The Sugarland Express
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Movie Reviews of The Sugarland Express
Movie Review: Surprisingly Moving
Summary: 5 Stars
To see Goldie as not much older than a teenager is near worth the price of admission. But on top of this (and she IS cute) she puts in a GREAT performance as the lovable yet strong-willed mother of a somewhat criminal bent intent on getting her baby back. I started watching this last night and had to turn it off mid-way to go to bed. There were some moments in the middle there which could be described as *long*. However, this morning I threw it on again for the second hour and was not in the least bored. Far from it, I was very impressed, moved even, by the story and the actors performances. Good camera work too, if you're paying attention. This one's worth the watch - it's Spielberg!Movie Review: Geat Crime Caper, but excessive police responce
Summary: 5 Stars
In their obsessive attempt to capture and/or kill the abductors of the police officer (michal Sachs) the authorities repeatedly and ruthlessly place his life in danger. Then, at the end of this wild chase, when the abducted officer miraculessly has escaped with his life, the senior officer takes his time releasling him from his handcuffs and then just walks away without any show of compassion or appreciation for him. Leaving him just standing there alone while all the massed law enforcement and news reporters go back to home base. I would think the abducted officer would be thinking seriously about leaving his position and finding another occupation.Movie Review: FUNNY and TOUCHING
Summary: 5 Stars
I was actually living in Houston when this story occurred. It really was a big deal and happened like the movie depicts. Great movie.Movie Review: Astonishing debut film.
Summary: 5 Stars
Keep an eye out for this director, he's sure to go on to do great things.
:)
Movie Review: Riveting road movie based on true story
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Sugarland Express" received good critical reviews but flopped at the box office. Luckily, Spielberg had demonstrated his skill as a director with this film and the TV movie "Duel". Both earned him the chance to direct "Jaws" and the rest, as they say, is history. Based on a true story, Lou Jean Poplin (Goldie Hawn)convinces her husband Clovis (William Atherton from "Ghostbusters" and "Die Hard")to break out of a minimum security prison even thought he has only a couple of months to go. Their son is being taken away from her and being put into foster care. Lou Jean won't stand for this and she proposes that they kidnap their own son. In the process, the pair end up taking a Texas police officer (Michael Sacks "Slaughter House Five")hostage and are pursued by Texas lawmen led by Captain Tanner (Ben Johnson) across the state.
Steven Spielberg's first film gives evidence of his talent and skills as a film director. Although he would later be accused of creating the box office mania that "dumbed down" Summer films into "event films", Spielberg didn't create the popcorn movie genre. Like Hitchcock, Spielberg made many types of films and this, his second, was among his most ambitious early films in terms of scope, technique and themes. Based on a story that Spielberg concocted with screenwriters Hal Barwood and Matthew Robbins ("The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings", "Dragonslayer") from a true story a taunt, often funny and powerful road movie.
The strong performances and well written script gave Spielberg a springboard to dive into a pool of ambitious film techniques. Make no mistake, though, this film isn't just about technique and that's its saving grace. Otherwise, this could have degenerated into just another exploitation film. John Williams' score enhances the tension throughout the script. While Spielberg swimped a number of stunning set ups and ideas for shots from his favorite films here (as he did in "Duel"), he makes them his own by carefully integrating them into the story and adding his own little special quirks to them as well.
"The Sugarland Express" was long overdue for release on DVD. Unfortunately, unlike "Duel", this DVD transfer isn't quite as sharp looking. The colors appear a bit faded and the print is marred with many analog blemishes. It could just be the condition of the negative but, more than likely, these are artifacts that just weren't fixed at the transfer stage. The sound is decent although, again, much more could have been done with it to enhance the score by Williams and sound effects that swirl around the action in many sequences.
The film comes with only a photo gallery and original theatrical trailer. It's surprising that this film didn't get quite the deluxe treatment that "Duel" did for DVD. I'm disappointed that Spielberg chose not to do interview segments on this movie as he did for "Duel". In retrospect, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that "The Sugarland Express" didn't get more attention. It flopped when first released (while "Duel" garnered huge ratings on TV)and hasn't gained the cult status of some of Spielberg's other less successful films (such as "1941" which has become something of a cult classic). Still, it's disappointing that Spielberg's first big screen film didn't receive the attention and respect it was due. It would be the same if "Citizen Kane" or Hitchcock's "Vertigo" were treated shabbily they were brought out on DVD. While "The Sugarland Express" isn't as important as either one of those films, it has merit all its own and, given Spielberg's blossoming skill as a director later in life, it would seem appropriate to spend the time and money on making this minor classic look and sound its best.
Nevertheless, "The Sugarland Express" will capture your attention. From the sharp, strong performances by Hawn, Atherson, Sacks and Johnson to Spielberg's audacious ambitious shots and the rich, witty screenplay, "The Sugarland Express" becomes more than a rollercoaster ride. It also touches the heart with the tragedy at its core.