Uncontrolled Comedy on the Road to Election

Read Time:4 Minute, 39 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Black Sheep (4K UHD)
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 1996, Kino Lorber 4K 2025
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Penelope Spheeris
Writer(s): Fred Wolf
Cast: Chris Farley, David Spade, Tim Matheson, Gary Busey, Bruce McGill, Bruce McGill, Christine Ebersole, Grant Heslov, Timothy Carhart, Kevin P. Farley, John Farley
Where to Watch: Available now. Order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: When looking for a comedy that embraces unrestrained chaos with open arms, BLACK SHEEP delivers the laughs in waves. The film doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is—a straightforward, slapstick comedy fueled by Chris Farley's energy and David Spade's biting wit. Together, this comedic duo creates an atmosphere of amusing disorder, reminding viewers that sometimes humor doesn't have to be sophisticated or subtle to be genuinely entertaining. The biggest knock on the film is that we’ve been here before, coming out shortly after TOMMY BOY. This was a rehash with a new skin, but it doesn’t take away from the ride.

BLACK SHEEP centers around the political dreams of Al Donnelly (Tim Matheson), whose hopes of securing the governorship are threatened by his overly enthusiastic brother, Mike (Chris Farley). Despite his best intentions, Mike is a walking disaster capable of accidentally turning any event into a comedic catastrophe. To mitigate Mike’s unpredictable mishaps, Al assigns Steve Dodds (David Spade), a campaign assistant with dreams of political success, the unenviable task of watching over his accident-prone brother. Predictably, Steve quickly realizes that managing Mike is more complicated than simply shadowing him—it's about surviving the chaos he inevitably creates.

Farley's relentless presence is one of the film's greatest strengths. From the moment he appears onscreen, he leaps from one disaster to another, displaying remarkable physical comedy skills. Whether battling animals, falling down hills, or inadvertently disrupting events, Farley's commitment to each disaster elevates even the simplest visual gags into laugh-out-loud moments. His enthusiasm feels genuine and infectious, allowing audiences to root for him even as he stumbles from one situation to another.

Balancing Farley’s manic humor is Spade’s sardonic character. Spade delivers sarcastic quips and dry, perfectly timed reactions that effortlessly punctuate Farley’s high-energy escapades. This combination echoes the tried-and-true comedy duo dynamic—Farley playing the earnest but clumsy clown to Spade’s cynical observer. The duo’s synergy, built on their contrasting styles, is arguably the most significant factor driving the film’s humor. Each actor's ability to complement the other makes their interactions continuously enjoyable.

Under Penelope Spheeris's direction, BLACK SHEEP thrives in its unapologetically cartoonish approach. Spheeris uses exaggerated visual humor reminiscent of classic slapstick comedy from decades past. Her approach allows the movie to indulge in absurd scenarios and exaggerations.

The film’s supporting characters also contribute to its humor and charm. Gary Busey’s performance as an unpredictable and eccentric military veteran injects an extra dose of chaos into the plot, his wild unpredictability creating memorable moments. Similarly, Christine Ebersole shines as a cunning political rival, playing up her villainous character with enough humor to maintain audience interest outside Farley’s physical antics.

The storyline frequently feels fragmented, shifting rapidly from one incident to another without proper transitions. This episodic nature disrupts the overall rhythm of the film, making it difficult for the audience to invest in the characters' journeys fully. Additionally, character motivations often seem superficial or underdeveloped, leaving viewers slightly detached from their outcomes.

The undeniable charisma of Farley and Spade keeps the film amusing despite its struggle. Even when some moments feel overly familiar, their chemistry reenergizes the experience, ensuring audiences remain engaged and amused. The film cleverly capitalizes on nostalgic humor rooted firmly in the '90s comedy scene, guaranteeing charm for viewers who appreciate simple, straightforward laughter.

Reflecting on Farley’s brief yet memorable career, BLACK SHEEP is a humorous and poignant reminder of his exceptional talent. While not reaching the depth of his earlier works, the film remains a fitting showcase for Farley's abilities, capturing his effortless charm and physical expressiveness. Ultimately, BLACK SHEEP succeeds by providing what it promises: carefree fun, chaotic energy, and a hearty dose of laughter, making it an imperfect yet warmly enjoyable comedy experience.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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