Zozza Mary, pazzo Gary

I saw this movie as a young boy and didn't see it again until this Christmas when I ordered the DVD. It was one of my favorite movies from my childhood. I remembered many of the scenes but had forgotten many and enjoyed watching it again. I really enjoyed the interviews and the "extras" on the DVD. I grew up in the muscle car era of the '70's but was too young to drive at the time. This movie along with the Smokey and the Bandit part one were big hits back then. It was definitely worth the money. I will enjoy watching it again sometime soon. I always wondered why I never did see it advertised to be shown on any cable channels. It probably did play down through the years but I never did see it. It does take me back to the days of driving fast with the windows rolled down and listening to the CB radio. They don't make the good old high speed car movies like this anymore.

I saw it on DVD one hour ago, i really enjoy it as I did 40 years ago, these kind of movies are totally awesomes, nostalgics, I would never get tired to watch it again, it was a great rest time for me

Ostensibly a mindless, flashy car-chase-&-crash B-flick has all the usual drive-in elements, but there's more going on here than at first appears. Two NASCAR enthusiasts, needing to buy a new entry vehicle, concoct an elaborate plan to rob a grocery store; Larry is the talent behind the wheel, Deke is the contemplative brains of the outfit. Soon they're saddled with good-time girl Mary, stubborn and sassy, who proves her mettle on a wild ride getting out of town. From Richard Unekis' book "The Chase", with a plot that is exactly that, yet the script by Leigh Chapman and Antonio Santean is surprisingly funny and literate and John Hough's direction is exceptionally tight with very little nonsense. Peter Fonda is appropriately manic, loose and shaggy, and Susan George has fun playing low-class (she has a tough time camouflaging her British accent, but it passes); every time Mary uses her brains, it provides more shading and substance in the character. Adam Roarke is a revelation as accomplice Deke, a sensitive, complicated man with heart and soul; he's not above larceny--he even masterminds it--but he's a thinker, and a realist. This film should have broken Roarke as a star in Hollywood, he is incredibly good. Vic Morrow has the standard role of the lawman on the trio's trail (he plays cat-and-mouse with them, and vice-versa, which is routine) and it's nice to see Roddy McDowall in a non-hysterical role as the supermarket manager. The chases are terrifically charged with adrenaline and excitement, and while the character animosities are trivial, the movie is stylish and wire-drawn. Apparently a big hit with Quentin Tarantino, who used a film-clip in his "Jackie Brown" (and adopted this picture's violent, jokey tone as well). Good show: *** from ****

In Director John Hough's DIRTY MARY, CRAZY LARRY, Larry (Peter Fonda) and Deke (Adam Roarke), along with Larry's latest fling, Mary (Susan George), are on the run after robbing a grocery store.

That's pretty much it. So, if you're looking for a character-driven drama with thought-provoking dialogue, then you'd better watch the latest Oscar contenders. However, if you love chase scenes featuring souped-up vehicles, including a glorious day-glow green 440 Charger and a bada$$ police cruiser, then nirvana awaits you!

This movie is basically a skeletal story to hang incredible car chases on, and boy does it deliver! Fonda is in his element, cackling his way through each barricade, and jumping over things at impossible speeds! In the annals of such films, this ranks up there with VANISHING POINT!

EXTRA POINTS: For Ms. George's choice of wardrobe, especially the top! Have mercy!...

Yes, DMCL is shot well. Yes, the car chases are great. And yes, if '70's kitch is what you seek, you'll find plenty of it here. But that's not why I love the movie.

The reason I love the movie is this : the characters. I've read other users comments regarding the lack of writing or character motivation, and there is validity to that. But hey, the selling point of the film wasn't an in-depth look at people, the selling point was watching Peter Fonda and Susan George ram their car into several other cars.

But I digress, what I love about the characters (and what I hate about the characters in most action movies today) is that they are totally unlikeable. They even hate each other. Fonda is a complete jerk to everyone. Susan George rhymes with rich and Rorke is weak and ineffectual. Hey, most the time the characters don't like each other. And it's my opinion that these characters are unlikeable by design. Think about it: when was the last time you went to the movies and the main characters were people you were suppose to dislike? Rare is it that modern filmmakers will take that chance, Even more impressive, somehow you end up routing for these people.

Bottom line, it's a good chase movie, with solid performances by two 70's icons in thier prime. If you manage to catch it, you'll probably have a good time.