Bo, also known as the Bandit (Burt Reynolds), is a highly skilled driver who loves to show off his abilities for cash. Although he doesn’t have much money, he manages to get by and enjoy life. One day, he is approached by two wealthy strangers, Big Enos (Pat McCormick) and Little Enos (Paul Williams), who offer him a new challenge. They propose that Bandit smuggle a beer shipment from Texas to Atlanta in under twenty-eight hours. If he succeeds, he will be generously rewarded. The last person who attempted this challenge was caught and arrested by the police, as transporting beer across borders is considered bootlegging. Despite the risks, Bandit accepts the challenge.
However, Bandit knows he can’t accomplish this task alone- he will need his friend, Cledus, aka the Snowman (Jerry Reed). Bandit tells Snowman about the offer and proposes that they split the prize money. To succeed, Snowman will drive the truck rig, while Bandit will drive a new black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. They will communicate using CB radio and watch for the police, which they call ‘Smokeys’. Picking up the beer is easy, but getting home is full of surprises, such as picking up a hitchhiker in her wedding dress. But picking up Carrie (Sally Field), aka Frog, leads to them being pursued by Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) and his son, Justice Jr. (Mike Henry). Can Bandit, Snowman, and Frog pull off this adventure successfully, or will they get caught?
Smokey and the Bandit is a road trip adventure with many comedy elements. If you want fast cars, big trucks, and fantastic car action, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this movie. The film was directed by Hal Needham, known for his work on Cannonball Run (1981), Stroker Ace (1983), and more. Throughout his career, Needham collaborated many times with actor Burt Reynolds in comedy films featuring fast cars and a light-hearted tone.
The plot of Smokey and the Bandit is simple and easy to follow: we follow the Bandit and Snowman hitting the road in their vehicles. It features playful dialogue, plenty of fast car driving, and montages. The comedic gags are wacky and almost spoofy. For example, when the Bandit successfully loses the police in a high-speed chase, he breaks the fourth wall with a huge grin. The funniest character in the film is Sheriff Buford T. Justice due to his hot, angry temper, crude mouth, and often unwise choices when trying to capture the Bandit. Overall, the comedy works well, but some gags feel outdated and inappropriate by today’s standards, especially how the characters speak about and treat women. The film score is lively and upbeat, but I must admit, if you’re not a fan of anything to do with country music, this may not be soothing to your ears.
Overall, I have fond memories of watching Smokey and the Bandit countless times in my childhood, and it remained one of my favourite movies as a young kid. I love its straightforward plot, lively characters, humorous jokes, and fantastic stunt work, all contributing to its playful spirit. If you’re a fast cars and comedy fan, I recommend checking it out. However, some jokes may not resonate well with modern audiences and could be inappropriate. Additionally, the predominantly country music soundtrack may not appeal to everyone. Despite these factors, I still consider this film a personal classic, and it holds a special place in my heart.
Smokey and the Bandit Collection (1977) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Via Vision Entertainment!
8.0/10
25th September 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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