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I first saw "Sharky's Machine" in the theater soon after it was first released at Christmas 1981. I was 25 at the time. Well, I'm 67 now and got it on DVD and I appreciate it even more. Based on a 1978 novel by William Diehl. Diehl said he had Burt Reynolds in mind when he wrote the novel. Diehl has a cameo in the film as a hostile pimp. Reynolds asked John Boorman who directed him in "Deliverance" in 1972 to direct this but there was a scheduling conflict. Boorman was still working on "Excalibur" and wasn't available. Reynolds also asked his old friend Clint Eastwood to direct and Eastwood said why not Reynolds direct it himself. Reynolds directed two films before, "Gator" in 1976 which I didn't see and "The End" in 1978 which I did and I thought was a really good flick. Reynolds does a really good job with "Sharky's Machine."
Reynolds also stars as Tom Sharky, an undercover cop on Atlanta's Narcotic squad. In the opening of the film, a drug bust has gone wrong and Sharky chases the drug dealer to a city bus. The bus driver gets killed by the drug dealer. He gets the dealer, however for getting a innocent man killed he gets demoted to the Vice squad located in the basement where no officer wants to work. Where we meet what will become his "machine." Played by the great Charles Durning, Brian Keith, Bernie Casey and Richard Libertini. The lovely Rachel Ward in only her second screen role plays "Dominoe" a 1000 dollar a night call girl who is involved with the candidate running for Governor of Georgia. Vittorio Gassman and Henry Silva are the sleazy brothers who are running this prostitution ring. Features fine cinematography by William A. Fraker ,who also did the classic cop movie "Bullitt" in 1968. The flick also has some good Jazz tunes on the soundtrack. Reynolds created a film noir atmosphere. It was a hit at the box-office and with many critics. The taglines for the movie posters read.... "If you mess with a cop like Sharky, you better be very tough...or very beautiful." And "Nobody leans on Sharky's machine !"
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Reviews with images
Burt's best action movie -- without a doubt!
Of the four theatrical films directed by Mr. Reynolds -- this one stands alone as the perfect Burt Reynolds vehicle. Everything you expect in a movie from the man who will always be The Bandit: good cops, bad cops, drugged-fueled hit men, and beautiful prostitutes. Not to mention, Burt's signature laugh, raised eyebrows, and real-life friends rounding out the supporting cast. This movie is also noted for a record-setting jump by Dar Robinson; a strong soundtrack from Doc Severinson; and [Spoiler Alert!] the earliest example of the film trope: Maim the Protagonist.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2015
Top reviews from other countries
alberto sandoval leon
Para su época es una excelente película y la música también excelente
Reviewed in Mexico on July 19, 2022
Steven O'Neill
Underestimated thriller
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 1, 2023