So much average

Powerful

Highly Overrated But Still Good

Great Film overall

Sam Peckinpah's 'Convoy' works as, if nothing else, a little cultural/pop cultural archeology. Based on a novelty song that was itself a product of a short-lived CB (citizen's band) radio/trucker craze that swept the States in the mid 70s, it offers up a rather vivid slice of life from the days of malaise. It was one of several such films ('Smokey and the Bandit', 'Breaker! Breaker!', 'White Line Fever') trying to cash in, but this one is notable for the presence of Peckinpah behind the camera (though how much the struggling Peckinpah was actually behind said camera is apparently open to debate).'Convoy' is a tough film to nail down. At times it veers into the dadgummit, cornpone comedy territory of Smokey and the Bandit, and at others it evokes a more traditional Peckinpah zeitgeist. Ironically, it probably works best when it straddles that line. At those times, 'Convoy' offers up a broadly entertaining action yarn, with colorful characters occupying simple, well defined turf. I wish Peckinpah and Co. had somehow been able to marry that more cohesively to his standard themes while leaving the broad yucks out of the equation.

Rough'n'tumble independent truck driver Rubber Duck (Kris Kristofferson in sturdy macho form) encourages his fellow oppressed gear-jammers to make a stand against no-count corrupt Sheriff Lyle Wallace (robustly played with lip-smacking wicked aplomb by Ernest Borgnine) and the whole crooked system that he represents.Director Sam Peckinpah maintains an amiable lighthearted tone throughout (this is probably the lone Peckinpah film in which nobody gets killed), stages the action scenes with gusto (a hilarious slapstick bar fight and a climax that copies "The Wild Bunch" rate as the definite rousing highlights), and explores his trademark themes of loyalty, betrayal, integrity, nonconformity, and corruption in a rather messy, but overall hugely entertaining manner. Bill W. Norton's script might not be that subtle or complex, but still possesses an amusing streak of blithely anarchic humor as well as a strong subtext concerning rugged individuality versus the dirty and repressive status quo.Rubber Duck's fellow Diesel demons are a colorful and engaging bunch: Burt Young as scruffy wannabe ladies' man Pigpen, Franklyn Ajaye as the easygoing Spider Mike, Madge Sinclair as the sassy Widow Woman, Bill Foster as the grizzled Old Iguana, and Jackson D. Kane as the rowdy Big Nasty. Cassie Yates adds plenty of spark as sad-eyed truck stop waitress Violet, Seymour Cassel does well as the opportunistic Governor Jerry Haskins, and Brian Davies amuses as nerdy press representative Chuck Arnoldi. Ali MacGraw sports a ghastly poodle hairdo and a deep tan in a thankless nothing role. Harry Stadling Jr.'s crisp widescreen cinematography photographs the trucks in a striking way that makes them come across like powerful majestic beasts. The spirited score by Chip Davis hits the stirring spot. Best of all, the fierce camaraderie the truckers have for each other gives this movie a winning surplus of genuine heart and soul. An immensely fun flick.

More than 20 years ago my most favorite movie... and still has been! Has seen it multiple times. This movie is damn good, no modern movie won't even come close to it; very good acting from some very good actors and funny too. The raw action is good, the (true) racism against black people in Texas good displayed, the free spirit of the profession excellent displayed (pity nowadays it's just gone). Displays the real life of truck-drivers all over the world and their constant battle against corrupt and money hungry police agents who are, as most non-truck-drivers are, not loving truckers very much, despite they're merely human and doing only what they are (under)paid for, just like anybody else. A must be seen movie for all your truckers out there and wanna-be's! Haul a$$!

kris kristofferson plays the rubber duck pitch perfect, you believe he is a trucker you believe people would follower him, either into a fight or on the road. man of few words the Strong silent type a man with a woman in every state.plus a legend for his time. as for convoy what not to like this movie just gets better and better on ever viewing.that may have something to do with my age than the film but still you could not make that today, and i hope they don't.a time cap for the late 70's. convoy is just good clean fun but make by a great man at the end of his career. so get your self a slab of beer and comfy couch and enjoy. "ten four go buddy!"