Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant ERIC Roberts
Review: So you thought Julia Roberts had all the talent in the family? Think again, and see "It's My Party" if you want proof positive that Eric, her brother, deserves the same level of praise and attention. A shattering performance that was grossly overlooked in 1996, Roberts plays the central character, dying from AIDS with dignity and self-determination that is so rarely captured ANYWHERE it's often astounding to the viewer to get through. If you thought "Terms of Endearment" was a terrific film, you might dislike the honesty and wrenching sincerity of this movie. There is little room for self-disdain here, or sadness. Rather, what erupts throughout is pure emotional awareness....Roberts captures so many dimensions of a dying man, you're celebrating AND reflecting at once. There is also an incredible supporting cast and special kudos to Harrison, Newton-John, and Cho. A real family film - see it and share it with the people you love. A note to the studio - how about a DVD release with some behind-the-scenes extras and perhaps even some reflections from the lovely Julia Roberts on her brother's extraordinary turn
Rating:
Summary: a wonderful movie
Review: I really can't see this twice because its just so sad. There were too many people in this movie, but the main characters truly were terrific in their roles. Eric Roberts is Nick Stark, an artist/architect and a proud gay man. He has been living with his lover(Gregory Harrison) Brandon for several years and they have been together for 8 years.Brandon is a tv/movie director and the two are the opposites of each other. When Nick finds out that he has been tested positive Brandon promises that he won't leave his side yet he is afraid of Nick now. Nick gets hurt when Brandon starts to pull away and finally they break up and Nick is hurt, whilst Brandon moves on with Zack..a young man. 1 year later Nick gets tested positive for PLM or...something meaning he has only a few days before his brain stops functioning properly so therefore he decides to end his life, but before doing so he wants to hold a party for his friends and family. This was truly a sad film to watch and it really sticks to your mind after youve seen it. I'm still thinking about it and I can't get over the fact that my favourite actor Gregory Harrison actually kissed another man...but they were both wonderful in this movie, but I didn't understand the way Nick was so calm about dying.
Rating: 
Summary: Powerful film, inspired by true events
Review: IT'S MY PARTY (USA 1996): In the last few days before an AIDS-related brain tumor renders him insensible, a young LA designer (Eric Roberts) decides to end his own life, though not before throwing a final joyous bash for family and loved ones. However, the occasion is strained by the arrival of Roberts' former lover (Gregory Harrison), seeking reconciliation at the eleventh hour...Though heartfelt and moving, Randal Kleiser's powerful film - inspired by actual events - feels a little fragmented and plays like a reunion of his closest showbiz friends (the cast is a veritable who's-who of familiar faces), anchored firmly by Harrison and Roberts in the central roles. Their former relationship is outlined briefly at the start of the film, too briefly for the subsequent break-up to register as anything more than a minor event, though their love for one another is conveyed with real strength and conviction. Roddy McDowall essays the voice of conscience during a brief cameo appearance in which he questions the ethics of suicide, but his character's conservative views are given short shrift by Kleiser's defiant screenplay, which uses a sprinkling of mordant humor to keep mawkishness at bay (at one point, Roberts and his best friend [Bronson Pinchot, camping it up with abandon] launch into a rousing rendition of "It's my party/And I'll die if I want to"!). Viewers are advised, however, that the final twenty minutes are relentlessly, heartbreakingly sad. Amongst the high-profile supporting players, look fast for Nina Foch, Sally Kellerman, Greg Louganis, Steve Antin and a virtually unrecognizable Dennis Christopher and Christopher Atkins. Sound and picture on MGM/UA's DVD are uniformly fine, and the extras include extended/deleted scenes, a trailer, and an audio commentary with director, cast and crew which goes into greater detail about the 1992 events which inspired the movie. 109m 35s
1.85:1 / Anamorphically enhanced
DVD soundtrack: Dolby 5.1
Theatrical soundtracks: DTS
Optional English subtitles and closed captions
Region 1
Rating: 
Summary: You Have To See this movie!
