So, I just bought the Tommy Boy – Holy Schnike DVD. First and foremost, I LOVE this movie. It’s one of my favorite SNL films and definitely my favorite Chris Farley film. If you have not seen this movie, I recommend this be the next film you rent.
The film starts by introducing us to Tommy Callahan Jr. (Chris Farley). Tommy is son to a wealthy car part manufacturer and because of his upbringing he has never really grown up. We catch up with Tommy as he finally graduates from his 7th year of college with a D+ in history (according to Tommy, Herbie Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence).
Tommy returns to work for his dad at the car parts factory. Tom Sr’s (Brian Dennehy) right hand man is Richard (David Spade). He’s a “short, sad little man who thinks he’s better than everyone else”.
Well, Tom Sr. has some exciting news. He is going to re-marry a bombshell of a wife named Beverly (Bo Derek) and Tommy is gaining a step-brother named Paul (a very, VERY funny Rob Lowe).
Everything seems great until tragedy strikes. During the wedding reception Tom Sr. has a heart attack and dies. This leaves the factory and the town (50% of the town works for Callahan Auto) in dire needs. The only person who can save the town is the lunk headed Tommy. Tommy must go on his dad’s sales trip and get buyers to purchase 500,000 brake pads in order to save the day. But Tommy will need help. So the board requests Richard accompany him. Thus, the odd-couple hit the road and hilarity ensues.
Watching Tommy fail miserably at sales, a deer destroy Richard’s classic car and Tommy humiliate Richard after he catches him in an awkward position (sinner!) are all classic moments within this film.
Finally, we discover Beverly and Paul are in a plot to ruin Callahan Auto and sell the company to a car part tycoon (a strange cameo by Dan Akroyd) and we have a movie.
My review probably does not do the film justice. This is the quintessential odd-couple meets road trip film. The naiveté of poor Tommy and the biting sarcasm of Richard was NEVER matched again on film by Farley and Spade. You really do root for them to succeed in the end after the disastrous start to their ordeal.
Furthermore, Rob Lowe can only match his performance in this film with his performance in Wayne’s World. His introduction in this film is priceless. As he exits the bus to meet his new family, he punches a kid in the face and throws his milk carton away in a baby carriage. You IMMEDIATELY know exactly what type of guy he is.
I cannot stress enough that you MUST see this film.
On to the DVD:
Since this was supposed to be the 10th Anniversary DVD for Farley’s pinnacle movie I thought the DVD would have more to it.
There is a very informative commentary by the director but I was disappointed none of the cast could join him. I think Spade is the only person who could’ve really made a commentary for this movie.
There four featurettes but once you’ve seen one you’ve kind of seen them all. They basically reiterate what was said on the commentary. But at least interviews with the cast were included on these mini-docs.
There are some deleted scenes. Nothing to write home about but some good scenes with Rob Lowe that were not in the original.
There’s a gag reel. Nothing really exciting on it.
So what’s my final analysis? This is a GREAT movie. You MUST own this film. The Holy Schnike edition is not be all, end all, but you MUST buy this DVD. So BUY some version of this flick.
Back to the Main Page
Back to the DVD Reviews