Smokey and the Bandit Movie Review

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

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Written by: Hal Needham & Robert L. Levy (story), James Lee Barrett and Charles Shyer & Alan Mandel (screenplay)
Directed by: Hal Needha
Starring: Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, Jackie Gleason
Rated: PG
Watch the trailer

Plot
The Bandit is hired on to run a tractor-trailer full of beer over state lines, in hot pursuit by a pesky sheriff.

Verdict
It's not going to become my favorite movie, but I get why it was so popular. It's from a bygone cinema era where there was less focus on narrative and big reveals and movies just wanted to have fun. The time constraints keep the pacing quick, and the sheriff in pursuit adds comedy. It's amusing as Burt Reynolds is a cool character driving a sports car on a silly, yet entertaining adventure. It's also achieved a pop culture status. Even if you haven't seen it, you've heard the name.
Watch It.

Review
The reason for the Bandit's adventure is that Coors would spoil within a week without refrigeration.  It was coveted due to a lack of stabilizers and preservatives. Even future President Gerald Ford and President Dwight Eisenhower smuggled steady supplies East. If you want a swanky part, Coors shows that you're willing to spare no expense.

The Bandit's car is a Pontiac Trans Am. Two years after the film  sales had nearly doubled, for the first time selling more than it's counterpart the Chevrolet Camaro.

Burt Reynolds, Sally Field play Frog and the Bandit

The simple premise is a rich guy wants to celebrate with exclusive Coors beer, and he hires Bo "The Bandit" (Burt Reynolds) to drive it from Colorado to Georgia in twenty-eight hours. While it's never been done the Bandit and his friend Cledus "The Snowman" (Jerry Reed ) have never attempted it, and they're up to the challenge. The Snowman will drive the trailer with the Bandit acting as the blocker to divert attention.

1977 Pontiac Trans Am

As fast as both vehicles drive, I'm surprised they don't attract more attention. They're both pedal to the metal for most of the movie. The Bandit picks up a runaway bride (Sally Field) and that's when Texas sheriff  Buford Justice (Jackie Gleason) begins pursuit. Unbeknownst to the Bandit, he's after the bride.

Sheriff "Smokey" Justice is comic relief. It's ridiculous how often he wrecks his car. By the end of the movie, there's not much car left. That's one running gag, as the Sheriff's inept son tags along. At one point Smokey and the Bandit run into each other at a diner. The sheriff has no idea he's talking to the Bandit, of course the Bandit knows exactly what's afoot.

This movie is one long, wild ride. It's a fun story as the Bandit travels cross country to deliver beer. He does get help along the way, and he manages to deliver on his promise. This captures the spirit of a previous era where movies were less focused on an intricate narrative and big dramatic moments. This is lighter, but it's easy to see why it was so popular. It's a fun movie that doesn't ask much.