Return to Macon County

This was one I watched fifty times on late-70's cable. This movie never lets up for a second as it's filled with great action, pretty girls, great 50's music and bad dialogue. Not to mention a young Nick Nolte and Don Johnson! How can you go wrong? The car is incredible too, I used to think the "extra juice" they'd give it during drag races was the wildest thing. The crazy cop is hilarious. I used to look for "sail rabbits" after seeing this one haha. Not to be missed, especially by car fans of fans of films set in the 50's.

I initially rented this movie, because I confused it with Macon County Line (which I have never seen but heard was good). So I came into this movie without any prior knowledge to plotlines or previous recommendations or criticisms. I was pleasantly surprised. I have just finished watching it about ten minutes ago. Although the audience is supposed to be oooohed and aaaaahed by the car chases, I was mostly impressed with the relational dynamics between the three leads. The movie takes two long-time buddies and throws a crazy girl into the mix.

Characters: Bo (Nick Nolte)-Bo is a bit hot-tempered and obviously not the brains of the group. He is the "driver" of the movie's centerpiece, a flashy yellow Chevy. He is loyal, almost to a fault and determined.

Harley (Don Johnson)-Harley seems to be the brainier of the two. He does tend to look out for Bo a bit. He's the "mechanic" of the car.

Janelle (Robin Mattson)-Janelle was a waitress, who suddenly latches onto the two boys, romantically with Bo. She's quite crazy and will do anything.

Plot: Harley has finally put his greatest touch to the yellow Chevy, Bo's and Harley's pride and joy. They are on their way to California to enter the National race, having fun and flings on the side. Along the way, Janelle jumps onto the bandwagon, despite Harley's misgivings. She begins to form a bond with Bo, while Harley is out testing the car. During the test drive, Harley gets into a drag race and wins. The loser claims that Harley cheated, and so the two get into a fight over the $100. In a major sub-plot, the gang gets into trouble with Sergeant Whittaker, who becomes obsessed with their capture.

As I said earlier, I greatly admired how the relationship worked between Harley, Bo, and Janelle. The plot was almost used solely to create the dynamic. Bo feels he must choose between racing (and hence Harley) and Janelle. Harley quietly resents Janelle and rationalizes her craziness is dangerous. Janelle feels the intruder, yet is still a member of their little bunch.

I will point out that this movie is good, but not great. It's good for a one-time viewing.

If anyone born in the late 40's to mid 50's doesn't see this as a symbol of their times, then they're not from the late 40's or 50's. Period. Great vernacular of the times and the emotions we all felt. Too bad they don't make a "modern" version of this movie. The actors seemed so young in this movie, but they're about the same age as I am, so it seems so real to me. Give it a try and see what you think. Especially if you're in your mid to late fifties or early sixties. We're all the same generation and it must strike a familiar cord with you. It is much like the classics like "Of Mice and Men" by Steinbeck. I didn't really put much stock into all of that back in my high school days and early college days, but it's all coming together now. Give a look-see. You'll know what I'm talking about.

Although this is nothing to write home about, it'a a real chance to see two superstars, in their starting. This being Nolte's first film, just lays proof, of what such a superb character actor he is. He is by far the stronger lead performance, but Johnson is bl**dy good, while also having such a sexy, angel cute performance by Mattinson, as the woman, they really should of not brought with em', is much admired, where her departure, is much disappointing. Nolte's character has a dream of winning this big car race, in Dayton, California, if I'm not mistaken. Where for bread, cherry smiling mate, Johnson, with his cheating powerhouse engine, races young ill bred, bad boy townsfolk for money, and we know who'll inevitably win, only this time they've picked the wrong dude, and add a crazy homicidal cop, many troopers all after our sexy trio, and there you, pretty have your story. The best thing about this movie is it's opening and ending, little music number, by Chuck Berry, which surpasses anything else between, just like the music number at the start and end, does the same in Miami Vice. Have. A 90 minute tme passer, it's only interest if see a much younger Nolte and Johnson. With the chase scene, off the road, into the woods, I couldn't see how they could of lost Johnson and Nolte. Well, really, not something to keep me up, dwelling on all night.

Great nostalgic road trip for those who remember the 1950's - Johnson is the mechanic and Nolte is the driver on their way to compete in Grand Nationals Drags in California - movie hits on all cylinders with buddy film + cool car film + new guy in town film + evil townie hoods + misguided cop + lesson learned factors all working to achieve the Fabulous Fifties mood. Two or three good female acting roles will keep the ladies interested too - as if seeing Johnson and Nolte in all their pre-hunk hottiness won't attract them anyway. The Don Johnson drag racing scene rivals the James Dean scene in Rebel without a Cause. Soundtrack is superb. This film will appeal to anyone interested in hot rods from the 1950's--1960's up to the 1970's.