Cast
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Cheech Marin
as Cheech / Dwayne "Red" Mendoza
Tommy Chong
as Chong
Evelyn Guerrero
as Donna
Betty Kennedy
as Candy
Sy Kramer
as Mr. Neatnik
Rikki Marin
as Gloria
Peter Bromilow
as Gay Motorcyclist
Paul "Mousie" Garner
as Executive
Jonathan T. Moore
as Music Store Salesman
Lupe Ontiveros
as Old Lady
Ed Peck
as Cop Shotgun
Marguerite Ray
as Miss Hatchet
John Steadman
as Drunk in Welfare Office
Jake Steinfeld
as Womba
Robert Ackerman
as Gas Station Owner
Crew
Director
- Tommy Chong
Writer
- Tommy Chong
- Cheech Marin
Producer
- Howard Brown
Reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto
**If Up in Smoke was very bad, this film managed to be even worse.**
I didn't like “Up in Smoke” and there was little chance of me liking anything in the film that followed. In fact, the first one seems to be even better than this one, which from me is saying a lot, considering that I thought the first film was very bad.
In this production, which I hated, we still had a relatively capable story that helped to understand things, and that served as a framework for a ton of jokes and the constant glorification of drug use, especially marijuana. In this film there is no story to tell: we have the jokes, which are even more idiotic, the kind that don't make us laugh but think “how was this possible”, and we continue, invariably, to have drugs, in quantities that would make the Colombian cartels richer than most countries in the world.
I don't know what Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong saw to make cycles of films in which the use of recreational drugs is glorified as if they were gifts from the Olympic gods. If only they were able to make you laugh... but not even that. It's a film that should suffer the same fate as the drugs themselves: being burned.
Sep 12, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Comedy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Cheech & Chong's Next Movie distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Tommy Chong brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1980, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Cheech & Chong's Next Movie took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 73 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 142 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Cheech & Chong's Next Movie shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Easy Rider, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Cheech & Chong's Next Movie subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Eu Fico Loko and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels explore similar territory, Cheech & Chong's Next Movie stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 18, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Revenue: $41,675,194
