Amazon.com

Like The Gumball Rally (1976) before it, former stuntman Hal Needham's The Cannonball Run was inspired by the same real-life cross-country road race. If The Gumball Rally was the critical favorite, The Cannonball Run was the box-office favorite (spawning the almost-as-successful sequel, Cannonball Run II, a few years later). Aside from top-billed stars Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise (stars of Needham's Smokey and the Bandit series) plus Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. (as horny priests), the movie features many of the same actors (Bert Convy, Jamie Farr) that could be found on a typical '80s episode of The Love Boat (along with the same caliber of writing). But as the tagline notes, "You'll never guess who wins"--and it's true. As in most road-race movies, it's the journey that counts, not the destination. This particular journey includes cool cars (like Adrienne Barbeau's black Lamborghini), crazed bikers (led by Peter "Easy Rider" Fonda), hot martial arts action (from Jackie Chan as a Japanese racecar driver), a conspicuously braless Farrah Fawcett (recipient of a Golden Raspberry nomination for her performance), and possibly the most egregious use of product placement featured in a movie up until that time (one vehicle has "GMC Trucks" noted prominently along the top of the windshield, another has "Hawaiian Tropic" painted on the hood). As with many of the films Jackie Chan has made for Golden Harvest, the Hong Kong-based production company behind The Cannonball Run, wacky outtakes are included during the closing credits. --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (53)

They defnitly dont make em like this anymore!!!!!
Growing up watching two of Hal Needems best movies "Cannonball 1 & 2" and "smokey and the bandit 1, 2, 3" Ive mayured into realising that they just dont make them like this anymore! As said during the commentary, the script was no "gone with the wind" but who cares? These movies are for fun. And its great to see so many actors get together and have a great time making this fun, funny, action, car race accross the USA from sea to shining sea!

With such a great cast, its somthign you dont see too often with the amount of actors that where put into this movie! Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Farrah Fawcett, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr, Roger Moore, and so many other great cameos and actors in this film! Including the introduction role to introduce Jackie Chan into the American market! This was Jackies first English speaking movie!

This whacky car race accross the states, involves some of the best stunts caught on film! Hal Needham sure knew what he was doing when he put this classic together!

Unfortunalty it dosent come with much of a bonus feature selection, theres an Audio Commetry with a couple of insighfull things about the movie. And the usual cast and bio thing. But it would have been great to see deleted scenes, but they probably dont exsist anymore? but that dosent drag this great fun for all action ride!

I recomend you buy it with Cannonball 2. As I think Cannonball 2 is one of the rare seaqulls that was just as great as the original! And if they ever release Speed Zone (known as Cannonball Fever in other places) I'd recomedn getting that one too!

If you like whacky ,over the top, crazy, action, comedys with alot of great stunts with vehicles, then this is the top of the list for anyones collection!

Fast paced and funny from sea to shining sea.
In this first movie to actually carry the word "Cannonball" in the title, was penned by the genius of Brock Yates, who in 1971, organized and raced in the first "Cannonball Run." Burt Reynolds in his comedic element as "J.J. McClure" who decides to make this trip to California in the guise of an ambulance driver. At his side, is Dom DeLuise who occasionally drifts out of reality when the going gets tough into a self-contrived super hero named "Captain Chaos."

Other stars joining in the challenge are Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, driving a Ferrari dressed as priests.

Adrienne Barbeau and Tara Buckman provide some stimulating appearances as Marcy and Jill in a Lamborhini that looks somewhat like Darth Vaders personal space ship.

There's an hillarious fight scene towards the end of the film featuring Peter Fonda and Jackie Chan that will keep you smiling for days.

Even after twenty years, still wonderfully refreshing and entertaining. Don't miss it. :)

CAN'T COMPARE WITH "The Gumball Rally".
I bought this movie on DVD because it was on sale and "The Gumball Rally" DVD was no where in sight (because it's not on DVD). I have never seen this movie until now but having watched I would happily take my $8.00 back if offered.

