STICK (1985)

Directed By: Burt Reynolds 
Written By: Elmore Leonard & Joseph C. Stinson 
Based on the novel By: Elmore Leonard 
Cinematography By: Nick McLean 
Editor: William Gordean 


Cast: Burt Reynolds, Candice Bergen, George Segal, Dar Robinson, Jose Perez, Alex Rocco, Richard Lawson, Tricia Leigh Fisher 


Ernest 'Stick' Stickley returns from prison, and very soon he gets involved with his old friend in a drug-running deal that goes sour. Hired by a rich investor, he tries to walk the line, but trouble follows him throughout as he tries to collect a debt and make up for lost time with his daughter. Stick also finds a new flame with a financial wiz and gets set to enjoy a new life, but Chucky and Nestor, the two hoods who owe him the debt, have other plans for Stick.


This would be a typical 80’s action film starring Burt Reynolds which he also has directed but this one is a kind of strange film. Which is what makes it fascinating and endlessly watchable

As it plays it straight but as an action movie it is strangely devoid of much action and thriller elements. Where as it comes off as more. A character piece where it racks up plenty of supporting characters who are in their ow. Way interesting. So much so that you want to see more of them. As they get such short shrift here and are more meant to be means to an end.

As the film focuses more on the character of stick and we watch as he makes his way through Florida. As he seeks revenge but the film seems to only occasionally remember this. While we watch him make his own life. That includes a romantic interest out of nowhere who seems more shoehorned in here just to make his life complete and a daughter who feels like an element to make him seem sensitive and chivalrous plus give him a weakness and something to worry about.

The film seems almost a testament to show how macho yet sensitive Burt Reynolds character is. That if it had been more successful he could have had a franchise of movies with this character. Even though the character deserves the ending he gets here. As the movie already seems like a pilot TV movie for a series with all these colorful characters it could be a easily been stretched to a season as he slowly eats away at his enemies and gets into side stories involving the other characters who at first seem pawns in a game of revenge until stick seems to from friendships and relationships with them actively bonding.

As the people he seeks revenge on for killing his best friend and trying to kill him in a bad deal he was onto involved in to help out that friend. Are Charles Durning in Hawaiian shorts and dyed red fright wig and eyebrows and an albino Hitman with otherworldly rabbit eyes. Which is never explained. Of course this all makes sense as pulp/crime Novelist co-wrote the screenplay based on his novel. and these strange quirky villains seem the type he usually creates. As well as rich supporting characters.

The novel which is a sequel of sorts to his other novel swag. Where as in that novel the character of stick is more of a sidekick. In this book and tale he is moved to the forefront to me the main character. Which might be one of the problems with this film. Where as in the book swag we might have learned more about the character and his past. In this film we are only given the basics. Which works for a 1980’s action hero which was the norm at the time and works for the film, but leaves you wanting to learn a bit more or at least see the character Return and that is how it feels watching the film while satisfactory you are left wanting more.

When the film reaches the finale he seems to deal with them rather easily and with little action confrontation. So that the action finally is so small scale when he has to face forces that he previously seemed to have made peace with, just feels more forced than anything.

Candice Bergen seems here more as a favor. It was a kind of reunion from them co-starring in STARTING OVER. As she plays a pivotal role but is barely in it. Except to maybe tie things up at the end. In other words more typical love interest role that actress Julie Walters turned down, as she found it uninteresting.

Elmore Leonard disapproved of the film as the studio ordered many reshoots to cut down on the films humor and was upset with director/Star Burt Reynolds for not fighting harder to keep the original cut. He also felt the film was very theatrical with actors going all over the place with their performance.

The movie is unintentionally funny at times due to the years in which it was made. It plays very dated yet fun as a lot ok back. But it is also humorous intentionally as that seems to be part of the film and the characters charm.

This is another film that showcases Burt Reynolds charisma and his type of screen character. Not necessarily notable but there is something about him that plays more to the known version and star that is Burt Reynolds and his personality.


Grade: C+