Review of Up in Smoke (1978) by Chris W — 15 Apr 2012

This is the film that pretty much kicked off the stoner comedy genre as we know (and as some love) to this day .Cheech and Chong were already known, but this really sent their careers sky high.

Since this is regarded as a cult classic, and the type of film where how you view it will affect your opinion of it, I do need to probably go ahead and admit that this film is overrated. I did have a few drinks in my system beforehand, and I kinda dig stoner humor even when I'm not altered, but even then, this film really pushes your buttons and tests your patience.

It's all so random. I mean, the plot is basically two guys randomly meet (and instantly become best friends) then spend the rest of the film trying to get weed. Seriously. I mean, yeah, there's slightly more to it, such as trying to get a band's career to take off, but there's really not much to it.

It is funny, but even when you're slightly altered, this is just overly silly and dumb, and I really wondered why this film is so highly regarded. Sure, I laughed a number of times, and was amused, but that's mostly because, as dumb as it sounds, I have a thing for ridiculous situations and silly faces. Cheech makes the best, by the way.

I am tickled by the fact that Tom Skerritt is in this, but even then, I am all over the map with how I feel about this, I sorta recommend it, but even then, I'll admit that it really is kinda junky. C+ to B-.