Stoners certainly have been fodder for many jokes when it comes to comedy. And this movie keeps up the tradition, with an appropriately laid back feel to it. It takes a while to get where it's going, and, truth be told, it gets tiresome at points, but does redeem itself by generating some genuine chuckles. Straight laced college student Alistair (David Weidoff) moves in with a trio of stoners, one of whom purchases a bong from a seller in High Times, a bong that turns out to be an ancient, evil entity (voiced with relish by Michelle Mais) determined to put the whole human race in a permanent stupor. It's up to Alistair to make the world safe for people who want the freedom to get stoned if and when they want. Sometimes this movie falls flat, but it definitely has its moments, too. A distinct goof ball vibe and an overall likability make it passable enough. It ain't no "Up in Smoke", but it ain't so bad, either. It's got frequent scene transitions that give it the feel of a TV show, which is silly but hard to dislike. It really hits its stride with the arrival of the perfectly cast Tommy Chong, as Jimbo, the previous owner of the bong (the thing was sold without his knowledge) who knows the dangers of the object. The young cast is amiable enough; female co-stars Robin Sydney as Luann and Kristyn Green as Janet make for fine eye candy, and in fact there's a fair amount of bare female flesh for fans, with some notable designer bras. There are special guest appearances from the likes of Phil Fondacaro (a Full Moon veteran), Tim Thomerson, once again essaying the role of Jack Deth (uttering the immortal line "Dry hair is for squids."), and Bill Moseley, but these guys are seen so briefly one will likely wish the filmmakers gave them more to do. (The Gingerdead Man makes a cameo as well!) Still, this is an engaging enough comedy - modest, to be sure - but easy to take and pretty innocuous in the end. Six out of 10.
Review of Evil Bong
