Smokey and the Bandit 2 - Could have been so much better

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?

5/10 a hard trek, a bit like unicycling to Mordor and back