Retro review time! While it features a paper-thin and clichéd plot, Penelope Spheeris’ Black Sheep from 1996 works because of the efforts of the force of nature that was Chris Farley (with a little help from kooky Gary Busey). A master physical comedian who was also underrated for his ability to portray earnest, heart on their sleeves types, Farley commands the screen as he pratfalls from one outrageous scenario to the next. It may not be the most original film out there, but the kinetic goofiness is absolutely enjoyable. I thought I'd give it a rewatch in honor of the film's release twenty-five years ago on February 2nd.
Al Donnelly (straight-laced Tim Matheson) is running for governor. It’s looking like he’s going to upset the incumbent Governor Tracy (cunning Christine Ebersole). However, Donnelly’s younger brother Mike (a manic Farley) is a bumbling yutz. Mike means well, and loves and admires his older brother, but he’s like a tornado of bad luck and questionable decisions. Mike is soon paired with the snarky, low-level operative Steve Dodds (David Spade, who doesn’t get as much to do as you’d think). Dodds is angling for a promotion but has no idea what he’s in store for, as Mike is soon framed for arson in a bid to smear the Donnelly campaign. Reliable character actor Grant Heslov shows up as Mike’s police officer best friend, Bruce McGill is memorable as Tracy’s sleazy campaign manager, and Gary Busey goes full Busey as an aggressive and addled veteran who clashes with Steve but befriends Mike.
Fred Wolf’s script is pretty standard stuff. Farley takes everything up to 11, though, and Spheeris just gets out of the way of her star. Farley’s screen presence eclipses everything that should be terrible in the film. He sells every line and fall so hard that you at least have to smile. After having not seen the film in some time, I found myself laughing more often than not. Reading about it, it seems that there was a lot of turbulence behind the scenes. Farley apparently wasn’t enthusiastic about the project, producer (and SNL head honcho) Lorne Michaels felt aggrieved by the studio, and Spheeris reportedly clashed with both Wolf and costar Spade. While Spade gets a few, admittedly effective, wiseass moments, he is mostly relegated to the sideline. I’m not placing blame, but it lends credence to the tense backstory. Then again, I imagine it would’ve been difficult for just about anybody to outshine the Falstaffian Farley.
Penelope Spheeris wisely let her charismatic superstar Chris Farley do the heavy lifting on her Black Sheep. It’s often unfavorably compared to Farley and David Spade’s previous effort as a duo, Tommy Boy, but I had a great time with it. True, it’s about as straightforward as it gets, but I’m not sure I’ll ever tire of watching Farley careen across my screen. It also gets bonus points for its super ‘90s soundtrack featuring the Butthole Surfers and Mudhoney (who also make an onscreen appearance). Slapsticky, but also sincere, and briskly paced, Black Sheep comes recommended.
Michael Cavender