Six Pack (1982) User Reviews

A Cute Comedy-Drama

[Rainey-Dawn · 7/10 · 21 October 2014]

I was 10 years old in 1982 - when this film came out. And I remember this movie as an adult because it was a pretty good movie for it's time era. Looking back on the film: the kids were complete brats in the beginning of the movie - they were in need of a step-father. The kids just did not realize it until Brewster Baker (Rogers) showed up. Oddly enough, Brewster didn't realize just how much he was wanting kids of his own until he ended up with a 6-pack of them.

This is a heartwarming story. A man and six kids who found out they needed each other more than they could ever imagine.

7.5/10

Entertaining for the kids, even today.

[moviedude1 · 6/10 · 11 October 2008]

A former stock car driver attempts to make a comeback with six orphans hanging on his coat tails. Kenny Rogers gets a taste of parenting on the road as he gets adopted by six brothers and sisters without any direction in their lives, except a crooked sheriff who wants to take advantage of their unusual skill.

As an actor, Kenny Rogers holds his own, and his interaction with the kids was good. Along with the growing relationship between him and the children is a young lady, played by Erin Gray, who has designs of her own on Rogers, but can't seem to get a commitment out of him.

Another of the main characters is the only daughter, played by Diane Lane, who has become an accomplished actor on her own. This film came out just after I finished high school and she was, virtually, an unknown (but we all know how that's changed).

As my one line summary states, this film is entertaining for the kids, and parents will even be able to tolerate watching it with their children (especially those who are stock car enthusiasts). 6 out of 10.

A very cute movie!

[theblooms1 · 6/10 · 2 June 2005]

This is a nice movie. Is is Casablanca? No. But it isn't supposed to be. I am not sure that I would show this to a very young child, because at least one of the kids has some pretty raw language. No F bombs, but everything else. Kenny Rogers does get the kid to calm the language, though.

One other reviewer mentions that a kid holds a gun. Ohh, Ahh. Whatever.

So what? In the South where I am from, many if not most kids get their first guns at 8 - 10 years old. Kids are taught to hunt and fish here from a very early age. A 12 year old with a gun may look strange to a New Yorker, but it is NO BIG DEAL! All in all, not a bad rental if you see it on the $1 rack! Or catch it on that rare TV showing!

Great Movie!

[amyjo79 · 11 May 2004]

This is one of my favorite movies. I can't believe how sensitive some people can be. Yes, "Swifty" has a foul mouth...but Kenny Rogers' character does reprimand him. There are some 'fight' scenes (which i would not describe as 'bloody')...turn the news on, you'll actually see body bags. And yes, Diane Lane does seduce a dirty old man...but she realizes the dangerous situation she put herself in...and i would add at 16/17 her character is much more mature as she has been raising her 5 younger brothers since the death of their parents.

This is a great movie. I watched it plenty of times as a child and if anything it has caused me to like the soundtrack (country songs performed by Kenny Rogers) not cursing up a storm, blood battling, whorish tendencies the previous reviewer would like you to think.

THIS IS A MOVIE...hence, Entertainment value. You want to watch race footage, put on Nascar.

No matter how many times I've watched this movie, I have yet to tire of it.

"It's Swifty, you toad sucker!"

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 24 June 2014]

Kenny Rogers plays race car driver Brewster Baker, who finds himself saddled with a 'six pack' of thieving orphans. The kids know a thing or two about cars and prove to be a big help with Brewster's career, becoming a first-rate pit crew for him. Brewster grows attached to the kids but eventually has to choose between them and winning a big race.

Kenny Rogers is good but the kids are the show, really. Two of them would go on to bigger things; Anthony Michael Hall and Diane Lane. The funniest of the bunch, though, is foul-mouthed Swifty, played by Robby Still. He gets most of the best lines. Pretty Erin Gray plays the love interest. Some nice country music and a generally pleasant tone throughout. A family movie, of sorts, but not a Disney movie for sure.

Rogers tries.....and fails.

[gridoon · 5/10 · 26 October 2001]

Some singers (or athletes, or dancers, etc.) are able to take on the acting profession because they seem to have a natural charisma for the screen: Kenny Rogers is not one of them. He never shows any particular acting talent, and the young, beautiful Diane Lane completely overshadows him.

