Directed by:
Steven SpielbergCinematography:
Vilmos ZsigmondComposer:
John WilliamsCast:
Goldie Hawn, Ben Johnson, Michael Sacks, William Atherton, Gregory Walcott, Steve Kanaly, Louise Latham, Bill Thurman, Lorraine Meeks, Rafael López (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Based on a true story, Lou Jean Poplin helps her husband Clovis escape from prison. She needs him to join her in the fight against forces who want to put her child up for adoption, so the three of them take to the road in one long chase across America's highways. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (6)
I know my lack of appetite for some of Steven Spielberg's stories is significant, but this one just didn't entertain me in his rendition. I simply get the feeling that Spielberg has set certain boundaries that he doesn't want to cross, and so he sometimes limits himself and his films quite a bit. That is the case here, in my opinion. The powerful drama turns into a tired and loud road trip.
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Funny southern accent, endless dry plains, breaded chicken, and a rifle under every pillow. The Sugarland Express reveals more and more that it's actually Texas itself, its conservatism, its inaccessibility, its ruthlessness, and, within that framework, its inherently certain comicality, that really plays the lead role here. "Howdy folks."
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Already when he was young, Steven Spielberg showed the world that he can make very good and imaginative films. The Sugarland Express kept me entertained from beginning to end with suspense, an interesting plot, good characters, funny scenes, serious scenes. You see the rather serious topic was molded into a pretty friendly movie that simply everybody has to like. The best thing about the movie it its ending, which is definitely unexpected for an American movie.
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Back in the day, a really well-made action picture that grabs you by the heart. Goldie holds a very special place in my heart and I must admit that here she does an excellent job in a much more dramatic role than we are used to seeing her in. The story is very realistic, although you might not agree when you see the action scenes, but I liked this a lot and everything went swimmingly. Will and Goldie are like Bonnie and Clyde in the sixties. The story is entertaining and moving and even the ending is a surprise.
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In this Spielberg film, the most interesting characters are the two desperados. He has always been interested in the world of children, simplicity, and the naivety of a child's mind. He often revisits his childhood in his films, and his work reflects that he has remained a romantic boy at heart with a desire for adventure. The married couple of petty criminals decided to "rescue" their little son from the clutches of his foster parents, disregarding the slim chances of their undertaking. They are accompanied by a convoy of police cars and surrounded by snipers, but in their immaturity and childishness, they do not understand the hopelessness of their situation. They are completely oblivious, dreaming their dream and experiencing the chaos around them as an entertaining show with lots of spectators. They enjoy every moment when they are the center of media attention. Goldie Hawn is particularly good in this role, as the character of the stunted teenager suits her perfectly. Her determination, carefreeness, and fascination with the toys around her are disarming. Contrary to reality, the director steered the film's climax toward a less intense outcome, but most likely the American audience did not forgive him for the shot-up car in the end. The film falls into the genre of tragicomedy, but this early Spielberg film does not yet achieve the storytelling mastery that film fans later became accustomed to. Overall impression: 60%.
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