Review of Every Which Way but Loose (1978) by Jerrod G — 18 Sep 2009
"I said you have the clap." --- HA! HA!
From the opening country tune to the final scene, "Every Which Way but Loose" seems to go every which way an adult comedy from the 1970s could have without really sticking anywhere. This movie was interesting because it only provided dashes of humor rather than continuous tones of humor.
Philo (Cling Eastwood) has a name that can be read as either an abreviation of "philosophy" or as the name of Philo of Alexandria (a Jewish philosopher who lived during the time of Christ). What philosophy is presented? The country/western one! Toward the beginning, viewers are presented with a college girl at a bar who's analyzing the country/western lifestyle. In a sense, the entire film does that by setting up a city vs. country(ish) juxtaposition. From the city of LA to the small towns leading to Denver, the comparisons are subtly there. And what is the country/western way of life? Blunt and in-your-face, where disputes are settled with a fist fight and the girl singing about heartache may be more responsible for those heartaches than her songs lead on about.
Additionally, the use of country music to mirror the film's plot is obvious and pretty funny at most points. The character of Ma probably provided the most humor because she's that batty old woman who doesn't give a damn what you do, say, or think 'cause she's old and has earned her right to this way of thinking. Aside from Clyde, Ma was my favorite character because of the humor element she brought. And the scene with her on the porch shooting at the Black Widow gang members ---- freakin' hilarious!
Lastly, there's Clyde. How and why an orangutan made it into a Hollywood film in 1978 is beyond me. However, the animal's performance is amazing and hilarious! If Clyde wasn't in the film, this movie would be horrible!
Overall, it's not amazing, nor is it something I'd ever watch again and again. But for a few good laughs here and there and some time with a cinematic ape, it's worth it.
[This review is dedicated to Sgt. Hahn.].
This review of Every Which Way but Loose (1978) was written by Jerrod G on 18 Sep 2009.
Every Which Way but Loose has generally received mixed reviews.
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