Where to watch Class Act
3 Stars
Duncan is a genius straight A student, Blade is juvenile delinquent. But because of a mix up with their school records, everyone thinks each is the other one. Now, Duncan kind of likes the attention from being thought of as a real bad dude, if only the school bully would stop trying to rough him up. And Blade definitely likes being thought of as important instead of as trouble, if only the teacher would stop hitting on him for a date.
In the 1990s, the rap duo ‘Kid & Play’ found unexpected success in the movie industry when their low-budget film House Party became a hit, leading to a franchise. Class Act is the pair’s only film outside the House Party sequels. It’s a bit of a shame because the two performers work well together and are quite likable. Class Act is a role-reversal movie set in an urban high school with a ‘hip-hop’ vibe, a sub-genre that was popular in the late 80s and early 90s.
It’s surprising, though it shouldn’t be for those familiar with the House Party movies, that Class Act is humorous, despite leaning towards the irreverent and raunchy. The less successful parts of the story are when it plays things safe; a bully showdown and a makeover scene where the parents question their child’s sexuality feel dated and unoriginal. However, occasional off-beat moments, like the sandwich-eating horny jail guard, make Class Act an unexpected crowd-pleaser.
Directed by: Randall Miller
Written by: Michael Swerdlick, Wayne Allan Rice, Richard Brenne
Starring: Christopher Reid, Christopher Martin, Andre Rosey Brown