For over a decade, the antics of the Trailer Park Boys have remained somewhat outside my viewing habits. Growing up in a region mirroring the show’s setting, the premise felt a bit too close to home. However, the undeniable cultural impact of the franchise and the opportunity to delve into Trailer Park Boys: Don’t Legalize It, especially focusing on the performance of John Paul Tremblay, seemed like a worthwhile venture into Sunnyvale Trailer Park.
Regardless of personal viewing preferences for the series, the empire built around Trailer Park Boys is impressive. Don’t Legalize It throws us right back into the chaotic lives of Julian, portrayed by John Paul Tremblay, alongside Ricky (Robb Wells) and Bubbles (Mike Smith). The film opens in a familiar setting – a local dump – and quickly establishes the trio’s ongoing struggle to navigate life, and more importantly, stay out of jail, a feat predictably fraught with challenges.
Julian, ever the entrepreneur, even if in a morally questionable way, has devised a new scheme to avoid drug dealing: selling packaged urine stolen from a military base. This bizarre venture highlights Julian’s (and Tremblay’s) commitment to outlandish plans. Meanwhile, Ricky, in his characteristic fashion, has relocated his marijuana grow operation to a suburban house, enjoying unprecedented success. Bubbles, in his own unique predicament, is residing under J-Roc’s deck (Jonathan Torrens) and running a fried chicken resale business from his bicycle.
For Ricky, this period feels like a turning point, a genuine shot at success. However, the Canadian government’s announcement regarding marijuana legalization throws a wrench into his plans. Determined to protect his illicit empire, Ricky decides to travel to Ottawa to lobby against legalization. This sets the stage for the film’s central conflict and the catalyst for a road trip.
Coincidentally, Julian’s urine business necessitates a trip to Montreal, and Bubbles discovers he has inherited a property in Ontario. This convergence of events presents an opportunity for a road trip, complicated by the fractured relationship between Julian and Ricky. Bubbles finds himself in the unenviable position of mediator, attempting to reconcile the two headstrong personalities, a dynamic that John Paul Tremblay and Robb Wells play with practiced comedic timing.
Through a series of misadventures, often involving the perpetually exasperated Jim Lahey (John Dunsworth), the trio eventually reunites and inevitably encounters the kind of trouble synonymous with Trailer Park Boys – smuggling bodily fluids and dealing dope. Amidst the chaos, the film offers moments of genuine heart as Bubbles connects with his deceased parents and their dilapidated home filled with nostalgic memories. This subplot, while seemingly at odds with the overall comedic tone, adds a layer of depth to Bubbles’ character.
For newcomers to Trailer Park Boys, Don’t Legalize It serves as an accessible entry point. Prior knowledge of the series isn’t crucial to grasp the film’s humor and character dynamics. The core premise remains straightforward: trailer park residents engaging in illicit activities with predictably chaotic outcomes. John Paul Tremblay as Julian is central to this chaos, embodying the character’s slicked-back hair, tight black t-shirt, and perpetually scheming demeanor perfectly.
The cast, including Tremblay, Wells, and Smith, deliver performances consistent with their established roles. Tremblay’s Julian is consistently calculating and self-assured, even when his plans are clearly absurd. However, the film, like the original review pointed out, struggles with its script. While jokes are present, many fail to land effectively, and the intended comedic antics often feel more silly than genuinely humorous. The humor occasionally feels juvenile, lacking the sharp wit that could elevate the absurdity. Perhaps the most genuinely funny moment is early in the film, involving a car stuck in reverse, a moment that ironically occurs before the main plot fully kicks in.
Director Mike Clattenburg demonstrates a clear understanding of these characters, presenting their inherent stupidity with accuracy. However, well-defined characters are not inherently funny, and the sparse storyline further hinders the film’s comedic potential. For dedicated Trailer Park Boys enthusiasts, Don’t Legalize It might offer some entertainment simply by virtue of its existence. However, for a broader audience, it’s a less compelling cinematic experience and better suited for a later viewing on television or streaming platforms.
While venturing into the world of Trailer Park Boys for this review, and specifically observing John Paul Tremblay’s performance as Julian, was an interesting experience, Don’t Legalize It ultimately feels like a weaker entry in the franchise. Perhaps revisiting earlier seasons would reveal the series at its comedic peak, as this film suggests the characters might be showing their age.
John DunsworthJohn Paul TremblayJonathan TorrensLucy DecoutereMike ClattenburgMike SmithPatrick RoachRobb WellsTrailer Park Boys
