Those great, shared cultural experiences. I’m sure some of you remember how ground-breaking it was in 1977 to see this film. Sure, we’d seen the actors in parts before, on TV, in some smaller films, but this one propelled them into greater stardom. The memorable tunes. One of the greatest cinematic antagonists. The fact we actually started using the jargon from the film in our everyday speech.
Then there was the first sequel in 1980, and the next in 1983, though neither really surpassed the original, even if they cranked up the effects. They made more after that but those don’t even count among true fans.
Today, the impact is still there. I’m getting all misty-eyed and really need to watch the first one again on DVD.
I am truly grateful for Smokey and the Bandit.
On that very tongue-in-cheek note, have a wonderful 2016, everyone!