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House Party 2
House Party 2
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House Party 2
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDoug McHenry
George Jackson
Written byDaryl G. Nickens
Rusty Cundieff
Based onCharacters created by
Reginald Hudlin
Produced byDoug McHenry
George Jackson
Janet Grillo
Pat Golden
Suzanne Broderick
Starring
CinematographyFrancis Kenny
Edited byJoel Goodman
Music byVassal Benford
Distributed byNew Line Cinema
Release date
  • October 23, 1991 (1991-10-23)
Running time
94 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$5 million
Box office$19.4 million[1]

House Party 2 is a 1991 American comedy film and the second in the House Party film series. Kid 'n Play, Full Force, Tisha Campbell, and Martin Lawrence reprise their roles from the first film, with Iman, Queen Latifah, and Georg Stanford Brown joining the cast. There are guest appearances by Tony! Toni! Toné! and Ralph Tresvant. It was directed by Doug McHenry and George Jackson, and written by Daryl G. Nickens and Rusty Cundieff.

In contrast to the original, the film places less focus on the party aspect of the plot and more on the characters' personal lives, from dating to education and career ambitions. The party this time is a college pajama party rather than a high school house party.

House Party 2 was released in the United States on October 23, 1991, and grossed $19 million on a budget of $5 million. A further sequel, House Party 3, was released in 1994.

Plot

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After high school graduation and his father's death, Kid, with scholarship money provided by the congregation of his church, goes off to college with his girlfriend, Sidney. Play, now driving a 'ForPlay' Ford Mustang instead of his beat up old wagon, meets Sheila Landreaux and her associate Rick. Really a con artist, Sheila convinces Play she is a record executive who would like to sign him and Kid, he just has to put some money down first for a studio session.

Lured by dreams of stardom, Play signs over Kid's college scholarship check. Unaware of this, Kid starts school and meets his roommate Jamal Johnson, a white kid obsessed with all things Black. Kid eventually finds out what Play did and fights him. Unable to pay his tuition and enrollment fees, Kid tries to reason with the dean but is only given a week to gather the money he needs. The dean's assistant, Miles, helps Kid with an extension and a job in the dining hall, working for Mr. Lee, a man who runs the hall like a military officer.

Kid struggles having to work to pay for school as well as writing a paper for the demanding Professor Sinclair. To top it off, Kid is hunted by his high school bullies, Stab, Zilla, and Pee Wee, who take jobs as campus security. Finding his groove on campus, Kid's perseverance pays off, and he gains the trust of his boss & professor. Meanwhile, Play is unable to get the money back from the con artists in time to pay for Kid's tuition. Plus, Sidney breaks up with Kid and starts dating Miles, who only helped Kid in order to take his money and get close to Sidney.

In order to raise the money he needs and win back Sidney, Kid, Play, Bilal and Jamal secretly hold a pajama themed party for the students in the faculty dining hall. For this, Kid steals the hall's key. Admission is $10 for men and free for women who wear nightwear. Stab, Zilla & Pee Wee try to get information on the party by pretending to be students, but their antics are unsuccessful. The party is a success as hundreds of students turn up wearing elaborate costumes and dance the night away amidst popular acts, including to a performance by Kid and Play.

Eventually, Play sees the con artists trying to coerce Zora, Sidney’s socially conscious cousin/roommate. Meanwhile, Kid sees Miles with Sidney trying to drug her. Kid, Play and campus security run upstairs to stop the con artists and Miles. Kid fights Miles on the roof. The dean and the police come in to stop the party. Play tells the dean that Sheila and Rick stole Kid’s check. They, along with Miles, are arrested.

The dean tells Kid, Play, Bilal, and Jamal to clean up the hall, or Kid will face expulsion. Confronted by Mr. Lee for unauthorized use of the hall, Kid confesses his financial troubles and gives him the money for the damages. With all of his options exhausted, Kid still has to drop out of school and visits his father's grave to try to sort things out. Play shows up trying to talk to Kid who is still disappointed with his best friend for causing him to drop out of college.

