Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) User Reviews

Just in case you missed the sign...

[Dimarc · 5/10 · 13 January 2007]

All in all, a childishly fun revisiting of the characters and story. It'll help if you're already a big fan of cowboys, big trucks, and car jumps, and, of course, the first film.

A lot of drama went on behind the scenes during the shooting, and at times can be glimpsed on the screen, including Sally's and Burt's strained relationship, Jackie Gleason's health, and Hal Needham's direction.

The sign in front of the church wonderfully demonstrates the level of humor throughout this movie:

"Texarkana Reformed, United, Evangelical, Fundamental Church Of God, The Twelve Apostles And Assorted Saints"

Suffers from "Beverly Hills Cop" syndrome...

[AlsExGal · 4/10 · 27 December 2018]

... which is when an unexpected hit with a big charismatic star, a simple idea, known supporting stars, and a moderate budget scores big at the box office and even with critics. The urge to make a sequel is irresistible. However, mistakes are made, bunches of cameos are crammed in and gone are the delightful and anonymous extras that made the original seem like an original road picture, there is a need to go to silly and even gross-out jokes, the plot is redundant, and the entire film just seems to scream "Look at us! Aren't we just wonderful in this wonderful film?"...and the answer is "No, you are not".

What makes this not sink below a 4/10 is that Burt and Sally are always good together, Burt is a charismatic film presence even in a bad film, and Jackie Gleason has still got it 25 years after "The Honeymooners" made early TV history.

It needed Olivier, it Got Kramden

[dgl1199 · 6/10 · 25 May 2005]

OK, I'm kidding. Hey, listen, this film is no strain to the synapses. It's another Hal Needham carwreck fest wrapped up in a really dumb plot that at times tries too hard. However, I find an odd entertainment value in this genus of southern cheese. An aging professional highway show-off, an even more annuated hick sheriff in hot pursuit, an oddly swift and resilient Trans Am, a very talented yet dumbed down leggy sidekick, a country singer turned epitomal southern truck driver, Dom Deluise, and an elephant. Add plenty of incompetent law enforcement officers and marlboro reds and you have the makings of one fine redneck cross-country chase movie. I don't know why but I actually enjoyed this. It's really about the stunts I think and when it comes to Hal Needham you never can have too many car crashes. In the spirit of Cannonball Run and the Dukes of Hazzard there is an odd appeal in watching good IL boys tear up backroads to the tune of Hank Williams and police sirens. And of course there's always a way out leaving a pile of police cruisers in the dust behind. It's an action flick and as such you shouldn't expect it to be anything other than what it is; it's just fun to watch. You may notice it does have some very talented actors so it begs the "what were you thinking doing this film?" question. Perhaps. But on face value it's all about the car chase. And who doesn't love a good car chase?

Highly Anticipated and Extremely Disappointing Sequel.

[gerard-21 · 4/10 · 6 April 2010]

The original Smokey and the Bandit was a monster of a film, finishing behind only Star Wars at the Box Office in 1977. It was one of the last movies seen by Elvis, who arranged a private viewing due to it's popularity. I myself, barely a teenager, saw it several times in the theater.

Now, when a sequel was announced, we all just knew it would pick up where the first one left off and follow the gang's exploits up to Boston and back to Georgia in 48 hours with clam chowder for the Enoses. But no, the producers and writers chose to create an entirely new exploit, which is basically a rehash of the route traveled in the first, but going in the other direction and pretty much at the speed limit! First off, the Enoses could have hired anyone for a lot less money, as obviously time was not of the essence. Afterall, after they accept the job, considerable time is spent getting the Bandit back into shape! Or did the writers expect us to believe it only took one day? They may have, considering they also threw in a scene where Burt, during his rehab outruns a racehorse. And what were they thinking having Carrie marrying Junior again? Sheriff Justice said at the end of the first he wasn't giving up his pursuit of Bandit, so he didn't need this motivation, again.

So, obviously, instead of a good ole' boy movie like the first, we have a cartoon with humans! See Jackie Gleason utter sombitch 6 dozen times! Hear Dom Deluise spout nonsensical Italian phrases! Watch truckers run over police cruisers with no regards to consequences (like causing lawman's death)! Become aghast at Jerry Reed turning into a tough guy life coach. Experience Burt Reynolds trying to show he has a heart! Look at Sally Field's expression of disdain for her agent! And don't miss the ending blooper reel!

