Movies

Cheech & Chong light up the big screen once more. Will it be their last joint?

BBG News

The movie “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie” hitting theaters this Friday sheds light on many aspects of the stoner comedy duo’s career. However, it also creates some intriguing questions. For instance, considering the title, one might wonder if this is indeed their last big-screen appearance, as they are now 78 and 86 years old respectively. Another question that arises, given their history, is how they managed to collaborate again after a lengthy creative rift, and more surprisingly, on a documentary of all things?

Earlier this month, I uncovered responses to those questions, plus additional insights, during a conversation at an outdoor café in Venice. Prior to the film’s premiere, I spoke with them there, and regarding your initial query, neither expressed a clear ‘no’ about embarking on another collaborative project together.

Richard ‘Cheech’ Marin jokes slightly, saying, ‘It seems it’s not the last movie, but that sounds odd,'” followed by a thoughtful pause, “One can never truly predict.

From a movie-lover’s perspective like myself, I can’t help but echo the words of Tommy Chong: “Only the script truly knows.” The success or failure, in my view, hinges entirely on the storyline weaved within its pages. The fate of any cinematic endeavor lies in the script, without a doubt.

As I pose this query, captured for this engaging narrative, the pair are seated snugly in their car, nearly touching at the café. Marin dons a sharp, denim blue jacket and jeans, his arms folded across his chest. He subtly tilts towards his long-time comedy companion, who stands out vibrantly in a paisley-patterned quilted jacket adorned with an array of colorful designs. Around his neck, he sports a distinctive shell necklace. In response to my questions, Marin offers witty one-liners, while Chong delivers extended, almost wandering monologues.

When the camera stops rolling, there’s a noticeable change in the atmosphere. In our minds, the iconic duo of Cheech & Chong, linked by an ampersand, no longer exist. Cheech dons his sunglasses and moves away slightly. Chong gazes at the restaurant facade, reminiscing about its appearance in one of his films post-duo, specifically “Far Out Man” from 1990. Both take sips from their lattes. Instead of two friendly companions bouncing ideas off each other, they appear more like men who used to work together, had a disagreement, and are now reunited but perhaps aren’t overjoyed about it.

So now we move on to our next query. Which film, for the first time since 1984’s “The Corsican Brothers”, did they appear together on the silver screen again?

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59-year-old Robbi Chong, one of the producers for “Last Movie,” explained, “You can’t say no to your daughter.” This is how their creative partnership resumed during the mid-2000s, leading to a series of stand-up shows in 2008. During this time, she was also part of an attempt (that ultimately didn’t work out) to bring them back together for a reunion movie.

David Bushell shared with The Times at a Venice cafe an hour later that he joined the project as the producer. This is how he encountered the team and Robbi. They grew close, often going on hikes together and discussing ways to keep the reunion film on course. However, over time, the idea of making a traditional, old-school narrative movie transformed into a documentary style, leading to Bushell’s first feature as a director.

Initially, I must confess that a Cheech & Chong documentary might not seem as entertaining as their films’ carefree, stoner vibe. However, with a touch of enchantment and an overwhelming dose of nostalgia, it transforms into a satisfying journey down memory lane, both metaphorically and physically.

In a heartfelt homage to their debut film, “Up in Smoke” from 1978, I found myself captivated as Yves Caesar’s blues-rock anthem, “Lost Due to Incompetence (Theme for a Big Green Van)” filled the air. A sleek Rolls-Royce, adorned with a cannabis leaf emblem and personalized license plate, rolled across the desert landscape. As a series of video clips unfolded, we were treated to a classic snapshot of their characters, Pedro (Marin) driving and Man (Chong) as his passenger, disappearing into a cloud of smoke. When the haze lifted, there they were – aged, gray-haired, and plumper, but undeniably Cheech at the wheel and Chong by his side. Time may have passed, but their chemistry remains unchanged.

Besides the intermittent scenes filmed during car rides, this movie heavily incorporates archival interview footage featuring Cheech & Chong (such as interviews with Geraldo Rivera and at the Playboy Mansion), along with these older interviews come still images and creative animations by James Blagden. For the most part, throughout the entire two-hour duration of the documentary, it’s either Cheech & Chong from their earlier days or current times recounting their story.

Lifestyle

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The exploration unveils an intriguing journey about two highly comedic individuals and their professional partnership evolution. It commences by delving into the early experiences that molded these men, as well as the astonishingly coincidental events that led to the encounter between Marin, a California-born Mexican American, and Chong, born in Edmonton to Chinese and Scotch-Irish parents, at a Vancouver nightclub named Shanghai Junk in 1968.

In looking back on our initial encounter, it felt intuitively correct to Marin. They shared a mutual understanding of certain melodies, and they both had roots within African-American communities. This connection made their musical communication seem effortless – as if they could comprehend each other’s unique rhythmic language.

Approximately 44 minutes into the movie, the third significant figure within their partnership becomes apparent. In a vintage black-and-white video snippet, Chong remarks, “We had two options – New York or Los Angeles.” Marin quips in the same clip, “It’s warmer, so it’s simpler to go hungry in L.A.

They explain that they were found by Lou Adler at a hootenanny event held at the Troubadour in 1970, and this encounter ignited the fuse for their career’s rapid success. Additionally, they credit Jack Nicholson’s unconventional and fast-paced driving style, which often involved driving on the wrong side of Manchester Boulevard, as the inspiration behind their song “Basketball Jones.

Director Bushell believes that moving to California provided more room for growth and fostered an atmosphere of progression, which greatly benefited artists like Cheech & Chong. He explains that people are often influenced by their surroundings, and Los Angeles offered a unique blend of countercultures such as marijuana, surfing, and skateboarding at the time. Therefore, he suggests that the environment played a significant role in shaping what became Cheech & Chong’s success.

Cheech and Chong have established themselves here for quite some time now, and at present, they reside in Pacific Palisades. Despite escaping damage during the January fires, they briefly vacated their homes and have only just returned to a sense of normality.

The film has a touch of cinematic enchantment that elevates its impact. Much of this is due to the ongoing banter and occasional squabbles between the two main characters while driving, along with occasional surprise appearances from the back seat (with producer Adler being particularly memorable as he financed and directed their first film). During one car ride through the desert, when Cheech asks Chong, “Hey, is this a movie or a documentary?”, and Chong replies, “I’m not sure,” it’s a clever, hilarious moment that might make you feel high even if you’re as sober as a mouse in church.

It was discovered that the emotional car conversations, seemingly an open discussion of their significant disagreement (a blend of artistic differences and individual career progressions), were actually unscripted.

Travel & Experiences

On a typical Sunday, a comedian, actor, and avid art collector enjoys bowls filled with soup and herbs, towering stacks of newspapers, and a space reminiscent of a salon, all shared with his wife Natasha, making for an ideal day of relaxation.

According to Tommy Chong, Dave [Bushell] refused to provide us with any material. We were puzzled, asking, “What’s going on here?” To which he replied, “It’s just you two having a conversation.” Essentially, there was no storyline or additional elements. So it appears they got what they were aiming for – a couple of elderly gentlemen chatting.

Indeed, for me as a devoted fan who’s been yearning for this big-screen reunion since the days of Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign, it’s truly a spectacle to witness. When we conversed, Bushell clarified that nothing was pre-scripted; he merely proposed some topics based on his extensive 30-plus hours of interviews.

Due to the genuine on-screen effort to heal their old conflict, I couldn’t help but wonder if it provided them with as much emotional relief as it appeared.

Marin agreed, expressing a casual shrug regarding their 1985 separation, which was primarily due to creative disagreements and Marin’s shift towards mainstream acting. At that moment, they weren’t contemplating the consequences; instead, they were navigating their path, determining what they were doing and how to disseminate information while in the car.

During this April morning, both men appear less than eager to discuss the origins of the film, its potential impact, or how it might influence their 47-year comedic career – a jest about empty seats from Marin hints at his sentiment. It could be that they’re in the midst of a two-day press tour and have an NPR interview coming up, or perhaps they prefer the movie to stand on its own merits. Alternatively, their reunion on screen might not have completely overcome any lingering emotional distance between them.

However, when discussions veer away from familiar grounds, such as their biggest Hollywood regrets or naming celebrities who should join the Mt. Rushmore of famous stoners, they appear lively and captivating. They seem almost as vibrant as the Cheech & Chong of old.

Trump aspires to be part of Mt. Rushmore, and Chong proposes we should also have a monument on Stone Mountain for stoner celebrities,” Chong suggests. “Joining Willie [Nelson], Snoop Dogg, and…”, both men quickly agree that Seth Rogen is the third person in this hypothetical monument.

Lifestyle

Here are some outstanding instances where the endorsing figure for cannabis products has gained widespread appeal, ranging from the Paris Olympics to homemade carbonated drinks and internet safety:

1. The Paris Olympics
2. Smokeless stoves
3. DIY soda water projects
4. Cybersecurity concerns

As a passionate cinephile, I can relate to the camaraderie they share when discussing their biggest missed opportunities in Tinseltown. Reflecting on a past call, I recall turning down an offer to lend my voice for a video game adaptation film, offhandedly saying something along the lines of “Forget it, I’m a movie star.” Little did I know, that was for the Super Mario Bros. movie! With my mustache resembling the character’s likeness, I would have had a role in the production and a slice of its success. Alas, I let a momentary lapse in judgment cloud my decision-making, and now I can’t help but make an occasional donkey sound to symbolize my regret.

Jeffrey Katzenberg invited us to feature in his movie titled ‘It Came From Hollywood,’ Chong stated. As an incentive, he promised roles in a Disney production. However, I wasn’t interested in being part of a Disney project, so I declined the offer. It later transpired that it was ‘The Lion King.’ At this point, Marin, who would eventually voice a hyena in the 1994 animated feature, let out another donkey sound. Both men grinned.

Following the interview, as they stroll towards Venice Beach to take some photos, it’s clear how closely connected Cheech and Chong are. Alone, Cheech in his worn Crocs, leading the way on the Venice Boardwalk, went mostly unnoticed. However, when passersby spotted Chong in his loose sweats and Skechers slip-ons a short distance behind, heads turned, cameras were pulled out, and murmurs of excitement filled the air. Suddenly, the idea of another movie – whether it’s a new one or a continuation of an old one – becomes perfectly clear.

Lifestyle

Instead of stackable hedgehogs, his preferred ashtrays range from designs featuring Louis Vuitton logos, chrome-capped spheres, to ones that elegantly blend aesthetics and functionality.

Until then, “Last Movie” will provide an engaging introduction to this dynamic duo for many. However, it is those deeply versed in their work – the dedicated fans who quote lines word-for-word – who will truly reap the rewards. They’ll delve into the origins of iconic moments like the “Dave’s not here” bit, learn about the influence of the Vietnam War and pottery on their friendship, and discover the real-life figures that inspired their most memorable characters.

If “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie” truly marks the end of their journey, they’ve ended their film career much like they’ve lived it – offbeat and authentic to themselves. They’ve smoked one final joint that lives up to their legendary status.

At one stage during their journey through the desert, Marin tells Chong, “Everything has an end, Tommy.

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2025-04-23 13:32

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