Legendary comedian Chris Farley would only be 53-years-old if he was still alive today. To commemorate Farley’s birthday, we’re debating the two best films of his short-lived career. “Tommy Boy” kickstarted the movie careers of Farley and sidekick David Spade, and quickly became a cable television staple. “Black Sheep” was the spiritual successor to “Tommy Boy,” but with its own subversive take on ’90s politics that’s oddly relevant today. But which movie is the best?
PERSPECTIVES
For Chris Farley and David Spade, “Tommy Boy” was a breakout hit. The 1995 comedy tells the story of an immature man-child (Farley) forced to go on a road trip with his childhood friend and buttoned-up co-worker (Spade) to save his family business after the suspicious death of his father. While the movie didn’t exactly light the box-office on fire, it did open at #1 and quickly cemented its status as a cult classic on home video.
“Tommy Boy” was nothing short of a highlight reel for Farley’s brand of physical comedy, and looked like the start of a bright and promising career. Sadly, Farley died just two years later after a fatal drug overdose. “Tommy Boy” was something of a go-to movie for networks looking to fill air time and there was rarely an afternoon in the late ’90s and early aughts where you couldn’t find it on cable television.
Tommy Boy – Trailer
It’s hard to follow-up a cult hit, but that’s what Farley and Spade attempted to do just one year after “Tommy Boy.” The duo reunited for their second and final film together before Farley’s tragic death the following year.
“Black Sheep” tells the story of a bumbling, underachieving brother (Farley) of a politician running for governor, who is forced to go into hiding with a campaign aide (Spade) after being mistakenly photographed in a series of calamitous, embarrassing events. Like Farley and Spade’s earlier collaboration, “Black Sheep” leans heavy into Farley’s physical comedy and drew parallels to the misadventures of Roger Clinton, President Bill Clinton’s mischievous younger brother.
Oddly enough, the big twist at the end is Farley discovers his brother lost the campaign only because a bunch of dead voters illegally cast ballots for the incumbent–which has become fodder for Twitter commenters after President Trump mounted allegations of similar voter fraud in the 2016 campaign.
Black Sheep – Trailer
Here are some perspectives from fans who love “Tommy Boy.”
Man Chris Farley would’ve been 53 yrs old today. I think I’ll watch Tommy Boy when my breakfast gets here
— Daft Chunk (@handsumdevil) February 15, 2017
Holy schnikes! Wishing a happy birthday to the late, great Tommy Boy! What’s your favorite Chris Farley movie? https://t.co/UKYgFulQrB pic.twitter.com/gtcIOXWgcr
— FYE (@officialfye) February 15, 2017
Tommy Boy is the best movie known to man. Chris Farley was the true comedic legend.
— megs [?] (@Meggy_stilwell) February 14, 2017
Tommy Boy is so funny. Thank God for Chris Farley.
— La Bruja [?] (@albaa_efr) February 14, 2017
And check out these perspectives from fans who love “Black Sheep.”
Watching Black Sheep.
Did people realize what we had in Farley??
— LB (@El_Boogie44) February 5, 2017
.Remember when Chris Farley and @DavidSpade uncovered voter fraud in the beautifully hilarious movie Black Sheep? pic.twitter.com/bE56t9CpPN
— Spencer Kell (@skelltexas) January 25, 2017
Dead people voting was the antagonist’s plot in “Black Sheep” by the way. Things were so much funnier when Chris Farley was around.
— Mike (@bachelorthings) January 26, 2017
I think you’ve seen the movie Black Sheep with Chris Farley too many times https://t.co/jXRSO3LJbI
— Drey (@aeallen32) January 25, 2017
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