I'm sure I'm not the only one who misses going to a movie theater during this time of quarantine. Yes, there is something to be said for seeing a film how the director intended - full screen with the scent of popcorn in the air while surrounded by friends and strangers alike all reacting to the movie. Unfortunately, no one knows when we will all be able to do that again so Cya.live has teamed up with Paramount Pictures to once again bring a little bit of that community feeling back to movie watching. For three consecutive weeks, they are hosting a "watch party" which kicked off on April 18th with 1995's Tommy Boy.
If you have never seen Tommy Boy, it hilariously teams the late Chris Farley (Coneheads) with David Spade (Joe Dirt) as they try to save the Callahan auto parts company. When Big Tom (Brian Dennehy; Cocoon) unexpectedly passes away during his wedding reception (sadly poignant as Dennehy died earlier this week), Tommy (Farley) becomes head of the business. Unfortunately, Tommy barely graduated college after 7 years and has no idea how to be an adult let alone run the family company. Company accountant Richard (Spade) steps in and the two of them take a road trip trying to convince their clients to stay with Callahan auto parts while at the same time, Tommy's new stepmother, Beverly (Bo Derek; 10) attempts to sell the company to the highest bidder.
While panned by critics when it was first released, Tommy Boy has grown to cult-like status so it was the perfect choice for an event like this one. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the film was the first reason to plan this screening but it also became a celebration and dedication to Brian Dennehy as well. Fans were joined by moderator Jonathan and Tommy Boy director, Peter Segal (50 First Dates) for this over two-hour event.
As the evening started, participants logged on to Cya.live where they were greeted by Jonathan. Peter arrived shortly thereafter but fans had already begun to converse in the chat room. Peter offered commentary throughout the film, answering fans questions, some who wrote in the chat room while others were able to "join the stage" and live chat with Peter and ask their questions. It was a great feature and I'm sure something fans and Peter both seemed to enjoy.
Peter often interjected little stories about filming such as the fact that Farley and Spade were still filming Saturday Night Live while making the movie and they were flying back and forth from New York to Toronto every week. Farley was also working on his sobriety during the shoot which presented its own set of challenges. He also shared what it was like filming in Toronto, Farley's and Spade's relationship as well as his relationship to the two stars and how the song fat guy in a little coat actually ended up in the movie.
Even though the event can't replace seeing a feature film in a theater, it is a great alternative to socially interact with like-minded fans. My only caution is if you haven't seen the film before, it's difficult to watch it and listen to the commentary at the same time so decide on either/or but not both as it is too distracting otherwise.
All in all, it was a unique and fun way to watch a classic film as everyone practices social distancing. Cya.live is doing it right and we all get to benefit from their creativity.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan airs at 5 pm PDT (8 pm EDT) next Saturday, April 25, 2020, with the Audrey Hepburn classic Breakfast At Tiffany's is scheduled for the following Saturday, May 2, 2020.
You can get additional information at Cya.live.
