Review of Hooper (1978) by Johnny S — 24 Mar 2011

Burt Reynolds made a good few films with stuntman-turned film director Hal Needham, they made silly road based capers such as Smokey and the Bandit (1977), The Cannonball Run (1981) and Stroker Ace (1983).

Here, they took on a subject close to director Needham's roots, the cutthroat world of being a stuntman, it's a silly but touching caper. It follows stuntman Sonny Hooper (Reynolds), who is a well renowned stuntman in the industry, he's done loads of films, but now he's a bit past his prime.

There's a younger generation of stuntmen trying to take over from him, and even a few stunts Hooper does have gave him a few injuries which may put and end to his career. He's currently on a film, where he's the stuntman for Adam West, (who appears with a moustache!! :D) Hooper decides to go out with a bang, and has one last spectacular stunt planned.

It's a silly caper you'd expect to see in the late 1970's/early 1980's, Reynold's is a likeable lead, and the stunts you see on screen are daring and well done, and it's complented with good support from Sally Field and John Marley.

We need more films like this!! :D.