Smokey and the Bandit II Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

The Bandit, now an overweight has-been, must transport an elephant to win back his ex and relive his glory days, all while being chased by Jackie Gleason’s multiple personalities.

🍿 Smokey and the Bandit II: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Bandit’s Decline and a New Challenge

A few years after their Coors run, Bandit is struggling, having split with Frog and battling alcoholism. Big Enos and Little Enos offer him $400,000 to transport an elephant from Florida to Texas in three days. Cledus enlists Frog to help get Bandit back in shape, setting the stage for a new cross-country adventure. Frog, initially motivated by the money, helps Bandit sober up and regain his fitness. She even trades Junior’s car for a 1980 Turbo Trans Am, dubbed “Son of Trigger,” for Bandit to use. This marks the beginning of their renewed partnership and the start of the challenging journey.

The Elephantine Cargo and the Pursuit Begins

The team discovers their cargo is a pregnant elephant named Charlotte, meant to be the Republican Party’s mascot. They break into the quarantine area to retrieve her, and Bandit charms Charlotte by removing a splinter from her foot. Sheriff Buford T. Justice, with Junior in tow, resumes his relentless pursuit. Along the way, they encounter an Italian doctor, Doc, who determines Charlotte is pregnant and needs care. Stranded and bribed with money, Doc joins the team, adding another layer of comedic chaos to their journey. He frequently pleads for rest stops for the elephant, creating tension with Bandit’s urgency to meet the deadline.

Relationship Strains and Creative Solutions

The tight schedule and Charlotte’s needs cause friction between Bandit and Frog. She accuses him of prioritizing fame over the elephant’s well-being, leading to a temporary separation. This conflict forces Bandit to confront his priorities and rediscover his caring side. Driven by a desire to reconcile with Frog and help Charlotte, Bandit devises a plan to support the elephant in suspended netting, earning back Frog’s respect. This inventive solution showcases Bandit’s resourcefulness and commitment, strengthening their bond.

Justice’s Brothers and the Trucker Showdown

Unable to catch Bandit, Sheriff Justice enlists his brothers, Reginald Van Justice from Canada and Gaylord Justice, to help. They attempt to trap Bandit in a valley with Mounties and Texas Rangers, but Bandit orders Cledus to continue with Charlotte. Cledus returns with a convoy of trucks, leading to a massive showdown with the police. The trucks destroy numerous police cars, creating a chaotic and memorable scene. Bandit and Cledus escape by driving across a bridge of tractor-trailers, leaving the Justice brothers in disarray.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bandit (Burt Reynolds): A washed-up legend, the Bandit is hired to transport an elephant across the country, forcing him to confront his past and rekindle old flames.
• Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason): The relentlessly pursuing sheriff, Buford T. Justice, is determined to catch the Bandit and bring him to justice, fueled by personal vendettas and familial pride.
• Cledus (Jerry Reed): The loyal truck driver known as ‘Snowman’ partners with the Bandit once again, providing the muscle and trucking expertise for their cross-country escapade.
• Carrie (Sally Field): Also known as ‘Frog,’ Carrie is Bandit’s on-again, off-again girlfriend who is swept up in the latest scheme, forcing her to choose between stability and adventure.
• Doc (Dom DeLuise): An eccentric and reluctant gynecologist is forced to help the Bandit and Cledus care for a pregnant elephant during their chaotic journey.
• Little Enos (Paul Williams): The spoiled and scheming Little Enos, along with his father, hires the Bandit to complete an unusual task for political gain, setting the plot in motion.
• Big Enos (Pat McCormick): The wealthy and ambitious Big Enos orchestrates the transportation of an elephant to boost his political aspirations, relying on the Bandit’s skills.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Buford T. Justice: “Boy, is my face red! I got to get that Bandit!” – Buford’s classic line expressing his frustration and determination to catch the Bandit.
• Buford T. Justice: “I’m gonna barbecue your ass in molasses!” – A colorful threat Sheriff Justice makes to the Bandit, showcasing his over-the-top personality.
• Buford T. Justice: “That reminds me; I gotta call yo’ mama tonight.” – Buford’s response to Junior’s comment about a big ugly alligator.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $66,132,626
• Worldwide Gross: $66,132,626

