Don’t You Think It’s Time to Revisit ‘Viva Knievel’?

Pay no attention to the fact that the movie received a rating of 2.3 out of 10. Those people don't fully appreciate what it means to say "Viva Knievel." This drive-in movie masterpiece featured "the" Evel Knievel himself in the starring role, and brought funnyman Leslie Nielsen to the big screen as a villain. If you were pink and breathing in the 1970's, then this movie desperately needs to be on your desert island movie list.

The movie is perfectly simple: Evel Knievel plays Evel Knievel. Basically, he is what he is, a motorcycle jumper touring the world selling tickets to watch him jump motorcycles. Very clever. Along the way, there is conspiracy, crime, a touching family moment or two, a love interest, and a even a little dialogue. Ultimately, the dialogue is unnecessary, but who cares.

When all is said and done, this movie is 1977, and 1977 is this movie. The film serves as a time portal when jumping a motorcycle 150 feet was actually impressive. Little did they know back then that in another 30 years, motorcycles would jump those kind of distances just for something to do.

Okay, so it was a little thrown together. Watch the clip below. You'll notice the wing breaks off the motorcycle as it busts through the door, then magically reappears in the next frame. This, of course, is trivial. Who cares? We're talking about "Viva Knievel."

Viewers are in for a real treat watching Evel sharpening his acting chops. He does a pretty good job. Unfortunately, they wrote the character of Evel as being two notches above Mother Teresa. His saintliness is unmatched by any icon known to the modern world. Looking at the film today, you get a chuckle at the idea of Hell-raiser Evel Knievel playing the saint, going up against the villain played by the lovable and goofy Leslie Nielsen.

Set aside a Friday night and $1.00 and revisit "Viva Knievel." Not only should you ask your kids to watch, you should mandate that they watch. They will be better people for it. If you don't have kids, borrow some. Sit back and get your one dollar's worth.