It's hard to believe that Chris Farley would be dead in two years after making Tommy Boy. This may very well be his comedy triumph and Farley gets some great support from David Spade and good carefully selected ensemble.
Meet Tommy Callaghan, Jr. who is a decent hearted well intentioned klutz of a human being. But he's skated through life up to now because his dad is the biggest employer in the town with Callaghan's Auto Parts..
Brian Dennehy is Tom, Sr. and he's one of those employers who feels a responsibility to his workers. He hasn't relocated south of the border or to China to pay less than minimum wage. Dennehy and no pun intended is a larger than life figure who sadly really hasn't taken his kid in hand.
Dennehy also in his middle age has taken a nice trophy wife in Bo Derek with her son Rob Lowe. Wouldn't you know it on the wedding day Dennehy dies and if Callaghan Auto Parts doesn't get some leadership it will fold. And with a new stepmom in the picture, let's just say that Derek and Lowe have a different agenda.
This is Farley's moment to finally grow up and Spade kind of takes him in hand. But he needs a lot of tutoring.
There are a lot of great comedy moments. Two of my favorite are Farley and Spade on the road with some road kill that doesn't prove to be quite so dead. The other is Farley and Lowe getting acquainted as new stepbrothers and Farley introducing him to cow tipping, a favorite past time.
Lowe shows some great comic talent and I wonder why he didn't take any billing for the part. Kudos also go to Julie Warner playing the girl next door that Farley likes and to Dan Aykroyd as the business rival of Dennehy who wants to acquire the company. Aykroyd is a great believer in image management.
Tommy Boy is a great comedy of the 90s and Chris Farley is really spot on in this film.
Tommy Boy
1995
Action / Adventure / Comedy
Plot summary
Tommy Callahan Jr. is a slow-witted, clumsy guy who recently graduated college after attending for seven years. His father, Big Tom Callahan, owns an auto parts factory in Ohio. When Tommy arrives back home, he finds he has a position at the factory waiting for him. His dad also introduces Tommy to the new brake pad division of the factory and to Tommy's soon-to-be stepmother, Beverly, and her son Paul. But when Big Tom dies, the factory threatens to go under unless the new brake pads are to be sold. Therefore, Tommy must go on the road to sell them, along with the assistance of Richard, Big Tom's right-hand man. Will Tommy save the company, or will the factory, and the town, go under?
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Tech specs
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Holy Schnickers!!
dynamic duo Farley and Spade
Tommy Callahan III (Chris Farley) is a dumb good-natured klutz who finally graduates college after seven years. His father Big Tom Callahan (Brian Dennehy) owns a family auto parts empire in Sandusky, Ohio but it's not going well. Nevertheless, Big Tom is taking out new loans to start up a new brake pad factory and marrying Beverly (Bo Derek). Beverly's son Paul (Rob Lowe) is a jerk. Big Tom puts resentful Richard Hayden (David Spade) in charge of looking after Tommy. Tommy reconnects with former schoolmate and shipping manager Michelle Brock (Julie Warner). When Big Tom dies, the bank reneges on the promise loan until Tommy puts everything he owns on the line. Tommy goes on the road to sell brake pads with a reluctant Richard Hayden.
Chris Farley is naturally adorable and a great physical comic. He exudes charm. David Spade is his perfect partner with his sarcastic superior manner. The movie excels when the duo is on the screen together. It doesn't work quite as well without both guys together. They are simply a hilarious team.
Farley and go
Chris Farley ... for many one of the best comedians and as many say a great human being. I personally am not an expert on his output, but after watching this, I have to say I do understand the praise some threw his way. The way he acts here, the seemless nature of him just being present ... the silliness seems like second nature/skin.
The story may be riddled with cliches, but it still works more than nicely. It all comes down to the actors involved. And I am a little bit surprised that I kind of dig David Spade here. Not his biggest fan myself, but he works more than nicely in this one. Get into the silliness mode and sit back, relax and enjoy