Every Which Way but Loose (1978)

good back-story, and good acting

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

When I see a movie such as "Every Which Way but Loose" being given 3, 2 or 1 star that's just some sort of nerd hate I just can't relate to. No, this isn't an Oscar winner or was it even in contention but, it is a fun movie. I could go on and point out all the short-comings thin plot, some down-right infantile gags, cartoonish characters a theme song you won't be able to get out of your head no matter how hard you try (trust me, you want it outta there too!) But that's also the charm of this classic. Every Which Way was not created to make you think, pull at your heart-strings or make you cheer for the underdog. This is just a turn your mind off and enjoy the ride sort of film. It's not particularly violent, profane or gratuitous nor was it when it was made 40yrs ago either.The most objectionable bit of the film is Ma's dirty old lady mouth. Played by Ruth Gordon, Ma steals the show with her potty talk, work with a shot-gun and contempt for Clint Eastwood's Orangutan Clyde. Trying to stay completely un-biased (it's hard 'cuz I sure do have a soft spot for this flick) I'd have to give this movie 4 stars alone just on the strength of her performance. Add a star for Clyde the ape (another fine job there!) and another star for that fantastic infantile humor, cartoon bikers and a movie that allows you to just turn your brain off and enjoy the show.It ain't art but it sure is fun and it's got an orangutan that gives the finger out of a moving pick'em up truck. What's to hate!?

It's the many misadventures of Californian truck driver Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood) and Clyde. Philo makes a side income from bare-knuckle fights with friend Orville (Geoffrey Lewis). His best friend is his orangutan Clyde. He is taken with aspiring country singer Lynn Halsey-Taylor (Sondra Locke). He gets into trouble with the Black Widows biker gang and two cops. When Lynn takes off, Philo, Clyde, and Orville follow. Orville falls for Echo (Beverly D'Angelo) working at a roadside fruit stand.The plot is a rambling journey. It's not the most compelling road trip. The orangutan is fun but it's sad to hear about the old training methods. Clint is stretching out for the first time. It's generally fun but not a laugh out loud fun. I give this a pass.

Continuing my plan to watch every Clint Eastwood movie in order, I come to Every Which Way But Loose (1978) Plot In A Paragraph: Philo Beddoe (Eastwood) is an easy-going trucker and a great fist- fighter. With two friends - Orville (Geoffrey Lewis), who promotes prize-fights for him, and Clyde, the orangutang.. When he falls in love with a little country and western singer (Sondra Locke) who flees when she realizes he's getting too serious. Phil, Clyde and Orville set off in pursuit of her, whilst trying to outwit some bikers. A total change of pace for Eastwood here. This is more like something Burt Reynolds was having so much success with at at the time. I enjoy watching this movie every other year or so, it is a well paced, genuinely funny road movie with memorable characters, a decent script, laugh out loud gags, and a funny orangutang. This movie proved to be quite the departure from Clints usual westerns and action pictures. A comedy at heart, but with a healthy dose of action and a Country & Western soundtrack. The only part of this movie I don't like is when Locke's character reveals her true nature and attacks Eastwood!! Eastwood looks right at home, and is in great shape. Lewis is better suited to comedies like this, more than he is dramatic roles. Of the women, Beverley D Angelo is attractive and fun and Ruth Gordon is hilarious, but Sondra Locke (whom I loved in The Outlaw Josie Wales) in her third straight Eastwood movie, is woefully miscast. For a start she can't sing very well, she looks awful and gives her worst performance in an Eastwood movie. Every which Way But Loose became Clint's biggest hit to date!! It grossed $85 million at the domestic box office to become the 4th highest grossing movie of 1978. Only Grease, Superman and National Lampoons Animal House grossed more.

Every Which Way But Loose is a good movie with a well written storyline and a great comedic cast.It is certainly nothing outstanding and there are several scenes that failed to be funny,but it does certainly bring a lot of laughs and though it is nowhere near any of Clint Eastwoods best work,it was nice to see him take on a different role,this character is nothing like anyone he ever has or ever will play.My favourite scenes were any part with Clyde the Orangutan,in a strange way,there seemed to be great chemistry between him and Eastwood,they just clearly enjoyed working together as they both seemed very happy in any scene they did.The movies soundtrack is terrific,it's mostly country music which of course really adds to the tone of the film,and the opening song,Every Which Way But Loose,begins this ride in a very sincere fashion.Nothing hilarious,but Every Which Way But Loose is a fun movie that I would recommend if you see it on television and are looking for something quick and easy to make you laugh. Phil Beddoe and his friends roam the San Fernando valley in search of s woman he had a one night stand with that he can't stop thinking about,while making money off fights along the way.Best Performance: Clint Eastwood Worst Performance: Sondra Locke