Thunderbolt and Lightfoot – Review

An interesting mix of crime and comedy, upbeat and serious, action and consequence, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot is a pretty good movie. Opening in Montana, our two protagonists are set on a collision course. As a “priest” Thunderbolt (Eastwood) gives a sermon in a small church, parishioners listen intently. Across town, Lightfoot (Bridges) limps through a used car lot, eventually telling the salesman he has a wooden leg and isn’t sure if he can handle the power of a Pontiac Grand Prix. He gets inside and starts it up anyway, the salesman looking to boost his morale.

Then… action hits. A man with a gun busts into the church and takes aim at the preacher, as Thunderbolt ducks away and runs out the back and churchgoers flee in fear. He takes off into a field, dodging a few bullets and trying to outpace his would-be assassin. Lightfoot however simply took off in his Grand Prix, speeding right off of the car lot and to much dismay of the salesman. He blazes across town, smashing at high speeds.

As Thunderbolt makes it towards a road, the gunman behind him remains close, and readies another shot. Lightfoot blazes through the street, and avoids Thunderbolt by going off road and into a field, coincidentally blasting into the gunman and saving Thunderbolt. Apparently, Lightfoot has a lead foot, and no actual wooden leg. Thunderbolt somehow hangs onto Lightfoot’s car as it corrects course through a field and back onto the road, and slowly climbs inside.

This odd meeting of likely criminal parties sets up a somewhat buddy adventure story between the men. Thunderbolt’s past is out to get him, and the younger Lightfoot is just looking to make a big mark on the world, while passing along common idioms and phrases.

The film segues between criminal behaviors and somewhat buddy-type road adventure while avoiding danger. There are a few good criminal parties introduced to the pair, such as Red (Kennedy) and Goody (Lewis), and the group have a wild dynamic. It’s hard to tell what will really happen or who can be trusted, however overall, it is a good time to watch.

It is solemn and serious at times, however for the most part is a fun crime story. There is some comedy, and the actors get to explore their characters a bit, but for the most part the story is pretty straight forward.