Freebie and the Bean (1974)

This unusual but kinetic fusion of comedy and action has been consistently scorned by critics over the years, but has won a cult following thanks to its blend of raucous humor and stylish filmmaking. Robert Kaufman's story line is self-consciously complicated to keep audiences guessing, but eventually delivers an impressive set of twists at its finale. However, its best attribute is its snappy dialogue; the verbal sparring matches between James Caan and Alan Arkin are full of hilariously profane interplay, and an interrogation-style showdown between Arkin and Valerie Harper near the end give the film its funniest (and most unexpectedly touching) moment. Freebie and the Bean also benefits from inspired work by leads Caan and Arkin. They give their characters the maniacal energy necessary to make their over-the-top excesses work, yet add some human shadings that give them unexpected depth. Both also deliver the comedy angle of the script with style. Arkin shines in a rare role that allows him to be aggressive and Caan shows an uncanny sense of comic timing. Behind the camera, Richard Rush keeps the zany events rolling at a carefully modulated pace that gives the actors room to breathe, but also fills the screen with kind of hardcore slapstick antics rarely seen outside a Tex Avery cartoon. The highlight is a crazed car chase that climaxes with the heroes' car crashing into the upper floor of an apartment building. On the downside, Freebie and the Bean's taboo-trashing sense of humor has something to offend virtually every brand of politically correct viewer, and the virulent racist and sexist attitudes of its antihero protagonists are likely to offend many. Despite this tone, Freebie and the Bean remains a well-made blend of comedy and action for viewers with skins thick enough to endure its savage sense of humor. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide