Smokey and the Bandit III (1983)

Burt Reynolds slides in for a very brief cameo but otherwise Part III is mostly about Sheriff Buford T. Justice and Cledus (Snowman). Buford's son, Junior, Big Enos and Little Enos also have significant roles.
Jackie Gleason's character could easily carry a film if the script was good, but it isn't. If you want the perfect Smokey experience then you might want to consider stopping after the first one.
If the fabled alternate version of the film (Smokey IS the Bandit) does exist, and if it was shelved for being worse than what we actually got, then it’s probably best if it stays buried in the vault.

1 tick turd out of 5

Smokey and the Bandit II (1980)

Smokey II is a number two in more than one sense of the word. Bandit and Snowman are once again picking up and dropping off for the Enos brothers, this time from Florida to Dallas, but the package is a little different than before. The same can be said of the comedy. Instead of relying on the natural comedic relationships that exist between the cast, the script is much too contrived and many of the set-ups fall flat. Things do improve once they get on the road, but by then it’s too little too late, sadly.

2½ pork rolls out of 5

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

The Bandit and his buddy attempt to transport a truckload of contraband across state lines, but a disgruntled Sheriff—the Smokey of the title—and a drove of state troopers have a hard-on for him all the way.
The majority of the film is nothing more than an extended chase scene in which our heroes attempt to overcome complications and outsmart Smokey, but it never gets boring. The chemistry between the confidently smug Burt Reynolds and an adorable Sally Field is perfect. Throw some country music into the mix and you have a classic on your hands.

3½ big ten-fours out of 5