Marijuana

This is a public service film all about the potential harm from smoking marijuana. Oddly, it's hosted by Sonny Bono of all people! Now I will admit up front that the language is very dated--with words like 'bummer', 'squares' and 'bad trip'. BUT, it was 1968 and young folks did talk like that! While it seems stupid to kids seeing the film today, I am sure their kids will one day be just as confused with the slang of today! However, despite the language, the film was surprisingly realistic and balanced. It was NOT like "Reefer Madness"! But, it provided lots of information that was honest--that most folks using pot WON'T get hooked or turn to harder drugs, but that it WAS a possibility you don't want to ignore. It also admitted that pot wasn't necessarily worse than alcohol--again, a bit admission for the time. Overall, I really don't think this is a bad film and I read a review that they laughed at it. Laughing at the clothes and language--that I can understand. But for the facts in the film, most folks who work with addictions or in the courts today or even marijuana advocates would probably agree with most of what's presented--except for the clip of the lady driving off the road when using pot--not THAT was kind of silly. An odd curio!

Marijuana (1968) was a short film that is hosted by Sonny Bono who does a lot of preaching and signify about how marijuana is illegal and you kids shouldn't try it. This is interesting considering Mr. Bono looks like he smoked a few bowls before appearing in front of the camera. He's too laid back, acts real stiff and unnatural. Maybe this is how he really is. Who knows? I am aware of one thing. He's a total square and a hired goon.

Another phony hippie type who's a either a fraud or a man who's pulled a fast one on the establishment. Well, considering his track record I have to say the first one. Thanks a lot Mr. Buzz kill. Didn't he even think for one second about his street cred. When this short was released I doubt he had any left. A funny short either way that'll make think is he or isn't he.

Recommended for comic relief.

This silly, ridiculous, unintentionally hilarious and at times disturbing "public awareness" short will leave you wondering what Sonny Bono was thinking. This film is full of "pro/con viewpoint" discussions, but lacking in substance (pardon the pun) and that F-word that everybody hates: facts. With a poorly written narration, Sonny Bono comes off as the weird guy next door who knows little to nothing about drugs or any surrounding issue -- the damaging effects of THC weren't even discussed -- the "facts" presented are extremely superficial (thank you, Sonny, for telling us that a big danger of getting high is a bad bummer). But what do I know? Perhaps Marijuana/drug research was behind in those days and the science behind these stupid drugs wasn't available. Who knows? In any case, the acting is awful, the film is a pandering, patronizing waste of time, and if you watch it, don't expect to learn anything. In short: absurd.

While I'm on a negative tirade, I must ask: did Sonny Bono have a lobotomy before filming this documentary? It's like watching one of George Romero's zombies give a lecture -- get this guy some coffee! And, did the "film" makers decide to show up and shoot his scenes while he was in full new-age Dojo mode? What's going on here? God only knows, but his lines are so bad that he even starts to break down and almost laugh during his utterly ridiculous closing statement. Even Bono knew what a joke it was.

In closing, the film is actually a lot of fun! You will be disturbed, yet hysterical all the way through -- if you can get your hands on it, this one is great for parties! Play this at a get-together and people will always invite you over!

Marijuana (1968)

** (out of 4)

This short starts off with a group of kids having a grass party when the police bust in and arrest them. As the kids are being taken to the van, they start screaming at the camera stating that weed isn't bad and there are much worse things out there. We then get Sonny Bono stating that he's going to talk about the truths behind that little plant that so many were smoking.

This here was just one of many propaganda films that were made to try and scare people away from using weed. This one here is pretty straight-forward and doesn't contain the wild and crazy over-the-top material that made something like REEFER MADNESS so entertaining. This film is played so straight that the film really doesn't get any big laughs, although there's no question one could rip it apart for the various lies that it contains. With that beigng said, it's really too bad seeing how lame Bono was because he always seemed like a cool guy.

Documentary on the dangers of smoking marijuana with a strung out looking Sonny Bono narrating it has about the opposite effect on those watching. With a spaced out looking Sonny, dressed up to look like the Dalai Lama, telling us how dangerous it is it makes one wonder if he's following his own advice about the danger of pot or marijuana smoking! Since looking like he's high on pot himself! And looks as if its effects haven't yet worn off him where he can look and speak like a normal person! Sonny to his credit does makes a number of important points in just how much more dangerous to one's health tobacco and alcohol as well as prescribed or over the counter drugs are to pot smoking but then, probably under the urging of those sponsoring the film, drops the matter all together! And then concentrates solely on the dangers of marijuana for the remainder of the documentary.

This in fact seems to destroy Sonny's argument about the dangers of marijuana since his explaining just how dangerous the other substances, that unlike pot are in fact legal, are when in comparison to marijuana it makes pot almost, in seeing how strung out and happy he is, desirable. Watching the documentary you almost get the feeling that it's cryptically endorsing pot instead of condemning it! The very fact that it uses Sonny Bono, a member of the tune in turn on drop out generation of the late 1960's, as it's spokesman makes you suspicious about what it's really telling us.

You see right at the start of the documentary how a bunch of teen and collage age man & women, or better yet boys & girls, are run in by the police after they were busted at a pot party claiming that what their doing, smoking pot, is their legal right protected by the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. There's no argument about what their saying and it even seems to be endorsed by the documentary. It's after that early sequence that the film makes a hard right turn with a drugged out looking Sonny Bono at the wheel turning the people being busted for the use of marijuana into common criminals instead of civil and human rights activists!