Half Baked: Totally High (2023) (BLU-RAY REVIEW)
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Starring: Dexter Darden, Moses Storm, Ramona Young
RATED: UR/REGION A/1:85/1080P/NUMBER OF DISCS 1
AVAILABLE FROM Universal Studios
I walked into Half Baked: Totally High with an open mind, hoping to be transported to a world of stoner humor and cannabis-fueled escapades. Unfortunately, this 2023 attempt at a comedy left me feeling underwhelmed and frustrated. The film’s meandering plot, lackluster characters, and cringeworthy humor made for a viewing experience that was more akin to a slog than a high.
The story follows a group of friends who decide to open a medical marijuana dispensary in their small town, despite the odds being stacked against them. Sounds like a great premise, right? Wrong. The execution is where things go awry. The script is riddled with clichés and relies too heavily on outdated stoner tropes. The jokes fall flat, and the characters are paper-thin.
The acting is equally unimpressive. The cast tries their best to elevate the material, but it’s like trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. The chemistry between the leads is nonexistent, and their performances feel like they’re going through the motions.
One of the biggest disappointments is the direction. The pacing is slow and plodding, with long stretches of boring exposition that fail to advance the plot or add any depth to the characters. The tone is all over the place, veering wildly from awkward attempts at humor to forced sentimentality.
The score and cinematography are also subpar. The music is forgettable and fails to enhance the mood or atmosphere of the film. The visuals are drab and uninspired, with poorly lit sets and unimpressive special effects.
But what really got my goat was the way the film handled its themes. Rather than exploring the complexities and nuances of medical marijuana or the stoner culture, Half Baked: Totally High resorts to shallow stereotypes and lazy jokes. It’s like the filmmakers thought they could coast on cheap humor and neglect the actual substance of the issue.
All in all, Half Baked: Totally High feels like a waste of time and talent. It’s a lazy, uninspired attempt at comedy that fails to deliver on its promise. Even if you’re a fan of stoner movies, there are better options out there. Trust me, you won’t be missing out on anything by skipping this one.
Extras
- None
