Like any Cheech & Chong film, ideally the viewer should be bombed in one way or another. That said, you probably couldn't make this film today; with political correctness being what it is, the various racial and ethnic stereotypes would surly create a boycott. Watch it anyway. Just keep in mind the year it was made and what was going on in the world at the time. As for the boys, Cheech seems to be having the most fun and for my money is the better actor. In their dual role as Arab brothers,Chong can't hold on to his accent. Rip Taylor is funny in a cameo. Lastly, it is always fun to see film of Las Vegas in it's various stages of development/demolition. A good, rainy day movie and like I said, it's best when "stoned".
18 Reviews
Cheech and Chong's fourth film: Things are Tough All Over.
Captain_Couth17 August 2005
Things are Tough All Over (1982) was the duo's fourth feature length film together. Tommy Chong wasn't the director this time around. It was also their second film that was filmed in Cinemascope. Cheech and Chong are living in Chicago, They work at a car wash during the coldest winter ever. There employers Prince Habib and Mr. Slyman (Cheech and Chong) want them to deliver some goods to Las Vegas (after they screwed up several other jobs). The two want to make it up to Slyman and Habib and go on a cross-country adventure. Meanwhile two French ladies have a crush on the two and they want to have a wild night together. Will Cheech and Chong deliver the package without any troubles? Can they stay away from Habib and Slyman's wives? How will they be able to score dope whilst on the road? Just watch THINGS ARE TOUGH ALL OVER to find out!!!
Not a classic, just another funny film from Cheech and Chong. Follwed by another sequel STILL SMOKING!!!
Recommended.
Not a classic, just another funny film from Cheech and Chong. Follwed by another sequel STILL SMOKING!!!
Recommended.
This one keeps climbing the charts.
pmtelefon29 April 2019
"Things Are Tough All Over" is about to overtake "Nice Dreams" as my favorite Cheech & Chong movie. If it wasn't for the movie theater scene it probably would be my favorite C&C movie. That scene isn't a deal breaker but it isn't that funny either. The rest of the movie, however, is very funny. There a lot of laughs. C&C are both in fine form. Their supporting cast (with the exception of their wives) is also very good. The only other demerit that I can give "Things Are Tough All Over" is that Donna's part is way too small.
Cheech and Chong's most underrated movie
csweetleaf23 April 2003
Well folks if you liked Up in Smoke, Next Movie and Nice Dreams then you should give Things Are Tough All Over a try even though they didn't smoke pot in this movie but there is a little drug humor in this movie.
This movie is about the duo working at a car wash in a very cold freezing weather in Chicago and they got fired and they decide to drive a limousine all the way from Chicago to Las Vegas and there are two guys (Cheech and Chong in a double role) who are after them and what C&C didn't know was that the limousine was filled with money.
This movie was a different approach to Cheech and Chong cause it didn't take place in L.A. and there was alot less drug humor than the previous movies and while it may seem a somewhat forgettable movie, it's a pure classic compared the Still Smokin' and the Corsician Brothers and I think that all C&C fans should watch this movie.
6/10
This movie is about the duo working at a car wash in a very cold freezing weather in Chicago and they got fired and they decide to drive a limousine all the way from Chicago to Las Vegas and there are two guys (Cheech and Chong in a double role) who are after them and what C&C didn't know was that the limousine was filled with money.
This movie was a different approach to Cheech and Chong cause it didn't take place in L.A. and there was alot less drug humor than the previous movies and while it may seem a somewhat forgettable movie, it's a pure classic compared the Still Smokin' and the Corsician Brothers and I think that all C&C fans should watch this movie.
6/10
Cheech and Chong Do Their Thing
tkdlifemagazine20 March 2023
In their 4th film Cheech and Chong manage to offer enough familiarity to make the film pure for fans. Simultaneously, the film offers enough new material to make this one enjoyable. The movie is a time capsule for the hardships of the early 80's. A lot of the humor would be impossible to do in today's politically correct environment, but are still funny nonetheless. These guys were good at physical a s verbal comedy and this one showcases both. This was not as good as Up in Smoke, but still really good. The guys play multiple roles in this one and they are funny. The supporting cast is great in backing them up.
Still fun
BandSAboutMovies5 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The fourth of the Cheech and Chong movies, this opens with our heroes driving in the desert, not using drugs and talking about rock and roll. Turns out that they're working at a car wash for the rich Mr. Slyman and Prince Habib (also Cheech and Chong), who then send the boys to Chicago on a rock and roll tour, driving the limo that we saw them in at the start of the movie. Unbeknownst to our high heroes is the fact that the car is packed with cash.
