Costume parties can be hit-and-miss—I once showed up in
complete disco wear (including platform shoes) to a party wherein I was
the sole participant in the night’s ’70s theme. Tonight’s host attached
clever videos offering fashion advice with the invitation to this
movie-themed birthday party (one video featured a stormtrooper
dressed in a bikini), and the extra effort was worth it.
There’s one catch: Partyers aren’t supposed to spend money on their
outfits. The host is a makeshift Skeksi (from The Dark Crystal)
with glowing flashlight eyes—and most of the guests are in
similar handmade garb, some of which is sewn together during the party.
Adolf Titler and Betty Boop (who accompanies her outfit with a lengthy
history lesson) make appearances, but the most common costume for males
and at least one female is the pants-free Tom Cruise character
from Risky Business (Joel Goodsen for those pantsless–Tom
Cruise trivia fans). 
The crowd slowly grows throughout the night and more costumes
appear, many of which are a perfect excuse to show off as much skin as
possible. I’m forced at one point to describe the ingredients that make
up Tacoma’s famous aroma, but luckily the band in the backyard
increases the volume on the classic-rock hits they’re jamming and
people get distracted. A breast cake is brought in, the crowd starts to
get a little bigger, and more bare legs come out—which is
awesome, even when the temperature drops.
Want The Stranger to help you decide which ’50s-era
cartoon was the most racist at your next house party? E-mail the date,
place, and party details to partycrasher@thestranger.com.