Tommy Boy vs Black Sheep

We all love Chris Farley, don't we?

Chris Farley's time with us was way too short, but he gave us so much in the world of TV and film. Five years on Saturday Night Live, many memorable sketches, and a load of hilarious films. The two films that get the most attention: Tommy Boy and Black Sheep, which co-starred Farley and his fellow SNL co-hort, David Spade. The similarities are many; both Farley and Spade in crazy situations that they have to get out of, both have Lorne Michaels at the helm, and both are absolutely hilarious as hell, among many other similarities.

However, for the last 30+ years, the comparisons have been made. It was on March 31, 1995 (during Farley and Spade's tenures on SNL) that Tommy Boy was released in theaters, with Black Sheep coming out less than a year later on February 2, 1996 (during Spade's final year on SNL; Farley was canned in 1995). I've seen both films many times, and what I want to do is point out a number of the films' similarities, and flat out state which film did it better.

So let's get this party started:

Better Farley Character: Tommy Boy

While I did like that Black Sheep's Mike Donnelly was a bit smarter, it's clear that the titular Tommy Boy was Farley's better character of the two. Thomas "Tommy Boy" Callahan III may have been mostly dimwitted, but he had a heart that could fill up Lambeau Field many times over. He had determination, he cared about everyone, and didn't let the impossible stop him--no matter how dire things were. Plus, Tommy had a huge appetite for life--and certain foods.

Better Spade Character: Black Sheep

David Spade was hilarious in both films, but it's clear that his Black Sheep character, Steve Dodds, was more likable than Tommy Boy's Richard Hayden. Richard had his funny moments, but as he was told in the film, Richard's a "smug little man who treats people like they're idiots." Steve doesn't really have that trait; in fact, Steve and Mike appear to be on the same level intellectually. Plus, Steve has a lot of hilariously embarrassing moments, which included his reacting to Drake Sabitch (Gary Busey) threatening him in the near climax.

Better Supporting Cast: Black Sheep

Both films had great supporting casts, but I do have to give a slight nod to Black Sheep. The very thing that fascinates me the most about the film's cast is that it happens to include Tim Matheson and Bruce McGill, who were both in the comedy classic, Animal House. Regarding the former, Matheson played Al Donnelly, who was a candidate for the Governor's seat in the state of Washington. As for McGill, he played Neuschwander, the campaign manager for Governor Evelyn Tracy--Al's opponent.

Better Quest: Tommy Boy

One of the many things I love about Tommy Boy is the quest, the road trip (if you will) through scenic America. The film has Sandusky, Ohio as its setting, but Tommy and Richard's brake pad selling quest has them traveling all over the country--mainly in the Midwest. As for the climax, that takes place in the ultimate Midwest city: Chicago. That setting allows us to drink in Dan Aykroyd's portrayed Chicago accent as auto parts king Ray Zalinsky.

Better Villainess: Tommy Boy

Despite my longtime adoration for villainesses, they are in the back of my mind when I watch certain things. By that, I mean that I don't expect them, but even the pair of Farley and Spade movies weren't safe from wicked women. Each one had a villainess, and they were quite delicious. Black Sheep had the aforementioned Evelyn Tracy, played by Christine Ebersole (coming two years after playing the title character's mom in Richie Rich). While I do adore political villainesses (despite my hatred of politics), it's clear that Tommy Boy's Beverly Barish has the edge.

One reason is because of the actress playing her: Bo Derek. Bo Derek rarely did the villainess thing in her career, so to see her undergo this heel turn was absolutely beautiful. Originally introduced as Big Tom's new bride, it's revealed that Beverly and Paul aren't mother and son, but a married couple of con artists. Secondly, Beverly's look in the climax, oh man. The short hair was gorgeous enough, but that killer business outfit was perfect.

Funniest/Wildest Farley Moment: Black Sheep

Without question, it's Black Sheep's crazy scene where Mike starts out posing as a security guard and ends up giving a speech that really messes things up for his brother. It's during the ruse that Mike stumbles into a room full of Rastafarians who start out looking at Mike in a hostile manner, but he ends up bonding with them. The bond includes Mike learning about how his newfound friends have been the victims of a tyrannical, racist society, and Mike wants to do something about it. He wants to fight for them. What we later see is Mike on stage being mistaken for Al, he is in true "Fight the power" mode, but then he follows it up with "Kill Whitey!" Holy schnike! Yeah, that's a bit much there, Mike.

Most Emotional Moment: Tommy Boy

Big Tom's funeral always hits me in the feels for two reasons, and neither of them have to do with the passing of Brian Dennehy's lovable character. First off, the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace. Every Trekkie knows that well. Even those of us who aren't real knowledgeable Trekkies know this. Spock's funeral from Wrath of Khan. Family Guy homaged that some time ago, and I later saw the actual clip on YouTube. That is an emotional scene, and the tune playing in Big Tom's funeral makes that scene beautifully emotional.

Reason #2: Farley. Seeing Farley's Tommy walking by his lonesome as the song continues definitely hits all of us, mainly because of the fact that Farley was taken from us way too soon (just two years after this film came out). For that moment, for that scene, we don't see the lout, we don't see the catchphrases, we see Christopher Crosby Farley--a young man who puts smiles on our faces.

I've said everything I've needed to say about these comedy classics, but what I will not do is say which one is better. I will not slight either of these films by picking one over the other. Both films have their great moments and they are amazing films to watch as many times as one wants to. They serve as a fitting tribute to Chris Farley's immense talents.

And here's a bonus treat, a clip of Beverly Barish's heel turn from Tommy Boy: