The End

In the late 70's and early 80's, Burt Reynolds was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. His hit films usually involved him delivering one liners with his good ol' boy charm behind the wheel of a fast car. One of his best comedies that didn't involve him driving fast was also his sophomore effort in the director's chair, 1978's The End.

Reynolds stars as Sonny, a real estate agent who starts out the film getting horrible news from his doctor, Norman Fell. Sonny finds out that he has a rare blood disease and has six months to live. Not wanting to spend his final days in a hospital bed, Sonny decides to end it all. He sets out to make ammends with family, friends, and God, only to find out that everyone is too wrapped up in their own problems.

Sonny attempts his suicide plan, only to botch it. This lands him in a mental institute where he meets fellow patient Marlon, Dom Deluise. Marlon is more than happy to help Sonny end his life with disasterous results.

This is a very funny and dark comedy. Reynolds is great and he has assembled a really terrific supporting cast that includes Sally Field, Kristy McNichol, Joanne Woodward, Carl Reiner, Robby Benson, and David Steinberg. The movie goes from funny to hysterical in the second half when Deluise enters and steals the picture. This was the first of several teamings that Reynolds had with Deluise, making them one of the great comedy teams of the 80's.

Interesting sidenote, this was originally intended to be a Woody Allen film. Hard to imagine going from Allen to Reynolds.

Definately one of Reynolds funnier films and a great showcase for Deluise.

It's on blu ray but out of print on dvd.