Review of Smokey and the Bandit (1977) by Mark P — 27 Dec 2018
This film was directed by the great Hal Needham, who won an Honorary Oscar in 2012 for his innovations in putting stunts into films. It is simply a wild ride all across the South, hauling ass with speedy cars and fast dialogue.
The actors are perfectly cast for this road flick, chase script, love story, and/or 70s human comedy; whatever you choose to call it. Just 42 years ago this came out, but it does not seem to have aged at all.
The Smokey and the Bandit DVD came out 20 years ago, but I saw this on late-night cable. (except) Did you know that you could not buy Coors Beer in some states far away from Colorado? Now that law has changed but it was the loosely held premise for the ultimate mindless beer run movie.
This is a 96-minute laughter filled romp for anyone who likes one liners, beer, CB radio action, and fast cars in chase scenes. Canâ(TM)t say enough about dashing Burt Reynolds as The Bandit, cute Sally Field as Carrie, country Jerry Reed as Cledus, pompous Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T.
Justice, goofey Mike Henry as Junior, and snarky Paul Williams as little Enos. Why the casting director did not win an Oscar, I will never know? This movie will live in great admiration or infamy (whatever) for anyone who chooses to go along for the ride! 4-stars ****.
This review of Smokey and the Bandit (1977) was written by Mark P on 27 Dec 2018.
Smokey and the Bandit has generally received positive reviews.
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