Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood) and his orangutan friend Clyde return for more silly but agreeable hijinks in this successful sequel to "Every Which Way But Loose". Philo still makes what money he can from bare-knuckle fights, and gambler James Beekman (Harry Guardino) gets the bright idea to pit Philo against the equally tough Jack Wilson (the almighty movie tough guy William Smith). Philo initially agrees to the deal, then decides against the fight, which only motivates the villains to kidnap Philos' girl Lynn (Sondra Locke), with whom he's reconnected. Everything comes to a head with scores of people determined to watch the fight and hopefully make a ton of money from their bets on the outcome.
The fantastic, vivid fight scene between Clint and Smith is definitely a highlight; it's one of those old-school donnybrooks that certainly must be a favorite for people who love a good movie fight. Overall, the movie is "good" no-brainer fun, although it does go on an awfully long time (just short of two hours), with not all of the comedy detours paying off to any great degree. That said, there are true chuckles to be had. Although it hardly needs to be said, the simian actors Buddha and Manis (taking turns playing Clyde) steal the show. Clydes' courtship of a female orangutan whom Philo temporarily "borrows" from the zoo is the most priceless moment. It's also hysterical whenever Clyde is told to junk a car.
One of the things that this viewer liked best was the nuanced relationship between Philo and the rather amiable Wilson. Neither man is really THAT interested in winning the fight, and keep wanting to keep things "even" between them. Wilson is one of the best roles that the late, great Smith ever played. And there's a rich, constant assortment of familiar faces (some of them repertory players in Clint movies of the 70s and early 80s) in supporting roles and bits. Geoffrey Lewis, as could be expected, is particularly fine as Philos' buddy Orville. Ruth Gordon has some very amusing moments as Philos' irascible Ma. Even Locke does a good job; she's appealing in the love interest role, and does some singing of her own.
Clint and Ray Charles do a very pleasant duet on "Beers to You", which kicks off "Any Which Way You Can" in fine fashion.
Even if a FAR cry from the more prestigious films of Clints' career, there's no denying the goofball charm of this movie.
Seven out of 10.