Anyway, this is an inconsequential comedy that knocks-off both "Rocky" and "Smokey and the Bandit", and is rather UNsuitable for kids (12-year-old boys hold real guns and swear like characters from a Tarantino film, a 17-year-old girl sexually seduces a "dirty old man", and there are also bloody beatings). At least the racing footage is good.....(**)

love the kids

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 1 May 2016]

Brewster Baker (Kenny Rogers) is a washed-out race car driver. His car parts get stolen. He chases after the thieves who drive their van off a bridge. Brewster is shocked to find the thieves are actually six kids. He saves the youngest Little Harry from the river. Heather/Breezy (Diane Lane) is the oldest of the orphaned siblings. They steal for corrupt Sheriff Big John (Barry Corbin) to stay together. Brewster is quickly arrested but the kids break him out. His girlfriend bar waitress Lilah (Erin Gray) pushes him to be a reluctant father figure and they become his diminutive pit crew.

Kenny Rogers is not the greatest actor but he's good enough here. I liked this a lot when I was a kid. The six pack is compelling and I really root for them. There's a young Diane Lane and an even younger Anthony Michael Hall. The story is sweet. The kids are all familiar with foul language and Swifty is the loudest. It's a family film of that era. It's also a movie that is always going to have a happy ending. In addition, there is plenty of race track action.

One Needs a Six Pack Just to Get Through This Film.

[anaconda-40658 · 3/10 · 30 July 2015]

Six Pack (1982): Dir: Daniel Petrie / Cast: Kenny Rogers, Erin Grey, Terry Kiser, Barry Corbin, Diane Lane: A gentler retread of the Burt Reynolds race car comedies only this time it is country singer Kenny Rogers at the wheel. We are suppose to be amused with a title that suggests six kids and a six pack of beer. By the time this film ends one may need more than a six pack. Rogers plays sports car racer Brewster Baker who is returning to the sport after a two year absence. He comes across six kids who fix or dispatch vehicles but it is obvious that these orphans will bond with Rogers who will parent them from the scheming Sheriff. Screenplay attempts to hide stupidity under a heavy dose of charm. Director Daniel Petrie does best with the racing footage. Rogers presents charm, which allows him to be a likable present but we know his destiny. Erin Grey plays his girlfriend with no other function other than to bang him for an evening. Terry Kiser plays an exaggerated rival driver called the Turk. Barry Corbin plays the stereotypical moron Sheriff to a much lesser degree of success than Jackie Gleason had in the superior Smokey in the Bandit. Diane Lane seems to be the one teenager with any structure at all to her role as she struggles with decisions and growing too fast on the road. Cashing in on the success of Rogers within a screenplay that must have taken several six packs to write. Score: 3 / 10

Suitable for kids

[sheepy0126 · 9/10 · 6 February 2007]

I vaguely remember watching this movie as a child... at least younger than 10 and I remember loving this movie. Much is said about the sexual overtones blah blah blah, but I can tell you, as a child watching this movie, and the reasons I liked watching it, I remember the green van, the river, the winning, the forgiving.... but not once do I (remembering as a child, cause I haven't seen it since I was a child, although I want too) attribute child sexuality towards it.... Kenny Rogers helping the kids... .that's all I remember... so for all of you bible basher's who condemn films for sexual overtones... kids don't care... they see differently to what you do.... just ask them!!!

Familiar but enjoyable!

[JohnHowardReid · 7/10 · 25 September 2016]

Do you remember how the movie studios tried to palm off Elvis Presley as a real macho racing car driver, who was an instant hit with the girls? Well, that old tried and true formula is dusted off once again, this time to "prove" what a macho person Kenny Rogers is. Te girls can't resist him, and he's fighting, slugging fit, both on and off the track. Well, at least there are no crummy process shots. Instead, clever editing gives the illusion that Rogers is actually out there, braving dangers head on! He can't help but be irresistible to the girls, but he has a heart of gold for these six orphaned kiddies, led by a delightfully nubile whom, of course, Kenny treats as a daughter -- and she likewise regards Kenny in a fatherly light, because she actually wants to meet boys her own age! So this is a movie that tries to have a bit of everything in car chases and comic sheriffs. And the odd thing is, that thanks to all the skills that gone into it making, the movie does succeed. It's agreeably acted, fast paced, has a nice music score, and makes good use of its natural locations. In all, I'd describe the film as familiar, but enjoyable!

Kenny and the auto part bandits.

[mark.waltz · 4/10 · 25 April 2021]

The kids say funny things that get laughs, but depending on your views towards bratty child thieves, this comedy can be grating one moment and overly cutesy the next. Rogers is an auto racer trying to make a comeback, and when he stops to get gas, he ends up being locked in a bathroom during which time the kids go to work unseen stealing the engine and other parts from his racing car. Later, while he's eating in a greasy spoon diner, the same thing happens to his regular car and eventually he traces the thieves to a camp out in the middle of nowhere, agreeing to help them get to Shreveport which of course is not the final stop on their journey together as he reluctantly begins taking care of them along with girlfriend Erin Gray.

