"Is that a joint man? It looks like a quarter pounder."

So begins Up in Smoke, the greatest stoner comedy of all time.

In 1978, Up in Smoke introduced the wacky comedy duo of Cheech & Chong to movie audiences. Prior to that, they were known for comedy albums (Big Bambu, for instance, which included a huge rolling paper) and stand-up performances. The film opened the door to a series of Cheech & Chong movies that would follow (Next Movie, Nice Dreams, Still Smokin).

But Up in Smoke is their best by far. Directed by Lou Adler and Tommy Chong, the movie opens with Pedro (Richard "Cheech" Marin) picking up Anthony "Man" Stoner (Chong) hitchhiking on the Pacific Coast Highway. When Man breaks out a huge fattie, hilarity ensues. They end up parked in a hot-box cloud of ganja smoke, totally stoned.

Cheech & Chong's goal throughout the movie is to get to a battle of the bands and compete for the grand prize. But along the way, they're harassed by keystoned cops (Stacy Keach) and meet two pill-popping stoner chicks. They go to Mexico in a van made out of hemp. Crossing the border back into the U.S. as the van kicks out marijuana fumes is another highlight.

Often copied - Friday, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar, Pineapple Express - but never equaled, Up in Smoke was the surprise "hit" of 1978 and launched Cheech & Chong's film career.

"Up in Smoke" is among the 600-plus movies reviewed in Steve Bloom and Shirley Halperin's Reefer Movie Madness: The Ultimate Stoner Film Guide. Order the book here.

Also see:
Up in Smoke Trailer
More Movies & Trailers
CelebStoner News