### Smokey and the Bandit Part 3: A Cautionary Tale of Sequels
**”Smokey and the Bandit Part 3″** is often regarded as one of the most dismal sequels in cinematic history. Even the iconic **Burt Reynolds**, who possessed a unique knack for selecting questionable films during the 1980s, sensed that the franchise had hit a brick wall after the faltering second installment. He was only willing to make a **brief, sixty-second cameo**, leaving fans yearning for the charm of the original.
#### A Bold Yet Confounding Concept
In an audacious move, **Jackie Gleason** proposed a radical idea: to play both principal roles. This ambitious concept — filmed under the title **”Smokey IS the Bandit”** — was meant to create an unprecedented cinematic universe. Imagine a world where iconic characters intertwine; think **Thelma meets Louise**, or **Bonnie bumps into Clyde**. The possibilities were tantalizing, yet the execution turned out to be a disaster.
#### The Plot that Almost Was
Audiences were left scratching their heads, leading to Gleason’s dual portrayal of the comedic Bandit being scrapped. Instead, **Jerry Reed**—alongside his canine companion—stepped into the role, but the original cut of the movie hasn’t seen the light of day since. To appreciate just how uninspired “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3” truly is, one must reflect on its compilation of chaotic stunts, mediocre humor, and a narrative that feels hastily thrown together.
### A Desperate Direction
Director **Hal Needham** disowned the project, handing the reins over to **Dick Lowry**, who commenced the film with a **”Once Upon A Time…”** title card, followed by a five-minute recap in sepia-toned nostalgia. It could have been a tongue-in-cheek homage to cinema’s past, but it merely served as a plodding reminder of how far the franchise had fallen.
#### Gleason’s Comedic Comeback
Emerging once again as **Sheriff Buford T. Justice**, Gleason pops up in front of a giant American flag—a curious nod to **Francis Ford Coppola’s “Patton.”** The film kicks off absurdly when Justice emerges from retirement to accept a ludicrous bet from **Big and Little Enos Burdette** (played by **Pat McCormick** and **Paul Williams**). The hilarity ensues as Justice attempts to transport a giant statue of a shark from **Miami to Austin**, facing an array of whimsical challenges along the way.
### Stunts, Stereotypes, and Sensitivities
While the second film suffered from a lack of automotive action until its final moments, **”Part 3″** is drenched in car chases and convoluted stunts. The film showcases vehicles driving through random obstacles — from **displays of flags to ice and mailboxes** — all captured in slow motion akin to **Sam Peckinpah’s** style.
However, beneath the surface lies a discomforting portrayal of societal issues. The film trudges through outdated stereotypes and cringe-worthy jokes that now feel entirely out of touch. For instance, the film features racially problematic scenarios and gender insensitivity, none of which age well with viewers today.
### The Legacy of Lousy Humor
Sample jokes from the film include Buford T. Justice’s quip to his son after driving through a milk truck:
> “My face is all white,” leading to Justice’s inappropriate reply:
> “Then I’ll put some lipstick on you and drop you off at a gay bar!”
Or when Justice is charged with claiming that his ex-wife resembled “an iceberg with feet” after a Klan jab. These moments serve as a harsh reminder of a bygone era, showcasing comedy that misses the mark and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
### A Film of Missed Opportunities
Despite earning a meager **$7 million** at the box office—a stark contrast to the original film’s $300 million—**”Smokey and the Bandit Part 3″** stands as a testament to creative desperation. It’s a disjointed collection of comedic misfires, showcasing what happens when a beloved franchise strays too far from its roots.
Ultimately, this film deserves its reputation as **a candidate for the lamest sequel in film history**, embodying the pitfalls of creative fatigue.
In conclusion, while it may not be entertaining in the way the creators intended, “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3” serves as a haunting reminder of how sequels can falter when innovation gives way to desperation. For more insights and film reviews, check out [Film Authority](https://film-authority.com).