This was the beginning of the end for Burt as he started becoming a caricature of himself. People began to view his movies as just an excuse for Burt and his buddies to get together and party while not having to bother themselves with any strenuous acting.

Not that great

[jgreen8824 · 21 July 2004]

As much as I liked the first movie, I find that I don't really like the second film. While the film had it's moments, especially with Jackie Gleason as Buford T. Justice, there really wasn't much to redeem this film.

Everything about the film seemed rather contrived, especially the comedy. The comedy seemed to be forced most of the time.

While I can watch the first film over and over and it never seems to get old for me, the second film wore out its welcome almost right away. I don't know, but maybe if they hadn't tried so hard with the second film to measure up to the first film it would have been better.

Disappointing

[Noobz · 5/10 · 22 January 2003]

Whatever happened to the Double or nothing jaunt to Boston for some clam chowder? That is what I was expecting. After all the original seemed to segueing to that end. Reynolds was just plain old goofy.

Some of the scenes with Justice were even better than the original, at least until he met up with his brothers. Down hill from there.

How could this go so wrong so badly?

[Mr-Fusion · 4/10 · 18 March 2014]

Somewhere in the film's second act, Sally Field pinpoints why the Bandit is such an unlikable prick: he's not having any fun. And she sums up my experience watching "Smokey and the Bandit II" perfectly.

A sequel to "Smokey and the Bandit" was inevitable, and the original set the stage quite nicely. But this movie opens with the gang scattered and the actors seem to be playing cartoon versions of their characters. None of the charm or humor of the first movie is present this time around. It just lumbers from one contrived gag to another, and I often wished the movie would go somewhere. Anywhere. I've seen bad sequels, but I don't think I've seen one that squanders the promise of the original so badly. It's like the first movie never happened. A car chase doesn't make or break a movie, but putting the Bandit in a Trans Am without getting to see him floor is just wrong.

This was awful.

4/10

A SILLY & FUN SEQUEL BUT NOT A CLASSIC LIKE THE FIRST

[lukem-52760 · 7/10 · 19 December 2020]

This is a fun & silly sequel to the absolute Classic first film & it's enjoyable enough & it's nice to have all the wacky characters back but it's definitely lack that exciting energy that the first film had. Reynold's (R.I.P) is still fun in his now iconic role & has become a kind of folk hero around Texas & America really but Smokey is down on his luck & spends his time drunk with no motivation to do anything anymore as his glory days are behind him & Burt plays the part fine & is playful & fun & at the time played with his own Star fading as a mega movie star & like Burt in real life his Smokey gets another chance to win back his fans & do another cross county mission when he's offered plenty of cash if himself & Snowman can deliver a pregnant elephant to safety, it's a bizarre thing to transport & a weird idea but it's ok just not a great idea or as action packed frantic fun as the Classic first film. Part 2 is made to be much more sillier & more friendly than the first but it's still a nice feeling seeing our gang back together but it's still Reynold's Show & he's why we're watching as Smokey is a fun guy but the others do round out a fun team & this is like i said a fun little sequel. I really liked the montage of Reynold's getting back in shape. All performances are fine & fun from everyone involved & all characters are back so that's great for any fans of the first film & Reynold's really is fun to watch make a comeback as a legend of the highway.

Good easy watching & enjoyable fun

One Truck Drivers' Opinion

[ehrldawg · 5/10 · 7 May 2012]

The second of a film series of three,this time our heros must take an elephant from Florida to Texas.

This is the worst of the three. even though the final round up was kinda cool. Why would the snowman sleep on the ground at a rest stop,when he has a very comfortable bunk in the truck? The Bandit is a major prick in this one. If Don Williams sang a song to my woman and myself,I wouldn't disrespect the man by walking out in the middle of the song. O well, I guess even the best of us has to have a bad day. It was cool to see Ben Walton make a cameo appearance.

Jerry Reed drives the GMC 18 wheeler!

This is the second of three times Jerry Reed drives a truck in this series.

Jerry Reed was a permanent AA list actor.

