Os Covardes Vivem Bem

James Caan is known as a tough guy, but he plays an entirely different character here. He is an ex con fresh out of jail and gets mixed up with eccentric criminals in which he thinks there will be a big payoff in the end. It's a comedy in which James plays his character in a kind, gentle way. You get the feeling he is going along to get along and those around him are crazy. Sally Kellerman is great as a crazy woman who meets Caan by chance and just won't go away. Peter Boyle also is good as a shady criminal trying to get money. Overall the plot is thin, but the ride is fun.

James Caan plays Dick Kanipsia, a high school jock turned ex-convict who connects with embezzler Barry Fenaka (Peter Boyle); with the latters' wife Mary (Louise Lasser) in tow, they hit the road, in a red muscle car pulling a silver Airstream. The goal is to find a long-hidden stash of money. However, two ominous black vans are always dogging the trio, so it's clear that there ARE other interested parties.

Somewhat forgotten over time, this is an agreeable dark-humored crime picture with director Howard Zieff displaying a nice, light touch while making the most of the script by the great W. D. Richter. Although there is some violence and gore, the filmmakers are able to never let this get particularly unpleasant. Overall, the film is no great shakes, but then it's not exactly aiming to be in the first place. It's just an amusing road movie with a number of fun twists along the way.

The movie goes far on the engaging quality of the cast. Caan is amiable and low-key, and has good chemistry with the slightly shady Boyle; Lasser is endearing, and other familiar actors like Allen Garfield, Richard B. Shull, Alex Rocco, and Len Lesser turn up in entertaining supporting roles. But the show is stolen by a very sexy Sally Kellerman as an eccentric traveler who also gets involved in the action. She's a real character: a pill-popping, pistol packing, short shorts wearing free spirit who says some damn funny things. Basically, it's a hoot to watch so many of the other individuals in this story keep trying Dicks' patience.

By the end of the movie, you can hardly blame Dick for what he does! It's the perfect capper on this offbeat tale.

Seven out of 10.

One could find fault with elements of this movie, particularly pacing and continuity; but the laughs and the ambiguous, fascinating characters make it great fun.

Until the very end, we're never sure if anybody is who they seem to be. The quest for loot is fascinating, because it's not for a fortune, just a nice chunk of change that when split probably wouldn't amount to a year's wages at an average job. So the interest focuses on the people, their semi-silly adventure, and their uncertain relationships.

One reviewer didn't like it because it wasn't tightly plotted, and he's right-- it's more realistic/absurd than that. Same reviewer also didn't find it funny, which is dead wrong. Some of the comic bits are a little shaggy dog, or sometimes crude, but most people should get a lot of laughs from it.

Great cast, great acting, good enough dialog and "plot" add up to an under-appreciated (and, I suppose,under-seen) little gem.

An ex-con stumbles across America, meeting one oddball character after another, while being pursued by a mysterious black minivan. The characters are wonderful - oddball without being exaggerated or overdone. The plot is engrossing. It's a wonderful piece of 70s anarchy. It is very clear that this must have been a big influence on the Coen brothers movies. That combination of deadpan observation of personal quirk and absurdity, combined with violence and a twisting plot. The Big Lebowski is a clear example of where you'll this film's influence. All the performances are great, with Sally Kellerman being her usual unforgettable self.

This is a character driven comedy, drama, crime, mystery that defies definition.

Back in the 70's some really fine films were made, and there were some really terrible ones too. But the movie studios were in the mood to make so many films that in the process some totally unique ones that just happened to be good were made. I don't know why this film never got the attention it deserved. When I first saw it in 1973 I have to admit I was under the influence of herbal substances. It was a favorite pastime back then to get a buzz on and see a movie. I thought it was very funny at the time. Seeing it for the second time last night I was delighted to find out that even without mood altering contraband it was every bit as funny as the first time. Now that's saying something.

If you love really great character performances this one is full of em. Sally Kellerman appeared to be having the time of her life. It must have been a character actor's wet dream. It does not hurt to have a great script either. Slither had it in spades.

This films will keep you guessing the entire time. I don't care how many films you have seen, you will not be able to predict the outcome of this one. But along the way be prepared for some incredibly dark humor that carries you along till the very end.

I will make you a bet. There is a bit of an introductory plot outline that shows up before the opening credits. If you can stay with it till then, you will not be able to turn it off. I bet you a big black van that you will finish it.

"who are those guys anyway?" The fun of finding out is a real pleasure trip.