Tommy Boy (Chris Farley) has finally graduated from college after 7 years, even though he still thinks Herbie Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence, not John. He heads home to Sandusky, Ohio, where his father, Big Tom (Brian Dennehy) has operated a successful auto parts business for years. Tommy is to join the firm and he is thrilled to get his own office. Big Tom has other news as well. He is getting married to the luscious Beverly (Bo Derek) and Tommy Boy will have a new stepbrother, Paul (Rob Lowe). However, at the wedding reception, Big Tom keels over from a heart attack. This leaves Tommy in charge of the business and Beverly with half of the company's stock. She is receptive to the overtures from a businessman, Zalinski (Dan Ackroyd) who wants to buy the Sandusky plant for the reputable name only. He plans to shut the place down in reality. This leaves Tommy Boy and his father's right hand man, Richard (David Spade) to go on the road and convince folks to buy their auto parts, putting the firm in a better financial position and avoiding a takeover. But, since Tommy Boy is a half-wit and a business novice, can he really be the savior of the company? This is a funny film, guaranteed to put the viewer in a good mood. The cast is great, with Farley a comic genius and Spade not far behind. Lowe, too, is a stitch as the conniving brother, while Dennehy, Ackroyd, the beautiful Derek, and Julie Warner support the principals nicely. The sets and costumes are fine and the script and direction are snappy and fun, albeit of the more "lowbrow" variety. If you want to wash away your troubles and "get happy" for a spell, this film is the one for you. Boy, will you laugh it up!
