Episode 124 ~ Class of 1999 (1990)

We continue on with the second instalment in Mark L Lester's "Class of" trilogy with an entry that shakes up what the audience would expect from the first entry. This one is from the students' perspective instead of the teachers', and also adds more fantastical elements to the affair. It's also more action movie than exploitation film this time.

It's also more over the top with heavier horror elements, and also happens to be out personal favorite of the trilogy. Find out why in today's episode!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 5/5

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Up Next: Class of 1999 II!

Episode 123 ~ Class of 1984 (1982)

You're probably aware of a few bizarre and even obscure trilogies in cinematic history, but are you aware of Mark L. Lester's "Class Of" trilogy? It's an over the top look at the school system through a B-movie lens, through making prediction, noticing pattern behavior, and framing it through pure entertainment.

The first entry, Class of 1984, is about the decaying school system as framed through Fear City-style exploitation somewhere between the first two Death Wish movies. It is surprisingly prescient, and also brutal, look at a world they thought might have been but ending up existing not that long after the release of the movie.

How does it hold up? That is the subject of today's episode!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 4/5

 

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Up Next: Class of 1999!

Episode 122 - Angus (1995)

The 1990s were known for the plethora of family films and dramas, but one that has fallen almost entirely under the radar is 1995's Angus. It's primarily known these days for having a soundtrack of alternative rock from the time, including some rare tracks from certain famous bands from the era. But how does it hold up as a movie?

Fairly well, though it is definitely not without its blemishes, which we dig into in this episode. Because, while it is a good movie overall, it could have been a great one. Learn why Angus could have been better remembered with a few tweaks.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Spotify link here!

Up Next: Class of 1984!

Episode 121 ~ Over the Edge (1979)

At the end of the day there are quite a lot of movies we've just plain missed out on. There were so many movies released over the course of the 20th century that we will never see, never mind get to on Cannon Cruisers.

Thankfully 1979's Over the Edge is not one of those movies. It's also not the kind we cover here a whole lot, though it does very much fit in with what we do.

This is a drama that is played seriously enough to be effective but not overly exploitative or grim to turn off those who want entertainment with surprising substance. It's thoughtful without being preachy, and is definitely not the sort of thing that could be made today.

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 5/5

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Up Next: Angus!

Episode 120 ~ Brink (1998)

Another curveball! This week we decide to cover a Disney Channel Original Movie that, surprisingly, holds up quite well. From the era of alternative and eXtreme culture comes 1998's Brink, which perfectly nails its time and place.

You might be wondering how something like that can work in a Disney Channel movie of all things. There is a reason for that! Check out today's episode to figure out why.

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 4/5

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Up Next: Over the Edge!

Episode 119 ~ Stay Tuned (1992)

Every now and and then on Cannon Cruisers we come across a hidden gem that should be far more well known than it actually is. Today's episode features one of those movies. 1992's Stay Tuned is one of the best movies you've never heard of.

Perhaps it was a bit too ahead of its time, and just outside the decade full of movies it is most similar to, but this film is one unlike any you've seen. Think if Joe Dante had decided to direct a Ray Bradbury style story about a salesman selling a satellite dish made by demons and you might get close to this one. There isn't much else like it.

So check out today's episode to learn more about this cult classic. It deserves more than it has gotten so far.

Randy's Score: 5/5

JD's Score: 5/5

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Up Next: Brink!

Episode 118 ~ Mom and Dad Save the World [1992]

This is a movie none of us remember. From the writers of the Bill & Ted series comes another zany adventure into the unknown. A parody of Flash Gordon starring a middle-aged married couple? Definitely a bizarre concept.

Despite some great practical effects, it's not as good as it could be. Check out today's episode to see why that is!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Spotify link here!

Up Next: Stay Tuned!