Far Out Man

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Fair warning, this is gonna be a pretty short review. The only reason being that there really isn't much to this movie. It's essentially a Tommy Chong family project that showcases Tommy Chong's delightfully charming but dumb comedic side.

The plot in question centers on Far Out Man (Tommy Chong... no really, that's the name they went with); an ex roadie, hippie, stoner with very strange eating habits. One day his daughter, Rae Dawn Chong (as hersef for some reason - Tommy's real daughter) recommends he visits with psychiatrist Dr. Liddledick (Martin Mull) to help with his problems.

While visiting said psychiatrist, he realized that he's down and out due to a disconnect from his previous family. He then heads out on a  road trip to reunite with his estranged son, Kyle (Paris Chong - Tommy's real son) and wife, Tree (Shelby Chong - Tommy's real wife). It's your basic road trip comedy where Tommy runs into several characters and situations along the way, including even unknowingly towing the son he's looking for, for most of the ride.

In case you're out there wondering where Chong's partner in crime, Cheech is in all this, fear not, he does make a cameo appearance, and a pretty funny one at that. Nothing too special, just a sort of wink at the audience. Other cameo appearances come through as well, including actors C. Thomas Howell and Judd Nelson, playing themselves, and musician Bobby Taylor. Even Michael Winslow makes an appearance, doing his whole sound effect thing.

This is a decent stoner flick, but it's important to bear in mind that a stoner flick is exactly what it is, and nothing more. As I said, there really wasn't much to this movie, and it's not knee-slapping hilarious, but the laughs are still there. It's your average Sunday afternoon switch-your-brain-off comedy. But for my money, Cheech and Chong just work better together. This is Chong's solo act, and while it has it's moments, it's nothing too special or memorable.

3/5

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