1970s superstar Burt Reynolds made his directorial debut with this sequel to his 1973 vehicle "White Lightning". He also returns to the title role, and Gator is now living a quiet existence with his cantankerous, talkative old pop (John Steadman) and spunky nine year old daughter (Lori Futch). Justice Department agent Irving Greenfield (Jack Weston) is pretty sure Gator is still making and running moonshine, so he intends to offer Gator a proposal. He won't be arresting him (a bust this time would make Gator a three time loser), but asking him to hook up with a childhood buddy, Bama McCall (Jerry Reed). Bama is a crooked politician and crime kingpin, and it's really him that the authorities are after. Gator isn't happy about the assignment at first, but he changes his tune when he realizes the depths of Bamas' depravity.
The main problem with "Gator" is that it goes on so long (at least a couple of minutes could have been trimmed) and is so heavy on comedy, that when it takes a side step into ugliness, it's ultimately too jarring. It should have tried striking more of a balance throughout. At first we think it might be "Smokey and the Bandit" type hijinks, with Greenfield bumbling quite a bit for a character who is supposed to be a crack Federal agent. It is mildly funny at times, but it's mostly the performances that keep this watchable for close to two hours. Reeds' title song, which he wrote and sang, gets us in a good mood, and the widescreen Todd AO 35 photography by William A. Fraker is first rate.
Burt is good as Gator. He's charming when he needs to be, but is also believable when he's required to get serious. Reed makes Bama a rather engaging villain, full of personality, for a while. Lauren Hutton is appealing as the reporter who becomes Gators' love interest and co- conspirator. TV personality Mike Douglas has a pre-credits cameo as The Governor. Particularly fun in supporting roles are the ever smiling Burton Gilliam as a henchman, Dub Taylor in peak hammy form as a corrupt mayor, Alice Ghostley as a former public servant, and William Engesser as towering creep Bones. Incidentally, there's a 'Dukes of Hazzard' connection here, as James Best (Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane) was assistant to the producers, and Sonny Shroyer (Deputy Enos Strate) has a tiny part as a Federal agent.
"Gator" is fairly enjoyable, but isn't among the best of Burts' work from this period.
Six out of 10.
The main problem with "Gator" is that it goes on so long (at least a couple of minutes could have been trimmed) and is so heavy on comedy, that when it takes a side step into ugliness, it's ultimately too jarring. It should have tried striking more of a balance throughout. At first we think it might be "Smokey and the Bandit" type hijinks, with Greenfield bumbling quite a bit for a character who is supposed to be a crack Federal agent. It is mildly funny at times, but it's mostly the performances that keep this watchable for close to two hours. Reeds' title song, which he wrote and sang, gets us in a good mood, and the widescreen Todd AO 35 photography by William A. Fraker is first rate.
Burt is good as Gator. He's charming when he needs to be, but is also believable when he's required to get serious. Reed makes Bama a rather engaging villain, full of personality, for a while. Lauren Hutton is appealing as the reporter who becomes Gators' love interest and co- conspirator. TV personality Mike Douglas has a pre-credits cameo as The Governor. Particularly fun in supporting roles are the ever smiling Burton Gilliam as a henchman, Dub Taylor in peak hammy form as a corrupt mayor, Alice Ghostley as a former public servant, and William Engesser as towering creep Bones. Incidentally, there's a 'Dukes of Hazzard' connection here, as James Best (Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane) was assistant to the producers, and Sonny Shroyer (Deputy Enos Strate) has a tiny part as a Federal agent.
"Gator" is fairly enjoyable, but isn't among the best of Burts' work from this period.
Six out of 10.