Smokey and the Bandit II

I first saw "Smokey and the bandit II" in the theater (Wildwood, NJ). I've seen it quite a few times since. It's not one of my go-to Burt Reynolds movies but I'll gladly watch it. Unfortunately, Burt's not at his best in this movie. Neither is Sally Field. The rest of the cast is fine. The stunt work is great. The biggest problem with the movie in that Burt isn't that likeable in it. I still kind of like "Smokey and the Bandit II" but I won't argue with anyone who doesn't.

The second of a film series of three,this time our heros must take an elephant from Florida to Texas. This is the worst of the three. even though the final round up was kinda cool. Why would the snowman sleep on the ground at a rest stop,when he has a very comfortable bunk in the truck? The Bandit is a major prick in this one. If Don Williams sang a song to my woman and myself,I wouldn't disrespect the man by walking out in the middle of the song. O well, I guess even the best of us has to have a bad day. It was cool to see Ben Walton make a cameo appearance. Jerry Reed drives the GMC 18 wheeler! This is the second of three times Jerry Reed drives a truck in this series. Jerry Reed was a permanent AA list actor. There are a couple unknown actors driving indeterminable trucks during the round up. These unknown actors were also permanent A list actors. Sally Fields is hot!!! erldwgstruckermovies.com

Somewhere in the film's second act, Sally Field pinpoints why the Bandit is such an unlikable prick: he's not having any fun. And she sums up my experience watching "Smokey and the Bandit II" perfectly. A sequel to "Smokey and the Bandit" was inevitable, and the original set the stage quite nicely. But this movie opens with the gang scattered and the actors seem to be playing cartoon versions of their characters. None of the charm or humor of the first movie is present this time around. It just lumbers from one contrived gag to another, and I often wished the movie would go somewhere. Anywhere. I've seen bad sequels, but I don't think I've seen one that squanders the promise of the original so badly. It's like the first movie never happened. A car chase doesn't make or break a movie, but putting the Bandit in a Trans Am without getting to see him floor is just wrong. This was awful. 4/10

Burt Reynolds is back as the Bandit, along with Sally Field as his girlfriend, and Jerry Reed as friend Cledus. Jackie Gleason, Mike Henry, Pat McCormick, and Paul Williams also return as Bandit must transport an elephant from Texas to Florida, while still being chased by not only Sheriff Buford T. Justice and his son, but also Buford's twin brother(a Canadian Mountie). Bad sequel starts off strangely, with the two leads embittered and apart, before the story begins, which is utterly absurd and dreary, not to mention unfunny, though costar Dom DeLuise tries. Final action/crash up is dreadful, and film far too silly for its own good.

Remember how much fun the first Smokey and the Bandit film was? Well, he's back, and this time he's an alcoholic burnout who makes bad career choices and treats his friends like trash. So, he's basically Burt Reynolds from 1980-Boogie Nights. Remember how much free wheeling fun and energy the first film had? Well this sequel has all the energy of a pregnant elephant. Speaking of elephants, Dom DeLuise is in the film. And a pregnant elephant. The entire cast looks like they can't wait to get paid, it's such a "go through the motions" film, reminiscent of another sequel, "Ghostbusters 2. The final police car pile up is impressive but even that outstays it's welcome after a while. No, it's not one of the worst sequels ever, it's just so gosh darn bland and average.

Big Enos Burdett (Pat McCormick) is running for Governor of Texas, and uses Bandit (Burt Reynolds) and Cledus (Jerry Reed) to transport a mysterious cargo. Cledus enlists the help of Carrie (Sally Field) who abandons Junior once again to convince a drunken Bandit to do the run. Surprise, surprise, the cargo is a giant elephant and mayhem ensues. The premise is complete nonsense. It's really a stupid setup to allow the gang to regroup and have more fun. This time they kidnap doc (Dom DeLuise) to treat the sick elephant. He adds a bit of fun that would lead to Cannonball Run. It's all harmless stupid fun. Then there's a massive cops versus truckers demolition derby. That might be worth the watch all by itself. It's a lot of joyful destruction.