The best part of the movie is the opening session, one sleek black Lamborghini tearing up the road. The rest is ridiculous and corny.

More emphasis should have been placed on the cars rather than the actors, actresses, and corny stuff. "The Gumball Rally" did a better job with two lovely cars and serious acting mixed with just the right amount of comedy; not corny and ridiculous antics.

Scenes of beautiful actresses in this movie are nice but who needs it if there are beautiful cars and who wants to see an ambulance go cross country, that killed me. Buy "The Gumball Rally" instead if it ever comes out on DVD. If you still have a (soon to be antique) VHS player then your lucky and can buy it now.

If you really want this movie though buy my copy for four bucks so I can take back 50% of my loss. It's only been used once and I won't use it again.

I am Captain Chaos!
Well seeing this for the first time has changed my alter ego to "him" AKA Captain Chaos on the IRC. Too bad the two good looking chicks didn't get more time though.

The second movie was so so the chimp making phun of people was kinda dumb..will there be a third? who knows.

/me gets a captain chaos costume a bunch of friends ready to drive cross country (with cameras) walla Cannonball Run 3.. Fort Walton Beach, FL to Hawthorne, CA.

(It would be fun)

-
Rob
--

http://www.robfwb.com

They dont make movies like this anymore
Whatever happened to movies that were just plain FUN?

This is a hilarious movie that never gets old, despite the fact that it was released in 1982. Big name starts (at the time) Burt Reynolds, Dom Deluise, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Farrah Fawcett, Terry Bradshaw, Mel Tillis, Roger Moore, Jamie Farr, and...some unknown guy named Jackie Chan, all race against each other in The Cannonball Run, a race from sea to shining sea.

This movie is way better than its sequel, the Cannonball Run 2.
Fans of Smokey and The Bandit, also starring Burt Reynolds, will love this movie for the cars, the women, and the laughs. Buy this movie! ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Live-action cartoon
What fun! I stumbled onto this movie in progress on a program called "Golden Age of Comedy Movies." I paused when I saw Arnold and Ann-Margret in an old western, curious as to what this was. When Ann-Margret leaned out of the train and handed Arnold her bags, nearly falling out of her low-cut dress in the process and saying, "Take hold of these," I knew this wasn't a serious drama I was watching. When Kirk Douglas showed up, I was hooked. It's impossible not to make comparisons with The Roadrunner cartoons as Kirk Douglas performs impossible leaps and survives intact after being crushed by a giant boulder and hit by a train. His trusty sidekick, Whiskey the horse, is a pure delight. It's odd to see Arnold in cowboy garb. His job is mostly to look studly and his lines mostly consist of, "I really don't know!" delivered with a bewildered look. Definitely a one-of-a-kind movie. Don't watch it if you're expecting great acting and writing, but if you just want to get in on the fun of big name stars acting very silly, you'll love it.

A Live-Action Road Runner Cartoon!
The fun starts fast, and never ends in this live-action version of a Road Runner cartoon! Kirk Douglas stars in a role unlike any he's ever done, as Cactus Jack Slade; who undergoes the same troubles that the Coyote would endure. His horse (Whiskey), however, steals the show as he puts Cactus Jack into some really awkward situations throughout the movie. Arnold Schwartzenegger is Handsome Stranger (another unlikely role for him), the hero that escorts Ann Margaret's character from "point A" to "point B" safely (or is she safe?) If you're looking for a serious western, put this one down; however, if laughter is what you're looking for... "just push PLAY" on this outrageous comedy!

cactus jack the early years
The Movie advertised is wrestling NOY A MOVIE = no Ann Margaret , NO Krik Douglas- the description belongs to The Villian not the Title listed

an all time favorite
This is one of my most favorite movies. It actually is a family favorite. We made our original "beta" copy when it 1st appeared on cable in the early "70's-. Arnold, Mel Tillis- Ann Margaret, Ruth Buzzy-- Kirk Douglas - (he was amazing) Paul Lynn- Who am I missing-- Oh yeah the horse Whiskey - and road runner- This was hilarious in the 70's and still is. - As we showed it to all of our friends in the 70's-- we present it to all of our friends now- every one must see "The Villain" over and over and over.- cant get enough of it.

