Tommy Boy

Woke moment: This top-tier Chris Farley vehicle, where sweet but stupid Tommy Callahan III (Farley) must save his family’s auto empire after his father, Big Tom, passes, is actually political. The narrative oozes class commentary – the family-owned factory versus the national chain, whose subtly slimy owner as played by Dan Aykroyd (Crystal Head vodka) keeps trying to buy Callahan Auto out. That doesn’t mean it’s all big thoughts: Haughty assistant Richard Hayden (a rarely topped David Spade) is the perfect foil to the foolish Tommy, and no-duh Farley lights up the screen. But the magic’s in the heart that comes from Tommy trying to keep all of Callahan Auto’s workers employed – seeing them as real people rather than numbers. Seems like a good lesson, now of all times – but hey. There’s always the fat guy in a little jacket to keep ya smiling. – James Scott Read a full review of Tommy Boy.