Film 137 (Goal: 300) of 2024:

Tommy Boy is a 90s comedy that completely escaped my knowledge up until a few years ago. I'm not even sure if ever really penetrated through to Australia, especially given distribution was so terrible in the 90s.

Tommy Boy sees Chris Farley as the titular Tommy, the loveable idiot son of a successful business man. However fortunes change quickly, after he unexpected passing of his father. Tommy is forced into the family business - with closure of the business looming. Accompanied by his colleague harboring animosity towards him (portrayed by David Spade), Tommy for the first time must step up as they go on the road to sell to clients, in an attempt to save the business and keep it in the family name.

My rating is almost entirely depending on Chris Farley. He's not perfect in this film, there's a lot of jokes that don't land, but he's doing a lot to charm you over. Farley has impeccable skills at getting the most out of every scene and not crossing the line into becoming overbearing. Everything around Farley, whether it's his co-leads, the script or the environments they're traversing, is working against the film. Without Farley this is ultimately a forgettable film. Don't get me wrong, he doesn't lift this into classic territory. It's not even great. But without Farley, this doesn't get a second mention. It's a shame we lost him so soon.