Trailer Park Boys: Don't Legalize It

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Trailer Park Boys: Don't Legalize It
TrailerParkBoys3.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Mike Clattenburg
Written byMike Clattenburg
Mike O'Neill
Based on Trailer Park Boys
by Mike Clattenburg
Produced byMike Clattenburg [1]
Barrie Dunn
Michael Volpe
Starring John Paul Tremblay
Robb Wells
Mike Smith
John Dunsworth
Patrick Roach
Jonathan Torrens
Lucy DeCoutere
Sarah E. Dunsworth
Tyrone Parsons
CinematographyJeremy Benning
Edited byDean Soltys
Music byBlain Morris
Production
companies
Trailer Park Productions
Topsail Productions
Distributed by Entertainment One
Release date
  • April 18, 2014 (2014-04-18)
Running time
95 minutes
CountryCanada
LanguageEnglish
Budget$10 million [2]
Box office$2,090,607 (domestic) [3]

Trailer Park Boys: Don't Legalize It (also known as simply Trailer Park Boys 3) is a 2014 Canadian mockumentary crime comedy film directed by Mike Clattenburg, and based on the Canadian television series Trailer Park Boys . It is the third film in the Trailer Park Boys franchise, and a sequel to Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day (2009). In the film, Ricky (Robb Wells), Julian (John Paul Tremblay) and Bubbles (Mike Smith) attempt a series of get-rich-quick schemes, but are again pursued by Sunnyvale Trailer Park supervisor Jim Lahey (John Dunsworth). The story culminates in Ricky heading to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where he tries to prevent the legalization of cannabis.

Contents

Clattenburg first announced plans of making a third Trailer Park Boys film in May 2012. On an estimated $10 million budget, filming for Trailer Park Boys: Don't Legalize It took place on location in Halifax and Ottawa. The film marks the final appearance of series regular Richard Collins (appearing in the film as Philadelphia "Phil" Collins), who died during filming. In addition to Collins, the film is also dedicated to series regular Brian Huggins (who played Shitty Bill in the television series), and country/folk singer Rita MacNeil.

Trailer Park Boys: Don't Legalize It was released in Canada on April 18, 2014. A fourth film, Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties: The Bubbles and the Shitrockers Story was released in North America on December 6, 2024. [4]

Plot

The residents of Sunnyvale Trailer Park attend the funeral of Ricky's father Ray, who is believed to have died in a propane explosion. Trailer park supervisor Jim Lahey and his partner Randy attend the service, despite being uninvited; the pair are forced to leave after Lahey expresses his belief that Ray is still alive.

Ricky has purchased a house in a subdivision where he keeps an upscale marijuana growing operation. Lahey has recently suffered a stroke, which he blames Ricky for, and vows to get revenge. With the help of his lackey Jacob Collins who is now serving in the Canadian Army, Julian has developed a new money-making scheme in selling drug-tested urine. Bubbles has been living under J-Roc and Sarah's trailer step for two years due to not being able to find work. J-Roc and Sarah later plan an intervention and tell Bubbles to move out. While Bubbles is packing his things, he receives a letter from Randy which he hangs on to. Bubbles is later attacked by thugs while delivering chicken and sent to the hospital.

Julian warns Ricky that with the potential legalization of marijuana, his growing operation business will become obsolete. Ricky refuses to work for Julian and vows to go to Parliament Hill in Ottawa to protest the upcoming legal action. After visiting Bubbles at the hospital, Julian asks him to work for him. Bubbles accepts the offer after revealing that his letter was from a lawyer saying that his deceased parents left land and a house for him in Kingston. Julian promises to take Bubbles to the place after they finish the job. Jacob later reveals that he has been dishonorably discharged from the Army. After Jacob's father Phil rages at Julian, Bubbles, and Tyrone — who recently ran away from a halfway house — the three steal Phil's food truck, "The Dirty Burger", and make their way to the urine deal, with Julian letting Bubbles drive a separate van. Bubbles then offers Ricky a ride to Ottawa after the transmission in Ricky's car fails.

