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Sharky's Machine (1981)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 11/20

SharkyM
11/20: Sharky's Machine is an uneven neo-noir mix of good and mediocre.

I give Burt Reynolds credit for simultaneously directing and starring in the film. It has a few interesting cinematic elements. One of them is the camera following the characters as they walk downstairs. It's a unique shot. Another I like is when Burt Reynolds came alive in a gritty manner during the second half.

Unfortunately, the movie is boring and can sometimes be corny, playing for cheap laughs. The long stakeout during the middle was getting to me. It also has an ill-advised hammy performance by Charles Durning. Had he behaved normally, my rating would be a point higher. Some of the dialogue is painful to keep a straight face at.

Make no doubt, Sharky's Machine is as neo-noir as it gets. The feel is there, and Burt Reynolds is deliberate about building it up. He's perfect for the role and has some great movie moments, especially when he's at his character's childhood home with Rachel Ward, her first major film role.

All in all, if Burt Reynolds kept Sharky's Machine strictly a cop thriller, it would do better.