Meanwhile, Kid heads back to his dorm room to move his things out. Sidney & Jamal help to console him. Kid visits Mr. Lee on good terms and then Sinclair, who encourages him to return one day for his education. Later, Play arrives in his beat up old wagon, and gives Kid money, feeling guilty about using his check. Revealing he sold 'ForPlay' for Kid, Play apologizes for everything. Kid wants to go out and celebrate with him and Bilal, but Play tells him to hit the books, saying he is gonna visit the university periodically, seeing as Kid is his "investment" now. Jamal helps Kid move back in as Play drives off into the sunset.

Cast

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Music

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Soundtrack

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A soundtrack containing hip hop and R&B music was released on October 15, 1991 by MCA Records. It peaked at 55 on the Billboard 200 and 23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, becoming the most successful of the House Party soundtracks.

Reception

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Box office

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The movie debuted at No.1 at the box office.[2]

Critical response

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Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 27% based on reviews from 15 critics.[3]

Sequel

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A sequel to the film, titled House Party 3, was released on January 12, 1994.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
House Party 2 is a 1991 American buddy comedy film directed by George Jackson and , serving as the sequel to the 1990 . The movie stars Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin, known as the hip-hop duo , with supporting roles by , , and Iman. Produced and distributed by , it was released on October 23, 1991, and features a with contributions from artists like and . With a budget of $5 million, the film grossed $19.4 million domestically, marking a commercial success despite mixed critical reception. The film is dedicated to comedian Robin Harris, who died in 1990. The story centers on Kid (Reid), a recent high school graduate who enrolls at the fictional Harris University but discovers his tuition check has been stolen by a shady record promoter whom his best friend Play (Martin) had hired to manage their music group. To raise the necessary funds and avoid expulsion from strict Dean Kramer (William Schallert), Kid organizes an elaborate pajama party on campus, navigating rivalries, romances, and comedic mishaps along the way. The screenplay, written by Rusty Cundieff and Daryl G. Nickens and based on characters created by Reginald Hudlin for the original film, blends hip-hop culture, college life, and lighthearted antics with musical performances integrated into the narrative. In addition to the leads, the ensemble cast includes notable appearances by as Professor Sinclair, as Mr. Lee, and a cameo by , alongside rising stars like in an early role. Jackson and McHenry, who also produced the first film and the 1991 crime drama , made their directorial debut with House Party 2, emphasizing themes of Black youth ambition and community in a post-House Party expansion of the franchise. The film's runtime is 94 minutes, and it carries an R rating for language and suggestive content. Critics praised the film's energetic music and humor appealing to younger audiences but noted it lacked the original's fresh charm and emotional depth, particularly in the absence of comedian Robin Harris, who died before the sequel's production. awarded it two out of four stars, describing it as "genial and good-humored" yet formulaic. of highlighted its entertaining mix of comedy, rap, and hip-hop as a fun follow-up that captures the spirit of youthful exuberance. While it did not receive major awards, the movie contributed to the early wave of Black-led comedies and helped solidify Kid 'n Play's screen presence, paving the way for in 1994.

Production

Development

Following the success of the 1990 film , which grossed over $26 million domestically, New Line Cinema announced the development of a direct on 20 April 1990 to continue the story of protagonists Kid and Play, shifting focus to their transition into college life amid financial challenges. The built upon original characters created by , expanding their adventures to explore themes of higher education and economic hurdles faced by young Black individuals. The screenplay was written by Daryl G. Nickens and , centering the narrative on a organized as a fundraiser to resolve monetary setbacks. George Jackson and were brought on as directors, initially joined by before the latter stepped back during production; the duo sought to maintain the franchise's comedic hip-hop aesthetic while incorporating on barriers to college access for Black youth, aligning with promotional partnerships like those with the United Negro College Fund. New Line Cinema financed the project with a budget of approximately $5 million, positioning it as a low-cost follow-up to capitalize on the original's cultural impact. Development progressed rapidly, with scripting completed by early 1991, leading into from to May of that year. Warrington and served as executive producers, though without direct creative involvement in the sequel.

