Episode 31 - Runaway Train (1985)

For our last movie of the season we cover the hidden gem known as Runaway Train. Two convicts board a train after escaping  prison and go on a high speed escape as they are pursued by an obsessed warden, guided by inept railway officials, and must keep safe the lone passenger aboard as they barrel onward to certain death. Be ready for thrills and excitement, because you will get plenty of both here.

Runaway Train is a Cannon film through and through. There is violence. There is action. There is over the top insanity. But it's all masterfully done. Based on a screenplay by Akira Kurosawa, Runaway Train is a film that thrills and entertains, but also manages to have a lot under the hood a the same time. There is quite a bit to discuss. To hear our full thoughts be sure to tune in above. You won't regret it.

This is the best Cannon film we've seen so far.

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


Up Next: Season 2 recap!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 9 - The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

This was a curveball. The two of us had seen a lot of movies from this decade, but Buckaroo Banzai is one we'd always missed out on. It's a satire and homage to old Doc Savage style pulp stories with quite a star-studded cast and a lot of hype behind it. Surely this is the exact type of movie we would go for.

Well, yes and no.

To find out exactly what we thought, check out the episode above!

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


Up Next: Runaway Train

Episode 30 - Fool For Love (1985)

Based on a play by Sam Shepard (who also stars), Fool For Love is about an arguing couple who come to a motel after a large scale blow out and end up discussing deep seated issues that reveal themselves as the story progresses. This soon includes two other characters seemingly unrelated to the events that pop in to give context.

Not the usual Cannon fare, Fool For Love tries something a bit different. Here they take a play and transpose it to the big screen. Do they succeed? Well, tune in to find out.

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


Up Next: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension

Episode 29 - King Solomon's Mines (1985)

Cannon tries their hand an old school adventure film! Based on the H. Rider Haggard book of the same name (which turned 100 at the time of the film's release) and starring Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone, this had everything going for it.

Unfortunately, it just doesn't quite come together. For reasons mentioned in the episode, this adaption misses the mark. This is a shame with the cast it has and the material it is based. But it isn't a total loss. Find out how in the episode above!

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


Up Next: Fool For Love