Smokey and the Bandit: A Movie Review for All Car Enthusiasts

Tags: smokey and the bandit

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

4 out of 5

Genre: Action, Comedy

Movie Information:

DirectorHal Needham

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.

burt reynolds - sally field - smokey and the bandit - rqv movies - required viewing movies

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

The plot itself is admittedly simple, serving mainly as a framework for the action and comedic set pieces. 

While there’s a budding romance between Bandit and Carrie, it takes a backseat to the high-speed chase.

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.

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