Big Bad John

A good ol' boy film is almost required to have moonshine, car chases, a storyline that has a vague resemblance to "plot" and at least one very pretty country gal, barefoot with short shorts and a low top. The pretty gal is here (dressed in designer jeans)-- but the redneck prerequisites stop there. Jimmy Dean is a natural as a sausage spokesman but as a tough guy former sheriff, he comes up way short. Big John is big, but he isn't convincing with the "bad" part of his moniker. Bug-eyed Jack Elam is a hoot as always and Bo Hopkins has been playing this same part for decades; Ned Beatty also does his part in a small role... but there is no STORY. It smells more like an episode of In The Heat Of The Night than a feature film. Cornball cornpone with easily predictable sentiment. Perhaps the most glaring problem with this movie is Charlie Daniels singing the theme. You know the one; it was made famous by... Jimmy Dean.

I was expecting the plot to follow the song, but it didn't. Decent cast, but they did not deliver. The plot was thin, weak, slow, and the acting was mediocre at best. If you are not expecting much it is passable, but, in my opinion, it is a waste your time. It had potential but did not deliver. It may have gotten better after the halfway point, but I don't know because that was all I could take. If you have not heard the song, it might be watchable, but I was expecting a movie that followed the song. Even for a "red neck" movie, it was bad. There are many movies of this genera that I like, but this is not one of them. Do not waste your time.

Can't find this on DVD yet, still got old VHS tape. Love Jack Elam, can tolerate Dean, and Bo Hopkins is great. He tells that punk; "Don't mess with me boy i've had a very rough day i'll jerk them lips off your head and whistle Dixie." Best line. When they are driving the truck and Elam flips a switch - hilarious. Is good all in all. The song, somehow you never forget it.

This movie has always been a favorite of mine. The cast is superb and draws on the American experience as a whole. Jimmy Dean is a classic all American Sheriff who takes his buddy along on a cross country trek to find Big Bad John. What more of an American tale could you think of? Not only does this movie create a picturesque vision of the American experience, it also takes the viewer on a whirlwind of action and adventure. I would recommend this movie to everyone, and if possible you should find a copy of this so you can enjoy watching it over and over. The acting is superb, the action is superb, the emotions are real, and the story is encompassing. Great movie!

All in all, Big Bad John was a hilarious, and touching movie. If you want romance, tragedy, and humor, this movie's got it. If you're a fan of the song (like I am) you pretty much know how it ends. But if you don't, or do and want to watch it anyway, I strongly recommend this movie. Jack Elam and Jimmy Dean are a hilarious pair with great chemistry. However, I wouldn't recommend this movie to strict urban folk. You have to understand where these people are supposed to be coming from, and only a handful of us are left. But even a few urban folk might understand it, and appreciate it for what it is: a good, down home movie that'll make you laugh, cry, and be inspired.