We the Party Movie Review

We the Party Examiner.com Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello


Teenagers have always been perceived as only acting in their own best interest, and not caring about the emotions of others or the welfare of their future. The new comedy ‘We the Party,’ which is now playing at select Long Island theaters, offers a refreshing alternative to the idea, showcasing that teens can succeed in whatever they put their minds to. The film takes a risk in trying to send its all-important message through several different minorities, but the main characters’ varying ethnicities ultimately helps prove the idea that all races do face the obstacle of oppression at times.

‘We the Party’ takes a contemporary look at the struggles and coming of age of the first generation of high school students affected by the Obama administration. Set against the latest trends in music, dance and fashion in an ethnically diverse Los Angeles school, the comedy follows five friends, including Hendrix Sutton (played by Mandela Van Peebles), as they struggle with romance and money.

While Hendrix is concerned about making money to buy a car and impressing the older Cheyenne Davis (portrayed by Simone Battle), his father (portrayed by writer-director Mario Van Peebles), who is also one of his teachers, wants him to improve his grades. Hendrix is caught between impressing his peers and pleasing his father, and must decide which road he wants to pursue.

‘We the Party’ offers a realistic, insightful look into the maturing world of teenagers and the ever-increasing pressures they’re forced to live up to during their time in high school. One of the main issues is their constant use of social media, which tracks every minute of people’s personal lives, which at times can negatively affect their grades. Therefore, students need to work harder to distinguish their academic achievements and positive attributes from their private moments, and prove they’re smart, despite their occasional lack in judgment.


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