Burt Reynolds is what you would call a mega movie star. He’s been around for so long that he doesn’t need to much more than show up in a movie or a TV show any longer to make himself known. A lot of us grew up with seeing him as a slightly aged but still very convincing leading man that could make a great movie. He’s had to share the limelight a lot throughout many films but even if his ego is reportedly quite large he still manages to do his part and allow others to do theirs. He’s definitely a product of a different era however and shows it quite often. Back in his day things were no doubt very different.
That doesn’t mean however that they were anything less than great.
5. The Longest Yard-Nate Scarborough
I’ll save you the suspense and let you know that this entry is on here twice for both different movies. In this version he plays Nate Scarborough, the aged player that everyone thought was dead but somehow pops up in the same prison as the defamed Paul Crewe. Acting as coach, recruiter, and part-time player he adds a little wisdom and experience to the movie that Sandler kind of needed it seems.
4. Mystery, Alaska-Judge Walter Burns
Reynolds had to reel it in for this one since he gets to play a tough as nails judge but was at this time getting on in years and couldn’t possibly be as physical as he used to be. Still, he puts in a great performance as the man that no one wants to laugh at or be punished by. Being a judge seems to carry that kind of pull with a lot of people and the supporting actors in this film did their job beautifully.
3. Smokey and The Bandit-Bandit
This is considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time and in reality what it amounts to is a giant game of cat and mouse that takes Bandit and his buddy from one location to another in an effort to make some money and of course harass the cops that are on their tail. It’s a fun and engaging film that stands as one of Reynolds’ best ever produced.
2. Deliverance-Lewis Medlock
This gets the most votes hands down for being one of the most disturbing movies ever made. This was actually the film that propelled Reynolds from being just another actor into the big time. He gave such a convincing performance that he was a star for a long time after this. It’s kind of a creepy film but the thrills are insanely addicting since it’s been lauded as one of the most iconic movies of its time.
1. The Longest Yard-Paul Crewe
And here it is again, only this time Reynolds is the star and not the supporting star. He plays the character of Paul Crewe in this one and in some ways kind of outshines Sandler. What you have to realize though is the vast difference in time between the two movies and what was considered back then as opposed to now.
Any way you look at it Burt Reynolds is one of the biggest stars to ever grace Hollywood with his presence.
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