Somehow, everyone ends up lost and wandering in the desert and it all ends with Cheech and Chong as porn stars. There's also a lot of peyote.
This movie came as the mainstream began to accept Cheech and Chong, with the National Association of Theatre Owners naming them the Comedy Team of the Decade. You can see the plan was to make this film have less drug humor, with Chong saying, "Cheech & Chong and dope are redundant. It's a challenge to see if we can do it. I know we can."
As always, this movie is packed with people, like Rufus drummer Richard "Moon" Calhoun, Dave Coulier, Evelyn Guerrero (as Donna again), John Paragon, George Wallace, Ruby Wax, Rip Taylor, Lance Kinsey (Proctor from the Police Academy films) and Dorothy Neumann (Private Parts).
Unlike the past films, this was not directed by Tommy Chong. Instead, Thomas K. Avildsen , who had edited the past three films, would make this the first and only movie that we would helm.
Somehow, everyone ends up lost and wandering in the desert and it all ends with Cheech and Chong as porn stars. There's also a lot of peyote.
This movie came as the mainstream began to accept Cheech and Chong, with the National Association of Theatre Owners naming them the Comedy Team of the Decade. You can see the plan was to make this film have less drug humor, with Chong saying, "Cheech & Chong and dope are redundant. It's a challenge to see if we can do it. I know we can."
As always, this movie is packed with people, like Rufus drummer Richard "Moon" Calhoun, Dave Coulier, Evelyn Guerrero (as Donna again), John Paragon, George Wallace, Ruby Wax, Rip Taylor, Lance Kinsey (Proctor from the Police Academy films) and Dorothy Neumann (Private Parts).
Unlike the past films, this was not directed by Tommy Chong. Instead, Thomas K. Avildsen , who had edited the past three films, would make this the first and only movie that we would helm.
Things are real tough all over...
CelluloidRehab23 October 2004
A Cheech and Chong adventure, strangely not involving much drugs nor taking place in LA. That also might be the reason this is also one of the least funny Cheech and Chong movies. The Corsican Brothers was much funnier than this movie (which is not saying much). The movie starts out in Chicago, where our heroes work at a car wash. As usual, they get caught up in a strange turn of events that leads them to Las Vegas (this time). The laughs are far and few in between. The musical scene at the restaurant reminded me of old Yeller (someone please shoot him or rather me). The funniest scene is when Chong freaks out in the restaurant dressed up as a woman. His opening soliloquy is also quite funny. If you want to see a pointless adventure, not induced by drugs then see this movie. If, however, you would like to see a good Cheech and Chong movie skips this one. Go see Up in Smoke, Next Movie or even Nice Dreams. The movie can be summed up in a few powerful words : Cheech's man thong. Remember, rock and roll killed Elvis and I haven't done drugs in a week. I feel great. I feel like doing more drugs. You got any ??
Drying out in the desert.
lost-in-limbo20 March 2010
The comic-doped up duo Cheech and Chong were on a bit of a high within the late 70s through to early eighties with "Things Are Tough All Over" being their fourth feature film as their infamous brand of humour (simply low-brow with sexual and drug references --- although the usage of drugs was rather minor for a Cheech and Chong outing) had a real shine on cult audiences. After this particular entry, I didn't really care/or like what came afterwards. A change was in the air (especially after the much flipped stoner comedy "Nice Dreams") and you could see it coming, as it kind of started on this ambitious effort.
Cheech and Chong are now living it up in the freezing winter of Chicago, but have trouble keeping a job. That's until their old Arabian bosses Prince Habib and Mr. Slyman re-hire them to drive a custom made limousine to Las Vegas, while unknowingly to them it contains five million dollars.
Anyhow "Things Are Tough All Over" was one of their better made and better looking productions, as it didn't entirely focus on the drug scene (usual pot smoking and drug abuse) --- but girls, music (rock 'n' roll!) and road-trip mayhem takes control. The mellow plot has a coordinated structure than being aimlessly linked together by loose set-pieces and running gags, but still its made more memorable by the perfect combination and carefree performances of Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin with their snappy wisecracks (taken from their trivial, but solidly written script) never takes a break and well timed gags in many accidental situations on their wacky journey. Visually or lyrically they were spot on and politically incorrect with their slant. Chong and Marin also get geared in make-up to portray a couple of wealthy, but bumbling Arabs. Marin was quite entertaining as the dim-witted Mr. Slyman with uncontrollable violent tendencies . Rip Taylor shows-up in a short role and looks like his enjoying it. Also the likes of character actor John Steadman and the lovely Evelyn Guerrero joins in with the fun. Plus their wife's (Rikki Marin and Shelby Chong) were truly hard to forget in their flirtatious roles.