"A tale told by an idiot . . ."
No, no. This movie is far from being Shakespearean. In fact, The Villain is quite possibly the worst movie I've ever seen. This comes as no surprise as it was recommended by my grandmom, whose taste in movies has always been viewed as dubious by the rest of my family. What's even more hilarious is that she once heard that Arnold would be on The Tonight Show, and-- get this-- she said, "I wonder if he's going to talk about The Villain..." Sure, grandmom... He's really going to tarnish his reputation as a respected movie star by reminding everyone of this late-seventies bomb! Anyhow-- you probably get the point. Plainly stated, The Villain is parody at its worst, so don't even think that it's going to make you laugh. ... Read more

Description

Our racers are back for a second cannonball run - the illegal race that takes place all over the country... Almost every star of the first film is here, along with new ones. Will J.J. McClure (Burt Reynolds) finally be the winner this time? ... Read more

Reviews (34)

One of the four best movies ever made
This movie is wicked good. It is the movie with car chases that is better than a lot of other movies like that. Some of the cars go very fast, but some just move along at a good speed. In a cross country race it is all about strategy. There are a lot of people in this movie. Some of the actors are more famous than others, and some are really famous. Steve McQueen is not in this movie. It is all a surprise when you see it the first time. There is a good fight scene at a ranch or something like that and it's good. The cars are cool. The winner of the race is a real cool plot twist. I love this movie and it's a good one. There are a lot of scenes that involve drinking and driving, but it is not made to look cool. This is a good movie for the whole family.

it's fun!
Look sure it's not going to win awards and it's not the best looking movie around but it's a lot of fun. i look to a movie for fun and not all of them must high budget, twisted plot line type to do it, burt and these stars had fun making it and it shows. plus there if a monkey in it and people like Jackie Chan in a early role, it has corny jokes you know are coming but you still laugh i mean who can not laugh when you have Dom, Burt and sammy davis all dressed up in womens clothes dancing?

get this movie is you want a fun light hearted movie to enjoy.

An Honest Review!
This movie is great! But the reason I gave it a 1 star was coz Jackie Chan had a very small role and he appeared through both movies. I know his english isn't good but he could've done some of the fighting scenes

The first one really deserved a sequel?
If you liked the first Cannonball Run movie, then I guess there's no reason not to like this one. There's a little bit other than the race going on in this one. They have the mob chasing them. It stars out with the exact same opening credits as the first movie with the cops casing on of the fast cars and the sexy women defacing a speed limit sign.
Then there's that familiar "Cannonballers getting drunk at the hotal the night before" thing.

The race starts in the west coast this time, but throughout the entire movie, they never get past the Nevada desert until the cloing credits. Almost the entire movie take place in the Navada desert so there's not much racing going on.
This movie had a slightly better supporting cast than the first one, which is why I gave this movie 2 stars instead of 1.
This time we have the 19-foot tall behemoth Richard Kiel sharing a small computerized Japanese car with Jackie Chan. Some of the baddies chasing them include Henry Silva (who's always a ruthless bad guy, but here he's more of a nerdy bad guy), Abe Vigoa, Alex Rocco, Telly Savalas, just to name a few. Another mismatch of 2 people sharing a car is Mel Tillis and Tony Danza. You really have to be a fan of redneck fast car movies like Smokey And The Bandit, Hooper, and Stroker Ace, then maybe you'll like this, but If you like comedies that are actually FUNNY, then you'll be disappointed.

The Cannonball Run 2 (1983)
This film is exactly like its original only this time the mob is after them. And also instead of Michael Hui, Jackie's capilot is Richard Kiel (the giant who played "Jaws" in 2 James Bond Movies: "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Moonraker"). But then again it's quality is very poor... if you want to buy it don't waste your money on the expensive DVD edition, buy it on the cheap VHS edition. Jackie Chan still appears in a few cameo appereances but this time a few more. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Well, I guess it's better than 10-200
After the phenomenal success of Smokey and the Bandit, a sequel was inevitable. The whole crew returned and the budget was increased. Everything looked great. Unfortunately, the script capitalizes on the wrong elements of its predecessor. This film is mired in a ridiculous ploy where the Bandit can't succeed because he is caught up in his own fame. Whatever.