There are a couple unknown actors driving indeterminable trucks during the round up.

These unknown actors were also permanent A list actors.

Sally Fields is hot!!!

erldwgstruckermovies.com

Harmless Stupid Fun

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 4 November 2013]

Big Enos Burdett (Pat McCormick) is running for Governor of Texas, and uses Bandit (Burt Reynolds) and Cledus (Jerry Reed) to transport a mysterious cargo. Cledus enlists the help of Carrie (Sally Field) who abandons Junior once again to convince a drunken Bandit to do the run. Surprise, surprise, the cargo is a giant elephant and mayhem ensues.

The premise is complete nonsense. It's really a stupid setup to allow the gang to regroup and have more fun. This time they kidnap doc (Dom DeLuise) to treat the sick elephant. He adds a bit of fun that would lead to Cannonball Run. It's all harmless stupid fun.

Then there's a massive cops versus truckers demolition derby. That might be worth the watch all by itself. It's a lot of joyful destruction.

Pregnant elephants and Dom DeLuise

[DanielRobertRoss · 3/10 · 16 July 2016]

Remember how much fun the first Smokey and the Bandit film was? Well, he's back, and this time he's an alcoholic burnout who makes bad career choices and treats his friends like trash. So, he's basically Burt Reynolds from 1980-Boogie Nights. Remember how much free wheeling fun and energy the first film had? Well this sequel has all the energy of a pregnant elephant. Speaking of elephants, Dom DeLuise is in the film. And a pregnant elephant. The entire cast looks like they can't wait to get paid, it's such a "go through the motions" film, reminiscent of another sequel, "Ghostbusters 2.

The final police car pile up is impressive but even that outstays it's welcome after a while. No, it's not one of the worst sequels ever, it's just so gosh darn bland and average.

The Bandit and Snowman at It again

[cry_wolf23 · 8/10 · 5 December 2010]

well the bandit and snowman are back and this time they have one hell of a big adventure. The bandit and frog have split and the bandit has became a overweight drunk.the burdette's need a crate picked up in Miami so they enlist the help of snowman who has to get bandit's ass back on track with the help of frog of course.After much exercise (including a foot race with a bunch of horses)the bandit is ready for action once again.

After Breaking into the warehouse they find that the crate is huge and what inside is huge as well,a elephant. after some time on the road and a stop for gas snowman thinks the elephant is sick,and as luck would have it a ambulance has just pulled in.so they enlist the help of the doctor inside Played By Funny man Dom Deluise and the doc soon determines the elephant is pregnant.

What is the bandit to due stay on course and risk the elephants life or worry about something other than money for once?

Also look for a lot of cameos in this one.mel Tillis(bless his heart he sing like a bird but has a bad stuttering problem),terry bradshaw,mean joe green and don williams.

Also jackie gleason is back as buford t. justice still trying to catch the bandit and look for a very funny scene where jounir can't get his zipper zipped.jackie also takes on 3 different roles in this one

This movie could be the best sequel in the franchise so give it a watch i give it a 8 out of 10 R.I.P Jackie Gleason and Jerry Reed(The Snowman)

Could have been so much better

[bowmanblue · 7/10 · 26 November 2014]

If it wasn't for the almighty 'Star Wars' then the 1977 Box Office would have been topped by none other than 'Smokey and the Bandit' which performed equally as surprisingly. Therefore a sequel was inevitable. In fact... a sequel was the natural evolution considering how the original ended. However, what people got was a different beast all together.

Instead of directly continuing from the original, we have a new tale, utilising the old characters. Only it doesn't feel particularly new, more rehashed. If it was made now, it might almost be considered a 'remake.' The 'Bandit' is back, only he's all burned out and only tempted out of his alcohol-induced retirement by the promise of a big paycheque. Again, he has to drive across country, helping his trucker chum 'Snowman' to safely get his cargo to its destination. It's basically the same story as before. Again, it uses the same route. Again, it uses the same plot device of 'Smokey' (the cop constantly pursuing Bandit) only really chasing him because his son's bride has left him – yes, again – at the altar to run off with Bandit.