Cheech and Chong are now living it up in the freezing winter of Chicago, but have trouble keeping a job. That's until their old Arabian bosses Prince Habib and Mr. Slyman re-hire them to drive a custom made limousine to Las Vegas, while unknowingly to them it contains five million dollars.
Anyhow "Things Are Tough All Over" was one of their better made and better looking productions, as it didn't entirely focus on the drug scene (usual pot smoking and drug abuse) --- but girls, music (rock 'n' roll!) and road-trip mayhem takes control. The mellow plot has a coordinated structure than being aimlessly linked together by loose set-pieces and running gags, but still its made more memorable by the perfect combination and carefree performances of Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin with their snappy wisecracks (taken from their trivial, but solidly written script) never takes a break and well timed gags in many accidental situations on their wacky journey. Visually or lyrically they were spot on and politically incorrect with their slant. Chong and Marin also get geared in make-up to portray a couple of wealthy, but bumbling Arabs. Marin was quite entertaining as the dim-witted Mr. Slyman with uncontrollable violent tendencies . Rip Taylor shows-up in a short role and looks like his enjoying it. Also the likes of character actor John Steadman and the lovely Evelyn Guerrero joins in with the fun. Plus their wife's (Rikki Marin and Shelby Chong) were truly hard to forget in their flirtatious roles.
Blurring The Lines Of Nationality.....Bawahaaaaa
damianphelps13 January 2022
If you catch the Cheech N Chong bug you will most likely love everything they do...this film is no exception.
The double roles are magnificent. OTT fun from beginning to end.
Make it part of your movie watching experience :)
The double roles are magnificent. OTT fun from beginning to end.
Make it part of your movie watching experience :)
close to being one of Cheech and Chong's best
Quinoa198431 January 2000
Thing's Are Tough All Over is a funny movie. No spare parts needed to pump up the action and, in a way, works by being slightly more laid back then the past ones. It actually takes away an element without too much trouble and adds another. And it stays funny. The pot is what's taken away, for the most part, with maybe one or two tiny moments put in to reference their past films. What do they add? A road-movie attitude and two new characters by Cheech and Chong which are hilarious. Not withstanding that they're the most blatant kind of caricatures imaginable, they also have the funniest lines in the film. It's one thing to just have the look of these characters, but the duo pepper each one with clever dialog from start to finish (some of it pretty weird in its way). Some scenes here and there lag, but when the pace picks up again tenfold once they arrive in Las Vegas. With a funny cameo by Rip Taylor this film is one of Cheech and Chong's best.
Cheech & Chong are up to no good.
BlackJack_B7 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The 4th Cheech & Chong movie starts out strong with hilarity but fizzles as it progresses.
The title obviously refers to the 1981-82 recession that was going on at the time. Cheech & Chong have dual roles as themselves and two wealthy Arab brothers who own a chain of car washes.
The stoner duo somehow have found themselves in Chicago working for the brothers in a car wash. After they are fired for incompetence, they are re-hired as singers in a band (where they perform One-Eyed Snake) and find out the Arab's French girlfriends (played by Cheech & Chong's wives) are attracted to them.
Later, they are told to drive a limousine to Las Vegas. However they have no money and in lieu of cash, they give away parts to pay for gas. Unbeknownst to Cheech & Chong, there was a ton of cash hidden in the car and when they mistakenly give it away without a second thought, the Arabs find out about it and they go on a search in the desert outside Las Vegas to off the stoners.
Things Are Tough All Over has its moments but there are too many scenes of repetition and boredom in the middle. The characters of Slyman and Habib are actually funny at times but at this point, we already know all too well what will come out of Cheech & Chong's mouths. The same stuff we heard in the prior 3 films.
It's still an O.K. film but it just lacks the full-court press zaniness that the prior three entries had.
The title obviously refers to the 1981-82 recession that was going on at the time. Cheech & Chong have dual roles as themselves and two wealthy Arab brothers who own a chain of car washes.
The stoner duo somehow have found themselves in Chicago working for the brothers in a car wash. After they are fired for incompetence, they are re-hired as singers in a band (where they perform One-Eyed Snake) and find out the Arab's French girlfriends (played by Cheech & Chong's wives) are attracted to them.
