The Great Waldo Pepper

A rather deft blend of comedy, melodrama, and Americana love affair. I don't think I've ever used this word in a review before: but the stunts in here are the truest definition of "harrowing" - these alone are a thing of beauty. As it should, this keeps the tension aligned with the characters' development, and makes the deaths (in the story) all that more impactful. Roy Hill's respect for the material is so clearly evident, it elevates what could have been in another hands a pedestrian affair.

A watchable film with an uneven plot and lots of aerial stunts.

Superbly balanced comedy-drama has Hill's fingerprints all over it; Redford perfectly captures Pepper's light and breezy charm, gradually moulding and melding into something darker, mirroring the film itself. The supporting cast is studded with excellent performances, including Svenson's frenemy and Sarandon's uncharacteristically ditsy airhead. Peters out somewhat in the third act, but melancholic tone provides a solid ballast. Stunning (and exciting) aerial scenes.

Quite good.