Filming

Principal photography for House Party 2 commenced in 1991 and was primarily conducted in , , where urban locations such as MacArthur Park's Levitt were used to depict the film's and scenes. The film's was handled by Francis Kenny, capturing the energetic and vibrant atmosphere central to the hip-hop comedy's tone. Editing duties fell to Joel Goodman, who managed the rapid pacing required for the comedic sequences and choreography. Key production personnel included producers George Jackson and Doug McHenry, who oversaw the shoot alongside associate producers Pat Golden and Suzanne Broderick. Art direction was led by Karen Steward under production designer Michelle Minch, ensuring sets reflected authentic '90s urban youth environments.

Film

Plot

Kid arrives at college with a scholarship funded by his church congregation following his father's death, eager to pursue his education alongside his girlfriend Sidney. However, he soon discovers that the scholarship check has been embezzled by Sheila Landreaux, a corrupt record promoter who convinced Kid's best friend Play to sign it over for a fraudulent music deal. Unaware of the scam, Play has spent the money on personal luxuries, including a new Ford Mustang, leaving Kid facing expulsion unless he can replace the funds within a week. Desperate, Kid takes a job in the school dining hall under the strict Mr. Lee while reconciling with Play after a heated confrontation. With help from friends Bilal and , the duo decides to host a massive pajama-themed in the faculty dining hall, charging $10 admission for men to raise the needed tuition money. They navigate numerous obstacles, including sabotage by the sleazy dean's assistant Miles, who attempts to drug Sidney to pursue her romantically, strict dorm regulations enforced by the no-nonsense housemother, and comedic mishaps caused by Bilal, now working as a janitor, whose overzealous antics nearly derail the preparations. Meanwhile, Kid works to win back Sidney's trust amid the escalating chaos of planning and life. The pajama party becomes a resounding success, drawing hundreds of students and generating enough revenue to cover Kid's tuition despite interference from and her accomplice Rick, who are ultimately exposed and arrested. In the aftermath, Kid repays the damages to Mr. Lee, but with his options exhausted, plans to leave ; however, Play sells his car to repay the tuition, and with encouragement from Professor Sinclair and the dean's commendation for exposing the swindlers, Kid remains enrolled. The ordeal strengthens the bond between Kid and Play, reaffirming Kid's commitment to his education and his relationship with Sidney. Returning characters from the original , including Kid and Play, continue their journeys into adulthood. The 94-minute builds tension through the escalating preparations leading to the climactic sequence.

