Classics: A Review of Smokey and the Bandit By Lauren Ennis

 Two truckers, a runaway bride, a vengeful sheriff and four-hundred cases of Coors adds up to one of the wildest rides in cinema. Blending thrilling stunts with slapstick humor 1977's Smokey and the Bandit took a simple premise and turned it into cinematic gold. At once a loving homage to the American road-trip and a glimpse into the gritty 1970's the film is certain to leave viewers riding on the edge of their seats. For the trip of a lifetime hit the road with Smokey and the Bandit.

The story begins with father and son Texas businessmen "Big Enos" and "Little Enos" Burdette arriving at a local truck rodeo. They then place a bet on local trucking legends Bo "the Bandit" Darville and Cledus "the Snowman" to illegally deliver 400 cases of Coors from Texas to Atlanta in 28 hours. While Cledus is hesitant the Bandit happily accepts. The two then set off with Cledus transporting the beer in his truck while the Bandit acts as a decoy in his Pontiac Trans Am. Along the way the Bandit encounters exotic dancer turned runaway bride Carrie. He picks the stranded would-be newly-wed up, and soon finds himself targeted by her scorned fiancée and his father, Texas sheriff Buford T. Justus. The film then launches into a madcap trip across the South the likes of which many have imitated but none have replicated.

Smokey and the Bandit captures the anarchic spirit of both the 1970's and the all-American road trip like no other. While the plot seemingly rests upon the transport of Coors over state lines the real heart of the story is the liberation of the open road and the free spirits of those who call it home. Through its depiction of the Bandit's carefree pursuit of the latest thrill, the camaraderie of his fellow truckers, and his blatant, "complete lack of respect for the law" the film offers loving tribute to the outsiders who populate America's highways. Through its depiction of an array of very different characters the film also playfully explores the rapid social changes of the 1970's. For example, the film offers a decidedly complex and modern depiction of womanhood in its portrayal of witty dancer Carrie's refusal to resign herself to a traditional, married, life. Similarly, the film's portrayal of old fashioned lawman Sheriff Justus' flailing efforts to keep up in a modern world is nothing short of side-splitting. Through its loving depiction of the misadventures of America's misfits, bandits, and everyone in between Smokey and the Bandit remains a loving tribute to the open road and all-American fun.

The film brings its whimsical world of wacky characters to life thanks the stellar work of its cast. Pat McCormick and Paul Williams lend plenty of deadpan humor to their brief turns as Big Enos and Little Enos. Jerry Reed infuses Cledus with boy next door charm. Sally Field shows off her comedic chops in her hilarious turn as neurotic dancer, Carrie. Jackie Gleason steals each scene in which he appears as the hapless Sheriff Justus. Burt Reynolds turns in arguably the best performance of his career with a winning blend of comedy and roguish charm that ensures that the Bandit is nothing short of iconic.

In its ninety-six minute run time Smokey and the Bandit perfectly captures the anarchic spirit of the 1970's. The script balances stunts with slapstick to maximum effect for a viewing experience that is never less than thrilling. The performances bring what easily could have been one-note characters to hilarious, infectious life. For ninety-six minutes of good old American life, glory, and fun get behind the wheel with Smokey and the Bandit.