ASSAULT OF THE PARTY NERDS 2: HEAVY PETTING DETECTIVE (1995)
“Assault of the Party Nerds 2: The Heavy Petting Detective,” a 1995 comedy sequel directed by Richard Gabai, picks up five years after the original’s outrageous frat party. Ritchie (Gabai), once the head party nerd, is now a private detective, no longer a college kid but still entangled with his past. The low-budget film, steeped in ’90s B-movie charm, boasts a cast including Michelle Bauer, Linnea Quigley, Burt Ward, and Arte Johnson, amplifying its quirky appeal.
The plot kicks off when wealthy businessman Harold (Ward) hires Ritchie to investigate his daughter Muffin’s (Bauer) fiancé, Bud (C. Paul Dempsey), a former Zeta frat rival from the first film. Bud’s back with Muffin after Ritchie stole her years ago, and now he’s scheming to swindle Harold’s fortune, alongside Harold’s gold-digging girlfriend (Gloria Perez). Ritchie, juggling his detective gig and a new girlfriend, Lori, dives into the case, sparking a reunion with old nerd pals like Bambi (Quigley). The investigation unfolds with slapstick antics, cross-dressing gags, and sophomoric humor, leading to a chaotic college campus party showdown.
Despite its bigger scope, the sequel struggles to recapture the original’s oddball energy. The humor leans heavily on sexual innuendos and scantily clad antics, but critics note a lack of cohesion and wit compared to its predecessor. Gabai’s dual role as star and director yields mixed results—moments of campy fun shine through, like his drag scene, but the pacing drags, and the plot feels disjointed. The returning cast delivers nostalgic charm, with Bauer and Quigley stealing scenes, though the film’s low production values and dated tropes cement its Z-grade status.
Ultimately, “Heavy Petting Detective” wraps with Bud’s scheme foiled, Ritchie’s crew triumphant, and a nod to growing up—offering a silly, if flawed, romp for fans of cult comedies.
