The Sugarland Express

There's no doubt that Steven Spielberg is probably the best known filmmaker in the world. But even with that distinction, some of his work kind of gets lost or forgotten. One of these gems was his big screen directorial debut, 1974's The Sugarland Express.

Based on a true story, The Sugarland Express tells the story of a young couple, Lou Jean, Goldie Hawn, and Clovis Popple, William Atherton. Clovis is serving time and they are threatened that they will lose their baby to a foster couple, Lou Jean busts Clovis out and the two make a trek to Sugarland, where their baby is, to get him back. They take an easygoing patrolman, Michael Sacks, hostage, leading to a statewide manhunt for the couple.

People who know me know that I try to see just about everything, but I even missed this one until last night. I'd heard of it and knew it had a good reputation. Honestly though, I've kind of soured on Spielberg in my adult years. It's hard for me to get excited sometimes about a film from the same guy who did Hook, The Lost World:Jurassic Park, and War Of The Worlds. I even thought Saving Private Ryan was overrated...sue me. So The Sugarland Express was a nice reminder of what a talent Mr. Spielberg was and also reminded me that this is the guy who brought us Jaws and Indiana Jones.

The cast is all top notch. The two leads really show their range. Hawn breaks free from her giddy girl persona. And Atherton, who played such a jerk in Ghostbusters, Real Genius, and Biodome, plays a somewhat likable character in this.

This is a terrific little chase film and a nice reminder of Spielberg's talents behind the camera.

It's available on dvd and blu ray.