The Party Crashers (1998)

Director:

Phil Leirness

Writer:

Phil Leirness (writer)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime

Plot:

Three guys crash a party and take it hostage, holding it for ransom.

Plot Keywords:

Hostage | Gay Interest | Independent Film

Cast

John Saxon	...	Mr. Foster
Max Parrish	...	Gigolo
Peter Murnik	...	Former Athlete
Shawnee Smith	...	Carolyn
Phil Leirness	...	Writer
Burt Bulos	...	Actor
Josh Randall	...	The Bruise
Christopher Jacobs	...	Attorney
Sid Hillman	...	Musician / Record Executive
Maureen Byrnes	...	Mrs. Foster
Robin Nance	...	Jennifer Clark
Jennifer Aquino	...	Figure Skater
Tay Brooks	...	Obnoxious broker (as Daniel Ford Taylor)
Marcus Malone	...	Brave guest
Jamie Kaler	...	Bartender

Runtime:

77 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Company:

Cinema Arts Entertainment

Dark, twisted and funny!

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.