La pelea del siglo

First off, do not see this movie unless you have already seen "Every Which Way but Loose", as this film is a sequel to that.

Now, the first film was known to have a pretty shallow story. This one has the same problem - in fact, the story seems even weaker than the first. The plot doesn't go anywhere; it sits there and watches as the film's comedy takes the wheel.

The film is definitely intended to bring up laughter, but I'm not sure if it's sole purpose of production was to be a comedy. The laughs are good, but too rare to make the movie's lack of a story acceptable. The humor is very similar to that of the first film, only, like this film's story, never jumps to the point of surpassing anything we've already seen.

However, despite these flaws, the film was overall enjoyable. There's not much you'd miss if you skip this one, but if you enjoyed "Every Which Way but Loose", you're probably going to like "Any Which Way You Can" - just probably not as much as you enjoyed the first. Like the first film, the ape "Clyde" is the source of all true amusement, with "Ma" charging up a scene or two of good laughter in this one. Clint Eastwood's performance may feel a bit weaker or equal to his in "Every Which Way but Loose", but it definitely adds to the experience.

Overall, a good film to see if you really enjoyed the first. The two films are very similar, so much so that if you stumbled upon one on television, it may take you awhile to figure out which one you're watching. Many of the scenes take place in the same places: "Clint's house, the bar, etc.", and there are only a few slight additions to the cast. Really nothing too "new" in this film, but a surely entertaining viewing if you enjoyed "Every Which Way but Loose".

I give the film a 6/10. I gave "Every Which Way but Loose" a 7/10, and this one lost a point as although it was a bit funnier than the first, the story wasn't as thought-out as the firsts at all, and I seemed to loose my interest a bit more easily on this one. Nonetheless, incredibly similar to the first film in all sorts of ways, so if the first one left you wanting more, definitely check this one out!

This movie is one my guilty pleasures. I enjoy it a lot, but I know deep down that I shouldn't. I guess the reason I like it is because it has a unique gallery of characters. You've got bare knuckle fighters, a bald biker gang, underworld crime figures, a befuddled couple on their second honeymoon, corrupt state troopers and not one, not two, but three perverted motel managers. On top of all them, the best character in the movie is an orangutan named Clyde! I also like the exciting fight scenes, particularly the climatic fight, well staged in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It is the rare sequel that is far superior to the original. For many, that is not saying much but it is enough for me.

This sequel to "Every Which Way but Loose" is as good as the first. Clyde the orangutan is back. Clint Eastwood is a retired bare knuckle fighter with a huge reputation. When a national "title" fight is offered, he hesitates, wanted to quit fighting. But he's forced to go through with the fight (of course - this is EASTWOOD for crying out loud!). There are many humorous scenes and I like this one as well as the first. Good one!

This 1980 sequel to the 1978 movie "Every Which Way but Loose" was actually every bit as entertaining and enjoyable as the predecessor. And that makes "Any Which Way You Can" deviate from the usual curse of sequels; you know, with the sequel being a horrible movie in the wake of the predecessor.

Writer Stanford Sherman managed to put together a wholesome storyline that encompassed the previous story and further expanded upon it. And it was done in a very enjoyable and entertaining manner, so I was certainly genuinely entertained by what director Buddy Van Horn had to offer with "Any Which Way You Can".

It was great to see the original cast return to reprise their roles from the movie 2 years earlier. And needless to say that the likes of Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Geoffrey Lewis and others put on great performances in bringing the sequel to life on the screen.

There is a good amount of storytelling and action in "Any Which Way You Can", so there is something for just about anyone. But the movie also has comedy, love elements and a good narrative to it.

If you enjoyed the 1978 movie, then you most certainly will also enjoy the 1980 sequel "Any Which Way You Can". It should be noted, though, that "Any Which Way You Can" is a bit more on the comedy side of the spectrum in comparison to the 1978 predecessor. I enjoyed the amped-up comedy here, but it might not just suit everyone watching the movie.

My rating of "Any Which Way You Can" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood) and his orangutan friend Clyde return for more silly but agreeable hijinks in this successful sequel to "Every Which Way But Loose". Philo still makes what money he can from bare-knuckle fights, and gambler James Beekman (Harry Guardino) gets the bright idea to pit Philo against the equally tough Jack Wilson (the almighty movie tough guy William Smith). Philo initially agrees to the deal, then decides against the fight, which only motivates the villains to kidnap Philos' girl Lynn (Sondra Locke), with whom he's reconnected. Everything comes to a head with scores of people determined to watch the fight and hopefully make a ton of money from their bets on the outcome.

The fantastic, vivid fight scene between Clint and Smith is definitely a highlight; it's one of those old-school donnybrooks that certainly must be a favorite for people who love a good movie fight. Overall, the movie is "good" no-brainer fun, although it does go on an awfully long time (just short of two hours), with not all of the comedy detours paying off to any great degree. That said, there are true chuckles to be had. Although it hardly needs to be said, the simian actors Buddha and Manis (taking turns playing Clyde) steal the show. Clydes' courtship of a female orangutan whom Philo temporarily "borrows" from the zoo is the most priceless moment. It's also hysterical whenever Clyde is told to junk a car.

One of the things that this viewer liked best was the nuanced relationship between Philo and the rather amiable Wilson. Neither man is really THAT interested in winning the fight, and keep wanting to keep things "even" between them. Wilson is one of the best roles that the late, great Smith ever played. And there's a rich, constant assortment of familiar faces (some of them repertory players in Clint movies of the 70s and early 80s) in supporting roles and bits. Geoffrey Lewis, as could be expected, is particularly fine as Philos' buddy Orville. Ruth Gordon has some very amusing moments as Philos' irascible Ma. Even Locke does a good job; she's appealing in the love interest role, and does some singing of her own.

Clint and Ray Charles do a very pleasant duet on "Beers to You", which kicks off "Any Which Way You Can" in fine fashion.

Even if a FAR cry from the more prestigious films of Clints' career, there's no denying the goofball charm of this movie.

Seven out of 10.