The first film, a masterpiece in comparison, showed the Bandit as surprisingly famous in trucker circles and it found a lot of humor in showing that. But now, everyone in the world knows the bandit... They sell posters... He tried to sell a record... Even Terry Bradshaw and Mean Joe Greene of the Pittsburgh Steelers know him. It changes the films tone to be more like the CANNONBALL RUN films that would come out the following year.

Shockingly, the late Jackie Gleason, who was brilliant in the first film, takes a beating in this film, recycling Buford T Justice's dialogue from the first film ad nauseum. And his useless double appearance as Buford's twin but oh-so-different brothers is nothing short of embarrassing.

The stunt work in the film is certainly bigger than in the first film, but it has a much more evident comedic flair. Cars fly through the air for no apparent reason. And dented and destroyed cars are miraculously resurrected between scenes. All of this is again more like CANNONBALL RUN then the first film.

The one saving grace to the film is the funny characterization put in by Dom DeLuise. He is an abducted Italian doctor baby-sitting a pregnant elephant. (Oh yeah, that's the 'plot')

To be fair, I enjoyed this film when I was younger. It just didn't offer me anything as an adult. So it may still catch your fancy. It even avoids using Jerry Reed music to back up the film.

This film did not deserve another sequel... but it got one anyway...

It's slightly better than 10-200
After the phenomenal success of Smokey and the Bandit, a sequel was inevitable. The whole crew returned and the budget was increased. Everything looked great. Unfortunately, the script capitalizes on the wrong elements of its predecessor. This film is mired in a ridiculous ploy where the Bandit can't succeed because he is caught up in his own fame. Whatever.
The first film, a masterpiece in comparison, showed the Bandit as surprisingly famous in trucker circles and it found a lot of humor in showing that. But now, everyone in the world knows the bandit... They sell posters... He tried to sell a record... Even Terry Bradshaw and Mean Joe Greene of the Pittsburgh Steelers know him. It changes the films tone to be more like the CANNONBALL RUN films that would come out the following year.

Shockingly, the late Jackie Gleason, who was brilliant in the first film, takes a beating in this film, recycling Buford T Justice's dialogue from the first film ad nauseum. And his useless double appearance as Buford's twin but oh-so-different brothers is nothing short of embarrassing.

The stunt work in the film is certainly bigger than in the first film, but it has a much more evident comedic flair. Cars fly through the air for no apparent reason. And dented and destroyed cars are miraculously resurrected between scenes. All of this is again more like CANNONBALL RUN then the first film.

The one saving grace to the film is the funny characterization put in by Dom DeLuise. He is an abducted Italian doctor baby-sitting a pregnant elephant. (Oh yeah, that's the 'plot')

To be fair, as a youngster I really liked this film. So it may still catch your fancy. It even avoids using Jerry Reed music to back up the film.

This film did not deserve another sequel... but it got one anyway...

This Movie Is Really Funny
I Love It When Buford T Justice Is So Mad "Your Not Getting Away From Me Bandit Ill Chase You In Hot Pursuit To The End Of The Earth You Som*****" Lol I Always Liked Jackie Gleason But I Do Miss Him A lot Hes Funny And He was the one that made these films popular

This is the funniest of the funniest
I've seen this movie before on AMC. It's so funny when the trucker says, "Hey Road Runner Ya Hungry?" The mountie says, "Why yes." The trucker saying, " Just move over towards me and we'll have us a mountie sandwich." This film had followed up to the third one with the Da Dum Da Dum shark from Jaws 3 which was also released in 1983.

