Return to Macon County

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.

Sequel to the hixploitation classic "Macon County Line." Max Baer Jr. produced and co-wrote the original film, but was not part of this production. However the co-writer and director of the original film, Richard Compton returned to write and direct this solidly entertaining sequel, which is essentially the same story as the first film but with a new set of characters. Two young men, not brothers this time, are traveling through the south on their way to race cars in California, but run afoul the local sheriff after picking up a local girl and angering the local hot rodders after losing a race. Although the story and action are inferior to the original film, this film boast a much stronger cast, which includes a before-they-were-famous Nick Nolte and Don Johnson as the two leads. It's clear that both Nolte and Johnson were destined to be stars with their strong screen presence and charisma, especially Johnson. Robin Mattson is also quite good as the local girl they pick up, although she did not go on to have the major career of Johnson and Nolte. Overall, "Return to Macon County" is not a classic exploitation film, but it is a solidly entertaining one.

I'm flipping channels this afternoon and my wife goes, "OMG, is that Nick Nolte? And that looks like Don Johnson." We watched it for a while. It was pretty good. The plot synopsis on this site is spot on. I liken it to a racier version of the Dukes of Hazard (one is even named BO) before the Dukes were TV staples. As a Georgia native I made the comment to my wife, Man that looks like home! I was thrilled when I saw the title and I can verify those are some 2-lane Macon roads for sure. It was an indie film and it has that kind of indie feel to it. Worth 2 hours of your time on a lazy Sunday afternoon if you've already cleaned the house and done your yard work.

This movie recalls the golden days of the hotrod culture, now virtually lost in time, as far as newer generations of Americans are concerned. Watch it and see a little bit of history. This is a "hotrod movie." Or at least it recalls the golden age of hotrod movies. This one comes at least 15 years too late. There were many of them made, and very few are around anymore, except inside some film archives somewhere....

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.