Lahey and Randy secretly follow the boys on their trip, with the intent of planting cocaine in their vehicles and framing them. While on the drive, Lahey tries some of the cocaine and quickly becomes addicted, which worries Randy. While Bubbles and Ricky are driving in the van, they drive by the now burned down Dirty Burger and watch as police arrest Tyrone; they pick up Julian before the police can find him. Later, Bubbles purposely drives past the turnoff to Montreal where the deal is supposed to happen. When Julian finds out, Bubbles admits that he does not want to be a part of the scheme anymore, and just wants to go to his parents' land. Once they get there, it is revealed that the home of Bubbles's parents is a rundown bus parked next to a lake. Bubbles opts to live there, despite Ricky and Julian's protests; however, at the last minute, he decides to go back with them.

Once they arrive at Montreal, Bubbles and Ricky go to a strip club while Julian waits for his customers; he is then robbed by his arch-rival Cyrus and his accomplices Dennis and Terry. Randy calls the bomb squad on Julian's van, and they discover cocaine in the wheel well. Julian is arrested, but Bubbles and Ricky manage to get away. After finding Lahey and Randy, Bubbles steals their car and drives Ricky to Ottawa. Once at Parliament Hill, Ricky sneaks his way into the building and makes an outrageous speech which gets him pulled out by security. A lawyer then offers to help get him out of jail quickly and obtain a marijuana license. While a police officer takes Ricky and Bubbles away, Lahey, highly intoxicated on liquor and cocaine, knocks the officer unconscious and fights a handcuffed Ricky. After the officer regains consciousness, he tases Lahey.

Now in jail, Lahey reveals that the taser shock reversed his stroke. He is no longer using cocaine and has started a relationship with his cellmate. Bubbles has his parents' bus taken to Sunnyvale where he now resides. Julian has stopped dealing drug-tested urine and has started a relationship with an unnamed woman. Randy has revealed that he is over Lahey and has gone back to hooking. Ricky reveals that his marijuana growing operation is a success, since he is now able to sell marijuana legally. He receives a letter containing a VHS tape, which reveals that his father Ray is still alive and now living in a landfill site in Florida, having performed a life insurance scam.

Cast

Production

Prior to the release of Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day in 2009, creator, Mike Clattenburg confirmed that it would be the final installment and that no additional Trailer Park Boys installments would be made. However, in May 2012, Trailer Park Boys creator Clattenburg announced on his Twitter page that a third and final film in the series was in development. [7] It was announced that this third and final film, titled Trailer Park Boys: Don't Legalize It, would be the final feature-length film in the series. [1] The film marked producers Clattenburg, Barrie Dunn and Michael Volpe's final involvements with the franchise; on July 4, 2013, it was announced that actors Robb Wells, John Paul Tremblay and Mike Smith—who play Ricky, Julian and Bubbles, respectively—acquired the rights to the franchise from the producers. This included rights to the original television series, subsequent specials, the first and second feature films, and all assets and intellectual property rights related to the franchise. [8]

The film had an estimated production budget of $10 million, of which $3.5 million came from the government-owned corporation Telefilm Canada. [2] Filming for Trailer Park Boys: Don't Legalize It was scheduled to begin in October 2012. Principal photography commenced in March 2013 [9] due to scheduling conflicts. "Having to reschedule was actually a blessing in disguise", explained Volpe. "The extra time allows us to get all our financing in place before shooting begins and gives all our creative departments more time to prepare." [10] Filming began on March 17, 2013, [11] first taking place on location in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Extras, actors and the rest of the crew used The St. Patrick’s-Alexandra, a former school, as a "base camp" while filming in downtown Halifax. Filming in Halifax concluded on April 17, 2013. [12] [13]

On April 20, 2013, the production moved to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, where filming took place at Parliament Hill during the 4/20 weekend; [14] [15] production commenced on the same day that more than 10,000 people descended on Parliament Hill to protest Canada’s marijuana laws. The team hired Ottawa police for security on the two days of filming. Clattenburg devised a plan to sneak Wells, Tremblay and Smith onto Parliament Hill without being noticed by the 10,000 attendees; at least 50 extras were hired to surround the actors with cameras rolling, though onlookers ultimately uncovered the ruse. No real drugs were used by any of the performers during production. [6]