a silly sequel
This movie has the cast of the original,but its just too stupid and slow-paced to be entertaining.This movie cant match the charm of the original. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The clarity of hindsight has turned Burt Reynolds's heyday in the 1970s into a time capsule of good ol' boylunacy, and his movies remain as vital to that decade as disco and Watergate. Hooper represents the tail end ofReynolds's popularity, the last gasp before Reynolds moved on to forgettable romantic comedies and the sheerdesperation of Smokey and the Bandit II and The Cannonball Run. Like those films it's harmless fun,and Hooper--conceived as a tribute to veteran stuntman Buddy Joe Hooker--benefits from the fact that bothReynolds and director Hal Needham were former stuntmen. The movie features three generations of stuntmen playedby Brian Keith, Reynolds, and Jan-Michael Vincent, the last as a cocky young stunt-star who urges Reynolds toperform his greatest stunt ever: leaping a rocket-powered car over a wide gorge (a stunt inspired by the real-life exploitsof daredevil Evel Knievel). What's fun about no-brainers like Hooper is that Reynolds's brand of machomischief never really goes out of style. It's dated, but it's always going to find an appreciative audience. --JeffShannon ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Utterly Enjoyable
If you are looking for deep meaning in a film, look somewhere else. This movie is all about stuntmen having fun, hanging out, making movies, and drinking beer while driving backwards down the Pacific Coast Highway.

The plot centers around Sonny Hooper(Reynolds), the greatest stuntman alive, who is virtually identical to Reynold's hero from Smokey & the Bandit(not surprising since the two movies came out within 6 months of each other). Hooper is coming to the end of his career, and he knows it, which gives the character far more depth than expected.

The plot, while not too intricate, portrays three generations of stunt men. The late Brian Keith plays the older stuntman who was once the "top dog" around the studios before Hooper came along, and watches with barely contained amusement as Hooper realizes he's about to be de-throned by a new young hotshot stuntman played by Jan-Michael Vincent.

Along the way there's alot of stunts, alot of beer drinking, a really long car jump, and some insight passed along by the older generation("You aughta drink more. Nothing hurts when your numb").

All in all, a very enjoyable romp that will leave you with a smile. Look for a wonderful cameo by Terry Bradshaw, complete with a full head of hair.

Can't go wrong with Burt
This is exactly what you'd expect from Burt Reynolds in his heyday. A romp of a movie with all of the flare of Smokey and the Bandit, but with stunts. Sally Field is here and Jan Michael Vincent. What more could you want?

Reynolds is a one man Rat Pack
I saw Hooper in the theater when I was about 9 years old. It is still just as corny as I remember. In all honesty, the movie isn't very good. What was the biggest surprise, was how good the movie looked on DVD. The original print must have been in great shape, because I doubt a lot of money was spent restoring this one. Anyway... pop open a Coors and sit back and enjoy Burt in his prime.

"I dont have my ding dong I dont want to live!"
Oh my, let's see. First 15 minutes....Burt has a shot of Jack Daniels, pulls on leathers, crashes a bike, woofs down a Percodan. morphs into Gene Kelly, feeds beer to horse, saves one for himself, argues with Sally Field in a room full of cowboy hats while her butt is hanging out of a pair of shorts a 5 year old would have trouble squeezing into, hauls Sally off to bed, stunt doubles for Bruce Wayne in a mustache, slides down a rope into one of them big airbags, gets shot full of Zylocaine in his be-hind, and talks like Gabby Hayes while buddy Roscoe P. Coltrane imitates Jimmy Stewart. Phew, I'm exhausted.

I guess by now ya'll all know this movie is pretty much about stuntmen...3 generations of em. Bryan Keith plays the patriarch to Burt's Hooper with a boyish Jan Michael Vincent as the ambitious kid waiting in the wings to take over the top spot as King Stuntguy. You see, Burt is feeling his age so he has another drink and straps on his shiny silver Firebird jacket and goes to watch the Kid rappel the Nakatomi building. Then after Terry Bradshaw and Connie Shockner beat the crap out of them, our two heroes think it might be a good idea to sponsor the Kososovo Demolition Derby and Jet Car Jump.

