Goin' South (1978)

What a cast!

First off, there's Jack as the male lead (he also directed). But then you also got John Belushi in his movie debut (lot of people don't know this), Christopher Lloyd, Mary Steenburgen in HER movie debut, Ed Begley Jr., Danny DeVito, Vernonica Cartwright, and some strong actors in other supporting roles--Tracey Walter and R.L. Armstrong. It's a lot of fun to see Belushi and DeVito do their thing here, and Jack is also a lot of fun to watch.

This 1978 film is an interesting companion piece to his other Western done around the same time, The Missouri Breaks, a much more serious film. Goin' South has some punchy comedy stuff in it, thanks to the Mary Steenburgen character's on-again, off-again "romance" with her newly chosen husband, Jack--whom she marries just so he'll help her get the gold out of a mine on her land. Connubial bliss is far from her thoughts, in fact.

The swinging back and forth between Jack and Mary hitting it off and at real odds with each other is further compounded by the two ornery deputies in town, played by Christopher Lloyd and John Belushi (a Mexican converted to American deputy status--don't ask), AND by Jack's former gang--Danny DeVito, Vernoica Cartwright, Tracey Walter, and another guy--and this back and forth also keeps the movie swingin' away at comic situations. An especially funny scene has the outlaws and the two deputies shooting at each other over a short roof.

The ending is kind of abrupt, but bearing in mind this was the 70s when the movie was made--and that the director was Jack himself--it's OK, or even better than OK. The parallels to The Missouri Breaks are found in Jack's attraction to a strong-willed woman, his involvement (former or current) with a gang, a Western setting, and a connection--good, bad, or indifferent--to a wealthy man (landowner or railroad representative).

While The Missouri Breaks is a much stronger film--not the least reason for which is the presence of the amazing Marlon Brando in it--Goin' South has a lot of goofy charm and is definitely worth seeing. July 4, 2008

If you're lookin' for a good movie, well ya dang sure got your wish!

I had never heard of this movie, directed by Jack Nicholson...needless to say it's pretty funny. I loved all of the character actors, and just the expressions on their faces throughout the movie. I've watched it three times already, and there are a lot of funny lines in it. It was worth buying. June 23, 2008

If you like Jack, you'll love this...

As an obviously biased fan, I find this somewhat obscure movie ( I actually saw it when it was originally released) to be an extention of Nicholson's offbeat sense of humor. Add in a supporting cast of unknowns like DeVito, Belushi, et al and you have a recipe for a night of chuckles. March 29, 2008

HILARIOUS AND ENTERTAINING!

I wish Jack Nicholson had a lot more comic roles throughout his prolific and brilliant career. In "Goin' South", he absolutely shines. He's having fun, and this isn't just him acting. He loves his character! From that signature twinkle in his eye, to the devilish smile and raised brow, he steals every scene he is in - like he usually does, but he does it so naturally in this film that you don't notice it until its over and try to remember who else was in it. He both stars in and directed this movie, and though I only found one blunder (the hanging gallows doesn't have a trap door) he did a great job. I've watched this movie half a dozen times with various family and friends, and no one comes away disappointed. Christopher Lloyd and John Belushi (his first feature film appearance) are perfectly cast and hilarious. The female lead for the movie was filled by a newcomer, Mary Steenburgen, and I thought this was the only downer of the film because her chemistry with Nicholson was not there. She's a competent actress, but I don't believe she helped make this movie the overall success it should have been for all the other reasons, like the great story, the other supporting characters, the scenery, and 'ol Jack himself. The digital transfer is not great (a little grainy and faded) and the sound is just OK. I needed to have the subtitles option on to make out everything that was being said. Even though, if you remember that its a Western for the most part, and if you like Westerns with lots of humor (Blazing Saddles) then you will enjoy this movie. March 28, 2008

Beware: Over Indulgent Director/Actor Ahead

I saw this flick on HBO when I was in high school many, many years ago. Jack Nicholson directs as well as stars in this vehicle. I purchased this film because I vaguely recalled a humorous scene where Nicholson voraciously downs half a chicken and then leeringly implores Mary Steenbergen for some dessert. Unfortunately, I didn't recall the rest of the movie in which Nicholson overacts a great deal and seems to be presenting himself as Charles Manson with a sense of humor. My mistake for buying this hamfest. Don't get me wrong; I love Jack Nicholson; I've been a fan of his for years; but, like many actors, he needs a strong director to rein him in to prevent him from doing what he does in this movie, which is overplaying and hamming it up and mugging for the camera. The movie is actually boring and even tedious at times. There are glimpses of the Nicholson sly sense of humor, but overall I should have spent my money on something more gratifying, like a tuna fish sandwich.
Needless to say, I was disappointed with this movie. Oh, well; you can't win 'em all. And, I'm sorry to say that I wouldn't recommend it to anyone but the most avid Nicholson fan who wants to own all of Jack's films that are out on DVD. Aside from historical worth and a chance to see a younger, preening, leering, full of himself, salacious, hooting and hollering Jack, I would keep my money if I were you. Sorry, Jack. You're great; but you over did it in this one.
For the record, Mary Steenbergen is quite good in her usual underplaying, subtle, and quietly sensuous way. I love her face and never tire of seeing it on screen. There's something about her that you can't help but adore. John Belushi is also good in a small part as one of the employed thugs of the law. Christopher Lloyd is good too as a lawman in a part that precedes his "Doc Brown" days from "Back To The Future." The sets are realistic and the terrain is wild and rustic. The movie is also put together fairly well. But, like I stated previously, there is just too much Jack; Jack all over the place. The movie might have turned out better had his character been hanged in the beginning of the film instead of being rescued by an opportunistic Miss Steenbergen.
October 19, 2007

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