TOMMY BOY

It should be no surprise that TOMMY BOY is little more than a ninety-minute compilation of bad SNL jokes and slap-stick gags starring the obnoxious Chris Farley and his snitty SNL partner David Spade. After graduating from Marquette University (on the seven year plan and with a D+ average) incessant goof-up and party-animal Tommy Callahan returns home to work in his family’s auto parts business. When dear old dad drops dead at his own marriage reception, Tommy must assume the top sales job to save the business from hostile take-over. Knowing he is incapable of such a major task, Tommy drafts Richard, company egg-head and childhood playmate, to accompany him on the road. Tommy and Richard are soon off to conquer Big Tom’s territory.

Mediocre acting, a weak plot and crude humor make up the bulk of TOMMY BOY. Chris Farley simply plays himself, illustrating his quick wit and comic genius by spending significant camera time bobbing his head and saying, “Cool!” It is David Spade who provides the only real wit in the movie, but his intellectual put-down act becomes tiresome when left to carry the entire humor load. Foul language, sexual jokes and brief nudity combine with the movie’s overall message that one can skate by in life with a little luck and the occasional good effort when required in a tight spot; but otherwise, life is a party and then you die.