'Cheech & Chong's Last Movie': A Hilarious Farewell To Comedy's Stoner Kings In Documentary Form

For over 50 years, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong have been synonymous with counterculture comedy, blazing a trail—literally and figuratively—through stand-up, music and film. Now, “Cheech & Chong's Last Movie” offers a definitive look at the duo's legendary journey, blending archival footage, animation and behind-the-scenes moments to craft a documentary as irreverent as the comedians themselves. Directed by David L. Bushell, the film had its world premiere at SXSW 2024 and is set for a limited theatrical release on April 20, 2025, before expanding nationwide on April 25.

From Strip Clubs To Stardom

The documentary kicks off with an unlikely origin story: a Chicano kid from South Central L.A. and a half-Chinese musician from Detroit meet at a strip club in Canada. What follows is the rise of one of the most influential comedic duos in history. Their mix of stoner humor, social satire and multicultural storytelling made them cultural icons, pushing boundaries across stand-up, platinum-selling records and a string of hit films—starting with “Up in Smoke” (1978), a cult classic that set the standard for cannabis comedies.

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The documentary does not shy away from their ups and downs. Cheech and Chong's partnership wasn't all smooth sailing, with creative differences and personal tensions leading to an extended breakup. But as “Cheech & Chong's Last Movie” shows, their connection endured. The film captures the duo on the road again, rekindling their on-screen magic in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Comedy, Chaos And Redemption

Unlike standard documentaries, “Cheech & Chong's Last Movie” leans into the duo's signature absurdity, using a mix of animation and unreleased footage to paint a vivid picture of their five-decade career. It features interviews with industry legends, including Lou Adler, who produced “Up in Smoke” and helped shape their film legacy.

“Last Movie was born out of the failure to make a scripted Cheech & Chong comedy that I was set to produce almost 20 years ago,” director David Bushell revealed. “Cosmically, that wasn't meant to be, so I took my passion and ambition to direct, coupled it with my love of documentary, and convinced these two road dogs to let me tell their epic story.”

The result is a freewheeling, often chaotic ride that captures the essence of Cheech & Chong—equal parts wild, insightful and ridiculous.

The Critics Weigh In

The documentary has drawn a mix of praise and critique. Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter calls it "a fairly definitive portrait" of the duo, noting how the film captures both their influence and enduring chemistry. Meanwhile, Jessi Cape of Austin Chronicle says it’s “A tad lengthy with its very detailed timeline, but it held the audience’s attention anyway.”

Despite mixed reactions, “Cheech & Chong's Last Movie” serves as a time capsule for their genre-defining work. It reminds audiences why their humor—once deemed radical—remains relevant, even in an era where cannabis culture has moved from taboo to mainstream.

A Legacy That Smokes On

With its nationwide release set for April 25, “Cheech & Chong's Last Movie” is more than just a farewell; it's a celebration of comedy, chaos and counterculture. Whether you grew up with their comedy albums, discovered them through late-night reruns or simply appreciate a good stoner joke, this documentary is a must-watch.

As the tagline cheekily suggests: Bring a bud.

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Lead image from cheechandchongslastmovie.com