Smokey and the Bandit (1977) Review in 2025
Smokey and the Bandit is a fun and action-packed road trip movie about a truck driver who agrees to transport a shipment of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia, while being pursued by a determined sheriff.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but it may not be suitable for young children due to some mild language and action scenes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of action-comedies and road trip movies. It's a fun and entertaining film that's suitable for family viewing.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows the adventures of Bo 'Bandit' Darville, a charismatic truck driver who takes on the challenge of smuggling a shipment of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia, while being pursued by the determined Sheriff Buford T. Justice. Along the way, he meets his love interest, Carrie, and his friend, Cledus, who helps him evade the law.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and fun, with a clear goal for the main character and plenty of obstacles to overcome. However, the plot is not particularly complex or original.
acting9.00/10
The acting is excellent, with Burt Reynolds and Jackie Gleason delivering memorable performances.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and memorable, with Burt Reynolds delivering a standout performance as the charismatic Bo 'Bandit' Darville.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with Hal Needham using his experience in stunt driving to create some impressive action sequences.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is adequate, but not particularly noteworthy. The film's use of location shooting is a highlight, however.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's engaging story, well-developed characters, and memorable performances make it a standout film in the action-comedy genre. The film's use of location shooting and stunt driving adds to its excitement and energy.
Cons
The plot is not particularly complex or original, and the cinematography is adequate but not particularly noteworthy.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a morning person."
"I'm not a truck driver, I'm a Bandit."
"You can't have a million-dollar dream with a minimum-wage work ethic."
