Burt Reynolds was a better actor than generally given credit for (although, in whatever role he was playing, he overused that distinctive laugh-giggle). The production values are better here than in a lot of 70's movies, and the casting and acting are fine. However, there is an ambiguity in the tone of the movie. It opens with a chilling portrayal of a cold-blooded murder committed by redneck police. Gator quite logically pursues vengeance with.single-mindedness, but his quest is, at the end, resolved in a semi-humorous way that to me somewhat makes light of the horror of the opening scene. It's still a good popcorn burner though.
Review of White Lightning
