SLITHER (1972) **1/2 Reasonably strong evidence that if you can draw interesting characters you don't have to worry too much about the plot. The car chase scene, which essentially encompasses the entire film, is conducted in mobile homes. James Caan (as Dick Kanipsia) is street-tough and -smart, and generally well meaning, but stupid. Richard B. Shull has a secret and presents the best overall performance, but he's kind of Irish. And what would a '70s road movie be without Sally Kellerman (as Kitty Kopetzky) giving panache as the integral kinda loose chick in cut-offs/fairly bright in surprising ways, but, again, irritatingly stupid. You get the idea-Peter Boyle combs his mustache. The film has individuality, and character with a sense of humour that is perhaps best brought out by chain-smoking Virginia Sale as the Bingo caller. The biggest surprise is that director Howard Zieff was a celebrated commercial maker. So, maybe there's hope for the world after all.
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