Burt Reynoldswas one of the effortlessly cool actors of his generation.
His rugged charm, mischievous smile, and undeniable screen presence earned him a huge fan following.
Rising to fame in the 1970s, Reynolds became a bona fide box office powerhouse.
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By some measures, he was, for a while, perhaps the biggest movie star on the planet.
What made Reynolds so compelling was his ability to bring authenticity to every role.
While working a routine case, he stumbles upon a high-class prostitution ring linked to a powerful political figure.
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As he digs deeper, Sharky becomes entangled in a web of corruption, violence, and personal revenge.
The action and chase sequences are also impressively energetic.
The opening shootout, for example, contains more excitement and flair than most entire action thrillers.
The finished product isa hard-boiled crime flick done right: bold, simple, and entertaining.
He’s assisted by legendary stuntmanHal Needham, who helped bring the stellar climactic chase sequence to life.
His death-defying feats are still impressive today.
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Initially reluctant, Crewe gradually embraces leadership, uniting a ragtag group of hardened criminals into a formidable squad.
Overall,this film could have becomecheesy were it not for the talents of Reynolds and Clayburgh.
They are compelling and endlessly watchable, with a ton of crackling chemistry.
I mean, that’s what men have been doing to women for years."
Citizen Ruthis a wonderfully irreverent movieridiculing anyone and everyone.
It took guts for Payne to make something like this.
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Those who are only familiar with his later work should definitely check it out.
Although a little dated now,Smokey and the Banditis still a ton of fun.
At the heart of it all isReynolds’s effortless, witty performance, radiating daredevil bravado.
The cinematography is frequently breathtaking, the tension is meticulously maintained, and the violence is realistic.
Reynolds is fantastic as Jack Horner, a veteran porn director who sees potential in the young Eddie.
The visuals are also virtuosic and maximalist, replete with extended tracking shots and dynamic camera moves.
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For all these reasons and more,Boogie Nightsremainsone of the best statements on fame ever committed to celluloid.
Reynolds is key to its success, and the move rightly earned him an Oscar nod.
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