Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

"Atlanta to Texarkana and back in twenty eight hours? That ain't never been done before.", 6 August 2005

Back in 1977, I was 13 years old. I suppose that I fit right into the movies target market. If I remember correctly, I saw it 4 times in the theater. Years later, I dismissed the movie as too sophomoric and beneath me. But as I grow older, I see Smokey and the Bandit for what it really is – a nice piece of brainless fun. After all, this isn't rocket science, it's a car chase movie.

The movie works for me because it is so ridiculous. The whole idea of a Texas sheriff chasing a Trans Am all the way to Georgia is completely silly. But the car stunts, jokes, Jackie Gleason, Big & Little Enos, and even Jerry Reed's music make it a very fun watch. My biggest complaint is the way Burt Reynolds insists on mugging for the camera.

7/10