There very well could be another movie that’s a better time capsule of the coked out party scene of the early ’80s than Bachelor Party… but I certainly haven’t seen it.
Every indulgence is taken as default behavior: Infidelity, lines of coke on every table, pills handed out like candy, strippers and sex workers on every block, nonstop sexing, etc. etc. etc. There’s even a “donkey show” arranged. It’s truly breathtaking how trashy it all seems, except it doesn’t carry itself as trashy whatsoever: Just bros having a good time. (Only the snooty, “oh-my-word” father-in-law seems to think any of this behavior is dubious.)
It should be no surprise that Tom Hanks is far and away the most interesting thing about the movie. In fact, he’s pretty much the only interesting thing about the movie (sociological time capsule notwithstanding). When Hanks is on screen, the movie works; he makes an unlikable role hugely charming and sympathetic. True star stuff. When he’s off-screen, the jokes have maybe a 20% hit rate, not aided by a forgettable supporting cast. Pretty much every joke immediately exited my short-term memory with frictionless ease, minus one hilarious bit about a dead animal in an elevator near the end.
As an ’80s sex comedy, there is of course a handful of problematic content, though less than I feared. The predatory sexual behavior is minimized: all canoodling and debauchery is consensual (minus the father-in-law being subject to some unwanted S&M). There is one extremely lazy man-in-a-dress bit and some casual Asian stereotyping.
But you’re not here for good taste; you’re here for a big dumb raunchy party — and, indeed, the titular party is quite epic. With Hanks starring, it inches into “watchable” territory, but only barely.
- Review Series: Tom Hanks
Is It Good?
Not Very Good (3/8)
Note: This review was published early in The Goods' history and is a candidate for an expanded review in the future. Please excuse brevity or inconsistencies in style.
Dan is the founder and head critic of The Goods. Follow Dan on Letterboxd. Join the Discord for updates and discussion.
One reply on “Bachelor Party (1984)”
I don’t know. I get it. Your review is on point from a literal standpoint. Can’t really defend a movie where drugs, sex and beasteality are celebrated. But it’s also a different and simpler time period. Stereotypes were comedy gold back then. Just watch Saturday night live. And the boys will be boys attitude seems a little harmless when considering it was before HIV made sex a possible death sentence and promiscuous sex irresponsible. Sure it highlights hookers as a fait d’acomplis which with todays knowledge ignores the very real evil of sex trafficking. And the brother character certainly isn’t someone I want anywhere near my daughter. But at its core it’s a story about maturity and rights of passage. With every character at a different place along that path. Certainly the fact that Hanks’ Rick character stays faithful and truly loves his soon to be wife is redeeming. Gary obviously wants to find love as his bathroom scene alludes to. The fact that he finds it with a transsexual certainly doesn’t age well, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that what he really wants is a partner. Rudy is a shit storm for sure but his presence only highlights the development of the other more mature characters. And then there’s Brad who highlights the issue with drugs. So even though drugs are everywhere, his buddies recognizing his issue as one to be avoided helps to temper the attitude towards reckless drug use. And Adrian Zmed is somewhere in between them all. Just immature. Again, I see how it might not age well, especially if you’re under the age of 40 and have only known a world where there’s a cultural taboo around every corner. But what I can’t understand is allowing your somewhat abbreviated grasp on reality to keep you from recognizing the comedy genius in this film. Relax. Yes it encourages bad behavior but immaturity can be fun to witness. And it’s fun to watch others act in a way that you know you shouldn’t. I loved train spotting because it allowed to experience something I have no interest in experiencing personally. Drugs and hookers aren’t in the life of a responsible well adjusted person either, but a well adjusted open minded person can still enjoy it playing out on film in a satirical way. And lastly, how can you say the only funny but was the dead donkey in the elevator. Rick smashing tennis balls. Gold. And if you haven’t tried that I highly suggest it. Paprika??!! “Debbie or the car? The car is new with low mileage. So does Debbie!!”
And finally
“Do you know where you are?”
“Detroit?”
“The Library of Congress?”
“Beyond the sun?”
If you didn’t almost piss yourself when Brad delivered that line perfectly I think you need to reassess how you experience the world. Stop being so serious. The world is moving in the right direction ethically regardless of how much you toe the line. But it can still be fun to just push it all to the side for a minute and allow yourself to relax and enjoy comedy at its basest level.