AKA Tommy Chong (2006)

A politically-conscious documentary that steps in to cover the months after world-famous doper Tommy Chong's arrest (for the illegal cross-state sale of glass pipes) but before his nine-month prison sentence. Along the way, we get a quick-and-dirty look at the polarizing comedian's life and times, the roots of his legendary partnership with Cheech Marin, and the state's over-ambitious case against him. Judging by the facts we're presented, there's little question Tommy was entrapped and railroaded by a media-hungry federal watchdog group, but to his credit Chong takes it all in stride, serves his time and emerges ready to take up the cause as a rejuvenated activist. Pro-legalisation viewers will be nodding their heads like a bobble-head from start to finish, while the peek into our government's priorities, practices and punishments might give fence-sitters a few new things to consider. Moral crusaders, on the other hand, will see an entirely different story. At just shy of 80 minutes, it only scratches the surface of an intrinsically deep, complicated political debate. Light viewing with a few mild laughs, it reports the facts and offers a take but isn't equipped to do any really heavy digging.

I caught a screening of "a/k/a Tommy Chong" at the Toronto Film Festival, and I have to say it's one of the best docs I've seen in a long time. The subject itself is fascinating, but what's even cooler is the access the filmmakers had to Chong himself. The film reveals the personality behind the persona--all while giving an in-depth look into the life of a comic legend. In addition,the film gives an extremely eye-opening look at drug policy in this country. I don't think that most people realize the roots of the most of the drug laws in the U.S. are based in racism, and this film does a great job of exposing that in a non-preachy (even hilarious!) manner. Anyone who has the chance should absolutely catch "a/k/a Tommy Chong."

Tommy Chong, a figure who represents a movement to many, may just by his name bring many curious people to the theater. As a fairly conservative individual who more or less believes in the capacity of government, if the film had just been about the unfairness of anti-pot legislation/enforcement it probably wouldn't have done much for me.Instead, the film shed alarming light on how justice is administered today. It disturbed me how various powerful people decided bringing down Tommy would add celebrity to their resume, and how much of a ruse they used to get him. I didn't necessarily question the legality of the actions (police can do things like send minors into bars to solicit alcohol or cigarettes) but rather the ideology and zealousness behind it. Is this consistent with how the majority of Americans feel we should act? There is a great biographical aspect to the film that is smartly interwoven with present day events. It helped set context and added some background color to the names Cheech and Chong. I grew up in the 80s and 90s, and this film was a cool glimpse into where our culture has been and how it has evolved.

It should have been called Farenheit 420, AkA is the best Documentary to ever come out!! Revealing who the person is behind the huge cloud of white smoke and bushy beard. AkA Tommy Chong should be seen by all, who appreciate CHONG and what his "Cheech & Chong" legacy stand for, if you have not seen it, your missing out on another piece of there vintage collection. AkA Tommy Chong will go down in history as the voice of all stoner's, that say screw the politics this should be legal! God grows this stuff, the fact that medical patients who are dying find some relief, and can still be charged as a criminals is stupid. Tommy's character is the Hemp Messiah, Pope of Pot, he stands for an entire culture, Hollywood and all those exec's under-estimate his popularity, I remember when he was the biggest star on That 70's Show, and when they had to keep his lines short in front of the studio audience, to sustain the chanting Chong-Heads in the audience. Look Out World here comes not just a movie, but a movement.