Bachelor Party-1984

Director Neal Israel

Starring Tom Hanks, Adrian Zmed

Scott’s Review #163

Reviewed September 1, 2014

Grade: D

Watching Bachelor Party (1984) for the very first time, circa 2014, and the last time I plan on watching this film, I realized almost immediately how dated it is and that, at this point, it can only be enjoyed for nostalgia.

I can’t fathom anyone watching Bachelor Party for the first time and thinking it is a great film- it is not.

If not for Tom Hanks becoming a huge star, this comedy would be forgotten, as there are dozens of like-minded films from the 1980s that resemble it- think Pretty in Pink (1986), National Lampoon films, etc.

The premise is basic- Rick (Hanks) and Debbie (Tawny Kitaen) are engaged, and Rick’s friends throw a Bachelor party while Debbie goes out with the girls.

Of course, Debbie’s parents hate Rick and, along with her ex, scheme to break them up.

Every decade seems to have a similar carbon copy of this party-themed film- Animal House (1978), American Pie (1999), and The Hangover (2009), though not as entertaining as the aforementioned films.

All the characters are caricatures, one-note, and types. There is a little backstory for any of them.

The plot is silly and predictable, and the film’s 1980’s look does not hold up well.

The film contains every stereotype imaginable- the meddlesome parents, Debbie’s vicious ex-boyfriend, who is the film’s foil, various frat boys and sorority girl types, and Rick’s inept siblings.

Avoid it unless a trip down the 1980’s bad-film memory lane is needed.