MovieChat Forums > Stick (1985) Discussion > Burt Reynolds Misdirected!

Burt Reynolds Misdirected!

posted 12 years ago by tbirdman-1
7 replies | jump to latest

I have seen "Stick" in the theaters in 1985 and on tv and imho it
could have been a much better action/crime drama. Burt Reynolds
misdirected and misfired. He was not the right choice by the
studio to direct. Somebody like John Flynn or John Milius who
had plenty of directing experience could have and would have
done a much better job. I found this movie was quite lackluster
and too talky for what I had expected to be an action film.
The best scene was when the late Dar Robinson fell off of the
hotel balcony to his supposed death! He was so convincing as
a villain and was one of the premiere stuntmen for many years.
I know he is missed in the industry. I have liked Burt Reynolds
performances and movies for many years. Though I do question
his skill as a director after seeing this movie! Just my opinion.

Lorenzo In Sunny Florida

I'm James "Sonny" Crockett!

[–] Eric-1226 12 years ago

Moke (Dar Robinson) was excellent, I too enjoyed that scene where he fell away from the building, all the while keeping enough "killer" instinct in him to grab his pistol and fire at Burt Reynolds even during his falling down to what apparently was his death. Great scene.

But I think the film suffered from including too many characters who were borderline comical/comic book creations, such as: Candice Bergen (kyle); George Segal (Barry); Richard Lawson (Cornell); and last but not least, Charles Durning, in that ridiculous red wig (Chucky). Throw in some of the other attempts at comic relief, such as the daughter that constantly nagged her ex-con father, and that ex-chauffeur (Cecil?) with a score to settle, and the film quickly changed from what could have been a good, taut and serious crime thriller into a crime comedy/caper. I don't mean to diss the film or dismiss it entirely - I actually got quite a kick out of it - but it started out being deadly serious but then dropped into the realm of silliness a bit too much for its own good.

[–] rascal67 12 years ago

He did the same with 'Sharky's Machine' five years earlier. While both films are watchable, they come across as misfires and are kind of dreary and lack excitement. With another director at the helm these films could have been something else. Maybe Reynolds was too distracted by both the acting and directorial duties, or simply put he may not really be that good a director.

[–] mojo2004 12 years ago

He did the same with 'Sharky's Machine' five years earlier. While both films are watchable, they come across as misfires and are kind of dreary and lack excitement. With another director at the helm these films could have been something else. Maybe Reynolds was too distracted by both the acting and directorial duties, or simply put he may not really be that good a director.

I thought he did a great job with 'Sharky's Machine'.

Just for the record, I'm not a Dude, I'm a Dudette!

[–] rascal67 12 years ago

Adequate Job! If it was great it would have a much larger following and cult status—IMHO. I would rate 'Sharky's Machine' over 'Stick' though.

[–] nutsberryfarm 12 years ago

whatever they were on during this film. i want some!

sake happens

[–] stickley85 8 years ago

Actually it wasn't his fault.Universal made tons of changes to the film.This link might give you more info.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stick_(film)
or here
http://articles.latimes.com/1987-01-04/entertainment/ca-1803_1_burt-reynolds/4

[–] Jones70 (6195) 3 years ago

I thought he did a pretty solid job.