As Good As It Gets

Absolutely the worst movie.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Although not Robert Mitchum's best film (that would be the brilliant "Night of the Hunter" or "Out of the Past"), but it's one of my favorites of his films. Mitchum plays a moonshine runner (think a young Boss Hogg and Uncle Jesse) caught in the middle of moonshine war with the mob and some hard-nosed feds. The film was co-written and produced by Mitchum, and is rumored to have also directed much of the film. He also sang the film's theme song! The film had a chance to be even cooler with the part of Mitchum's kid brother being written for Elivis, who reportedly wanted to appear in the film, but Colonel Tom Parker demanded a huge salary that exceeded the entire budget of the small production. If you have to ding this very likable film, the story is a pretty corny one of Mitchum trying to keep his kid brother (played by his dead ringer real-life son instead of Elvis) while fending off Federal agents, rival moonshiners, and romancing nightclub singer Keely Smith.Still, Bob Mitchum running 'shine is pretty hard to resist, especially when you have some amazing stunt work from legendary stuntman Carey Loftin, the guy behind the car chases in "Bullitt," "Vanishing Point," and "The French Connection." This is easily THE definitive moonshine picture and a must see for fans of this type of picture.

Robert Mitchum is terrific as always in this drive-in classic, one of the all time great movies made about moonshiners. Bob plays Lucas Doolin, a Korean War veteran who comes home to help out with the family business of illegal whiskey. He does his damnedest to keep his younger brother Robin (played by Bobs' son James, who makes his film debut here) from entering the business as a driver, while romancing a chanteuse named Francie (Keely Smith). Lucas has his hands full dealing with a ruthless rival, Carl Kogan (Jacques Aubuchon), while a dedicated Treasury agent, Troy Barrett (Gene Barry) tries to make a deal with him."Thunder Road" might not appeal to B movie enthusiasts across the board, because, in the end, it's got more drama in it than action. But the dialogue is cool, the cars are slick, the photography (credited to both David Ettenson and Alan Stensvold) is very atmospheric, and the performances are all quite engaging. Mitchum is fun to watch, exuding his own natural charisma as a character with his own moral code and own way of doing things. The younger Mitchum holds his own opposite his dad, and lovely Sandra Knight is appealing as Roxanna, the girl in love with Lucas. Aubuchon is an entertaining heavy, and Trevor Bardette is likewise solid as Lucas's father Vernon. While watching, keep an eye out for a few prominent character actors, making their own film debuts in uncredited roles: Peter Breck, Jerry Hardin, Mitchell Ryan.Bob also co-wrote that plaintive song "The Whipoorwill", crooned in the movie by Ms. Smith, and got a hit record out of the title tune.Seven out of 10.

Ultra-Low-Budget "Vanity" Project for Robert Mitchum, who Recorded the Infectious Radio Hit that Unfortunately is Not Used in the Movie. Just Alternate Versions. It was an Unexpected Drive-In Hit where it was Dumped by the Releasing Studio that had No Faith in this Odd Little Movie.The Acting is Inconsistent and Amateurish at times, although some say that is part of its "Bastardized" Charm. The Story is a Good One and at the Time very New. The Film has a Quirky Charm from the Beginning and it looks like Nothing Out of Hollywood, resembling a Highly Independent Production made by just a Few Determined Folks. The Energy also Wavers on and off with the Mitchum Love Interest mostly to Blame, it features the "Lounge" Singer Keely Smith, who could Sing a lot Better than She could Act. James Mitchum (Bob's Son), is given a Shot and Plays the "Virginal" Brother and is Passable. The rest of the Cast gets by OK, but it is the Odd Nature and Bare Bones Production that makes this a Must See. Some Good Car Crashes although the Chases are Lackluster. This is a Movie that has a Strong Reputation and 1950's Greasers and Gear-Heads Loved It.

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I saw it when I was about 10 years old. I've always wondered what ever happened to the 50/51 Ford Robert Mitchum drove in the beginning of the movie ??? What happened to the cars from BULLIT has been explained in other magazines, but I've never seen anything on the ones in Thunder Road... either the 57 Ford he drove or the 50/51 Ford he drove. What happened to them ?? I know we see the 57 crash at the end, but that may or may not be the one he drove. In some of the other scenes with 57 fords, like the one with the 2 guys who go off the cliff, the wrong model of 57 Ford goes off the cliff and catches fire........ Does anyone know the answer...? Wiley Jack Hammer