Nice Dreams
Cheech and Chong house sit for a marijuana grower and rip off the crop. Stalked by keystone-style cops, Los Guys have a series of encounters with L.A. area characters even weirder than themselves.
The film earned $37.0M at the global box office.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Nice Dreams (1981) demonstrates carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of Tommy Chong's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 28 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Cheech and Chong operate their mobile marijuana business disguised as an ice cream truck, living carefree in Los Angeles.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Police attention increases and their supplier network becomes compromised, threatening their business operation.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 21 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to They decide to pursue a big score and expand their operation, fully committing to the drug dealer lifestyle despite the risks., moving from reaction to action.
At 43 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False victory: Their business is thriving and they're making more money than ever, but Dr. Squibb's experimental drug subplot begins to escalate., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 65 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Their operation is busted; Chong is transformed into a lizard by Dr. Squibb's experimental drug, representing the death of their carefree lifestyle., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 70 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Cheech realizes he must confront Dr. Squibb and authorities directly, combining his street smarts with newfound responsibility., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Nice Dreams's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Nice Dreams against these established plot points, we can identify how Tommy Chong utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Nice Dreams within the comedy genre.
Tommy Chong's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Tommy Chong films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Nice Dreams exemplifies the director's characteristic narrative technique. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Tommy Chong filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Tommy Chong analyses, see Still Smokin.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Cheech and Chong operate their mobile marijuana business disguised as an ice cream truck, living carefree in Los Angeles.
Theme
A customer remarks on the freedom and entrepreneurial spirit of their operation, establishing the theme of countercultural independence versus establishment control.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Cheech and Chong's daily routine, their customers, their living situation, and the eccentric world of 1980s Los Angeles drug culture.
Disruption
Police attention increases and their supplier network becomes compromised, threatening their business operation.
Resistance
Cheech and Chong navigate increasing pressure while debating whether to expand their operation or lay low; encounters with various characters including corrupt psychiatrist Dr. Squibb.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
They decide to pursue a big score and expand their operation, fully committing to the drug dealer lifestyle despite the risks.
Mirror World
Introduction of Donna, a love interest who represents a more legitimate lifestyle and questions their choices.
Premise
The fun and games of their expanding business: wild parties, bizarre customers, surreal encounters, and the comedic chaos of operating their illegal enterprise.
Midpoint
False victory: Their business is thriving and they're making more money than ever, but Dr. Squibb's experimental drug subplot begins to escalate.
Opposition
Law enforcement closes in; Dr. Squibb's dangerous experiments create chaos; their operation becomes increasingly unstable with bizarre complications.
Collapse
Their operation is busted; Chong is transformed into a lizard by Dr. Squibb's experimental drug, representing the death of their carefree lifestyle.
Crisis
Cheech must deal with the consequences and figure out how to save his transformed friend while avoiding arrest.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Cheech realizes he must confront Dr. Squibb and authorities directly, combining his street smarts with newfound responsibility.
Synthesis
Chaotic finale involving the resolution with Dr. Squibb, Chong's transformation reversal, and escape from various pursuers in classic Cheech & Chong fashion.
Transformation
Cheech and Chong back together, wiser but unchanged, driving off to their next adventure - having survived but learned little.