Tom Sharky is a narcotics cop in Atlanta who's demoted to vice after a botched bust. In the depths of this lowly division, while investigating a high-dollar prostitution ring, Sharky stumbles across a mob murder with government ties, and responds by assembling his downtrodden fellow investigators (Sharky's "machine") to find the leaders and bring them to justice before they kill off all his partners and witnesses, including Sharky himself.
Sharky’s Machine is one of Burt Reynolds’s most compelling action‑driven police procedurals, released during the peak of his 1980s film career. While Reynolds delivers the expected charisma and grit, the film’s real strength lies in its ensemble of down‑on‑their‑luck officers exiled to the Vice division. Their world‑weary humour, bruised pride, and quiet resilience give the story a grounded emotional core that elevates it beyond a standard action vehicle.
Sharky’s arrival disrupts their routine, injecting urgency and purpose into a group that had been counting down the days. Watching these men rediscover their instincts and professionalism is one of the film’s most satisfying arcs. The blend of noir‑tinged atmosphere, sharp dialogue, and tense set pieces creates a distinctive tone that still holds up.
With its mix of character‑driven drama and stylish action, Sharky’s Machine stands out as one of Reynolds’s most memorable and well‑crafted genre efforts.
Burt Reynolds directs this sleazy, slick remake of Laura with all kinds of flair. More than a bit is lifted from Italian crime films and giallo and erotic trillers of the time.
Burt should have made a series of these because this could have been a fun cop series.
Atlanta is the location and it captures it’s sleazy side well.
Reviews
Sharky's Machine
flavo43 reviewed
Sharky's Machine
December 24, 2025Sharky’s Machine is one of Burt Reynolds’s most compelling action‑driven police procedurals, released during the peak of his 1980s film career. While Reynolds delivers the expected charisma and grit, the film’s real strength lies in its ensemble of down‑on‑their‑luck officers exiled to the Vice division. Their world‑weary humour, bruised pride, and quiet resilience give the story a grounded emotional core that elevates it beyond a standard action vehicle.
Sharky’s arrival disrupts their routine, injecting urgency and purpose into a group that had been counting down the days. Watching these men rediscover their instincts and professionalism is one of the film’s most satisfying arcs. The blend of noir‑tinged atmosphere, sharp dialogue, and tense set pieces creates a distinctive tone that still holds up.
With its mix of character‑driven drama and stylish action, Sharky’s Machine stands out as one of Reynolds’s most memorable and well‑crafted genre efforts.
eif999 reviewed
Sharky's Machine
April 6, 2025Burt Reynolds directs this sleazy, slick remake of Laura with all kinds of flair. More than a bit is lifted from Italian crime films and giallo and erotic trillers of the time.
Burt should have made a series of these because this could have been a fun cop series.
Atlanta is the location and it captures it’s sleazy side well.
