Approaching Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie as a newbie is an odd choice by me. However, the comedy duo have been in the pop culture limelight for decades, and have become synonymous with stoner comedies. Hell, they practically invented the sub-genre. I figured I’d knew enough to hang with these pals for their last outing.

Except, Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie isn’t necessarily a “Cheech and Chong comedy”. Instead, it’s a documentary about the duo disguised as a pseudo buddy/road comedy. The set-up ensues a wild trip (no pun intended) but, soon enough, the film becomes a reflective piece about how Tommy Chong and Richard “Cheech” Marin met, created their own off-beat brand of comedy, and how they eventually became performance trailblazers. What began as a daunting task as a critic quickly became a delight for a lover of movies and concert comedy.

Get Him to the Greek producer David Bushell makes an ambitious feature-length directorial debut with Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie. Bushell embraces a slow burn by unfolding the individual journeys of Marin and Chong, naturally leading to the creative intersection where the performers find their magic together. Surprisingly, there isn’t too much of an emphasis on the impact they had on drug culture. The film is much more interested in the central relationship, and finding new and interesting perspectives on Cheech and Chong. This also includes moments where the movie purposely breaks its form. While the road trip analogy may be a little too on the nose, the audience appreciates the transparency when the comedy duo are interrupted by hitchhikers or backseat drivers who have played integral roles in their lives.

The format is also broken up by cleverly shot “talking head” interviews that are pleasing to the eye, as well as animations and resourceful vintage footage that provide laughs and context. When the drive become more heated as the duo discuss their creative differences and how they would fall out with each other, the passion from both Marin and Chong is uncompromising and genuine. It’s beautiful, man.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie