Today’s quick review: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. John “Thunderbolt” Doherty (Clint Eastwood), a bank robber laying low after a job gone wrong, finds a new partner in crime when he meets Lightfoot (Jeff Bridges), a traveler with a friendly attitude and flexible morals. But when John’s old partner Red Leary (George Kennedy) catches up to them, demanding the money lost in their last robbery, they must replicate John’s most daring robbery to get the cash.
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot is a crime comedy with dramatic elements. Thunderbolt and Lightfoot follows the partnership between a pair of criminals who have to recreate the score of a lifetime. Likable leads, friendly banter, and a story that’s peppered with humor make the movie a pleasant watch. However, a meandering plot and a lack of substantial humor, not to mention the incongruous touches of drama, make the movie a mixed bag.
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot’s chief appeal lies in its leads. Clint Eastwood is the laconic, seasoned Thunderbolt, while Jeff Bridges plays opposite him as the cheery, talkative Lightfoot. Much of the film is spent watching them get to know one another. While these moments aren’t brilliant from a comedy standpoint, Eastwood and Bridges are a natural fit for their roles and for each other, and their interactions give the movie a solid core to work with.
Still, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot doesn’t have much to offer beyond its leads. The story takes a long time to get set up for relatively little payoff. The heist isn’t quite interesting enough to be a worthy centerpiece. The film tends to be more amusing than funny, earning smiles with its characters but few laughs. The story also closes on a more dramatic note, a shift that works just fine for the characters but may hurt the viewer’s enjoyment.
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot is worth a watch for fans of older crime movies who are looking for something on the lighter side. The movie’s plot, humor, and thrills aren’t enough to make it stand out in a crowded field, but two good leads and a fun premise make it an enjoyable watch for anyone who doesn’t mind 70s-style crime movies. Skip it if you’re looking for flashier action, more overt comedy, or a more complicated heist.
For a prison drama from the same era that makes better use of George Kennedy, try Cool Hand Luke. For a crime caper with more comedy and an elaborate heist, try the original version of The Italian Job. For a light crime comedy with an excellent cast and sharp dialogue, try Ocean’s Eleven. For the action comedy equivalent, try Tango & Cash.
7.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for likable characters and a decent plot.