This is one of those good old boy comedies that became immensely popular in the late 70s thanks to "Smokey and the Bandit", and along with that and the TV series "The Dukes of Hazard", the film contains typical dumb Texas law enforcement, led by Barry Corbin. All we're missing is a Boss Hogg like Big Daddy character to be the comical villain to top things off.

Certainly films involving kids are automatically considered cute for that reason, and they do get the darndest things to say. Diane Lane is the oldest of them, the mother figure as the oldest sister, and they really aren't learning any good moral lessons by being thieves. After a while, this begins presenting the characters along the long drive through Texas as stereotypical hicks, and those who want more sophisticated comedy or at least less cartoonish situations will quickly tune out. Rogers is basically playing himself, rightfully ill-tempered at times because of his situation, and after a while, I began to get irritated as well. Rogers had to put up with his situation. Viewers have other options.

Fantastic movie

[hazardus_99 · 10/10 · 27 January 2007]

I'm with amyjo79 with this movie, as I saw it on TV years ago and videotaped it, then just bought the DVD when I finally found it had been released.

Yes, it has its corny parts and some bad language in it, but as was already said, Kenny Rogers' character chides the kids for swearing and they stop doing it for the most part. Yes it is predictable to a certain degree as well, but since the DVD arrived here, my three boys aged between 4 - 9yrs have not stopped watching it! They love the fast cars, the music and the plot in general, and I won't stop them watching it. My boys understand that they are not allowed to swear and that it's only a movie and not real.

I have always liked Kenny Rogers' music and always will, and if you like his music too, I'm sure you will like the move as well.

Cute, but not especially notable

[yaalaast · 6/10 · 15 January 2006]

This movie played a few days ago on one of the old movie channels (Fox Movie Classics I believe). I had seen it a few years ago, but hadn't remembered much about it. It's not one of those movies that has much memorable about it.

I felt the story had the potential to go places, but the acting was just not up to carrying it. I was disappointed in Kenny Rogers' performance (he should stick to singing). The kids were mostly blah, with the exception of "Breezy/Heather". But I also felt "Doc" and "Swifty" did a decent job.

My son (who is almost 6) enjoyed watching this. He likes car racing, which was I'm sure his major attraction. And I enjoyed it for the most part too (it is a cute story). Some parents might not care for the boy (Swifty) cussing. He uses such words as "schit", "bastard", "damn", "hell", but never the "F" word.

SPOILER...

Brewster Baker (K.Rogers) is a down-on-his-luck race car driver. He is passing through a small Texas town and stops to fuel. During the stop, six kids strip his car. Brewster later chases down the culprits, rescues one from the river, and learns they are orphans. He also discovers that the local sheriff is in on their criminal enterprise. (The sheriff and his cohort deputy remind me a lot of Boss Hogg & Co. from Dukes of Hazard).

Brewster is thrown in gaol but one of the kids (Swifty) breaks him out. (I found this scene humorous with Swifty toting a gun and trying to act like a gunslinger from some old west movie). Brewster flees town with the kids in tow and the sheriff in hot pursuit. But they all escape thanks to the resourcefulness of the kids who tampered with the sheriff's car.

The kids get attached to Brewster and finagle their way into being his pit crew. And Brewster begins to warm to the kids also, but doesn't like the idea much.

With the kids' help Brewster works his way back to a high position in the racing circuit. Things seem rosy until they meet Brewster's arch rival, Turk. It seems Turk is the reason Brewster lost out on his previous racing career. The kids pull a fast one on Turk, Turk and Brewster get into it, and in the last race of the film it seems Brewster is going to beat Turk and win the race. But, Brewster sees his kid pit crew being taken away by the Texas sheriff and gives up the race to save the kids. (Turk doesn't win BTW).

The end of the movie shows Brewster marrying his girlfriend and keeping all the kids. (It's a nice ending).

END OF SPOILER.

My thoughts are they could have done so much more with this story. Some parts had the feeling that they were trying to copy stuff like "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Dukes of Hazard". They should have just done their own thing and forgotten about other programmes.

On a positive note: There were a lot of good bonding scenes with the kids. Story-telling in the motel room, hunting for Breezy when she ran away, singing songs in the RV. And, although not well-acted, Brewster's relationship with the kids was exemplary...he acted the parental role (correcting Swifty's language, counseling Breezy, etc.), and still had fun with them (joking, stories). They developed his role well enough that you felt he was suitable to care for the kids.

