Cheech Marin carries the timing of stoner comedy into supporting parts and family animation without needing to dominate either. We rate the character work, though his familiar comic accent can make it too easy to overlook the acting.
Fi1m perspective
In The Lion King (1994), Banzai gives us a useful way to listen to Cheech Marin at work. His comic timing gives a supporting character enough definition to register within an ensemble. We laughed at Banzai, and welcomed his contribution to the wit that keeps the film's heavier lessons bearable. Marin helps the comedy fit into a family drama with real feeling. It is a good use of an actor whose familiar voice can sometimes get more attention than the character.
His stoner-comedy persona took shape alongside Tommy Chong in Up in Smoke (1978). Marin frequently plays Chicano or Mexican-American characters, using a comic accent as a deliberate part of the performance. Taking that voice as evidence that he is simply being himself misses the work. In Born in East L.A. (1987), which he wrote and directed as well as starring in, he turned to satire about mistaken deportation and Chicano identity.
Robert Rodriguez puts that character work to practical use in From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), casting Marin as Border Guard, Chet Pussy and Carlos. The multiple casting suits his broad comedy and gives him more to do than serve as a familiar face. We find the hostage-taking more compelling than the second half, though Rodriguez keeps the violence inventive. George Clooney supplies the authority that keeps us watching through the excesses. Marin's contribution is smaller, but the contrast with The Lion King shows how useful his timing can be in films aimed at quite different audiences.
The voice work continued with Ramone in Cars (2006), while Nash Bridges (1996–2001) gave him the sustained role of Inspector Joe Dominguez. The risk is typecasting: a recognisable comic performer can be hired merely to remind us of something we already enjoyed. We rate Marin's character work, and would rather hear what he is doing with a part than congratulate ourselves for recognising him. Start with The Lion King; save From Dusk Till Dawn for an evening with a higher tolerance for excess.
Biography
Cheech Marin is an American actor and comedian. Born Richard Anthony Marin on 13 July 1946 in Los Angeles, he rose to prominence in the 1970s and early 1980s as one half of the comedy duo Cheech & Chong alongside Tommy Chong.
He voiced Banzai in The Lion King (1994) and has provided voices for other Disney and Pixar productions including the Cars films, Coco (2017) and Oliver & Company (1988). Marin played Inspector Joe Dominguez opposite Don Johnson in the television series Nash Bridges (1996–2001) and appeared in films such as From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and Born in East L.A. (1987), which he also wrote and directed.
