Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
It’s astonishing to think that Smokey and the Bandit, a scrappy little comedy from 1977, would have been the number one film of that year had it not been overshadowed by the groundbreaking Star Wars. But this underdog tale is everything the American dream is about – a testament to determination, wit, and a healthy dose of rebellion against authority.
With its irreverent tone and laugh-out-loud humor, Smokey and the Bandit has aged remarkably well, becoming one of those rare films that still delights audiences today. The movie’s success catapulted Burt Reynolds into superstardom, but it’s remarkable how well the supporting cast holds up alongside Reynolds. From Jerry Reed’s Snowman to Jackie Gleason’s Texas sheriff, each character adds depth and nuance to the film.
Reynolds plays the charismatic Bandit, teaming up with Jerry Reed’s lovable Snowman, for a of high-stakes beer heist across state lines. Their mission is to outrun the law and deliver their cargo of Coors to wealthy clients, all while navigating treacherous roads and dodgy characters. The chemistry between Reynolds and Reed is undeniable, making their unlikely partnership entirely believable.
Gleason’s Texas sheriff, on the other hand, is a force to be reckoned with. His scenery-chewing performance is a masterclass in comedic acting, bringing a level of energy and unpredictability that elevates the entire film. The idea that Gleason’s character is Reynolds’ son, played by Mike Henry, is comedy gold – it’s a fantastic pairing that adds to the film’s already impressive humour.
One of the most striking aspects of Smokey and the Bandit is its ability to balance slapstick humour with genuine heart. The film’s lighthearted tone makes it feel like a live-action cartoon, but beneath the surface lies a narrative that explores themes of friendship, aspirations and even a believable romance. It’s a testament to the filmmakers’ skill that they can create such an entertaining ride without sacrificing any emotional depth.
Of course, no discussion of Smokey and the Bandit would be complete without mentioning its groundbreaking stunts. While today’s standards for action movies have clearly raised the bar, it’s worth remembering that these stunts were performed by talented professionals who didn’t have the benefit of CGI. The film’s chases are still thrilling to watch, if a bit less impressive than some of the high-octane blockbusters we see today.
If I had one criticism for Smokey and the Bandit, it would be its somewhat underwhelming climax. While the score does get a nice boost of excitment at the end, the finale feels a tad anticlimactic by today’s standards. Perhaps this is a result of the film’s age – after all, 1977 was a time before sequels and franchises, when standalone films like Smokey and the Bandit were often designed to be self-contained stories.
Overall, however, Smokey and the Bandit remains an underrated classic that deserves its place in celebrated film history. It may not have been the number one film of 1977, but it’s certainly a beloved underdog tale that continues to delight audiences today – and with the potential for a sequel (or six), who knows what the future holds?
Smokey and the Bandit has had numerous home media releases gracing shelves over the years, many of which have been quite well-received.
However, I feel this title deserves a bit more effort than it often receives. It sometimes feels as though subsequent releases use the inclusion of the less-loved sequels as bonus content to justify repackaging the original film once again.
The recent 4K UHD release of Smokey and the Bandit is undeniably a solid offering in terms of the main feature’s presentation, though it does feel a little light on comprehensive extras and meaningful bonus content.
Universal, if you’re listening: An isolated score track! Go on, please give us that definitive feature!
