Touching documentary I AM CHRIS FARLEY finally comes to theaters today.

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I AM CHRIS FARLEY. Courtesy of Virgil Films

From the directors of A Brony Tale, I Am Evel Knievel, and the upcoming Johnny Cash – American RebelI AM CHRIS FARLEY tells Chris Farley‘s story, from his early days in Madison, Wisconsin and at Marquette University, through his work at the legendary club Second City to his rapid rise to the top of the comedy world on “Saturday Night Live” and in hit films like Tommy Boy and Black Sheep.

I AM CHRIS FARLEY. Courtesy of Virgil Films

I AM CHRIS FARLEY. Courtesy of Virgil Films

Sharing insights into the beloved funnyman are such co-stars and colleagues as Christina Applegate, Tom Arnold, Dan Aykroyd, Bo Derek, Pat Finn, Jon Lovitz, Lorne Michaels, Jay Mohr, Mike Myers, Bob Odenkirk, Bob Saget, Adam Sandler, Will Sasso, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Brian Stack, and Fred Wolf. The filmmakers also speak to Farley’s four siblings, including his brother Kevin, a comedian and actor, and his brother Tom Jr., who wrote the biography “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts.”

I AM CHRIS FARLEY. Courtesy of Virgil Films

I AM CHRIS FARLEY. Courtesy of Virgil Films

 Directors Brent Hodge and Derik Murray, skillfully give us a film that is only something I can personally describe as a warm hug. It wraps you in the nostalgia we all share for a great comedian and outstanding guy. The love for Chris is so clearly written all over the faces of his family and friends. Tommy Boy is still one of my all time favorites. Farley churned out some of the most quotable moments on both television and film. “Fat guy in a little coat,” for which there is a personal story behind, is something I say to this day. And who could forget the character of Matt Foley? “I live in a van down by the river!” The tragedy surrounding his death is echoed by each interview. Perhaps the most revealing moments in the film are when each interviewee tackles the conversations they had with Farley about pushing his limits. Everyone saw it coming, and yet somehow, despite the pressure, innumerable rehab stints, and the love of every single person around him,  Chris Farley is added to the list of truly talented people we lost too soon. It still hurts knowing that this man, who we all adored so much, and in turn adored us, slipped or perhaps dove through the cracks. He will be eternally missed.

I am Chris Farley opens theatrically New York and Los Angeles on July 31st, 2015. The film will be available nationwide on VOD and across all digital platforms on August 11th.

About Liz Whittemore

Liz grew up in northern Connecticut and was memorizing movie dialogue from Shirley Temple to A Nightmare on Elm Street at a very early age. She will watch just about any film all the way through (no matter how bad) just to prove a point. A loyal New Englander, a lover of Hollywood, and true inhabitant of The Big Apple.

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