💥 Smokey and the Bandit II Reviews

Personal Review

I remember being so hyped for this movie after loving the first one. Sadly, it just didn’t live up. The elephant thing felt forced, and it lacked that cool vibe from the original. The jokes felt repetitive. Gleason was funny, but even that couldn’t save it. It’s a fun watch if you are a fan of the original, but dont expect it to be as memorable or well executed. I think the best part was seeing the classic Trans Am again, even if it wasn’t driven as hard. It brought back some nostalgia, but overall, I wish they had gone with a different story. I would maybe watch it again if it was on TV, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the original Smokey and the Bandit”
  • “Viewers who enjoy car chases and action comedies”
  • “Those looking for lighthearted, nostalgic entertainment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Car crashes and stunts”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Smokey and the Bandit II suffers from a weak, rehashed plot, overly silly comedy, and cartoonish characters. While Jackie Gleason provides some laughs, the movie ultimately fails to capture the charm and excitement of the original.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “This sequel leans heavily into slapstick, sacrificing the original’s wit and car chases for cartoonish gags. It’s a fun, if dumb, ride, with Gleason doing some of his best work, but lacks substance.
• AllMovie: “Smokey and the Bandit II is a formulaic and less-than-inspired sequel. It attempts to recreate the magic of the original, but fails due to a predictable plot and over-the-top antics. The film is filled with stunts and guest appearances to distract from it’s lack of substance.

Audience Reactions

Jackie Gleason’s comedic performance, despite the weak script, still offers some laughs.: Many find Jackie Gleason’s performance as Sheriff Buford T. Justice, and his various family members, to be the highlight of the film.

The over-the-top stunts and chaotic car chase scenes at the end provide some mindless entertainment.: While the plot is weak, the film offers some entertaining moments with its large-scale stunts and vehicular mayhem.

Overall Consensus: A disappointing sequel that fails to capture the charm and excitement of the original, relying on silly gags and recycled jokes.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jackie Gleason’s scenes were filmed first due to his failing health. He wanted to complete his work on the film as quickly as possible.”
• “The film features numerous cameos from country music stars and athletes, adding to its lighthearted and comedic tone.”
• “Originally the sequel was considered to be called “Smokey and the Bandit have a Baby”.”

🖥️ How to Watch Smokey and the Bandit II?

Currently, ‘Smokey and the Bandit Ride Again’ is available for rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules. Purchasing options may also be available through digital retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Smokey and the Bandit II, you might like these similar films:

• Smokey and the Bandit (1977): Direct sequel. Featuring the same characters and themes.
• The Cannonball Run (1981): Another Hal Needham-directed ensemble comedy with car chases and stunts, also starring Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise.
• Convoy (1978): Focuses on the camaraderie of truckers and their defiance of authority, similar to the truck convoy scene in Smokey and the Bandit II.

🛒 Smokey and the Bandit II Related Products

• Smokey and The Bandit: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]: Complete with all three films, get ready to laugh along with a classic action comedy.
• 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo Smokey and The Bandit II 1/18 Scale Diecast Replica: Highly detailed diecast model of the iconic Trans Am from Smokey and the Bandit II. Features accurate detailing and authentic paint job.
• Smokey and the Bandit T-Shirt ‘East Bound and Down’: Officially licensed Smokey and the Bandit t-shirt featuring a classic quote from the movie. Made from comfortable, high-quality cotton.
• Trucker Hat with GMC General Logo: Trucker hat with adjustable snap closure in a dark brown colour and the GMC General Logo in front.

🎧 Soundtrack

Smokey and the Bandit II features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Texas Bound and Flying” – performed by Jerry Reed
• “The Bandit and the Preacher” – performed by Jerry Reed
• “Charlotte’s Web” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Smokey and the Bandit 2 – Burt Reynolds Documentary

Ever wondered about Burt Reynolds’ impact on ‘Smokey and the Bandit 2’? This documentary clip breaks down his career and how it shaped the film. Honestly, it gave me a whole new appreciation for Burt Reynolds!

Behind the Scenes of “Smokey and the Bandit 2”

Want to see how they actually blew up that roller coaster in ‘Smokey and the Bandit 2′? This behind-the-scenes footage is gold, and you even get a peek at Burt Reynolds’ birthday celebration on set! It’s so cool to see the real work that went into that shot.

✨ Rate