Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- boisterous
- irreverent
- breezy
- lazy weekend
- road movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly viewed the sequel as a less inspired repetition of the original, despite its abundant vehicle stunts.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Bandit is hired to move a live elephant across the country within three days.
Jackie Gleason plays Buford T. Justice, Reginald Van Justice, and Gaylord Justice.
The film foregrounds a cross-country truck journey and large-scale truck stunts.
The plot returns to Bandit, Cledus, Buford, and a cross-country transport challenge after the original run.
Films like Smokey and the Bandit II, and why
Smokey and the Bandit
road movie comedy built around reckless vehicle stunts, pursuit by comic law enforcement, and charismatic male leads
The Cannonball Run
fast-moving action comedy combining a cross-country transport mission, broad humor, and elaborate automotive set pieces
Convoy
ensemble road comedy driven by illegal transportation, celebrity performers, slapstick, and escalating pursuit
The Gumball Rally
retro action comedy centered on a high-pressure delivery challenge, comic rivalries, and oversized stunt spectacle
Movie Details
- Director
- Hal Needham
- Release Date
- 1980-08-15
- Runtime
- 101 min
- Rating
- 5.6 / 10 (327)
Cast
- Burt Reynolds
- Jackie Gleason
- Jerry Reed
- Dom DeLuise
- Sally Field
- Paul Williams
- Pat McCormick
- David Huddleston
- Mike Henry
- John Anderson
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Smokey and the Bandit II about?
- A washed-up daredevil driver gets one more shot at glory when a pair of promoters hires him to haul an elephant across America before the deadline.
- What is Smokey and the Bandit II like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Smokey and the Bandit II as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Smokey and the Bandit II violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Smokey and the Bandit II as mild.
- What did critics think of Smokey and the Bandit II?
- Critics broadly viewed the sequel as a less inspired repetition of the original, despite its abundant vehicle stunts.
- Which films are like Smokey and the Bandit II?
- Films with a similar feel include Smokey and the Bandit, The Cannonball Run, Convoy, and The Gumball Rally.
- How long is Smokey and the Bandit II?
- Smokey and the Bandit II runs 101 minutes.
- Where can I watch Smokey and the Bandit II?
- In United States, Smokey and the Bandit II is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
