Review of Mr. Billion

Mr. Billion (1977)
8/10
A funny road-action pic done right
18 September 1998
Mr. Billion is a highly entertaining, fast-moving road action comedy in the "Smokey and the Bandit" style. The basic plot concerns an heir to a billion-dollar fortune, an Italian mechanic and race driver played by Terrence Hill, who must travel to California to claim his inheritance within a certain amount of time. If Terrence's character does not get to the corporate offices in time to claim the inheritance, the entire estate will end up in the hands of the executor, played devilishly by Jackie Gleason. Gleason's character continually directs a concerted effort throughout the film to stop the rightful heir from getting there on time.

Now, forget the plot. As you have probably guessed, the above situation simply sets the stage for the real feature of this movie--the bone-jarring, speed-limit-busting, car-rattling stunts, including a railroad jump stunt you have to see to believe. There's plenty of humor in this movie, too, and all of the players (Hill, Gleason, and Slim Pickens thrown in to boot) really have fun with the script and their characterizations.

To be honest, I first saw this movie on TV when I was about 13, but I often think back on this film and I think I would still enjoy it today (I'm 33 now) if it ever came back on TV. However, a trip to the rental store would probably be too much effort to expend on this film.

In summary, if you like road-action pics, this is an excellent kick-back-and-enjoy movie to spend an evening with.
10 out of 15 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed