends all come with the exception of the unknowing Brandon. Margaret Cho, playing one of Nick's friends, intercedes and seeks out Brandon, telling him about his former lover's intentions. During the party, Brandon appears and amidst the celebration, he and Nick briefly reconcile.

The final meeting between the two is poignant as well as celebratory.

As far as the performances are concerned, the principals are superb. Why Roberts did not attain the heights, as his better-known sibling, Julia, is unfathomable. He is quite good as the dying Nick.

Harrison is appropriately confused and compassionate as one that must deal with his own guilt and the mortality of someone with whom he had planned to share his life.

Lee Grant, as Nick's mom, is brilliant, showing why she has been one of the most unappreciated actresses of the past fifty years.

With a supporting cast of Bronson Pinchot, George Segal, Bruce Davison, Marlee Matlin, Olivia Newton-John (who supplies the song heard over the closing credits), Roddy McDowall (in one of his last roles), and a cameo appearance by acting legend Nina Foch (as Brandon's mother), the film has the clout to be one of the best ensemble cast in recent years.

It's too bad that this well-made film came and went with little fanfare and seems now relegated to late night on cable television.

The film is powerful and deserving of wider viewership.

What a wonderfully written, beautifully acted movie.It is thought provoking & touching, raising questions about Aids,euthanasia & death with dignity.Eric Roberts, in a departure role for him as a usual bad boy of film, gives an OUTSTANDING performance as a victim of Aids who wants to die with dignity, so throws a party with all of his closest friends & family members. His ex lover who had previously left him since he was having difficulty dealing with the illness, ends up at the party, & they come to terms with their break up, & the inevitable. Fantastic performances abound in this movie: Gregory Harrison,Lee Grant,Olivia Newton John,Bronson Pinchot (Who provides the comic relief), Margaret Cho, Marlee Matlin, & of course, the ever fabulously talented Roddy MacDowell. I was worried that this movie would be terribly depressing...I had trouble with Philadelphia.Though that movie was well written & acted, I found it oppressive. 'It's My Party' is fantasic!You'll laugh, you'll cry, & the soundtrack is wonderful.Reminded me a bit of 'The Big Chill' because of the soundtrack, but this film is so thoroughly entertaining.'It's About Time'! Eric Roberts got a good role to showcase his amazing talents. What an incredibly talented actor! Just see it!

I really can't see this twice because its just so sad. There were too many people in this movie, but the main characters truly were terrific in their roles. Eric Roberts is Nick Stark, an artist/architect and a proud gay man. He has been living with his lover(Gregory Harrison) Brandon for several years and they have been together for 8 years.Brandon is a tv/movie director and the two are the opposites of each other. When Nick finds out that he has been tested positive Brandon promises that he won't leave his side yet he is afraid of Nick now. Nick gets hurt when Brandon starts to pull away and finally they break up and Nick is hurt, whilst Brandon moves on with Zack..a young man. 1 year later Nick gets tested positive for PLM or...something meaning he has only a few days before his brain stops functioning properly so therefore he decides to end his life, but before doing so he wants to hold a party for his friends and family. This was truly a sad film to watch and it really sticks to your mind after youve seen it. I'm still thinking about it and I can't get over the fact that my favourite actor Gregory Harrison actually kissed another man...but they were both wonderful in this movie, but I didn't understand the way Nick was so calm about dying.

Randall Kleiser spent ten arduous years trying to make this film and, even with the resistance of Hollywood execs, he ended with a Masterpiece of film. Eric Roberts gives a standout performance as a dying AIDS patient wanting desperately to make ammends with his former lover and filmmaker Gregory Harrison.

The Film, shot sequentially, was marvelous from beginning to end with exceptional and marked performances by Olivia Newton-John (magical as always), Margaret Chou (perfect), Marlee Matlin (an endearing portrayal), George Seagal (understated perfectly), and the legendary Lee Grant (a wonderfully emotional performance fitting only a great actress).

Much akin to the illustrious Ordinary People, the film is finely tuned and timed perfectly with a verve unlike many films made today. Milla Jovovich's beautiful rendering (her album Divine Comedy's "It's Your Life") during a mystical scene half-way through the movie is so enchanting as to make one believe in Synchronicity, fate, and true loves. ...at the end, the passionate Olivia Newton-John's song perfects the moment and endures the legacy of Randall Kleiser's efforts to bring a cinematic treat to audiences drenched in tawdry sex, mindless violence, and myopic screenplays. It makes you cry, it makes you laugh, and it makes you realize that we all have to need each other and should love peace and tranquility above all else, and just be there for each other and respect each other as they are. What a place the world would be if we really followed the Golden Rule and tried only to regulate our lives rather than everyone else's.

F.C.R. Tear Drop Films

one of my favorite movies a heartwrenching tearjerker that will just tear you up. its about a man dying of aids who invites his friends over for a 2 day farewell party. but unexpectedly his ex shows up. Everyone did such an excellant job in the movie but i think the standouts were eric roberts as nick, greg harrison as nick's ex, marlee matlin as nicks sister, lee grant as nicks mother, and margaret cho and olivia newton john as some of nicks best friends. this movie will make you laugh and make you cry. every time i watch this movie i cry. I wish i couldve seen it in the theatres. also one of my favorite soundtracks with a beautiful score by basil poladeuris. and olivia newtons song dont cut me down at the end. i agree with another reviewer when you see the opening scene after watching it a second time you tear up already!
You should watch this movie whether you are gay or straight. it will teach you that love is forever. oh man im tearing up writing this! see this beautiful movie!

A brilliant, but sad movie about the effects of AIDS, both to the patient, and to the family and friends. Eric Roberts, Gregory Harrison, and the rest of the all-star cast were phenomenal. For those who have lost loved ones and friends to this horrific disease, you will definitely be moved to the point of tears, then laughter, then tears again. I thought this was definitely Oscar material. It is right up there with "Philadelphia" in my book.

I bought this movie not too long after it came out. It is a heart wrenching movie but with a great cast and a lot of humor. It made the parts of the movie stand out when they went from the Comedy to the Tragidy. It was a movie of great class. It portrays the gay community in one way that I would have to say gives pride to us. Get your tissues ready you will need them. I think that I went through a whole family size box. Not really but almost...

I bought this film on VHS, widescreen, a few years ago, because I am somewhat of an AIDS activist and was impressed with the cast. After watching it the first time, I thought it was a bit too sentimental and tear-jerking. I've watched it since, and am amazed at what I missed the first time. First off, Eric Roberts (known for being nuts a lot) gives a admirably controlled performance, belying his reputation. He is truly wonderful; centered and sensitive. Every nuance is remarkable! I am so impressed. I've done some research, and found that Randal Kleiser put himself in the character of Brandon (Gregory Harrison), maybe to redeem his guilt trip. He'd apparently taken 10 years to put this film together, and found an outstanding, stellar cast; he should be given credit for talent and integrity. The gay community lambasted this film initially because of the stereotypes, but, hey, I thought this was a composite of life as it is...straight or gay...they were all there; the only unbelievable thing to me was that Nik called all his friends and they showed up. (This would never happen with me). One of the most amazing facets of the film was the editing of Ila von Hasperic, not only for the flashbacks, but the incredible group scenes, dialogue, scene shifts, etc. Most impressive! I think that if the ending wasn't so predictable, this is a film Altman would love to make. The ensemble cast was used to great advantage. There are terrific performances from Margaret Cho, Lee Grant, Bronson Pinchot (the snot you love to hate), Roddy MacDowall, Marlee Matlin and Olivia Newton-John (who Kleiser used to good advantage in "Grease"). Some fine moments to be aware of: Brandon turns on his TV and he's watching "Night of the Hunter", the scene where Shelley Winters' body is at the bottom of the river...suddenly he's with her, alone, looking for Nik. ("Night of the Hunter" is also the only film directed by Charles Laughton, thought a failure in its initial release). This is disturbing to me, because it suggests that suicide is OK. Under these circumstances, I'm not sure. It's a very unpleasant but positive argument. Olivia's final song (over closing credits) "Don't Cut Me Down" pretty much tells it all. This film is so full of great moments, and it gets very weepy throughout, but Kleiser has put together a narrative that is important now as much as in 1996. There's also "bite your tongue" humor, and sweetness. The absolute bottom line is that Eric Roberts knows how to keep his mouth shut. It's during these moments...his reactions...a simple phrase...makes me want to see him in other roles than those he's known for. I could see him doing Crowe's role in "A Beautiful Mind". Is that over the edge? See this film, and you might agree. He's never shown such control.

So you thought Julia Roberts had all the talent in the family? Think again, and see "It's My Party" if you want proof positive that Eric, her brother, deserves the same level of praise and attention. A shattering performance that was grossly overlooked in 1996, Roberts plays the central character, dying from AIDS with dignity and self-determination that is so rarely captured ANYWHERE it's often astounding to the viewer to get through. If you thought "Terms of Endearment" was a terrific film, you might dislike the honesty and wrenching sincerity of this movie. There is little room for self-disdain here, or sadness. Rather, what erupts throughout is pure emotional awareness....Roberts captures so many dimensions of a dying man, you're celebrating AND reflecting at once. There is also an incredible supporting cast and special kudos to Harrison, Newton-John, and Cho. A real family film - see it and share it with the people you love. A note to the studio - how about a DVD release with some behind-the-scenes extras and perhaps even some reflections from the lovely Julia Roberts on her brother's extraordinary turn

If you have ever known anyone with AIDS or HIV, you HAVE to watch this movie. The cast acts so well and the movie is done very tastefully. It tugs on your heartstrings and will leave you feeling free, liberated, sad and a little angry at what this disease does to people. Plus, just the bonds of friendship are enough to make this movie a classic movie among Steel Magnolia type movie fans! I just keep hoping they release it on DVD!