Smokey and the Bandit II
The Bandit goes on another cross-country run, transporting an elephant from Florida to Texas. And, once again, Sheriff Buford T. Justice is on his tail.
Despite a moderate budget of $17.0M, Smokey and the Bandit II became a commercial success, earning $66.1M worldwide—a 289% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) exhibits deliberately positioned narrative design, characteristic of Hal Needham's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 41 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.9, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The Bandit is shown in a degraded state, living in squalor, depressed and drinking heavily after his breakup with Carrie. This contrasts sharply with his confident persona from the first film.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Big Enos and Little Enos offer Bandit and Snowman a lucrative job to transport a pregnant elephant from Florida to Texas for the Republican National Convention, disrupting Bandit's depressive stupor.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Bandit actively chooses to accept the job and commits to the journey. He begins to shake off his depression and returns to his old confident self as they prepare to pick up the elephant and begin the cross-country run., moving from reaction to action.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat A major setback occurs as law enforcement coordination intensifies and the elephant creates significant complications. What seemed like a fun adventure becomes genuinely difficult. The stakes are raised and the easy confidence is shaken., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 76 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The mission appears doomed as they face capture or the elephant faces danger. The law surrounds them, time is running out, and it seems impossible to complete the delivery. Bandit's redemption appears to have failed., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 81 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Bandit synthesizes his old skills with his new emotional growth. He devises a plan that combines his driving prowess with help from friends and Carrie. He fully commits to completing the mission not for money but for redemption and purpose., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Smokey and the Bandit II's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Smokey and the Bandit II against these established plot points, we can identify how Hal Needham utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Smokey and the Bandit II within the action genre.
Hal Needham's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Hal Needham films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.5, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Smokey and the Bandit II represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Hal Needham filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Hal Needham analyses, see Smokey and the Bandit, Hooper and The Cannonball Run.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The Bandit is shown in a degraded state, living in squalor, depressed and drinking heavily after his breakup with Carrie. This contrasts sharply with his confident persona from the first film.
Theme
Snowman or the Burdettes comment on how the Bandit needs something to get him back on track, suggesting the theme of redemption and recovering one's spirit through action and purpose.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Bandit's fallen state, his relationship with Snowman, and the introduction of Big Enos and Little Enos Burdette who propose the new job. The world shows the aftermath of the first film's events.
Disruption
Big Enos and Little Enos offer Bandit and Snowman a lucrative job to transport a pregnant elephant from Florida to Texas for the Republican National Convention, disrupting Bandit's depressive stupor.
Resistance
Bandit is reluctant and must be convinced to take the job. Snowman serves as the voice of reason, trying to pull his friend out of his depression. They debate whether to accept the crazy assignment.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Bandit actively chooses to accept the job and commits to the journey. He begins to shake off his depression and returns to his old confident self as they prepare to pick up the elephant and begin the cross-country run.
Mirror World
Carrie unexpectedly rejoins the Bandit, reigniting their romantic relationship. This B-story mirrors the theme of redemption and second chances, representing what Bandit truly needs beyond the job.
Premise
The fun of the premise: cross-country chase with an elephant. Comic complications with the animal, Sheriff Buford T. Justice picks up the pursuit, and the crew engages in the outrageous stunts and chases the audience came to see.
Midpoint
A major setback occurs as law enforcement coordination intensifies and the elephant creates significant complications. What seemed like a fun adventure becomes genuinely difficult. The stakes are raised and the easy confidence is shaken.
Opposition
Buford T. Justice and multiple law enforcement agencies close in. The elephant's pregnancy becomes more urgent. Mechanical failures and obstacles mount. The team's flaws and conflicts emerge under pressure.
Collapse
The mission appears doomed as they face capture or the elephant faces danger. The law surrounds them, time is running out, and it seems impossible to complete the delivery. Bandit's redemption appears to have failed.
Crisis
Dark night moment where the team must decide whether to give up or find a way forward. Bandit contemplates whether he's truly back or still the broken man from the opening. His relationship with Carrie provides emotional grounding.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Bandit synthesizes his old skills with his new emotional growth. He devises a plan that combines his driving prowess with help from friends and Carrie. He fully commits to completing the mission not for money but for redemption and purpose.
Synthesis
The finale: an elaborate chase and plan execution to deliver the elephant. Bandit outsmarts Buford T. Justice, the team works together, and they successfully complete the seemingly impossible mission to reach their destination.
Transformation
The closing image shows Bandit restored to his confident self, having completed the job, reconciled with Carrie, and rediscovered his purpose. He is no longer the broken man from the opening but redeemed through action and love.