The Sugarland Express

Funny southern accent, endless dry plains, breaded chicken, and a rifle under every pillow. The Sugarland Express reveals more and more that it's actually Texas itself, its conservatism, its inaccessibility, its ruthlessness, and, within that framework, its inherently certain comicality, that really plays the lead role here. "Howdy folks." (08/11/2021)

Already when he was young, Steven Spielberg showed the world that he can make very good and imaginative films. The Sugarland Express kept me entertained from beginning to end with suspense, an interesting plot, good characters, funny scenes, serious scenes. You see the rather serious topic was molded into a pretty friendly movie that simply everybody has to like. The best thing about the movie it its ending, which is definitely unexpected for an American movie. (03/04/2013)

2013 Spielberg is very different from his 1974 self, and The Sugarland Express is a shining example of that. It’s a civil and human story conceived as a great and unbound adventure, where Steven uses his talent to film almost any subject in a way that is as appealing to the viewer as possible. Goldie Hawn and William Atherton flee in a police car across America, with flashing police sirens gradually piling up behind them, and mile by mile they become bigger and bigger media stars. All of this is delivered very briskly, entertainingly and, of course, in such a way that both runaways end up looking like real American heroes capable of anything for the love of a child. Their situation is engagingly depicted from several points of view, which intertwine throughout and immerse the viewer in the vortex of absurdity and irreversibility that best characterises their actions. We know long in advance that this journey cannot end happily, but the final twist does not function as a clue and pivotal point of the narrative, but only as a logical and inevitable conclusion. Spielberg has created a beautiful and appealing film that definitely deserves a privileged place in his filmography, as well as in the road-movie genre. 80% (05/03/2013)

I know my lack of appetite for some of Steven Spielberg's stories is significant, but this one just didn't entertain me in his rendition. I simply get the feeling that Spielberg has set certain boundaries that he doesn't want to cross, and so he sometimes limits himself and his films quite a bit. That is the case here, in my opinion. The powerful drama turns into a tired and loud road trip. (08/12/2015)

Back in the day, a really well-made action picture that grabs you by the heart. Goldie holds a very special place in my heart and I must admit that here she does an excellent job in a much more dramatic role than we are used to seeing her in. The story is very realistic, although you might not agree when you see the action scenes, but I liked this a lot and everything went swimmingly. Will and Goldie are like Bonnie and Clyde in the sixties. The story is entertaining and moving and even the ending is a surprise. (01/01/2014)