One of Burt Reynolds' signature early roles came as good old boy moonshine runner Gator McCluskey, who finds himself squaring off against supposedly legitimate authorities whose criminal activities by far dwarf his own in White Lightning. This sequel came a few years later and followed much the same formula. 'Gator', while still set deep in the Everglade swamps, has a glossier look than its predecessor and Burt now has ex-supermodel Lauren Hutton for a love interest (a plus), but their romantic sub-plot tends to get in the way of the story and the middle of the picture really drags as a result. With fewer stunts and chases, this sequel is simply less exciting and less fun that the original, while looking more like a Big Hollywood Production. This is not a plus, it is a step down. Watch White Lightning first, and enjoy its action, its sense of fun and its grungy lack of pretense. Then, if you just have to have more, hold your nose and try this one.
