The Film Thugs Movie Show

Jim and his friend Brian (a member of the Thugs Abroad Program) put together their first in a series of films about people who suck at life. Check it out.

What is it about Burt Reynolds?

I’m asking a serious question.

There is something alchemistic about Mr. Reynolds. Think about it. You have actors like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie whose popularity transcends film. You have actors like Nic Cage whose careers are resilient to the point of ridiculousness. Then you have actors like John Travolta who, no matter what happens in their careers, keep coming back.

Burt Reynolds has the unique distinction of being all three.

But how does he do it?

First off you have to ask how one classifies Reynolds.

Is he an action star? Is he a comedian? Is he some bizarre combination of both? The man has been in over 90 movies and has been everything from ass kicking outlaws on the side of justice (White Lightning, Gator), to free spirited outlaws who live by their own rules (Smokey and the Bandit, The Cannonball Run), to roughish athletes (Semi Tough, The Longest Yard), to cops who play by their own rules (Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), to just plain badasses (Deliverance, Stick, Stroker Ace). His filmography is a mix of drama, comedy, action, and action comedy that is almost impossible to pin down.

So, we have an unclassifiable actor with an unclassifiable career who has run the gamut from the worlds top box office star (the man won 9 People’s Choice Awards in 5 years, and although that isn’t a “prestige” award it does show an incredible level of popularity. Oh, he also has an Oscar nomination and a TON of Golden Globe nominations and awards) who was briefly considered to play James Bond, to star direct to cable/video films that have garnered him 2 Razzies and another 6 nominations. His career defies all logic, and would have led a lesser man to absolute obscurity. But no, Reynolds remains one of the most recognizable and, dare I say, iconic screen stars in the world.

Don’t believe me? Let me ask you this: has Burt Reynolds presence in a film ever been anything but an added value? Be honest. Have you ever said, “I don’t want to see that movie because Burt Reynolds is in it?” No, no you haven’t, and if you say you have then I will call you a hipster liar to your face.

But the question remains, “HOW?”

Well, let’s start off by tracing the evolution of Burt.

Imagine Burt Reynolds as James Bond? Has Bond ever had that much swagger? That much humor?

Slap the cameraman.