It all feels a little like 'rinse and repeat.' Smokey catches up with Bandit. Bandit just so happens to know someone that can help him out. They block Smokey. The Bandit escapes and then it all happens again a few scenes later.

Smokey's police car also seems to get completely trashed and yet be perfectly be okay to indulge in yet another high speed chase a little way down the highway. Of course the chases scenes are fun. At the time of production, the film boasted about having the most expensive car chase ever filmed for a movie. And there is one that lives up to that titled. Only one. Much of the driving seems to be done at the correct speed limit, meaning there's a distinct lack of tension going on.

Yes, the stars return. And they do add an element of fun to the movie. If you liked them the first time round you'll probably like them again this time. However, since they're doing almost exactly the same thing as you saw them do in number one, then there's little point in watching them do it all over again, right?

A Wasted Effort

[magellan333 · 2/10 · 7 March 2010]

When compared to it's predecessor, Smokey and the Bandit II is a complete waste of time. The film makers were fortunate enough to reunite the complete cast of the original but chose to make a live action cartoon instead of another great movie with fast cars, loose morals and entertaining characters. I would have much rather seen Bandit, Carrie and Cledus's trip to Boston to pick up some clam chowder, sans the Trans Am and rig, than see the weak effort put forth here. In some places the film is a sloppily done rehash of the original: Carrie is about to marry Junior again, Buford T. is hot on the trail of the Bandit with Junior in tow as a result and the Bandit is driving alongside Cledus in a black Trans-Am. Given the situation in this movie, why was the Bandit even needed? They drive the speed limit most of the movie! Cartoonish elements missing from the original include Buford's summoning of his brothers to help him catch the Bandit, a man falling out of an ambulance in a most strange looking gurney and Sheriff Justice's car being dropped from a toll bridge, only to appear again unscathed later in the film. It seems the writer of this piece of garbage said, "Let's take what worked in the original, increase its outlandishness 100 times over, add some weak one liners and throw in something for the kids while we are at it." Honestly, what minister answers a phone during a wedding ceremony? Everything that worked in part one was forgotten in part two.

So so...

[kcfan-3 · 30 August 2003]

The original Smokey and the Bandit is a classic, and it introduced us to one of Jackie Gleason's funniest incarnations, Sheriff Buford T. Justice. I've always been of the ilk that tries not to judge sequels on the originals, but in the case of Smokey and the Bandit II it's impossible.

The plot is essentially the same as the first film, with the more politically-correct elephant replacing 400 cases of good ol' Coors, and for a higher stake - $320,000 more than their original run to Texarkana. While Reynolds, Field, Reed et al are entertaining and do the best with a mediocre repeat of the original plot, the true star here is Gleason. Particularly memorable is the scene where Justice and Junior stop for a toilet break and Junior announces after paying a visit, that his zipper is stuck. What happens next is hilarious, and I won't spoil it.

I agree with one of the other reviews in that the original premise of the characters as defined in the original was completely ignored in this sequel, but maybe this was done on purpose. Maybe the writers felt they were giving the characters more depth. This is the downfall of the movie, that and the script...especially the inclusion of brothers Reggie and Gaylord Justice.

Having said that, it's not completely awful. The saving graces are Gleason, Dom DeLuise as the leading gynaecologist (or gornocolagalist as he pronounces it) in Pompeii (population 23) on a sabbatical to the Deep South, and Mike Henry as the long suffering and equally very dim Justice Junior. The latters' performance, while certainly not Shakespeare material, is exactly what is called for - bewildered and confused.

Everyone who was anyone in the country music industry contributed to the soundtrack, including Jerry Reed once again recording the film's theme (a virtual carbon copy of East/West Bound and Down). Brenda Lee and Don Williams make cameos, as do Burt's buddies Joe Klecko, Terry Bradshaw and Messrs Dudley Remus and Hal Carter.

All in all, disappointing and disowned by hardcore fans of the original, but definitely worth a look for Gleason's contributions. They are what keeps the film going when the rest of it is bogged down and turned into a melodrama of sorts, rather than sticking with the winning formula that made the original such a smash and a classic. Beware though, it's nearly destroyed towards the end with the inclusion of his "twin brothers", but that isn't Gleason's fault - blame the scriptwriters and director. Mixed feelings on this one, guys and gals...

