After his auto-parts tycoon father dies, the overweight, underachieving son teams up with a snide accountant to try and save the family business.
Looking back after 30 years, I’ve had a complete change of heart about “Tommy Boy” since it first hit theaters in ’95. Back then, I couldn’t appreciate Chris Farley’s wild, high-energy style – it just seemed too much, especially next to David Spade’s dry wit, which was more my speed at the time.
It’s funny how the years change things. Watching the new 4K version for the film’s 30th anniversary, I found myself deeply moved. Maybe it’s because life has thrown its own curveballs my way—losing my mother recently made Tommy’s struggle with his father’s death hit differently.
The story centers on Tommy Callahan III, fresh out of college and heading back to his hometown of Sandusky, Ohio, to work at his dad’s auto parts company. Just as life seems perfect—with his dad Thomas Sr. (Brian Dennehy) about to marry Beverly (Bo Derek), who comes with her own son Paul (Rob Lowe)—tragedy strikes. Thomas Sr. dies from a heart attack right at his wedding celebration. Suddenly, Tommy has to step up to save the family business and its workers, hitting the road with Richard Hayden (David Spade), his dad’s prickly right-hand man.
Sure, the ’90s were full of stories about underdogs finding their way, but “Tommy Boy” stands out because it feels real. I now see the genius in Farley’s performance—especially in those quiet moments after his dad dies. There’s a depth there that makes you wonder what kind of dramatic roles he might have tackled if he’d had the chance.
At its heart, this movie tells a story we all face sooner or later—growing up fast when life pulls the rug out from under you. Farley and Spade’s dynamic works perfectly to balance the laughs with the heavy stuff, something they’d nail again in “Black Sheep.” There’s an extra layer of sadness watching it now, knowing what we lost when Farley died—he clearly had the potential to be so much more than just a comedic force.
Available on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook™ March 25th