Trailer Park Boys: Don't Legalize It marks the final film appearance of actor Richard Collins, who played Philadelphia "Phil" Collins in the franchise. Collins passed during the production of the film on April 15, 2013. In addition to Collins, the film is dedicated to Brian Huggins, who played scrap metal picker Shitty Bill in the television series, series regular Bill Parsons, who played one of the Sunnyvale Trailer Park residents, and country/folk singer Rita MacNeil, who appeared in a Season 4 episode. Clattenburg had written a part for Huggins in the film, but the actor was unable to appear due to his deteriorating health. MacNeil had passed on April 16, 2013, one day after Collins's passing. [6]

Reception

As of July 2021, it holds a 46% approval rating on the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes from 13 critic reviews. [16]

Release

On October 15, 2013, film distributor Entertainment One confirmed that Trailer Park Boys: Don't Legalize It would be released on April 18, 2014, to coincide with the following 4/20 weekend. [17] The film held red carpet premieres in Toronto on April 3, 2014, and in Halifax on April 16, 2014. [5]

Home video releases

In Canada, Don't Legalize It was released on DVD and Blu-ray formats on July 29, 2014.

Related Research Articles

Mike Clattenburg is a Canadian television and film director, producer and screenwriter. He is best known as creator, executive producer, writer and director of the comedy series Trailer Park Boys (2001–2007), for his work with This Hour Has 22 Minutes (2004), and as the co-creator of the Adult Swim series Black Jesus (2014–2019).

Trailer Park Boys is a Canadian mockumentary television sitcom created by Mike Clattenburg that began airing in 2001 as a continuation of his 1999 film bearing the same name. The show follows the misadventures of a group of trailer park residents, including two lead characters in and out of prison, living in the fictional "Sunnyvale Trailer Park" in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The series premiered on Showcase on April 20, 2001, and originally ran for seven seasons before concluding with a one-hour special on December 7, 2008. The series spawned four films: The Movie, released on October 6, 2006; Countdown to Liquor Day, released on September 25, 2009; Don't Legalize It, released on April 18, 2014; and Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties: The Bubbles and the Shitrockers Story was released in December 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Smith (actor)</span> Canadian actor and musician

Mike Smith is a Canadian actor, screenwriter, comedian and musician. He is best known for his portrayal of Bubbles and co-writer of the cult classic television program, films and stage production Trailer Park Boys. He was also the guitarist for the Canadian rock band Sandbox. Smith earned a degree in English from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Mike O'Neill is a Canadian singer-songwriter, actor, and screenwriter. Originally from Oshawa, Ontario, he has been based in Halifax, Nova Scotia since 1996. O'Neill was a member of indie-rock band The Inbreds in the 1990s before disbanding the group and embarking on a solo career. He was involved as both sound engineer and actor on the popular Canadian television series Trailer Park Boys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Roach</span> Canadian actor and investor (born 1969)

Patrick Roach is a Canadian actor and investor. He is best known for playing Randy on the television series Trailer Park Boys.

<i>Trailer Park Boys: The Movie</i> 2006 Canadian film

Trailer Park Boys: The Movie is a 2006 Canadian comedy crime film based on the television series Trailer Park Boys itself a sequel to the 1999 film of the same name. The film follows characters Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles creating a plan for the Big Dirty, one last crime that will enable them to retire from their criminal lives. The film, like the series, was directed and produced by Mike Clattenburg, with Ivan Reitman as an executive producer. It was released in Canada on October 6, 2006, and a limited release in the United States began on January 25, 2008. It has developed into a cult film since then.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Dunsworth</span> Canadian actor and comedian (1946-2017)

John Francis Dunsworth was a Canadian actor and filmmaker. He was best known for playing trailer park supervisor Jim Lahey, the antagonist on the comedy series Trailer Park Boys (2001–2018). His other roles included the mysterious reporter Dave Teagues on the supernatural drama series Haven (2010–2015) and Officer McNabb in the CBC film Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion (2003). He also had extensive experience in regional theater.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robb Wells</span> Canadian actor and screenwriter

Robert Christopher "Robb" Wells is a Canadian actor, comedian, and screenwriter best known for portraying Ricky in Trailer Park Boys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1988 Nova Scotia general election</span> Canadian provincial election

The 1988 Nova Scotia general election was held on September 6, 1988 to elect members of the 55th House of Assembly of the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada. It was won by the Progressive Conservative party.