Cast

The principal cast of House Party 2 is led by the hip-hop duo , who reprise their titular roles from the original film, central to the franchise's dynamic of , music, and youthful ambition. Supporting performances add layers of , romance, and , with several actors making notable early appearances in feature films. Christopher Reid portrays Kid, an ambitious recent high school graduate entering college while grappling with sudden financial challenges that test his determination. His engaging, understated performance anchors the film's blend of humor and coming-of-age themes. Christopher Martin plays Play, Kid's laid-back best friend and aspiring barber, whose spontaneous ideas propel much of the story's energy and conflicts. The duo's chemistry, rooted in their real-life partnership, drives the narrative's focus on loyalty and creativity. Tisha Campbell returns as Sidney, Kid's encouraging girlfriend and fellow college student, who provides emotional support and romantic depth to the proceedings. Martin Lawrence delivers comic relief as Bilal, Kid's overzealous and scheming roommate, whose exaggerated antics highlight the film's humorous side; this role marked one of Lawrence's prominent early film appearances following his stand-up success. Key supporting roles include as Professor Sinclair, a stern academic figure offering guidance amid campus challenges, as Dean Kramer, the college administrator enforcing rules, as Mr. Lee, the strict dining hall supervisor, and in a brief but memorable cameo as Zora, contributing to the ensemble's vibrant energy. Other notable contributors are members of —Bowlegged Lou as Pee-Wee, Paul Anthony as Stab, and B-Fine as —portraying Kid and Play's lively crew of friends involved in musical pursuits. Iman appears as Sheila Landreaux, adding sophistication to the romantic subplots, while plays Mrs. Deevers, a no-nonsense elder providing grounding wisdom, and in an uncredited cameo as the Professor.
ActorRoleDescription
Christopher ReidKidAmbitious college freshman facing financial hurdles; leads with relatable drive.
Christopher MartinPlayCarefree best friend and barber; injects impulsiveness and humor.
SidneySupportive girlfriend and peer; brings motivational and romantic warmth.
BilalHyperactive roommate; delivers over-the-top .
Professor SinclairAuthoritative professor; offers academic insight.
Dean KramerStrict dean; represents institutional authority.
ZoraBrief appearance as a bold personality; enhances group dynamics.
Bowlegged LouPee-WeeEnergetic friend in the crew; supports musical elements.
Paul AnthonyStabLoyal crew member; contributes to camaraderie.
B-FineZillaPlayful ally; adds to the fun-loving ensemble.
ImanSheila LandreauxElegant romantic interest; introduces aspirational flair.
Mrs. DeeversWise matriarch; provides practical advice.
Mr. LeeStrict dining hall supervisor; enforces discipline.
Uncredited cameo; adds surreal humor.

Music

Soundtrack album

The official soundtrack for House Party 2 was released on October 15, 1991, by MCA Records, eight days prior to the film's theatrical debut on October 23, 1991, aimed at amplifying the movie's energetic hip-hop atmosphere through a compilation of contemporary tracks. Produced by a range of artists including Full Force, the album comprises 21 tracks blending rap, R&B, and funk elements, capturing the era's new jack swing influences and featuring contributions from established and emerging acts in the urban music scene. Notable selections include the lead single "House Party II (I Don't Know What You Come to Do)" by Tony! Toni! Toné!, "Runaway" by , and Kid 'n Play's "Why You Treat Me So Cold," which highlight the soundtrack's party-centric themes and rhythmic diversity. Commercially, the album achieved moderate success, reaching a peak of number 55 on the chart and number 23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in late 1991. The packaging emphasizes the film's vibrant party motif, with the cover artwork prominently displaying Kid 'n Play in dynamic, celebratory poses amid colorful, festive visuals.

Singles

The lead single from the House Party 2 soundtrack, "House Party II (I Don't Know What You Come to Do)" by Tony! Toni! Toné!, was released in 1991 and served as the album's title track. Written by band members Raphael Saadiq and Dwayne Wiggins, the song peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Other charting singles from the soundtrack included "Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody" by , which reached number 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart, and "Uhh Ahh" by , a crossover hit that peaked at number 18 on the and number 1 on the chart. "" by , though not on the official , was featured in the film and achieved crossover success, peaking at number 3 on the . Promotion for these singles was closely tied to the film's marketing campaign, with music videos incorporating party footage and thematic elements from the movie to build anticipation. The official video for "House Party II (I Don't Know What You Come to Do)," directed by Lionel C. Martin, emphasized energetic dance sequences that mirrored the film's comedic vibe. This synergy helped generate buzz for both the soundtrack and the theatrical release. Within the film, the songs enhanced key moments, such as dance battles and romantic interludes, underscoring the narrative's focus on youthful energy and hip-hop culture. For instance, "Motownphilly" accompanies a lively scene highlighting the protagonists' social dynamics. Tracks like "House Party II" and "Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody" amplify the climactic pajama party sequence, blending music and comedy to drive the plot's resolution.