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your time
Review: A few weeks ago, I attempted to watch this movie with a small group of friends. We had all read the summary on the back of the case, and though it sounded good. We were wrong. While the basic story has potential, the presentation is extremely melodramatic. The acting is terrible, and the writing even worse. This is, without a doubt, among the worst movies I have ever seen.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant ERIC Roberts
Review: So you thought Julia Roberts had all the talent in the family? Think again, and see "It's My Party" if you want proof positive that Eric, her brother, deserves the same level of praise and attention. A shattering performance that was grossly overlooked in 1996, Roberts plays the central character, dying from AIDS with dignity and self-determination that is so rarely captured ANYWHERE it's often astounding to the viewer to get through. If you thought "Terms of Endearment" was a terrific film, you might dislike the honesty and wrenching sincerity of this movie. There is little room for self-disdain here, or sadness. Rather, what erupts throughout is pure emotional awareness....Roberts captures so many dimensions of a dying man, you're celebrating AND reflecting at once. There is also an incredible supporting cast and special kudos to Harrison, Newton-John, and Cho. A real family film - see it and share it with the people you love. A note to the studio - how about a DVD release with some behind-the-scenes extras and perhaps even some reflections from the lovely Julia Roberts on her brother's extraordinary turn
Rating: 
Summary: Yes it is Moving, But Geez is it ever Depressing
Review: As a rule, if you are a gay male, you are suppose to support any independent type gay film thrust upon you. I have yet to be impressed with these art house gay themed films (with the exception of "Monster"). This one is no exception.
Yes the story is written well. Yes the message is deep. Yes it will make you cry and blah blah blah.
Why do gay films depict the main characters as either drag queens, tramps, or suffering from disease?
Maybe I don't like this film because it was disturbing in the true depiction of what an AIDS victim could possibly face. Or the flashbacks of others that have died in the film. Or the shallow lover that abandons the sick main character. I don't know, it isn't a bad film, it is just horribly depressing and not a film I ever care to watch again.
Why can't the next gay film embrace life, not death. Embrace love, not break-ups. Embrace happiness, not sadness?
Olivia Newton-John sings a beautiful song over the ending credits, if you watch the film, leave the credits rolling to witness this moving song.
Rating:
Summary: Great performances enhance a timely story!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Funny yet heartbreaking
Review: "It's My Party" is a very touching movie that benefits a lot from Eric Roberts great lead performance. It's nice seeing him play a normal guy for a change instead of the thugs and villains he usually plays. The movie deals with euthanasia in a realistic and believable way. But it's also about keeping a sense of humour when things look their blackest, and it's also about how important friends and family are in our lives. The cast is great and filled with many familiar faces. If you want to cry your eyes out, "It's My Party" is just the movie for you.
Rating:
Summary: It's My Sanctimonious Party and I'll Die If I Want To
Review: -
It has been several years since I saw "It's My Party", yet I shudder at the thought of sitting through it again merely to refresh a distasteful memory. So relying on somewhat faded impressions to guide me, I'll add my voice to the small but sensible chorus of amateur reviewers who warn you away from this ghastly movie. Tragedy may inspire great art, but distance from the tragedy is necessary. Without such perspective the resulting work of art, no matter how deeply felt by the artist, may seem as trite as a 12-year-old's diary. "It's My Party" is a diary-entry film. It's about a gay man with an AIDS-related condition who knows he has only a few days before his mind succumbs to dementia. He therefore throws himself a farewell/suicide party. The attendees include an ex-lover, family members, and friends both gay and straight. Sharp-tongued Charlene (the comedienne Margaret Cho) is among the latter, but if you expect laughs from Cho or anyone else, you're in for disappointment. In fact, given the comic caliber of many in the large cast (which includes Lee Grant, George Segal, and Bronson Pinchot), the resulting glum-fest seems intentionally perverse. Humor is desperately needed, but this film is too bland and politically correct to criticize the hero's -- or anyone else's -- solemn self-involvement. It's all terribly earnest and terribly treacly. Perhaps if it had been about another disease, it wouldn't have felt so condescending. As it stands, it's a movie that makes one want to take a hot shower when it's over. One can wistfully imagine what a more accomplished writer and director would have done with this premise. The fact that this film has found an appreciative audience points to how "gay cinema" needs to grow up. That day will have arrived when gay films are judged by the same criteria as mainstream films, and films like "It's My Party" are, like its hero, quietly euthanized.
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