Smokey and the Bandit 2: The Sequel That Almost Wasn't

Introduction

The original Smokey and the Bandit film, released in 1977, was a massive hit, grossing over $300 million at the box office. The film's success spawned a sequel, Smokey and the Bandit II, which was released in 1980.

Development

The development of Smokey and the Bandit II was a tumultuous one. The original film's director, Hal Needham, was fired from the sequel after a dispute with the studio. Needham was replaced by Buddy Van Horn, who had previously worked as a stuntman on the original film.

Casting

Burt Reynolds and Sally Field reprised their roles as Bo "Bandit" Darville and Carrie "Frog" Sutton in Smokey and the Bandit II. Jackie Gleason also returned as Sheriff Buford T. Justice. The cast of the sequel featured several newcomers, including Jerry Reed, Dom DeLuise, and Pat McCormick.

Plot

Smokey and the Bandit II picks up where the original film left off. Bandit and Frog are married and living a quiet life in Texas. However, their peaceful existence is short-lived when Justice shows up with a warrant for Bandit's arrest. Bandit and Frog go on the run, and they are soon joined by Cledus "Snowman" Snow, a beer-swilling trucker played by Jerry Reed.

The trio drive from Texas to Florida, evading Justice and other law enforcement officers along the way. They also encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a group of moonshiners and a bumbling deputy sheriff.

Reception

Smokey and the Bandit II was not as well-received as the original film. Critics found the sequel to be too similar to the first film, and they complained that the new characters were not as interesting as the originals. The film also performed poorly at the box office, grossing only $77 million.

Legacy

Despite its mixed reception, Smokey and the Bandit II remains a popular film among fans of the original. The film's memorable characters, exciting car chases, and catchy soundtrack have helped to make it a cult classic.

Additional Information

• Smokey and the Bandit II was filmed on location in Texas, Florida, and Alabama.
• The film's budget was $12 million.
• The film's running time is 105 minutes.
• The film was released by Universal Pictures.

Key Statistics

• Smokey and the Bandit II grossed $77 million at the box office.
• The film was the 20th highest-grossing film of 1980.
• The film's DVD sales have exceeded $100 million.

Customer Feedback

• "Smokey and the Bandit II is a fun and exciting film that is perfect for a night of mindless entertainment."
• "The film's characters are well-developed and likable, and the car chases are some of the best I have ever seen."
• "I was disappointed by Smokey and the Bandit II. The film was too similar to the original, and the new characters were not as interesting."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not watch Smokey and the Bandit II expecting it to be as good as the original film.
• Do not watch Smokey and the Bandit II if you are looking for a film with a complex plot.
• Do not watch Smokey and the Bandit II if you are easily offended by crude humor.

FAQs

• Who directed Smokey and the Bandit II?
  • Buddy Van Horn
• Who wrote the screenplay for Smokey and the Bandit II?
  • Hal Needham and Charles Shyer
• Who starred in Smokey and the Bandit II?
  • Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, Dom DeLuise, and Pat McCormick
• What is the budget of Smokey and the Bandit II?
  • $12 million
• What is the running time of Smokey and the Bandit II?
  • 105 minutes
• When was Smokey and the Bandit II released?
  • June 27, 1980
• Who distributed Smokey and the Bandit II?
  • Universal Pictures
• How much money did Smokey and the Bandit II gross at the box office?
  • $77 million

Conclusion

Smokey and the Bandit II is a fun and exciting film that is perfect for a night of mindless entertainment. The film's memorable characters, exciting car chases