Release

Theatrical release

House Party 2 was theatrically released in the United States on October 23, 1991, by . The film had a running time of 94 minutes and received an MPAA rating of R for language and suggestive content. The world premiere took place on October 21, 1991, at the Cineplex Odeon theater in the district of , . The event, themed as a "Pajama Jammie Jam," included hip-hop performances and activities to benefit the Los Angeles Urban League and the Gary Hendler Minority Filmmaker’s Program. Marketing efforts targeted urban youth and college students through campus campaigns in partnership with the and . Trailers highlighted the film's comedy and music elements, while tie-ins included heavy radio promotion of the soundtrack—released on October 15, 1991, via —and MTV features showcasing and related artists. A potential partnership with was also explored for cross-promotions. Internationally, the film saw a limited rollout beginning in 1992, with a theatrical release in the on October 16, 1992, and availability in select European and Canadian markets focused on audiences.

Home media

The film was first made available on via on May 6, 1992, distributed by New Line Home Video in association with Columbia TriStar Home Video. This release helped extend the movie's reach beyond its theatrical run. A DVD edition followed on June 13, 2000, from New Line Home Entertainment, presented in format with English subtitles and audio. The disc included minimal bonus materials, such as theatrical trailers, but focused primarily on the core transfer. A reissue appeared in 2009 under Warner Home Video, maintaining similar technical specifications. As of 2025, no official Blu-ray edition has been released, though the film remains accessible through digital platforms. Digital purchase and rental options became available around 2010 on services like (now Apple TV) and , where it streams in standard definition with options for HD upgrades on select providers. House Party 2 has been bundled in franchise collections, notably the 2009 4 Film Favorites: House Party set from , which pairs it with the original , , and House Party 4 on a two-disc DVD package aimed at fans of the series. This edition emphasized value for collectors, though it did not include new restorations or exclusive content.

Reception

Box office

House Party 2 opened in 1,165 theaters on October 25, 1991, earning $6,027,105 during its opening weekend (October 25–27) and debuting at number one at the North American , surpassing studio expectations for the . The film grossed a total of $19,438,638 domestically, with limited international distribution resulting in a worldwide total of approximately the same amount. Produced on a $5 million , it achieved a profitable return, nearly quadrupling its investment, largely due to strong turnout from urban audiences. In its second weekend (November 1–3), House Party 2 earned $3,666,714, dropping to second place behind the new release , as competition intensified and attendance declined by 39%. The film's performance benefited from word-of-mouth within the hip-hop community and synergy with its , which featured popular tracks and peaked at on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.)

Critical response

House Party 2 received mixed to negative reviews from critics upon its release, with praise centered on its energetic elements and underlying messages, while criticisms focused on its formulaic structure and lack of originality compared to the first film. On , the film has a 27% approval rating based on 15 reviews, with an average score of 4.8/10. The site's consensus describes it as an "uninspired follow-up to the original comedy." Positive responses highlighted the film's lively performances by stars and , as well as its fun party sequences and integration of hip-hop music. of the awarded it 2 out of 4 stars, calling it a "genial and good-humored sequel" with "listenable music" and noting the appeal of the duo's chemistry. of praised it as an "equally entertaining mix of comedy and music," appreciating the adventures of protagonist Kid amid the pajama party antics. Reviewers also commended its positive messages on and African American empowerment, with emphasizing themes of "knowledge is power" and the importance of pursuing higher education despite obstacles. Critics were less favorable toward the sequel's plot and script, often deeming it predictable and overly reliant on stereotypes from the original. Ebert observed that the story follows a familiar path without significant innovation, rendering it "not much more" than a light diversion. Entertainment Weekly gave it a C grade, critiquing its weaker narrative compared to the debut. Cinema Crazed described the film as "preachy and melodramatic," faulting its heavy-handed approach to social themes and formulaic progression. In retrospective analyses, House Party 2 has gained appreciation for its role in representing Black youth culture and cinema during the early 1990s. A 2016 Washington Post article on the era's Black film renaissance highlighted the sequel as part of a wave that showcased diverse experiences of Black college life and hip-hop influences. Reviews in the 2020s, such as an updated Common Sense Media assessment, underscore its enduring value in promoting education and empowerment within '90s hip-hop films, despite contemporary flaws. Audience reception was more positive, with a 64% approval rating on based on user reviews, indicating enjoyment among fans for its humor and soundtrack despite the critical divide.

