Every Which Way but Loose (1978)

Good idea lost in the noise

Excellent but underrated film

Best movie of this year hands down!

A Brilliant Conflict

When I see a movie such as "Every Which Way but Loose" being given 3, 2 or 1 star that's just some sort of nerd hate I just can't relate to. No, this isn't an Oscar winner or was it even in contention but, it is a fun movie. I could go on and point out all the short-comings thin plot, some down-right infantile gags, cartoonish characters a theme song you won't be able to get out of your head no matter how hard you try (trust me, you want it outta there too!) But that's also the charm of this classic. Every Which Way was not created to make you think, pull at your heart-strings or make you cheer for the underdog. This is just a turn your mind off and enjoy the ride sort of film. It's not particularly violent, profane or gratuitous nor was it when it was made 40yrs ago either.The most objectionable bit of the film is Ma's dirty old lady mouth. Played by Ruth Gordon, Ma steals the show with her potty talk, work with a shot-gun and contempt for Clint Eastwood's Orangutan Clyde. Trying to stay completely un-biased (it's hard 'cuz I sure do have a soft spot for this flick) I'd have to give this movie 4 stars alone just on the strength of her performance. Add a star for Clyde the ape (another fine job there!) and another star for that fantastic infantile humor, cartoon bikers and a movie that allows you to just turn your brain off and enjoy the show.It ain't art but it sure is fun and it's got an orangutan that gives the finger out of a moving pick'em up truck. What's to hate!?

Sure, it's a silly movie. But for those of us who remember the disappointment of the original release, the movie ages extremely well. Watching Clint at his physical peak, fighting and drinking his way across America's southwest, the real fun is on seeing so many familiar character actors of the '70's in one movie. The plot, while unimportant, is also inoffensive, just a means of watching Clint be Clint, while. enjoying performances by familiar country western stars of the time, Mel Tillis, Charlie Rich, and Phil Everly.

Every Which Way But Loose is a good movie with a well written storyline and a great comedic cast.It is certainly nothing outstanding and there are several scenes that failed to be funny,but it does certainly bring a lot of laughs and though it is nowhere near any of Clint Eastwoods best work,it was nice to see him take on a different role,this character is nothing like anyone he ever has or ever will play.My favourite scenes were any part with Clyde the Orangutan,in a strange way,there seemed to be great chemistry between him and Eastwood,they just clearly enjoyed working together as they both seemed very happy in any scene they did.The movies soundtrack is terrific,it's mostly country music which of course really adds to the tone of the film,and the opening song,Every Which Way But Loose,begins this ride in a very sincere fashion.Nothing hilarious,but Every Which Way But Loose is a fun movie that I would recommend if you see it on television and are looking for something quick and easy to make you laugh. Phil Beddoe and his friends roam the San Fernando valley in search of s woman he had a one night stand with that he can't stop thinking about,while making money off fights along the way.Best Performance: Clint Eastwood Worst Performance: Sondra Locke

Eaztwood's fist-fighting, bare-knuckled Philo Beddoe does not disappoint, in this 1978 comedy classic.Most of the supportive cast also does not disappoint. Once again, Eastwood casts former costars from his classic Westerns, in the supportive roles; most notably, the late-John Quade, as the biker-gang leader.Sondra Locke, who quickly became "Clint's leading lady", out of respect to their former off-screen Relationship, is mediocre at best, here, as man-hustling, con-artist, country-singer wannabe, Lynne Halsey-Taylor. Most of her delivery falls flat; perhaps due her nervousness in working so closely and intimately with Clint; this being their second film together. The early critics slammed her as flaky and flat, when LHT is supposed to be a vixenish vamp. Perhaps it was because Clint allowed Sondra too much creative leeway. But alas.. one cannot turn back the clock and fix things. Thank goodness Locke's delivery in the sequel Any Which Way You Can redeemed her.At this film's original premiere, some critics grazed Clint for steering away from his classic Westerns personae to do a little comedy for a change. Well that direction paid off; thought admittedly I am dearly surprised this under-rated film's overall average is 6.5. Eastwood is as epic as Coca-Cola and Taco Bell. And he is one of those genuinely versatile stars who built a career on Perfection. To-date, he has seldom disappointed.The biker-gang; mostly composed of repeat co-stars, is deadpan hilarious. Headed by scruffy character-actor John Quade, traditionally, bikers are younger serious muscle-head guys with chicks riding piggyback. However, here, we get a bunch of middle-aged bungling doofus' who routinely get their butts kicked, in spite bearing Black Widow tattoos on their arms. Geoffrey Lewis; lifetime friend and co-star of Eastwood, is deliciously delightful, and goofball, as Philo's brother and fight-manager, Orville; comically turning his hat backwards before Philo enters a fist-fight. What fan and Fem cannot resist his signature blue eyes and sexy shoulders? The real stars and scene-stealers in this film, however - are frothy 'Ma' (Ruth Gordon) who can't seem to pass her senior's driver's test, then goes Annie Oakley on the biker gang. And Clyde; Philo's pet orangutan "12 ribs", with an Oreo cookie fetish, and a taste for action, and human beer.