I'm giving a mediocre rating of 6 for this. Personally, I would have no problem with kids viewing this movie, but there is some mild language, and a couple of scenes (Breezy soliciting Turk in his trailer & Brewster's fight with Turk) that some may find inappropriate.

This would be another of those rainy-day movies.

Oh yes, Thumbs up for sure. Great Family Night Movie For Teens

[YahYah24 · 8/10 · 3 August 2005]

I'm not a huge Kenny Rogers fan, in particular. I've seen a few of his movies, I like his work on the general end of things, and I have to say, I thought this movie was one of his best. For me, back in 1982, the kids are what made the movie. I caught it on TV again last night (2005) - had to watch it as I recorded it for my 13 year old - and it appealed to me as much now, as an adult, as it did for me when I was a kid. The language can be a bit crass at times, but I really considered this movie to be done in good taste, and my 13 year old has been asking to see it for months now. The main song is catchy, the characters are lovable, and Kenny Rogers... well, he's a good guy. It's a good story, heartwarming to the end. I highly recommend this movie for "family night" with pre-teens and younger teens.

Worth watching

[johnfuen · 8/10 · 8 September 2005]

I remember catching 6-Pack when it first came out. I really don't remember if it was a made for TV movie or a theater movie. But what I do remember was that I was thoroughly entertained by this movie.

I really liked Kenny Roger's character and how he got shanghaied into becoming a surrogate step father for a larcenous family of orphans. If I'm not mistaken Erin Gray (Col. Wilma Dearing) of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century fame played his love interest.

This movie was certainly a "feel good" movie that also had some very funny scenes. If I can ever find it on DVD, I will certainly buy it. Another plus for this movie is that you get to see a very young Diane Lane. It is fun to see her very early in her career. If you want a film you watch with the family and not worry about a lot of blue humor, this one is for you.

'SIX PACK' IS A CHARMER. KENNY ROGERS AND DIANE LANE SHINE!

[McCormack7 · 10/10 · 17 April 2001]

KENNY ROGERS is delightful in this charming little film. The kids are great as well adding a lot of humour to the proceedings. You'll probably recognize the young actress who plays Breezy as it is DIANE LANE who has now gone on to become Hollywood A List material with 'The Perfect Storm', 'Murder At 1600', 'Streets of Fire' etc. She is fab in this movie! If you are a fan of 'nice' films, KENNY ROGERS or DIANE LANE you should definately check out 'SIX PACK'.

Outstanding Movie!!

[chosenbygod-2 · 10/10 · 21 April 2010]

Hello,

I have sit here now for the past 20 minutes or so, while actually watching Six Pack, and I have written at least 4 different reviews on this movie, but I kept having to delete them and start over because i could just go on and on about how great and timeless this movie was and still is, even today. But after thinking about it over and over, i think I will just say that this movie is indeed a Timeless Classic, with an awesome cast and crew, and especially the little kids, who are just cute as a button (especially Little Harry).

I have come to the conclusion that with all that I can say about this movie, very positive reviews, I have now become almost speechless. So I will give the following review with heart and sincerity:

Watch This Movie!!!! It is funny, fun, and it'll touch your heart!!! But just watch it!! if you have Never seen this movie, you ought to be ashamed of yourself, and you owe yourself an apology! And if you have never seen it, go now; get off your duff and go rent this movie. Or find an internet movie site and rent it from there and watch it. This movie is Timeless, and I almost money-guarantee you that you will want to watch it again and again! I have No Idea why IMDb has given this outstanding movie only 5.2 stars, but it's evident that someone at IMDb doesn't know wonderful movies when they see them. Thanks for reading!!

awesome

[ukrainetrain · 10/10 · 12 July 2000]

This is by far the best Kenny Rogers- Anthony Michael Hall collaboration ever in the history of movie making. It was just plain awesome. Just look at the equation Kenny Roger + Six Lovable Children = Pure Entertainment. If you have never seen this movie then you should go lay in the nearest interstate until a semi turns you into road gravy, or at least check it out. That ain't no lie.

Heart-Warming Family Movie

[jeremycrimsonfox · 9/10 · 11 August 2019]

Brewster Baker is a race car driver who has parts of his car stolen by six orphans who is doing this to avoid being put in an orphanage by corrupt sheriff, who wastes no time arresting Baker for false charges, adding resisting arrest for asking about reading his rights. Thankfully, the orphans bust him out, and he takes him in, planning to drop them off at a bus depot. But he soon takes them in after they fix his car, and now, he is trying to get back into racing, as well as avoid Big John, who wants to put Baker back behind bars and take back the orphans to do his dirty work.

