Beer in the Headlights

I frequently listen to Bill Bennett's Morning in America radio show and enjoy the lively, intelligent discourse. Recently Dr. Bennett has been discussing an in-process project he's calling "The American Patriot's Almanac" which will include some "Top 50" lists. Today he was talking about the "Top 50 Most American Movies."

Callers have nominated many of the usual suspects, but I submitted my suggestion via his web site. Here's my pick and why:

I nominate "Cannonball Run" for one of the top fifty movies representing America.

Here's why:

Cars - Is there much more American than cars? Cars going fast; exotic cars, trucks, and beaters all racing across our great land.

The open road - Need I say more?

Immigration - The characters portrayed by Jackie Chan, Roger Moore and Jamie Farr show that individuals from around the world want to come to America in order to succeed.

Stunts - Outrageous stunts for no real reason other than to "just do it."

Poking fun at ecotards - A far-left government official tries to stop the Cannonball on the basis of environmental protection. He's mocked and he fails.

The movie's hero - Dom DeLouise - is a tragic hero. He's flawed but undeniably loyal and does the right thing. He forsakes winning the Cannonball in order to save a woman's dog from drowning.

Lastly, what could be more American than having Burt Reynolds and Terry Bradshaw in the same movie?

I think we'll have to fire up the DVD player at home this weekend and watch "Cannonball Run." While it may not be a masterpiece of cinematic artistry, it sure is entertaining. And that's what movies really should be.