Watch The Big Bounce

The Big Bounce from 1969 is a crime comedy movie based on the novel of the same name by Elmore Leonard. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii, the movie follows the story of Jack Ryan, a charming and handsome drifter who gets pulled into a world of crime and violence after meeting the lovely and mysterious Nancy Barker. Jack Ryan, played by Ryan O'Neal, is a small-time thief and hustler who gets fired from his job as a construction worker for hitting his boss. With no money and nowhere to go, he ends up in Hawaii and starts working as a custodian at a luxury hotel. It's there that he meets Nancy Barker, played by Leigh Taylor-Young, a seductive and enigmatic woman who seems to have a thing for bad boys like Jack.

Nancy convinces Jack to help her and her older lover, Walter Crewes, played by Van Heflin, with a heist that involves stealing $50,000 from the wealthy real estate developer, Ray Ritchie. Jack is initially reluctant, but Nancy's charms and the promise of easy money convince him to go along with the plan.

As the heist unfolds, Jack finds himself caught in a web of deceit and betrayal, with Nancy and Walter revealing ulterior motives that put his life in danger. Along the way, Jack also gets involved with Alison, a beautiful beach girl played by Lee Grant, who has her own agenda in this dangerous game of cat and mouse.

The Big Bounce is a stylish and entertaining movie that captures the mood and vibe of the late 60s, with its groovy soundtrack, colorful costumes, and beautiful locations. Ryan O'Neal delivers a solid performance as Jack, bringing a sense of charm and coolness to the character, while Leigh Taylor-Young steals the show as the mysterious and alluring Nancy Barker.

The movie also benefits from the presence of Van Heflin, who brings a sense of gravitas and menace to his role as the older and more experienced criminal, Walter Crewes. The chemistry between the three leads is palpable, adding to the tension and the sense of danger that permeates the movie.

The Big Bounce is not just a crime movie, but also a commentary on the changing times and the clash between the old and the new. The character of Walter Crewes represents a bygone era of crime and violence, while Jack and Nancy embody the free-spirited and rebellious attitudes of the counterculture.

Overall, The Big Bounce is a fun and entertaining movie that delivers on both style and substance. It's a perfect example of the crime comedy genre, with its blend of humor, action, and suspense. If you're a fan of Elmore Leonard's work, or of crime movies in general, you'll definitely enjoy this classic from the golden age of cinema.

The Big Bounce is a 1969 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.