Boogie Nights (1997)

I dunno, amidst all its characters and plot lines, in the end it lacks a certain, ahem, thrust, with no clear arc or, heh, climax to speak of (the hypnotic back-and-forth between limo and truck came close but didn’t quite land). That said, its “slice of life” structure is certainly done very well, with the majority of its many characters and scenes quite memorable and mull-worthy (Reilly’s earnest Reed and the dramatic/comedic drug deal probably top the list). Great music and camerawork too.

7

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Hot damn, I had fun with this movie: The simple and silly premise that combines all the best of both car chase and road trip tropes, the hilarious characters (see Gleason’s raging sheriff and his timid son), the CB radio jargon and witty banter, the wild third act with everyone and their grandma (literally) helping Bandit and co. escape from the “smokeys”. Gets a little misogynist at points (see the gratuitous butt shots/comments), but fortunately, Field’s quirky Carrie holds her own.

7