Classic Reynold's monkeyshine. Funny funny funny! No extras on the DVD though. Nice transfer but it's full screen only and the Dolby Mono soundtrack is pretty sad, but it's crisp and clear. 4 cans of Coors or 4 Percocets...take your pick.

Classic Reynolds!
I wish there were simple movies like this these days where men act like men, plenty of fun stunts, comedy and drunkeness. Mix that with general mishaps and that is what makes this movie great. Sonny Hooper played by Reynolds is a tiring stuntman in Hollywood faced with the younger crowd of stuntmen coming into the movie world. Hooper who still likes to get crazy is forced to face the reality that he isn't young anymore and probably should settle down with his girlfriend played by Sallie Fields. This movie is full of great stunts and great laughs and any true fan of Burt Reynolds should have this in their DVD collection! ... Read more

Reviews (66)

For the money, the glory, and the fun...but mostly the money
Take a simple bet to go from Georgia to Texarkana and back in 28 hours with an 18-wheeler. Add in 400 cases of illegal Corrs beer being transported across multiple state lines. Enter Burt Reynolds driving a black T-top to run blocker giving law enforcement from Texas to Georgia the chase of a lifetime. Let Jackie Gleason (Sheriff Buford T. Justice) give chase to Renyolds while giving everyone else lip. Mix with Jerry Reed's singing and you've got a smash hit movie.

It may surprise some to learn that the only movie to beat Smokey and the Bandit at the box office in the year of its release was Star Wars. There's a reason the movie was successful and that is simply because it's such a fun ride.

If you like car chases that always result in destruction, trucking, CB radios, outrageous sheriffs, sarcasm, country music, bar fights, or any combination of the above, then you will likely enjoy this movie.

Jackie Gleason steals the show on this one. Eager to work in movies again at the time, he worked for a lower salary so the director/producers would give him more lattitude with his character. The result was a lawman no one in their right mind would ever want to run into and you have to see the movie to really appreciate it.

The movie was made in a different era, so don't expect it to be exactly PC. There are one or two moments of racist/sexist/whatever overtones, but they are mostly the rantings of the out-of-his-mind sheriff engaged in a nine-hundred mile hot pursuit, and it's strictly for comedic effect. I don't believe that most people (other than actual law enforcement) would find this movie offensive.

Smokin'!
Hal Needham's free-wheeling comedy SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT is a silly yet entertaining car chase movie in an era when all movies were car chase movies (Until a certain Sci Fi film directed by George Lucas came along). It works suprisingly well however, especially since the whole movie is essentially a 2-hour cop chasing bandit story, although it does sometimes succumb to the standard cop car pile up ( Which would be replicated in films like The Blues Brothers). The teaming of the then-cool Burt Reynolds and Sally Field makes for a great comedic duo and Jackie Gleason hams it up as Sherrif Bufford T. Justice. Jerry Reed's southern title song sums up the entire production ("West outta town, 18 wheels a'rollin', we gonna do what they say can't be done..."). And no other movie has quite reached the laid-back but still exciting tone to Bandit that puts it above the rest. Reynold's laconic, charming bandit is one of the great "bad guy heroes" that pervaded the genre's top-selling action flicks. The terrible sequels have unfortunatly tarnished the original's effect. Smokey 2 sees Dom DeLuise and an elephant (!) along for the (very slow) ride. Lacklustre sequels aside, the first one will remian a classic that fans of the genre will enjoy.

That's a big 10-4 Good Buddy!
There was a time when Coors Beer was not available east of the Mississippi. Any attempt at carrying the beer across that big ole river was considered Bootlegging! And who better to take on the challenge than the Bandit. But things get out of hand when he picks up a wandering bride who just walked out on her fiancé, the son of Sheriff Buford T. Justice. It turns into a game of chess as Ole Buford is in Hot Pursuit.