A Big Letdown From the Original

[gavin6942 · 5/10 · 31 December 2012]

The Bandit (Burt Reynolds) goes on another cross-country run, transporting an elephant from Florida to Texas. And, once again, Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) is on his tail.

I loved the first film, I loved Burt Reynolds, I loved Jerry Reed and I even liked Sally Field for the first (and probably last) time in my life. But this second film just does not have the same vibe and simply does not appeal to me on the same level. An elephant? How does that have the same feel as Coors? It is just silly. It is one thing to be a comedy, but another thing to be silly.

I have not yet watched part three, but from what I hear it is even worse... with Reynolds almost entirely out of the story! What the heck? Original only, please!

Terrible sequel

[LuboLarsson · 3/10 · 22 June 2009]

Awful follow up to the fantastic Smokey and the Bandit this movie surely marks the beginning of Reynolds downfall as the Worlds number one movie star. Everything about this needless sequel is lazy, the story is poor the actors look uninterested and jokes are recycled from the first film. Burt's character doesn't even seem to be the same care free guy we loved in the first and Sally Field looks like she may have regretted appearing in this. In real life Reynolds and Field had broken up so maybe thats why the film has a depressing feeling all the way through it. Jerry Reed and Jackie Gleason aren't too bad but they have nothing to work with here the director seems only to interested in how many cars and smashes he can show on screen at the same time. Has no-one noticed that car stunts are not made more exciting by simply multiplying the amount and adding more and more cars? If anything its boring. I can appreciate car stunts, there was some great stuff in the first one and in other Reynolds movies like Hooper but by now it had run its course. Avoid this movie even if you loved the first.

Without a doubt the worst sequel I have ever seen by a wide margin!

[noadsallowed · 1/10 · 26 August 2012]

This movie was a shameless attempt to cash in on the popularity of the first movie, with absolutely no attempt to write a movie worth watching. It was almost like the producers were trying to test how gullible the public is in paying money to see a sequel which was totally opposite in quality to the original movie. I really like Smokey and the Bandit. It had everything a quality movie could have. Burt Reynolds was charismatic, confident, and secure. In this sequel, he was gutless, confused and spineless. And the Sally Field character was a moralizing, preachy, annoying beau with her eyes set on correcting Bandit in the sequel. Kinda reminds me of most marriages! What we all loved about the original movie, fast driving, southern charm, Sheriff Justice's tough guy charisma, a real sense of urgency, are totally missing from this movie. The writers wrote a real piece of garbage in this one. The Bandit was reduced to a complete loser, who only succeeds because of his friends, not because of his abilities in like in the first movie. Worthless movie, totally.

Almost a really decent sequel

[awesomness-94748 · 7/10 · 12 July 2019]

Don't get me wrong, I love this movie. It was really well done. But I don't like what they did to Bandit. He didn't have his personality from the first movie. I prefer joking comedic Bandit over alchoholic fame crazy Bandit. But I have learned to look past it. I recomend doing that to enjoy this movie.

Narcissism is hardly funny...

[moonspinner55 · 2/10 · 1 January 2008]

Fairly dreadful sequel to "Smokey and the Bandit" arrived some three years later, and most of the principal players look a bit sheepish about the entire enterprise--none more so than Sally Field as "Frog", the Bandit's main squeeze. In the film (and in the outtakes played at the end), Field seems edgy and defensive, which probably means she got a good look at this screenplay and felt trapped (an understandable reaction, but deadly in a comedy). Written by Jerry Belson and Brock Yates from a treatment by Michael Kane, the movie immediately gets off on the wrong foot with Field once again running out on a wedding (to Sheriff Justice's son for the second time). Seems she can't reach the Bandit, whose inflated ego and sense of self-importance has alienated all his friends. Moody, unhappy Burt Reynolds only perks up in his scenes with Dom DeLuise, but for the most part limps through these half-hearted proceedings like a celebrity on the downhill slide. Hal Needham's direction isn't any help (he's at the mercy of the woebegone script), but there is an elephant around for the occasional sight-gag--and Jackie Gleason in three roles. * from ****

2nd Time Around Not as Good

[Hollywood_Yoda · 7/10 · 24 October 2018]

In this sequel to the popular Smokey and the Bandit, we find Bandit, Cledus and Carrie on another road trip. This time, they are transporting an elephant for Big and Little Enos. Along the way, we see some new faces and some old. Dom DeLuise shows up as the veterinarian and Jackie Gleason shows up to chase the Bandit again.

