"Stick' is a fairly routine Burt Reynolds action film. I was never convinced that Reynolds motivation, revenging the death of his drug runner friend, felt warranted. The villains are highlighted by a brutal albino, and Charles Durning wearing a ridiculous wig. Cartoon like violence detracts, and were it not for some welcome humor associated with George Segal's flamboyant character, the movie would be totally forgettable. Candice Bergen as Reynolds love interest is cold as ice, and never convincing in her role as a financial adviser to Segal. The choppy editing and lack of any suspense further detracts. I would say that "Stick" is watchable but has little to recommend it. - MERK

"Stick" is a rather brainless action film which I wanted to like more than I did. On the negative, George Segal's talents are mostly wasted, Charles Durning's look is just bizarre and comical, and the writing and direction could have been a lot better. On the plus side, Burt Reynolds' hairpiece looks really good...much better than in movies from around the same period like "Malone".

Malone (Burt Reynolds) is just out of prison when he meets up with an old friend. The friend isn't especially bright and is a drug courier....and soon Malone sees him gunned down by some hoods just for kicks. Malone spends the rest of the film seeking revenge on the several people responsible for the man's murder.

I think the film could have been a lot better....and deeper. Instead, it's mostly action, shooting and folks falling off buildings...as well as cartoon gun physics (a man is shot by a handgun and flies about 15 feet as a result!!). If you like cartoon physics, one-dimensional characters, non-stop action and Charles Durning sporting a mumu, GIANT red eyebrows and a silly red wig (looking almost exactly like Baron Harkonen in David Lynch's "Dune"),then by all means watch it. Otherwise, you could do a lot better.

Burt Reynolds stars and dominates in the title role of Ernest 'Stick' Stickley, newly released from prison who immediately gets right back involved with criminal activities with old prison buddy Jose Perez. A decade later the incident where Perez is killed was almost done word for word in Al Pacino's Carlito's Way.

Unlike Pacino however, Reynolds would like to stay clear of things, but he's got a score to settle over Perez. For a bit of cover and protection he takes a job with flamboyant movie producer George Segal who really overacts outrageously with tongue firmly in cheek. Still the people who did in his friend Perez who are drug dealers Castulo Guerra and Charles Durning are out to get Reynolds.

You have to see Durning in his costume trying to wear those 80s fashions and looking rather stupid in the process.

Fabled Hollywood stuntman Dar Robinson has a nice role as an albino hit man for Guerra. He's one scary dude. In fact for the screen's sake he dies twice. I thought Reynolds had done him in once, but he was back and the second time there was no doubt.

Guerra's character proves there's less than meets the eye with him. You'll have to see the climax to know what I'm talking about. And that hairpiece, send him to Queer Eye for maybe the not so straight guy.

Reynolds has a few cynically comic moments, but he's a lot more grim here than usual. Due to the subject matter no doubt.

Burt's fans will like it, so should others.