Up in Smoke

Starring: Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Strother Martin, Edie Adams, Harold Fong
Directed by: Lou Adler
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Romance
1978

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two friends (Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong) get into all sorts of mischief in an attempt to find some weed.

Review:

Tim: Up in Smoke is the first Cheech and Chong movie, and it recalls a time in America that is very different from today. This is one of the best marijuana movies, even though it is only a decent comedy. The reason this movie works is because it doesn't try to offend too much. This is a straightforward comedy, chock full of the pot jokes you would expect from a film like this. The movie is occasionally funny, although not consistently. Still, it is fun watching this silly movie that throws a ton of jokes on the wall, hoping some of them stick.

While there are a few legitimately funny moments, most are the kind that you smile at- not the kind that make you laugh. There are some very silly moments, and some scenes that are decently funny. However, much of the movie is a cheap brand of comedy. We have a van made out of pot, several scenes of people getting the munchies, and similar scenes. These aren't exactly revolutionary or unique, but they work in the context of this movie.

The film works because of the two main stars. Cheech Marin is definitely a charismatic, fun actor not afraid to make fun of himself for a laugh. It's no surprise that his name comes first, because he's really the stronger of the two in the acting department. Marin is a fun, engaging actor, and he plays the part well. Tommy Chong isn't too bad, either. While his acting (and his character) is a bit bland, you never feel like he's actually acting- it looks so effortless, it seems like he's just being himself. This is a testament to his acting. Marin and Chong work well together, and their interactions are obviously the highlights of the film.

While an interesting movie, this film isn't all that funny. I was disappointed in the lack of truly memorable, hilarious moments. There were scenes in which I smiled, and a few in which I laughed. However, the film is surprisingly lightweight- no particular scenes really stand out. Marijuana jokes are fun and all, but it's hard to build an entire film around them. The jokes soon start to wear out and lose their effectiveness.

Up in Smoke is noteworthy for being the first Cheech and Chong movie, and a good example of a time in America where drug use was much more rampant. It is fun to watch this film, reflecting on what it's saying about the time in which it was made (I bet it's more fun to watch while high, but I wouldn't know). While the film is entertaining, it's too easy to dismiss. I had a fun time watching it, but it has no staying power. The film is just too easy to forget. While I had a fun time with it, I wish that it has been more impactful.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Cheech and Chong's Next Movie, Nice Dreams