Cheech & Chong's Last "Movie" delivers a brief contact high, but lacks on comedy

Movie poster for “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie” at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, AZ for the world premiere on 4/20 at 4:20pm. Photographed by Syd Schwartz.

Look, I'll be the first to admit I should've done my homework, but when you hear "Cheech & Chong's LAST MOVIE" premiering at precisely 4:20 PM on 4/20…certain expectations are set faster than that last couple of grams of the bag disappears. Primarily, that you're going to see an actual Cheech and Chong movie. With jokes and ridiculous scenarios and maybe a car made of weed. Not a behind-the-scenes documentary about pre-fame backstories and studio beef with Lou Adler.

What we got was the comedy equivalent of finding stems and seeds in what you thought was premium bud. The documentary itself isn't bad. It's actually quite informative if you're not familiar with their backgrounds (which I wasn't.) It dives deep into their lives before they became the iconic duo and explores the tensions with producer Lou Adler that shaped their career trajectory.

The real disappointment was in the marketing sleight-of-hand. Calling it their "LAST MOVIE" when these guys are primarily known for making actual comedy films. That's a pretty weak bait-and-switch. The post-screening lobby scene was telling. Mostly older fans grumbling that they "already lived through all that" and "didn't need a documentary" when they came hoping for fresh material.

Several audience members, ourselves included, seemed particularly let down by the desert driving subplot that was prominently featured in promos but ultimately went nowhere. Like a joint that keeps going out just when you're about to pass it.

As a history lesson on two counterculture icons, it delivers. As the capper to a legendary comedy partnership? It's as deflating as realizing you left your stash in your other bag when you go to light up.

My advice? Absolutely see it if you're curious about the pre-fame lives of these cannabis comedy pioneers and their industry struggles. Just don't waste good product on the pre-game. This is the rare Cheech and Chong experience that actually benefits from sobriety. Save your stash for afterward when you'll want to fire up one of their classics.

Rating: 🌵🌵🌵