It’s definitely hard to believe it’s been about a quarter-century since the release of the original Joe Dirt movie starring SNL alumni, David Spade. I’m not sure if this film was originally planned before the death of Chris Farley, but it definitely felt strange seeing David Spade in a movie without his beloved co-star.

Spade’s character, Joe Dirt, is a lovable loser—completely ridiculous and silly, but oddly charming. Despite how absurd he is, his determination is actually pretty admirable.

I always thought it was funny that Joe’s younger self was played by the same kid (Erik Per Sullivan) who played Dewey on Malcolm in the Middle. It’s genuinely sad that Joe’s parents abandoned him during a family trip to the Grand Canyon.

But his journey, and all the colorful characters he meets along the way, make for a pretty cool little adventure. The story is unpredictable, and you never quite know what’s going to happen next.

Brittany Daniel does a decent job playing Brandy, Joe’s love interest. I remember a lot of guys having crushes on her back in the day, but even as a teenager, I thought her character leaned a little too much into the redneck stereotype for my taste.

I really loved Christopher Walken in this movie. Honestly, this might have been the first film I ever saw him in, if I’m being honest.

I wouldn’t say Joe Dirt is on the same level as Adam Sandler’s best movies like Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore, but it’s definitely David Spade’s best solo project. Funny enough, I never bothered to watch the sequel they made many years later.