Is The World Ready for a Cheech and Chong Reunion?
Thanks to movies like Pineapple Express, the stoner comedy is a hot item once again, and everyone is taking notice — even the all-time kings of the stoner comedy, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong. In the 80’s, the duo parted ways with Cheech attempting to distance himself from their dope-smoking image. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that rumours cropped up about a possible reunion film, but it never came to pass (thanks in part to Chong’s jail sentence for distributing drug paraphernalia). Now, however, it seems that the two may finally be reuniting, not for a movie but rather a comedy tour.
According to the Associated Press, the two aging comedians recently decided to put aside their differences, saying “If we’re ever going to do something it has to be now because you’re not getting any younger and neither am I.” In truth, the timing probably couldn’t be any better. The new tour will be called the “Hey, What’s That Smell?” tour, and Chong has already been doing stand-up comedy lately, although Cheech has not (most recently he has been seen starring as Hurley’s father on Lost). Will they still be able to find an audience, 25 years later? I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan, but their act is still probably just as relevant as ever. My guess is that if the tour is a success, we’ll see another movie within the next year or two. Thoughts?
Comments (5)
Cheech & Chong might have invented the stoner comedy but Harold & Kumar are the new kings. I wish all these old actors would realize that if they wanted to do a sequel they should have done 20 years ago.
Posted by Ryan M. on July 30th, 2008Yeah– I don’t think these guys need to come back now–maybe just make an appearance in Harld and Kumar 3?
Posted by Jon Rocks on July 30th, 2008Haha true, that’s the perfect vehicle… have them make cameos in Harold and Kumar 3, and then their new film can be called a Harold and Kumar spin-off. The association worked wonders for NPH’s career, right?
Posted by Sean on July 30th, 2008As much as I love the Harold and Kumar films, I think after people see Pineapple Express Seth Rogen and James Franco are going to be called the new Cheech and Chong. I saw a sneak preview of the movie last week and it was insanely hilarious. Everyone in the theater was losing their shit the whole way through, which unfortunately I can’t say about Harold and Kumar (even though I personally laughed my ass off at both H&K movies).
But the rise in stoner comedies is definitely a trend I welcome with open arms. And I would definitely go see Cheech and Chong reunion tour. Their “Santa Claus and His Old Lady” is a perennial Christmas favorite in my family.
Posted by Joel on July 30th, 2008I would love to see these two perform. Don’t let their age trick you into thinking these guys are washed up. Cheech has just moved away from comedy to pursue other roles and Chong was hilarious in his role on That 70’s Show. I’m willing to bet they could muster up enough new material to tour with. I was fortunate enough to see the late great George Carlin a few years back in Hamilton and he was as funny as he’d ever been.
Posted by Danno on July 31st, 2008Leave a Reply