Julian (<i>Trailer Park Boys</i>) Fictional character from the television series Trailer Park Boys

Julian "Jules" is a fictional character in the television series Trailer Park Boys. He is one of the three main protagonists on the show along with Ricky and Bubbles, portrayed by John Paul Tremblay, he was created by series creator Mike Clattenburg. Julian also appears in four films; one short, and three feature length. Before the show, he appeared in the short film Trailer Park Boys (1999). He appears in the feature-length films: Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006), Countdown to Liquor Day (2009), and Don't Legalize It (2014). Julian also appears in numerous spin-offs, including Out of the Park: Europe, Out of the Park: USA, and The Animated Series, in which the latter John Paul Tremblay voices him.

<i>Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day</i> 2009 film by Mike Clattenburg

Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day is a 2009 Canadian mockumentary black comedy crime film directed by Mike Clattenburg, and based on the Canadian television series Trailer Park Boys. It is the second film in the Trailer Park Boys franchise, following Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006). Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day is a conclusion to "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys", the television special that ended the series after its seventh season. The film follows the characters of Ricky, Julian and Bubbles as they return to a life of crime after being released from prison.

<i>Swearnet: The Movie</i> 2014 Canadian comedy film

Swearnet: The Movie is a 2014 Canadian black comedy film directed by Warren P. Sonoda, written, produced by and starring Mike Smith, John Paul Tremblay, and Robb Wells, stars of the Canadian television series Trailer Park Boys. In the film, Smith, Tremblay and Wells play themselves, as they embark on creating a fully uncensored Internet network.

Ricky (<i>Trailer Park Boys</i>) Fictional character

Richard "Ricky" LaFleur is a fictional character in the television series Trailer Park Boys. He is one of the three main protagonists on the show, along with Julian and Bubbles. Portrayed by Robb Wells, the character was created by series creator Mike Clattenburg. Ricky also appears in five films; two short, and three feature length. Before the show, he appeared in the short films The Cart Boy (1995), and Trailer Park Boys (1999). He appears in the feature-length films: Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006), Countdown to Liquor Day (2009), and Don't Legalize It (2014). Ricky also appears in numerous spin-offs, including Out of the Park: Europe, Out of the Park: USA, and The Animated Series, for which the latter Robb Wells voices him.

Bubbles (<i>Trailer Park Boys</i>) Fictional character from the Canadian television series Trailer Park Boys

Bubbles is a fictional character in the Canadian television series Trailer Park Boys. The character is portrayed by Mike Smith. Bubbles is one of the three main protagonists on the show along with Ricky and Julian. He was created by series creator Mike Clattenburg. Bubbles also appears in three feature-length films: Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006), Countdown to Liquor Day (2009), and Don't Legalize It (2014). Bubbles also appears in numerous spin-offs, including Out of the Park: Europe, Out of the Park: USA, and The Animated Series, voiced by Mike Smith.

Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series is a Canadian adult animated sitcom created by John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells, and Mike Smith. The series is a spin-off and sequel to the 2001 television mockumentary comedy series, Trailer Park Boys, itself a sequel to Mike Clattenburg's 1999 film of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Lahey</span> Fictional character in Trailer Park Boys

Jim Lahey, better known as Mr. Lahey, is a fictional character in the television series Trailer Park Boys. Portrayed by John Dunsworth, he is the main antagonist of the series along with his on again/off again boyfriend Randy. He was created by series creator Mike Clattenburg. After Dunsworth's death in October 2017, there was speculation that he would not appear in future Trailer Park Boys releases. He posthumously appears in the first two seasons of the animated series. John Dunsworth's daughter Sarah Dunsworth-Nickerson, tweeted that her father's real voice was used in the animated series. Jim also appears in four films; one short, and three feature length. Before the show, he appeared in the short film One Last Shot (1998). He appears in the feature-length films: Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006), Countdown to Liquor Day (2009), and Don't Legalize It (2014).