Later, they are told to drive a limousine to Las Vegas. However they have no money and in lieu of cash, they give away parts to pay for gas. Unbeknownst to Cheech & Chong, there was a ton of cash hidden in the car and when they mistakenly give it away without a second thought, the Arabs find out about it and they go on a search in the desert outside Las Vegas to off the stoners.
Things Are Tough All Over has its moments but there are too many scenes of repetition and boredom in the middle. The characters of Slyman and Habib are actually funny at times but at this point, we already know all too well what will come out of Cheech & Chong's mouths. The same stuff we heard in the prior 3 films.
It's still an O.K. film but it just lacks the full-court press zaniness that the prior three entries had.
Hey man, thins are tough all over.
Aphostile4 June 2005
I really liked this movie. Besides being funny, it really did a decent job of illustrating how nobody's life tends to be a a bed of roses regardless of who somebody is or isn't. I've often thought of the film to put things in a different perspective when I've found myself envying another person for whatever reason. Chances are, it's not easy being anybody.
It was largely a departure from all of the drug humor in previous films, but the drug was going at full steam ahead around when it came out. Besides, it was about time they branched out and explored new humor horizons.
It was largely a departure from all of the drug humor in previous films, but the drug was going at full steam ahead around when it came out. Besides, it was about time they branched out and explored new humor horizons.
Another great Cheech and Chong film!
El Duderino28 December 1999
I was still laughing at this film long after I had finished watching it. Cheech and Chong are just as funny as ever, and this film just adds to their other classic comedy films. Chong is especially hilarious because he's on peyote for basically the entire film. Cheech is just as funny, and even Rip Taylor makes an appearance to heighten the comedy. Cheech and Chong also play characters named Prince Habib and Mr. Slyman who make the film much funnier. Watch for the song Cheech and Chong sing in the desert and when Rip Taylor picks them up off the street - those parts are hysterical.
This is funny and engaging all over
BrandtSponseller22 August 2006
Cheech and Chong are back in such strong form here that it makes me wonder if I shouldn't reevaluate the previous film, Nice Dreams (1981), which seemed like a misstep to me on my last viewing.
Of course, there are some major differences with Things are Tough All Over. For Nice Dreams, Cheech and Chong took the ultimate stoner/slacker route and made a film with little plot or direction. It seemed like they were engaging in the same behavior offscreen as on and just and playing around with loose, rough ideas. Maybe they also wondered what the heck they had done when later watching Nice Dreams (or watching the box office returns), because for Things are Tough All Over, they took an entirely different path and crafted an intricately structured comic misadventure where they play two interweaving sets of characters--Cheech and Chong, of course, and Mr. Slyman (Cheech) and Prince Habib (Chong), Arab brothers who serve as Cheech and Chong's employers in various guises.
The script for Things are Tough All Over may have been something Cheech and Chong were working on for awhile. The basic subtext (as reflected in the title) is the recession during the Carter years in the U.S. Slyman and Habib represent the flipside of the gas crisis (which is both metaphorically and literally in the plot at the same time in interesting and funny ways, even including flatulence jokes), and their prosperity as well as Cheech and Chong's role in the climax and denouement of the film represent the change of economic and social climate of the Reagan years. This may be reading a bit too heavily into the film, but to some extent, these themes were definitely intentional.
Not that this is a serious film. The gags here are on par with Up in Smoke (1978). And given the engaging misadventure/road-movie plot, the gags have a purpose that makes them that much better. Things are Tough All Over is also unusual in that it's the first Cheech and Chong film that's not focused on drugs. Not that I dislike drug humor (or the idea of drug use), but not _having_ to make this film about drugs opens up the door for Cheech and Chong to focus on comedy for its own sake. They go with material because it's going to be funny, and their timing is exquisitely on--they know just how far they can milk any particular joke for maximum effect.
Of course, there are some major differences with Things are Tough All Over. For Nice Dreams, Cheech and Chong took the ultimate stoner/slacker route and made a film with little plot or direction. It seemed like they were engaging in the same behavior offscreen as on and just and playing around with loose, rough ideas. Maybe they also wondered what the heck they had done when later watching Nice Dreams (or watching the box office returns), because for Things are Tough All Over, they took an entirely different path and crafted an intricately structured comic misadventure where they play two interweaving sets of characters--Cheech and Chong, of course, and Mr. Slyman (Cheech) and Prince Habib (Chong), Arab brothers who serve as Cheech and Chong's employers in various guises.