Got it? Well, it doesn't matter. This film is not about story. It's about fast cars, notably a black Trans Am and the destruction of as many police vehicles as can be done in and hour and a half, the more humiliation the better. The film was helmed appropriately enough by longtime stuntman Hal Needham who keeps the action rolling. But it is the charismatic performers that make this film such a success. Burt Reynolds is at his confident best as the Bandit. He easily catches the eye of the adorable Sally Field. ("You Like me, you really, really like me") And even country singer Jerry Reed gives us some good comic relief when the romance begins to boil.

But, if truth be told, it is the late, great Jackie Gleason's turn as the vulgar, grammatically challenged Justice that makes the film work and work well. He commits totally to bringing ole Buford alive and even makes logically challenged material work. Like the occasional car flying off the ground and landing atop a truck for no apparent reason.

This simple story, Smokey and the Bandit, was one of the first films to topple the financial record held by GONE WITH THE WIND. Now, its numbers are nowhere to be found on that listing, but still it was an excellent feat. From its initial run, I'm sure Universal Pictures was ready to cash in with a sequel or two!

The way movies should be made today
I'll never forget the first time I watched the tail end of the movie and I actually quite liked it, then a couple of months later I taped it on the KSTW channel (cable station is located in Tacoma, WA) and they got rid of that channel sometime around 1994 or 95 which was kind of unfortunate cause I grew up on that channel and that channel will always take me back to the golden days of my childhood.

The movie begins as the Bandit (Burt Reynolds) takes a $80,000 bet to see whether he can haul off about 600 cases of beer from Texarkana, Texas to somewhere in Georgia within' 18 hours and he brings his buddy Cledus (Jerry Reed) to drive the semi truck so he can haul off the beer while the cops (better known as the Smokey's) can concentrate on just the Bandit and the Bandit buys a brand new Trans Am, then he meets up with a runaway bride (Sally Field) and Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) is on their tail cause she ditch Buford's dimwitted son Junior and boy wouldn't it be funny if every cop was as dumb as Junior?

There are some other great moments throughout the film like Buford driving through a pole and the top of the car comes on, or when the police cars collided into each other and a trucker crashes into the open door of Buford's car and he gets all angry, if you like high speed chase movies or fast cars then you'll like Smokey and the Bandit, I wouldn't recommend watching the sequels unless if you really enjoyed watching this movie and they don't come close to how good this movie is although I do kind of like watching Smokey and the Bandit 3, if you're on a budget then I would get the Smokey and the Bandit pursuit pack which generally costs around $17-$20 and it's less expensive than buying Smokey and the Bandit 1 and 2 separately.

Honk if you think Sally Field is cute
This is a movie the whole family can watch and enjoy. I always thought Sally Field was cute, back in her gidget days, and she does not dissapoint in this movie. Burt Reynolds is overflowing with machoness. And the firebird trans-am still looks good to me. Jackie Gleason plays the sherrif who is set on catching Burt Reynolds, and chases him through multiple states.

This is one of those throwback movies where the excitement does not rely on four letter words(...).

The DVD picture quality gets 4 stars. It is a clear picture, but the colors are not as vibrant as newer movies. Considering it was filmed in the 1980's, perhaps this is the best we can get. If we avarage the movie at 5 stars, and the DVD at 4 stars, that leaves us with 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. A few special features on the DVD would have been appreciated. ... Read more

Description

Burt Reynolds is a champion stock-car driver who races and romances in high-speed good-ol-boy style. Year: 1983 Director: Hal Needham Starring: Burt Reynolds, Loni Anderson, Jim Nabors, Parker Stevenson ... Read more

Reviews (9)

burt rules!!
as judged00m said, he only was 16 when he watched Smokey and the Bandit which was only about three years ago. I watched it when I was 12 which was 4 years ago. I watched it again when I was 15 and fell in love with the movie and car. Stroker Ace isn't the best but it's still got its funny moments in it. I'm only 16 but I love Burt and his movies. You have to be the type of person though that's into Burt and slapstick mostly. I have 15 movies of his on dvd and am continuing to get more. He's a great guy and actor and everyone loved him. You should give this movie a chance.