Trailer Park Boys: Jail is a Canadian mockumentary television series created by John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells and Mike Smith. It is a spin-off of the series Trailer Park Boys. The show follows the misadventures of a group of trailer park residents, mostly from inside the prison. The series premiered on swearnet.com on January 1, 2021. A second season is said to have been written and is currently in production. A second Christmas special was also announced, featuring unseen footage of John Dunsworth before his death in October 2017. As of October 2022, the series has been removed from SwearNet and is not currently available to stream anywhere. However, the cast has stated it will return at some point in the future.

<i>Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties</i> 2024 Canadian film

Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties: The Bubbles and the Shitrockers Story is a 2024 Canadian musical comedy film, directed by Charlie Lightening, and is based on the Canadian television series Trailer Park Boys. It is the fourth film in the Trailer Park Boys franchise, and is the first film not to be directed by series creator Mike Clattenburg. The film follows the series' breakout character Bubbles and the formation of his country band, the Shitrockers. Smith, in addition to playing Bubbles and serving as co-producer, also wrote the script for this film. The film features guest appearances from Billy Bob Thornton, Ronnie Wood, and Eric Burdon.

References

  1. 1 2 "Trailer Park Boys set for movie return in April - Arts & Entertainment - CBC News". CBC News . CBC, Inc. October 16, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  2. 1 2 Perkins, Will (April 11, 2013). "Can you make a movie in Canada without government funding? | Wide Screen - Yahoo Movies Canada". Yahoo! Movies . Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Trailer Park Boys 3: Don't Legalize It (2014) - Financial Information".
  4. ↑ "'Trailer Park Boys' Movie 'Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties' Acquired by Blue Fox Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE)". 15 October 2024.
  5. 1 2 Skywalker, Sean (April 5, 2014). "Interview with Bernard Robichaud of Trailer Park Boys". Geek Chic Elite. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Production notes" (PDF). Entertainment One . Retrieved April 17, 2014.[ permanent dead link ]
  7. ↑ Gallman, Brett. "Fourth 'Trailer Park Boys' movie may be in the works - Yahoo News". Yahoo! News . Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Trailer Park Boys to revive hit series online - Arts & Entertainment - CBC News". CBC News . CBC, Inc. July 4, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  9. ↑ Jancelewicz, Chris (October 22, 2012). "'Trailer Park Boys' Returning For Fourth Movie - The Moviefone Blog". Moviefone . AOL, Inc. Archived from the original on 2013-10-20. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
  10. ↑ Danielle Ng See Quan (October 23, 2012). "Trailer Park Boys sign on for third film » Playback". Playback . Brunico Communications Ltd. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  11. ↑ Gallman, Brett (March 20, 2013). "'Trailer Park Boys 3' in Production - Yahoo Movies". Yahoo! News . Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  12. ↑ Beaumont, Hilary. "City rents out St. Pat's-Alexandra to Trailer Park Boys | Halifax Media Co-op". Halifax Media Co-op. Dominion News Cooperative. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  13. ↑ McDougall, Stephanie (April 21, 2013). "Trailer Park Boys 3 filming at St. Patrick's Alexandra | News957". News 65.7. Rogers Media. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  14. ↑ McKibbon, Sean. "Trailer Park Boys invade Ottawa and 4/20 | Metro". Metro News . Free News Group, Inc. Archived from the original on December 25, 2014. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
  15. ↑ Brown, Darren (April 21, 2013). "Trailer Park Boys take over Ottawa | Movies | Entertainment | Ottawa Sun". Ottawa Sun . Canoe, Sun Media . Retrieved October 17, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Trailer Park Boys: Don't Legalize It (2014)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  17. ↑ "ENTERTAINMENT ONE | Trailer Park Boys 3: Don't Legalize It in theatres everywhere for 4/20 weekend". CNW Group . Archived from the original on October 20, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
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