Kevin Coughlin
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FULL WATCHALONG - SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT
🕑 Added 2025-04-13 06:31:49 +0000 UTCSmokey and the Bandit (1977) is pure, pedal-to-the-metal Americana—a beer-smuggling, tire-squealing, CB-radio-blasting slice of '70s rebellion that doesn’t waste a second worrying about plot holes when it’s too busy burning rubber. Burt Reynolds stars as Bandit, the mustachioed outlaw king of cool, whose job is to haul 400 cases of Coors beer across state lines (a felony back then, because apparently beer laws were wild) with Sheriff Buford T. Justice hot on his tail. What unfolds is less of a chase and more of a high-octane Southern-fried cartoon—with stunts.
Reynolds is all charisma and effortless swagger, driving his black Trans Am like it’s an extension of his own ego, while Sally Field—yes, actual Oscar-winning Sally Field—plays the runaway bride with just enough sass and spark to keep up with him. The chemistry between them is shockingly genuine for a movie where 70% of the dialogue is shouted over screeching tires. Jackie Gleason, as the hilariously unhinged Sheriff Justice, turns in one of the most iconic comic performances of all time—equal parts rage, insult, and “did he really just say that?”
Let’s be real: Smokey and the Bandit isn’t about plot. It’s about vibes. It’s about that CB slang, the outlaw spirit, and watching big rigs and muscle cars absolutely yeet themselves over highways while Jerry Reed’s “East Bound and Down” blasts in the background. It’s the kind of movie where realism gets left in the dust so the car can jump over a river.
Is it dated? Sure. Is it politically correct? Not even a little. But it’s also one of the most unapologetically fun road movies ever made—a love letter to speed, stunt driving, and Burt Reynolds' impossibly perfect mustache. If you’re not grinning by the end, you might already be on Sheriff Justice’s side.
Comments
Kevin Coughlin
it was!
Brian
Did I hear y'all say this was made by the same director as RAD? My favorite movie of the 80s! Never knew that. My mom rented a VCR and brought all the boys over to watch RAD. As a side note, I'm from Texarkana so Smokey and the Bandit is pretty well known there for obvious reasons 🙂
skeety vanstinkles
I think the roller coaster is the old Greyhound at Lakewood, y'all.
skeety vanstinkles
Yee haw! Last time I saw this was at the drive-in; a double feature with Sharkey's Machine! Thanks y'all!
Nomad the Trucker
Love this movie!
Erin Mileur
Movie directed by Steven Spielberg and for another great 70s Burt Reynolds check out White Lightning
Erin Mileur
If you are looking for another movie involving car chases from the 70s check out the movie Sugarland Express starring Goldie Hawn the first
Richie.B.7692
This is a great way to kick off a Sunday morning... Thanks so much for a great review...
