So here’s the deal. Burt Reynolds plays this southern hotshot named “Smokey” who runs interference in his Trans Am for his truck driver friend “Cledus”…because evidently the boys are thirsty in Atlanta and there’s this beer in Texarkana, and they intend to bring it back no matter what it takes. But not if the ridiculously named “Sheriff Buford T. Justice” played by Jackie Gleason can stop them first! Because it’s like, illegal to move beer across state lines without a permit or something, or at least it was in the 70s.
Other than that we get a sudden appearance (and a great performance) from Forrest Gump’s mom Sally Field, who actually looks spectacular as well in this imo. And the late great Burt Reynolds is just too fucking cool in this, which is a huge change from his very not cool character in the awful film “Striptease” which is the last thing I remember seeing him in as tragic as that may be. But seriously, don’t you just want to be that fucking cool? Almost makes me wanna rock a straight-up mustache and cowboy hat. Jerry Reed has a lot of great tunes in this one, and it really adds a cool feel to the scenes the songs are in. He also acts pretty solidly.
My favorite part of this movie is the pure simplicity of the plot, which is outlined in Reed’s song “Eastbound and Down”. Plus I always enjoy flicks where straight up criminals are the protagonists and the villains are law enforcement and the law folks just keep making asses of themselves throughout. It’s just a straight up car chase for nearly the entire duration with stunts and shit. So great.
I won’t labor the point. Great cast. Great, simple plot. Cool stunts. Solid soundtrack. Love it. Available on Showtime I guess? I mean I own it but I am terrible at prioritizing what I spend money on. Enjoy.
***Also, I was informed by my second cousin Kurt that there is not just one, but TWO sequels, and although I’ve heard installment 2 is bad, I’ve heard 3 is un-fucking-watchable, so I won’t be checking those two out for any reason.***
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Brandon at Random Reviews 
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