As a safe alternative to the gangsta rap by the likes of N.W.A. and The Geto Boys that was gaining popularity in the early 90s, hip hop acts such as The Fresh Prince and Young MC offered up the fun-loving, carefree attitude of the musical genre's early inceptions. Another act that managed to find some success in that landscape was Kid 'N Play, a goofy duo who would make their film debut starring in the lightweight 1990 flick, House Party. After quickly cranking out a sequel, the pair soon changed gears for Class Act, a mistaken identity comedy that gets by on their likeable personas and its good-natured vibe.

Our story is told in flashback as we're introduced to Duncan (Kid), a nerdy genius who finds himself sitting in a jail cell. Seems that his return to high school for his senior year came with some unexpected twists as a mix-up in the office accidentally places his picture in the file of juvenile delinquent "Blade" (Play). However, this may work out to their advantage as Duncan can help Blade from going back to jail by getting him good grades and Blade can help Duncan to get into the prestigious school his parents have lined-up for him by helping him to pass gym class.

Of course, this being a feel-good comedy, you know that each of them is bound to learn life lessons, as well as newfound confidence, on the way to a finale that trots out a car chase, gunfire, and a whole load of slapstick set in a wax museum. The screenplay by John Sempler and Cynthia Friedlob also throws in an anti-drug message that gives them a chance to perform a musical number during a rally that's being held by one of the school's hippie-like students - a cameo by Pauly Shore (who was gaining popularity due to appearing on MTV and would have a brief, surprisingly popular, run in crappy comedies like Son-In-Law) using his typical annoying stoned-like persona that insists on lazily slurring out "Heeeeyyy buddy..." all the time.

In the lead roles, Kid 'N Play bring just the right amount of charm and never get on your nerves, though Play's portrayal as a (very mild) "gangster thug" type does stretch the boundaries at times. I found I got the most enjoyment out of Kid's performance as he brings a great, geeky appeal to Duncan. They're given generally decent support by their co-stars with Rhea Perlman ("Cheers") getting an amusing cameo as a lustful Latin teacher and a boisterous turn by Lamont Johnson as the constantly abused bully Wedge. Only Doug E. Doug, as the fast-talking sidekick Popsicle, eventually wears out his welcome.

Class Act is probably the least known of the duo's four films together (the other three are all House Party movies) and that's truly unfortunate as it's an entertaining effort that doesn't try anything new but gets a lot of mileage from its stars and harmless tone. I had some good chuckles at all the innuendo humour they've thrown into the script and even managed to smile during a scene where Kid 'N Play emulate classic comedy partners Abbott and Costello's famous "Who's On First?" skit using the hip slang of the day.

This is the type of movie you can easily sit down with on a lazy Sunday afternoon, or any lazy afternoon for that matter, and have a good time with. Sure, the finale may be a little bit over-the-top and it's full of dated fashions (I remember bright neon colours being the trend in the early 90s and am very thankful it didn't last that long!) and terminology but I enjoyed my time with it - and that's coming from a guy who's not a huge hip-hop fan. (Chris Hartley, 5/17/10)

Directed By: Randall Miller.
Written By: John Semper, Cynthia Friedlob.

Starring: Kid (Christopher Reid), Play (Christopher Martin), Alysia Rogers, Karyn Parsons.

Picture Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen

Picture Quality: While there are a few flickers on hand and some mild grain at times, the print used on this transfer is quite decent sporting bright colour and free of any noticeable debris.

Extras: Class Act is part of the "Warner Archive Collection" which is an On Demand service that offers CD-R versions of films on disc, with full retail packaging, bringing you movies you might not see, or that might not have much success sales-wise, in stores. It's a great concept, and one I fully support, with new titles being added every week but I wasn't sure what to expect when the DVD arrived at my door.

As you can see above, the picture quality wasn't an issue here (it was even anamorphic) and the disc actually contained the theatrical trailer. There's no real menu and chapter skips are set for every ten minutes but to be able to get some of the more obscure titles Warner is offering through the program makes DVDs like this worth every penny.

Visit the Warner Archive Collection to order.