Episode 25 - American Ninja (1985)

Back to the ninjas. After Cannon's ninja anthology trilogy they created a brand new series of films starting with this one. American Ninja was one of their biggest hits.

These films aren't quite as off the wall as those ones could get, and they're missing Sho Kosugi, but they were a surprising hit for Cannon back in the day. Especially on home video where they were king.

But how does the original stack up? Tune in and find out!

Randy's Score: 3/5
JD's Score: 5/5


Up next: Rappin'

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 7 - Escape From New York (1981)

Bet you didn't expect this one, huh?

If you know anything about '80s movies, action films, or any bit of pop culture, then you are perfectly aware of what this movie is and what it's about. But some have never seen it, so here's the skinny, cat: In the near-future, a convict gets sent to the prison island of New York and must rescue the president within hour, or he will die. That's all you're getting out of this summary, so listen the episode!

And make sure to watch this movie! It will help give you an idea of why '80s cinema still has its fans today. It also holds up exceedingly well.

But what did we think? You might be surprised at our thoughts on this classic. Listen in, as always, for our full analysis.

Randy's Score: 5/5
JD's Score: 5/5


Up Next: American Ninja

Episode 24 - Thunder Alley (1985)

In the tradition of the band movie comes this entry from Cannon. Join these ragtag musicians as they rise up from the bar scene toward stardom as temptations such as drugs and women lure them astray. Basically, if you've ever seen a band movie then you know where this is going. There aren't very many wrinkles in this one.

That said, it's a pleasant enough watch that is enjoyable on its own. If you like a solid band film then this might be for you. Tune in to listen to our full thoughts on this obscure music film.

Randy's Score: 3/5
JD's Score: 3/5


Up Next: Escape From New York

Episode 23 - Lifeforce (1985)

Today we look at a classic. Well, it's not so much a classic as a very off and divisive film. Lifeforce is a film about space vampires who come to steal the . . . life force . . . of humans. Valiant and fallible humans battle with seemingly impossible odds against monsters far beyond what they know. What we have here is a science fiction, fantasy, and horror hybrid unlike anything else. Director Tobe Hooper really put out something original here.

We had a bit of a hard time watching this episode for technical reasons, so we would have to get back to it to solidify our opinion, but we came out a bit split on this. Tune in to see what we thought!

Randy's Score: 2/5
JD's Score: 4/5


Up Next: Thunder Alley

Episode 22 - Hot Chili (1985)

This week we cover another raunchy teen comedy. If you've seen one of these you've seen a hundred of them. The difference is that this one has far better pacing than the other ones we covered so far. There are a few good gags and if you wanted to watch one of these you could do a lot worse.

That said, it's still a teen comedy from the '80s. Nothing is going to make you like it if you just don't like this genre.

Randy's Score: 2/5
JD's Score: 3/5


Up Next: Lifeforce!