The script for Things are Tough All Over may have been something Cheech and Chong were working on for awhile. The basic subtext (as reflected in the title) is the recession during the Carter years in the U.S. Slyman and Habib represent the flipside of the gas crisis (which is both metaphorically and literally in the plot at the same time in interesting and funny ways, even including flatulence jokes), and their prosperity as well as Cheech and Chong's role in the climax and denouement of the film represent the change of economic and social climate of the Reagan years. This may be reading a bit too heavily into the film, but to some extent, these themes were definitely intentional.
Not that this is a serious film. The gags here are on par with Up in Smoke (1978). And given the engaging misadventure/road-movie plot, the gags have a purpose that makes them that much better. Things are Tough All Over is also unusual in that it's the first Cheech and Chong film that's not focused on drugs. Not that I dislike drug humor (or the idea of drug use), but not _having_ to make this film about drugs opens up the door for Cheech and Chong to focus on comedy for its own sake. They go with material because it's going to be funny, and their timing is exquisitely on--they know just how far they can milk any particular joke for maximum effect.
Cheech and Chong in Chicago
lee_eisenberg25 August 2011
"Things Are Tough All Over" takes a little bit of a different turn from the stoner duo's previous movies. This one casts them as hustlers in Chicago who take a job driving a car to Las Vegas, not knowing that the car's owners -- C & C in dual roles as Arab princes -- have stashed money in the automobile.
Of course, the movie is just an excuse for a bunch of silliness. There's less in the way of drugs this time around, but there's plenty to make up for it. The best scene was probably the movie theater.
Yeah, just an excuse to be goofy, but that's what makes it great. Evelyn Guerrero reappears as Cheech's girlfriend Donna, and Rip Taylor also appears.
Of course, the movie is just an excuse for a bunch of silliness. There's less in the way of drugs this time around, but there's plenty to make up for it. The best scene was probably the movie theater.
Yeah, just an excuse to be goofy, but that's what makes it great. Evelyn Guerrero reappears as Cheech's girlfriend Donna, and Rip Taylor also appears.
Comedy from Chicago to Las Vegas
Rainey-Dawn9 March 2023
Cheech and Chong seem to have problems holding down a job until Mr. Slyman (Cheech) and Prince Habib (Chong) give them a chance to drive a limo from Chicago to Las Vegas. What our duo doesn't realize is the limo is hiding laundered money for one of the Arabic brother's mob. Lots of comedic problems arise along the desert highway.
Special guest star: comedian Rip Taylor.
Another film I grew up with and I still find it funny. Our guys will find any excuse to act silly and that is what fans love about them. I believe C & C can make us laugh about almost anything.
Worth watching if you love a good crazy comedy.
8/10.
Special guest star: comedian Rip Taylor.
Another film I grew up with and I still find it funny. Our guys will find any excuse to act silly and that is what fans love about them. I believe C & C can make us laugh about almost anything.
Worth watching if you love a good crazy comedy.
8/10.
Why aren't there movies like this Now?
JayDeadieEagle29 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Obviously, this review isn't going to be seen by many but I'm just going to manifest...
TO ANYONE WHO MAKES MOVIES, SMOKES GREEN, AND LOVES THIS MOVIE: HELP ME REVIVE FILMS LIKE THIS!
I've been working on revitalizing the Grindhouse/Exploitation corner of the cinema. The modern era is losing this art form, which seems backward when you consider how many stoners there are these days! Cheech and Chong didn't allow anything to limit their ideas, and this film is a wonderful display of that. The raw plane landing footage, playing the protagonists and the villains, unique camera angles and framing, the washing machine scene!!! They really used some guerilla filmmaking techniques to make whatever they wanted!
I know the MPAA and common safety standards limit the ways HOLLYWOOD makes movies, but what's stopping average people from getting out there and making whatever they want? We just need crowdfunding and people signing waivers and we'll be able to make beauty like this stuff again.
TO ANYONE WHO MAKES MOVIES, SMOKES GREEN, AND LOVES THIS MOVIE: HELP ME REVIVE FILMS LIKE THIS!
I've been working on revitalizing the Grindhouse/Exploitation corner of the cinema. The modern era is losing this art form, which seems backward when you consider how many stoners there are these days! Cheech and Chong didn't allow anything to limit their ideas, and this film is a wonderful display of that. The raw plane landing footage, playing the protagonists and the villains, unique camera angles and framing, the washing machine scene!!! They really used some guerilla filmmaking techniques to make whatever they wanted!
I know the MPAA and common safety standards limit the ways HOLLYWOOD makes movies, but what's stopping average people from getting out there and making whatever they want? We just need crowdfunding and people signing waivers and we'll be able to make beauty like this stuff again.
See also
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