This is a good classic movie, as Kenny Rogers does a good job as the lead role. This does have some foul language said by the kids, but thankfully, this teaches a good moral as Brewster has to set the kids right while on the racing circuit. It is a charming movie, but parents should be with kids if they let their kids watch.

Car

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 26 October 2021]

One of my favourite Kenny Rogers films that I have ever seen for in truth it is the only one I have actually seen and the others I gave only heard the song that the movie is named sfter.

Sweet and uplifting comedy

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 10 June 2016]

Washed-up stock car race driver Brewster Baker (a solid and likable performance by country singer Kenny Rogers) makes a successful comeback with the assistance of six scrappy orphan kids who serve as his pit crew.

Director Daniel Petrie keeps the enjoyable, if predictable, story moving along at a quick pace and maintains an amiable goodhearted tone throughout. Moreover, the kids are a colorful and engaging bunch of rascals, with especially stand-out work from Diane Lane as selfless and responsible ringleader Breezy, Anthony Michael Hall as the crafty Doc, and Robby Still as the foulmouthed Swifty. The sound acting by the supporting cast keeps this movie humming: Erin Gray as perky barmaid Lilah, Barry Corbin as corrupt sheriff Big John, and Terry Kiser as slimy jerk rival Terk. Charles Fox's flavorsome score and the catchy country music soundtrack hit the harmonic spot. Mario Tosi's bright cinematography provides an attractive sparkling look. Sure, this film doesn't do anything particularly fresh or surprising with its familiar premise, but it's done with so much genuine heart and warm humor that it still manages to be quite amusing, entertaining, and even affecting just the same.

Park Your Wheels! But Don't Leave 'Em Alone!

[JLRMovieReviews · 9/10 · 17 April 2013]

I see Six Pack hasn't received high marks here, but this story of a race-track driver getting himself attached to a group of orphans who strip cars is a lot of fun. Personally, I have a lot of affection for this time period in films, between say 1973 and 1983, when life is portrayed very simple, slow, and laid-back, like in most of those Goldie Hawn films. It may not seem like much at the time, but's so enjoyable you can't not like it. Barry Corbin is the law who's looking for the six pack when they leave town with Kenny, but Barry has his own agenda and is not entirely on the up and up. And the kids have a hard time trying to break bad habits, so there's plenty to keep your attention. Don't worry about that. Also with Diane Lane and Erin Gray, this is a feel-good film where you just need to relax and enjoy the ride.

This will always be one of my favorite movies

[ricgarali · 9/10 · 18 December 2022]

While I really enjoyed the story and the acting I like this movie more for personal reasons. I was living in the town of Woodstock Georgia whenever this movie was being filmed. Kenny Rogers was always my favorite actor and my father took me to go see the filming at a place called Dixie Speedway. Sitting in the stands my father gets asked to be an extra at first he says no and then he changes his mind. You can see him in two scenes wearing an STP hat and a blue jacket. Though he never got to say a single word in the movie, it will always hold a special place to me. The actors in itwill shock you.

They don't make em like this anymore

[mycruk · 9/10 · 19 June 2021]

Man, I really miss the 80s. Bring em back.

I love the movie as it'll always be a classic.

If you're a fan of racing as well as Kenny Roger's. You'll love this movie.

A movie for the entire family which still takes the checked flag.

[atomicjeff-41850 · 10/10 · 17 February 2023]

Kenny Rogers stars as race car driver Brewster Baker. Baker is on the comeback trail after having his auto racing career sabotaged by his former mechanic and now racing rival Turk Logan. While at a stop at a small Texas gas station his race car is stripped of its parts. At a local diner he discusses with a waitress about the incident which she abruptly walks away having knowledge obviously about his questioning. While at the diner he notices a corvett that was just stripped of its parts but sees the culprit's van fleeing the scene and Bruster abrubtly leaves the diner and gives pusuit. After a brief chase the van plumits into a lake where Brewster discovers the culprits are just kids ranging from sixteen to age seven. The kids are the Aikens family who have been recently been orphaned after their parents were killed in an accident. The children have been forced to strip cars for a local corrupt sheriff. As the story evolves the kids help Brewster get his racing career and life back on track. Eventually they become a family after Brewster marries his long term girlfriend and love Lilah, finds a new racing sponser, defeats Turk Logan, and stops the corrupt sherrif from bothering the chidren ever again. This is a very charming movie. Give it a watch if you have never seen it. You will be glad you did.