Search - It's My Party [Special Edition] on DVD

Great performances enhance a timely story!

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 01/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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 under appreciated 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 televsion. The film is powerful and deserving of wider viewership."

If you have questioned Eric Roberts talents be4, C this!

Donna Bradley | Etobicoke, Ontario Canada | 01/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

Wonderful, Superb, and Extremely Emotional!

jb | 06/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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"

You Have To See this movie!

jb | bartsow ca usa | 07/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"