Six Pack

source: Six Pack

Six Pack

Some singers (or athletes, or dancers, etc.) are able to take on the acting profession because they seem to have a natural charisma for the screen: Kenny Rogers is not one of them. He never shows any particular acting talent, and the young, beautiful Diane Lane completely overshadows him. Anyway, this is an inconsequential comedy that knocks-off both "Rocky" and "Smokey and the Bandit", and is rather UNsuitable for kids (12-year-old boys hold real guns and swear like characters from a Tarantino film, a 17-year-old girl sexually seduces a "dirty old man", and there are also bloody beatings). At least the racing footage is good.....(**)

Country singer Rogers turns on the charm, but he's really not that impressive as an actor in this is a shallow story about a race car driver. He's trying to make a comeback with the help of six orphans. Rogers' music helps the production some, but don't bet on a collector's item.

I see Six Pack hasn't received high marks here, but this story of a race-track driver getting himself attached to a group of orphans who strip cars is a lot of fun. Personally, I have a lot of affection for this time period in films, between say 1973 and 1983, when life is portrayed very simple, slow, and laid-back, like in most of those Goldie Hawn films. It may not seem like much at the time, but's so enjoyable you can't not like it. Barry Corbin is the law who's looking for the six pack when they leave town with Kenny, but Barry has his own agenda and is not entirely on the up and up. And the kids have a hard time trying to break bad habits, so there's plenty to keep your attention. Don't worry about that. Also with Diane Lane and Erin Gray, this is a feel-good film where you just need to relax and enjoy the ride.

This is a nice movie. Is is Casablanca? No. But it isn't supposed to be. I am not sure that I would show this to a very young child, because at least one of the kids has some pretty raw language. No F bombs, but everything else. Kenny Rogers does get the kid to calm the language, though. One other reviewer mentions that a kid holds a gun. Ohh, Ahh. Whatever. So what? In the South where I am from, many if not most kids get their first guns at 8 - 10 years old. Kids are taught to hunt and fish here from a very early age. A 12 year old with a gun may look strange to a New Yorker, but it is NO BIG DEAL! All in all, not a bad rental if you see it on the $1 rack! Or catch it on that rare TV showing!

This is by far the best Kenny Rogers- Anthony Michael Hall collaboration ever in the history of movie making. It was just plain awesome. Just look at the equation Kenny Roger + Six Lovable Children = Pure Entertainment. If you have never seen this movie then you should go lay in the nearest interstate until a semi turns you into road gravy, or at least check it out. That ain't no lie.

Kenny Rogers plays race car driver Brewster Baker, who finds himself saddled with a 'six pack' of thieving orphans. The kids know a thing or two about cars and prove to be a big help with Brewster's career, becoming a first-rate pit crew for him. Brewster grows attached to the kids but eventually has to choose between them and winning a big race. Kenny Rogers is good but the kids are the show, really. Two of them would go on to bigger things; Anthony Michael Hall and Diane Lane. The funniest of the bunch, though, is foul-mouthed Swifty, played by Robby Still. He gets most of the best lines. Pretty Erin Gray plays the love interest. Some nice country music and a generally pleasant tone throughout. A family movie, of sorts, but not a Disney movie for sure.

I'm not a huge Kenny Rogers fan, in particular. I've seen a few of his movies, I like his work on the general end of things, and I have to say, I thought this movie was one of his best. For me, back in 1982, the kids are what made the movie. I caught it on TV again last night (2005) - had to watch it as I recorded it for my 13 year old - and it appealed to me as much now, as an adult, as it did for me when I was a kid. The language can be a bit crass at times, but I really considered this movie to be done in good taste, and my 13 year old has been asking to see it for months now. The main song is catchy, the characters are lovable, and Kenny Rogers... well, he's a good guy. It's a good story, heartwarming to the end. I highly recommend this movie for "family night" with pre-teens and younger teens.

KENNY ROGERS is delightful in this charming little film. The kids are great as well adding a lot of humour to the proceedings. You'll probably recognize the young actress who plays Breezy as it is DIANE LANE who has now gone on to become Hollywood A List material with 'The Perfect Storm', 'Murder At 1600', 'Streets of Fire' etc. She is fab in this movie! If you are a fan of 'nice' films, KENNY ROGERS or DIANE LANE you should definately check out 'SIX PACK'.