Cheech & Chong’s Still Smokin’: A Look Back at the Comedy Duo’s Amsterdam Adventure

Cheech & Chong’s Still Smokin’ (1983) is a stoner comedy directed by Tommy Chong. The film stars Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong as they travel to Amsterdam for a film festival. Still Smokin’ is a blend of sketches and live performances, including their first live performance in four years, filmed at the Tuschinski Theatre in Amsterdam.

The film starts with Cheech and Chong arriving in Amsterdam after being invited to a film festival. They soon realize that they have been mistaken for Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton, and the festival is on the verge of cancellation due to financial difficulties. The duo agrees to perform at the festival to save the day.

Still Smokin’ then transitions into a series of sketches, including “The Invisible Man,” “The Harder They Don’t Come,” a wrestling match with over-the-top characters, and stand-up routines. The film culminates in a live performance by Cheech and Chong at the Tuschinski Theatre in Amsterdam.

Still Smokin’ was filmed entirely on location in Amsterdam. It was originally intended to capture the essence of the duo’s live tour. Still, Paramount Pictures encouraged a live concert format inspired by the success of Eddie Murphy’s Raw. The final product became a hybrid of both concepts.

Interestingly, Cheech Marin was initially hesitant to appear in Still Smokin’ because he was concerned about being typecast as a stoner. He wanted to diversify his acting roles and move beyond the stoner persona.

Still Smokin’ received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics and viewers appreciated the humor and the duo’s comedic chemistry, while others found it crude and uninspired. Despite the mixed reception, Still Smokin’ grossed $15,543,710 at the box office. It remains a popular film among Cheech & Chong fans and holds a nostalgic place in stoner comedy history.

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