This sequel sometimes feels unnecessary and pushed, but somehow still interesting. Maybe it's the part about the elephant. The acting seems lazy for this sequel as well, however the direction by Hal Needham was just as good as the first film.

None of the music sticks out in this film either as it did in the first Bandit film, not as memorable. This was followed by another sequel and eventually 4 television films.

This was a real personal disappointment for me!

[JohnMcClane88 · 4/10 · 26 May 2000]

I first seen the original Smokey and the Bandit when I was 13 when it was first released the summer of 1977 I was so in love with the first one I seen it 17 times in the theaters. I once walk in the rain to see it, I took my first date to see it and I have probably seen it 100 times on TV and Video.

With all that said I think I have the right to critique the sequel. I remember waiting 3 yrs for part II, I remember hearing there might be one in 1977 and I was so excited. Well, I remember I thought something was going wrong early in 1980 when I herd reports they wanted to call it "Smokey and the Bandit have a Baby" But I was still eager to see it, I rushed to see it the first night it was released, I remember it was a packed house and I was really excited. Then it happened, while watching it I couldn't help thinking this thing was awful!

It had nothing what so ever from the first one, they went for nothing but laughs, goofy plot, goofy gags, goofy jokes and transporting an elephant for $400,000 was so stupid! At first you might say, well wasn't the first like that? NO!!. Watch the first one again after watching the sequel, First - The Bandit was cool thru the whole movie, never lost his cool, never went for just a laugh, He was kinda the straight man. Even Jerry Reed (Snowman) had a really cool seen where he gets beat up (and this was a serious seen) and then runs over all the bikers bikes, that was great!! I remember the audience cheering when that happened. You even believed the Bandit and Frog really fell in love.

True it had a lot of slap stick screw ball humor but that was all from the sheriff's (Buford T. Justice) character, and it was all really funny. They could have really done a lot with this movie, like in most sequels they forgot the first rule - Continue with the original story! Don't repeat it!! The trick is to make it look like one whole movie cut in half, not a remake done badly. (for more research on how Not to make a sequel see Another 48hrs)

Ha ha did someone say elephant

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 29 March 2020]

Ha they're at it again with their hilarious antics but this time there's an elephant

Unneed but enjoyable sequel to the classic first film

[a_chinn · 6/10 · 21 June 2019]

The original film is an unabashed popcorn classic. Alfred Hitchcock famously stated that the original "Smokey and the Bandit" was one of his favorite films. This sequel is no were as good, but it does have it's low-brow charms. Burt is funny, Sally is irresistibly cute and likable, and who cannot resist the charms of Flash and Jerry Reed? That's not to mention the oddball chemistry of Pat McCormick and Paul Williams as instigators Big Enos and Little Enos Burdette. Wait! How can you forget the great Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T. Justice and his numbskull son Junior? Throw in Dom DeLuise and there's really no way anyone could not enjoy this Hal Needham directed sequel, even if it's nowhere as good as the original. But wait, there's also character actor John Anderson, Brenda Lee, Mel Tilis, Terry Bradshaw, "Mean Joe" Greene, The Statler Brothers, and even Chuck Yeager before "The Right Stuff." So overall, this sequel is closer to "Cannonball Run" of quality than 1977 "Smokey and the Bandit" quality, but it's still worth checking out if you enjoyed the first film (which if you say you didn't, you're a liar).

Blown opportunity

[jrs-8 · 4/10 · 16 October 1999]

"Smokey and the Bandit II" is a blown opportunity. I am not a big fan of sequels because they generally just repeat the same formula of the original. Here is no exception. But what bothers me is of ALL the ideas they could use they pick transporting an elephant? And why make the Bandit down on his luck? We want to see him on top of the world in the spoils of wealth from the first film. But all we get to see are he and Sally Field fighting. Jackie Gleason is good but the resurrection of some of his classic characters though nice, is totally unnecessary to the film. A big disappointment.