A very feeble attempt at affirmatie action

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

I've gotta admit, "White Lightning" wasn't at all what I was expecting. You see the words, "Burt Reynolds", "car" and "South" and it evokes the awesomeness that is "Smokey and the Bandit". Just how it is. But this is more serious. Reynolds still wields the good ol' boy charm, but he also seethes as he seeks to avenge his brother's senseless death at the hands of a corrupt sheriff (Ned Beatty, one of the great fascist lawmen).There's something about this movie that works. The sweaty southern time and place, the long-ago political climate, the brooding protagonist. There's just enough fun here with the car chases to balance out the bitter injustice.7/10

Burt Reynolds plays "Gator" McKlusky, a good ol' boy convict who gets word that his younger brother Donny has died. Not only did Donny die, but he was deliberately drowned by a crooked sheriff, J.C. Connors (Ned Beatty). "Gator" decides to cooperate with the Feds in order to get himself out of jail so he can seek revenge. His official mission will be to get the goods on not just Connors, but the moonshiners with whom he does business.In general, "White Lightning" is no great shakes, but it's certainly a pleasant and watchable enough rural action flick. If it does one thing well, it's that it showcases the charms of its star in fine fashion. Burt is engaging, and the strong supporting cast is a big asset. Beatty actually underplays the role of the antagonist, never turning him into the kind of cartoon character we might otherwise see in movies of this type. Jennifer Billingsley adds substantial sex appeal as Lou, the gal who turns Gators' head. First rate character actors and actresses such as Bo Hopkins, Matt Clark, Louise Latham, Diane Ladd, R.G. Armstrong, Dabbs Greer, John Steadman, and Iris Korn all contribute heavily. Buffs should note that Ladds' daughter Laura Dern appears in a couple of shots; it was her film debut.The flavourful score by Charles Bernstein is most enjoyable, and the filmmakers get great use out of various Arkansas locations. Joseph Sargent ("Colossus: The Forbin Project", "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three") does a fine job with the first unit direction, but it's really Hal Needhams' deft handling of the action sequences that bring "White Lightning" to life at just the right times. William W. Norton wrote the screenplay, creating a convincing milieu where traditional Southerners mistrust the current young generation of hippies and protesters. There are some poignant interludes with Gator & Lou, and at a home for unwed mothers.Fine entertainment for devotees of old drive-in movies.Seven out of 10.

This was my first Burt Reynolds movie and it was one of the best. Burt Reynolds plays the role of Gator McKlusky, Jennifer Billingsley plays the role of Lou, and Ned Beatty plays the role of Sheriff Conners. Gator is in an Arkansas prison serving time for running moonshine whiskey. While in prison Gator learns that his little brother was ******** by the ruthless Sheriff J.C. Conners. Therefore, Gator gets a pardon as along as he agrees to join up with the feds in order to put Sheriff Conners out of business for good. With adrenaline pumping car chasers, bone crushing brawls and terrific acting made this one of the best action films in it's time. based on the action alone of give this movie 8 weasel stars because there was no gorgeous actress in this picture.

They certainly don't make movies like this anymore. Likable characters, good story, a very charismatic Burt Reynolds. As for the action, I would take well-filmed, exciting car chase and action sequences as seen in White Lightning over CGI special effects in today's films any day! Rural locations in the South are also used to great effect. You can almost feel the cold water of the swamp in a great opening sequence, the ears of corn bouncing off the windshield as Reynolds drives the souped-up Ford through a cornfield, and the dust coming off the tires. As also observed by movie critic Roger Ebert, today's special effects- laden movies have forgotten how to make the location of the story, the land, a character in itself. After seeing this film at a drive-in theater around 1975, White Lighting was a "bad influence" on a kid as I was in rural Wisconsin who had just gotten his driving license. I would discreetly take the parent's car and my friends out on dusty, dirt roads in the countryside to execute "some Burt Reynolds style" driving. In addition, some parts of the movie are even touching. These include when Reynolds meets his parents for the first time after spending time in prison. And when Reynolds prior to the big chase sequence at the end proclaims his confusion to a young woman at the "Home For Young Mothers" as to why his brother who tried to make something of himself was murdered while he "had not done a damn good thing" his entire life. Enough of my ramblings. In summary, a movie with a number of added dimensions to put it far above and beyond a standard action movie. A pure classic.