Burt Lovers Unite
Burt Reynolds movies are not for everyone. Everyone has there likes a dislikes and are entitled to their own opinion. It takes a certain breed of person to watch Burt Reynolds. Burt Reynolds is beyond my time, first time i saw smokey and the bandit i was 16 and that was like 3 years ago. For those who love to drive, love to watch people drive, like to watch good tasteful humor. Then Burt is for you. If you are new to Burt, check out Smokey and Bandit, Check out Hooper, Checkout Stroker Ace. These are some of the best Burt films ever made, and you will see movie sites giving the movies bad rating and what not, but thats not why you see the movie. You watch the movie for yourself, for its content, not technicality. Hell, elvis had bad rating on the 30 some odd movies he made and people still watched them, because they were cool.

Burts the best, and if you havent seen them, see them. I also recommend "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas", starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton. Another excellent, excellent Burt Flick.

Burt Reynolds drives his fast car again. All-Star Cast.
Another Burt Reynolds car-racing movie. Definately for the Smokey And The Bandit (1977), Hooper (1978) and Cannonball Run (1981) crowd. Another all-star cast: Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Jim Nabors, Parker Stevenson, Loni Anderson, John Byner, Cassandra Peterson (Elvira, Mistress of the Dark), and many others. There is nothing wrong with your television set. The first four minutes of the movie was filmed off-tint. Out-takes during end credits. Shown in Full-Screen. No extras. No bonuses.

Intimidator
This movie includes a cameo appearance by Dale Earnhardt.Isn't that enough to recommend it?

Stroker Ace
This movie is a great example of an American Classic. They just don't make movies like this any more. Burt Reynolds and the entire cast kept me laughing throughout the entire story. Nascar is America's fastest growing sport and I recommend this for any of it's newest fans. The cameo appearances by several of that day's top drivers put the finishing touches on a great project by Burt Reynolds and Hal Needham. Incidentally, this duo were partners in a Nascar team with Harry Gant as the driver along the time this movie was produced. ... Read more

Reviews (61)

A Great Feel-Good Movie
"Rad" is, by far, my favorite movie of this particular genre (bmx racing with your basic good-kid underdogs vs. rich talented snobs plot). Though it probably won't keep you on the edge of your seat, you will definitely find yourself rooting for the main character Crew Jones, both on the bmx track and in regard to his new love interest, a fellow bmx'er whom Crew meets when an exhibition bmx team comes to his small town. Crew truly is, as one of the characters in the movie states, "such a nice boy." Coupled with his raw talent and youthful exuberance, one can't help but pull for the youngster. The bmx-riding footage in this movie is amazing, and although the plot is predictable, this movie is a true FGM (Feel Good Movie) and is a must-see for anyone who was or is interested in bmx riding.

rad cool bike racing .
rad is fun movie to watch really enjoy this film , can't remember how many times i rented it when i was younger . after watching it i wanted to try those cool moves that cru & his friends were doing , plus i wanted to get a freestyle bike.

Rad is a underdog film like rudy, rocky & hoosiers root for the good guys & boo the bad guys. recommended flick , PG for lauguage if parents who have'nt seen it. one of my childhood favorites . live on cru jones.

This must be released on DVD Look at all the people that are
It is amazing how many people are buying Rad as a bootleg. I would buy this movie for gifts for everyone I know, that would make the holiday shopping easy. Classic and Massive is what Rad is.... IM LUCKY TO HAVE THE SOUNDTRACK TO THIS FILM. Please bring it to DVD I would kiss your feet.

RAD
Rad is an awesome movie, still have my original on vhs. Can't wait to get it on dvd. Only thing is I would also like the soundtrack to the movie. Does anyone know how I can get it? Email me and let me know. Thanx

DAR
See in this crazy hick town everyone goes to the WALMART store to shop and buy clothes. If you love someone you don't say it, you take them to the slide and go down it on your butt. Gee I sure do think you're pretty.
He doesnt have a car but to impress the chicks he raises 50 grand and wins the big BMX classic and makes all the pros look like big losers. In every small town there is a hero waiting to bust out his dreams. ... Read more