Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- breezy
- amiable
- lazy sunday
- classic action night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film amiable and entertaining, with appealing performances and impressive stunts that elevate a familiar action-comedy formula.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Sonny Hooper's work, safety expertise, professional reputation, and final supersized stunt make stunt production the film's defining subject.
Aging veteran Sonny Hooper faces ambitious young performer Ski, whose recklessness contrasts with Sonny's experience.
The film foregrounds crashes, daredevil set pieces, and dangerous stunt work as its central visual attraction.
The stunt action is paired with fun-loving buddies, comic bravado, and a warm, likeable emotional register.
Films like Hooper, and why
Smokey and the Bandit
Shared action comedy, daredevil stunt spectacle, charismatic star persona, and affectionate buddy rivalry.
The Cannonball Run
Shared stunt-driven action comedy, Hollywood self-mockery, practical spectacle, and easygoing ensemble humor.
The Gumball Rally
Shared 1970s action comedy, physical stunt showmanship, comic bravado, and male friendship.
The Stunt Man
Shared behind-the-scenes entertainment-industry setting, practical stunt spectacle, and warm professional camaraderie.
Movie Details
- Director
- Hal Needham
- Release Date
- 1978-07-28
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (147)
Cast
- Burt Reynolds
- Jan-Michael Vincent
- Sally Field
- Brian Keith
- John Marley
- Robert Klein
- James Best
- Adam West
- Alfie Wise
- Terry Bradshaw
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- TCM
- 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 Hooper about?
- An aging Hollywood stunt legend mentors a reckless young rival while chasing one last record-breaking feat of practical daredevilry.
- What is Hooper like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Hooper as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Hooper violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Hooper as mild.
- What did critics think of Hooper?
- Critics broadly found the film amiable and entertaining, with appealing performances and impressive stunts that elevate a familiar action-comedy formula.
- Which films are like Hooper?
- Films with a similar feel include Smokey and the Bandit, The Cannonball Run, The Gumball Rally, and The Stunt Man.
- How long is Hooper?
- Hooper runs 99 minutes.
- Where can I watch Hooper?
- In United States, Hooper streams on TCM.
