After Tommy Chong went solo with his straight to video film FAR OUT MAN (1989), it was now former partner Cheech Marin to prove that lightning can strike twice. First came BORN IN EAST L.A. (1987) and now comes this raucous fish out of water story set in the Land Down Under.
Carlos Munoz (Marin) is a Mexican-American traveling to Australia to find work so he can send out for his girlfriend. Eventually finding work at a local Mexican restaurant called Manana, Carlos has the chance to become an owner if he comes up with $5,000. Sadly, he learns his girlfriend is marrying the very person who sent him to Australia. Confused and broke, Carlos soon learns of an opportunity to become part-owner of Manana.
Alexandra Hobart (Emma Samms) wants to marry former Aussie Rules footballer Bruce (Vernon Wells) but her businessman father Sir Ian (Terrence Cooper) disapproves due to Bruce's style of showing off. However, he promises that the next man Alex meets will give him a more open mind. After a failed birthday party at Manana causes Carlos to be somewhat hounded by owner Wayne (Bruce Spence) and deemed a loser by Bruce, Alex has found her new "man".
Anyone who has seen these brand of films knows where this is going to go. While Michael Gottlieb directed the film, he wasn't too happy with the result and therefore used the all-American pseudonym of Alan Smithee in the credits. This may seem like simple rom-com fare in essence, but Marin truly drives the film well with his antics. When disguising himself as the new jerk in Alex's life, he brings back memories of his days with former partner Tommy Chong. However, as the film progresses, he begins to really like the family and attempts to act more normal.
Emma Samms, best known for her role on the 80's primetime soap DYNASTY, plays somewhat of a spoiled princess who only wants to marry the love of her life. Hamming it up as the loud mouth former sports star and constant player Bruce, Vernon Wells brings a welcome change of pace from his days as ROAD WARRIOR nemesis Wez. The highlight scene of the film though is a hilarious scene involving Carlos and Alex's cousin Maggie, someone obsessed with horses and...Mexicans?! Jeannette Cronin plays the role to a tee and this scene may have one rolling on the floor laughing so hard as she tries to have her way with Carlos while acting like a horse!
THE SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE is not a bad film. Diehard Cheech Marin fans will get a kick out of it. For others, I would recommend at least a rental and judge for yourself.
AlbertV's Rating: B
Rated PG-13 for Brief Nudity, Language, and Mild Violence
Run Time: 94 minutes
Released by Sofa Home Entertainment
Directed by Alan Smithee (Michael Gottlieb). Produced by R. Ben Efraim. Wrfitten by Alan Shearman, Ronald E. House, and Grant Morris. Starring Cheech Marin, Emma Samms, Vernon Wells, Carole Davis, Bruce Spence, Terrence Cooper, Jeanette Cronin.
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