Tu fais pas le poids, shérif!

The Bandit (Burt Reynolds) goes on another cross-country run, transporting an elephant from Florida to Texas. And, once again, Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) is on his tail.

I loved the first film, I loved Burt Reynolds, I loved Jerry Reed and I even liked Sally Field for the first (and probably last) time in my life. But this second film just does not have the same vibe and simply does not appeal to me on the same level. An elephant? How does that have the same feel as Coors? It is just silly. It is one thing to be a comedy, but another thing to be silly.

I have not yet watched part three, but from what I hear it is even worse... with Reynolds almost entirely out of the story! What the heck? Original only, please!

All in all, a childishly fun revisiting of the characters and story. It'll help if you're already a big fan of cowboys, big trucks, and car jumps, and, of course, the first film.

A lot of drama went on behind the scenes during the shooting, and at times can be glimpsed on the screen, including Sally's and Burt's strained relationship, Jackie Gleason's health, and Hal Needham's direction.

The sign in front of the church wonderfully demonstrates the level of humor throughout this movie:

"Texarkana Reformed, United, Evangelical, Fundamental Church Of God, The Twelve Apostles And Assorted Saints"

As much as I liked the first movie, I find that I don't really like the second film. While the film had it's moments, especially with Jackie Gleason as Buford T. Justice, there really wasn't much to redeem this film.

Everything about the film seemed rather contrived, especially the comedy. The comedy seemed to be forced most of the time.

While I can watch the first film over and over and it never seems to get old for me, the second film wore out its welcome almost right away. I don't know, but maybe if they hadn't tried so hard with the second film to measure up to the first film it would have been better.

The original Smokey and the Bandit was a monster of a film, finishing behind only Star Wars at the Box Office in 1977. It was one of the last movies seen by Elvis, who arranged a private viewing due to it's popularity. I myself, barely a teenager, saw it several times in the theater.

Now, when a sequel was announced, we all just knew it would pick up where the first one left off and follow the gang's exploits up to Boston and back to Georgia in 48 hours with clam chowder for the Enoses. But no, the producers and writers chose to create an entirely new exploit, which is basically a rehash of the route traveled in the first, but going in the other direction and pretty much at the speed limit! First off, the Enoses could have hired anyone for a lot less money, as obviously time was not of the essence. Afterall, after they accept the job, considerable time is spent getting the Bandit back into shape! Or did the writers expect us to believe it only took one day? They may have, considering they also threw in a scene where Burt, during his rehab outruns a racehorse. And what were they thinking having Carrie marrying Junior again? Sheriff Justice said at the end of the first he wasn't giving up his pursuit of Bandit, so he didn't need this motivation, again.

So, obviously, instead of a good ole' boy movie like the first, we have a cartoon with humans! See Jackie Gleason utter sombitch 6 dozen times! Hear Dom Deluise spout nonsensical Italian phrases! Watch truckers run over police cruisers with no regards to consequences (like causing lawman's death)! Become aghast at Jerry Reed turning into a tough guy life coach. Experience Burt Reynolds trying to show he has a heart! Look at Sally Field's expression of disdain for her agent! And don't miss the ending blooper reel!

This was the beginning of the end for Burt as he started becoming a caricature of himself. People began to view his movies as just an excuse for Burt and his buddies to get together and party while not having to bother themselves with any strenuous acting.

I know I've mentioned before that I wasn't even going to bother writing a review for this one, but here it is: I've always wanted to like this movie. I really have. Being an enormous fan of the first, and even finding some enjoyment from the third, I still can't say I like this one. I don't know what happened here. Everyone was back, inculding the director, they had the money to back it up, and they still couldn't get it right. What made this film so atrocious? Well, I have to blame it on the writers. I also have to blame the rest of the cast for going along with it. Seriously, when the characters behave NOTHING like they did in the original and the objective is to haul an elephant(!), you know you're in trouble. I cringed every time Frog and the Bandit squabbled and I cringed whenever the Bandit would lose his cool and do something stupid. I mean, what happened to the mild-mannered, likeable, laid-back country boy that we all knew and loved from the first one? Why in the HELL did they have to make him into and alcoholic, washed-up, ego-maniac? I don't know how, but they managed to make him into one of the most unlikeable protagonists in cinematic history. There's even a ridiculous training scene where the Snowman and Frog whip the bandit back into shape to make the big run. I guess it was supposed to be funny. I found it to be a slap in the face. Sometimes Hollywood really has me scatching my head.

Now, for the Justices. Two words: Good grief. They made them even dumber than in the first, and while there are a few funny lines, it goes into overdrive and messes the whole thing up. Another thing, Buford's Canadian cousin (I forget his name) was a disgrace. Was he supposed to be gay? If so, that wasn't funny either.

I guess I've trashed this one enough. On the bright side, there were a few moments that made me giggle, but I can't remember the scenes to save my life. Please, if you consider yourself a fan of the first, avoid this one. Save yourself a lot of disappointment.