Legacy

Sequels

(1994), the direct sequel to House Party 2, was directed by Eric Meza and released theatrically by on January 12, 1994. The film continues the central friendship between Kid (Christopher Reid) and Play (Christopher Martin) following their college experiences from the previous installment, shifting the narrative to Kid's chaotic that spirals into mayhem when his three nephews crash the event. reprises her role as a key , portraying Kid's fiancée amid the wedding preparations and ensuing antics. It grossed $19.3 million at the worldwide. The franchise expanded further with House Party 4: Down to the Last Minute (2001), a direct-to-video comedy directed by Chris Stokes that introduced a new ensemble cast led by Marques Houston, excluding the original stars Kid 'n Play. This entry focused on a high school student's elaborate house party plans gone awry, maintaining the series' emphasis on youthful escapades and hip-hop culture but without direct narrative ties to the prior films' protagonists. In 2023, director helmed a reboot of the original 1990 House Party, starring and as aspiring party promoters hosting an event at LeBron James's mansion; while positioned as a fresh take on the inaugural film, it incorporates subtle nods to the broader franchise, including elements of the party chaos seen across the sequels. Overall, the series encompasses four principal theatrical and video entries, supplemented by spin-offs such as the 2013 direct-to-video film House Party: Tonight's the Night, with the pajama party motif from House Party 2 resonating in the franchise's recurring themes of extravagant, music-infused gatherings. Production trends shifted after the third film, as stabilizing but ultimately declining theatrical earnings— from $26 million for the original to around $19 million for the next two—led to the format for later installments to sustain the brand.

Cultural impact

House Party 2 played a significant role in the 1990s wave of urban comedies produced by , extending the diversification of Black cinema beyond action-oriented genres like those popularized in the late . Released amid a surge of Black-led films in 1991, including and , it contributed to broadening Hollywood's portrayals of Black experiences, emphasizing comedic narratives centered on young Black characters navigating everyday life and aspirations. The film further integrated hip-hop into mainstream cinema, building on the franchise's foundation by featuring rap performances and a that blended hip-hop and R&B, influencing subsequent comedies like (1995). Its original motion picture , which included tracks such as Tony! Toni! Toné!'s "House Party (I Don't Know What You Came to Do)" and Kid 'n Play's "Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody," exemplified the era's hip-hop that propelled artists into wider audiences. Notably, Boyz II Men's "," featured on the album, reached number 16 on the , aiding the group's breakthrough and their subsequent tour slot with . Socially, House Party 2 highlighted themes of and among youth, portraying access as a pathway to amid financial and institutional challenges. Set at a historically college, the story underscores the value of higher education through the protagonist's struggles, resonating with broader conversations on opportunities for teens in the early 1990s. It also promotes African American female , with characters like Queen Latifah's Zora advocating self-assertion in male-dominated spaces, while drawing on 20th-century thinkers to address and cultural resilience without overt preachiness. In pop culture, the film's pajama party concept introduced a playful trope of themed college gatherings that echoed in later media depictions of youthful Black socializing, while Martin Lawrence's portrayal of the halitosis-afflicted rapper Bilal marked an early showcase of his comedic timing. This role, reprised from the original, helped propel Lawrence toward stardom, including his meeting with co-star , which led to their pairing in the influential sitcom Martin (1992–1997). The film's enduring legacy appears in 2020s retrospectives celebrating 1990s "Black joy" through nostalgic lenses on hip-hop-infused teen comedies, reinforcing the franchise's role in positive Black representations. It contributed to the series' revival, culminating in the 2023 reboot's theatrical and Max release, which paid homage to the originals while updating the party narrative for contemporary audiences.

References

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