Tommy Boy (1995)
7/10
Oh boy! Oh Boy! Tommy Boy is one funny movie! Holy shnikies! It was fun to watch!
21 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
No doubt about it, Tommy Boy is probably the best film that Chris Farley starred in. Directed by Peter Segal, & written by Bonnie and Terry Turner, produced by Lorne Michaels, and also starring former Saturday Night Live alumni, David Spade & Dan Aykroyd. The film tells the story of a the Man Child, Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley) whom must learn to grow up, fast, with some help from his co-worker, Richard Hayden (David Spade), so that he can be able to run his father, Tom Callahan Sr. (Brian Dennehy)'s auto-part-factory, before it's too late. Without spoiling the movie, too much, I have to say, the critics at the time, including Roger Ebert got it, all wrong. This road trip/ business movie wasn't horrible as the other 1990s SNL's cast-mates movies, not named Adam Sandler or Mike Myers. Yes, there is a lot of stereotypical fat man slapstick, mixed with low brow toilet humor, and some mean-spirited jokes, but most of the humor were indeed very funny. I laugh at every joke. Even if, some of the jokes seem to be "influence" or copy from the 1987 comedy classic "Planes, Trains & Automobiles." I think, the critics might had their heads up their butts, that day. It honestly, had a lot of depth, heart and emotional drama. You really do feel for the characters. Chris Farley as Tommy wasn't as annoying as it could had been. After all, the lazy fat man comedy gimmick can only go so far, before it get tiresome, but somewhat Chris Farley was able to pull it off. His character was somewhat a lovable dumb teddy bear. You see the character development, that Tommy goes, through to be a better person. Not only that, but you notice the fun chemistry between Chris Farley and his pal, David Spade, to the point, that they become somewhat known as a comedy duo. David Spade, really works best, as the straight man to Farley's odd behavior. Yes, his character was kinda a jerk-ass, but Richard evolves into somewhat of a Jerk with a heart of gold. So, it was fun to have him, along for the ride. The two find themselves in one ridiculous predicament after another, including my favorite moments, fat man in a little coat and them singing in the car. I really hope for more from there at the time, sadly, it was cut short, with Farley's passing. While, the two actors might fight at times. It's clear by Spade, that he kinda miss the guy. He will indeed, be missed, Spade from all of his fans. Anyways, I glad, this movie got success commercially and was Chris Farley's Breakout Role. It really deserves it. It was very well-acted. Even the supporting cast was memorable. Brian Dennehy look and act like he was having a blast. It's so unlike, the normal films, I see him, in. I love the sing and dance number, he had with Chris Farley in the wedding scene. Made me, very emotional to see him, go. Even Dan Aykroyd was somewhat funny in this film as slick salesman, Ray Zalinsky and he hasn't been humorous in years. Rob Lowe as the villain, Paul was also fun to watch. He really does have a comedy side, that I wish, he would use, more often. The only character, I kinda didn't like, is Bo Derek as Tommy Sr.'s wife, Beverly Barrish-Burns. She does nothing, but act like eye candy, nor does her character get any retribution, toward the end. It's pretty much, look like, she will get away scot-free, because of Ray. Anyways, besides that, this simple minded, laugh out loud comedy really has little flaws to me. Yes, the movie is full of plot clichés, but all of them, kinda work for this type of a film. Yes, it can be somewhat predictable, but I kinda like it, that way. This film, never goes too way, out of the meant of being too unrealistic, unless you count the attempted terrorist act, toward the end; then yeah, it might be a little too far-fetch. However, the pacing for this film made it flow fast and you hardly have time to question, such things. Even the music by composter, David Newman was amazing to listen to. I just wish they didn't used, too much of composter, James Newton Howard's score and George Fenton's score to 1993's 'Groundhog Day', way too much in this film. Despite that, it's really hard to hate this film. This film really stands the test of time. Its scenes, lines, and moments are very memorable. Overall: This good belly laugh of a movie is a blast to watch. Go see it, if you haven't.
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