Tags: smokey and the bandit
Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
4 out of 5
Movie Information:
Stuntman turned director Hal Needham brought his expertise in action filmmaking to Smokey and the Bandit. His experience working on movies like Bullitt (1968) translated into the film’s impressive car chases and stunts.
The Movie's Business
Box Office Performance: North American Gross: $126,745,486 (A massive success, second only to Star Wars in 1977)
Synopsis
Smokey and the Bandit is a high-octane comedy caper. Bo “Bandit” Darville (Burt Reynolds), a smooth-talking trucker, is offered a hefty sum to haul a load of Coors beer, illegal east of the Mississippi, from Texas to Georgia.
With a pesky Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) hot on his tail and a runaway bride, Carrie (Sally Field), as his unlikely passenger, Bandit races against time and the law in a hilarious, tire-burning adventure.
Required Viewing Movies: Review
Strengths
Smokey and the Bandit’s strength lies in its pure entertainment value.
Burt Reynolds exudes charisma as the iconic Bandit, his laid-back charm perfectly contrasting with Jackie Gleason’s Sheriff Justice, a caricature of Southern hotheadedness.
Their back-and-forth banter over CB radios crackles with energy, keeping the film light and fun.
The car chases are a highlight, masterfully filmed by Hal Needham, offering genuine thrills without resorting to excessive CGI.
Smokey and the Bandit captures the zeitgeist of the mid-70s with its fascination with CB radios, trucker culture, and the Trans-Am, becoming an enduring symbol of that era.
Weaknesses
Why Smokey and the Bandit is Required Viewing
Smokey and the Bandit isn’t aiming for awards glory, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a wildly entertaining ride.
The film’s humor may feel dated at times, but the chemistry between Reynolds and Field, the impressive stunts, and the overall sense of fun make it a must-watch for anyone looking for a good time.
