Non-Cannon ~ Episode 56 - The Forbidden Dance (1990)

For the final episode this year we are taking a gander at the other lambada movie of 1990, this being the one released by Golan to compete with his cousin's own movie. There is a bit of a behind the scenes story as to how all this happened, but that is mostly covered in the episode above. As for this movie, it is far more confused and less coherent than Cannon's effort, but definitely worth the discussion.

Somehow Golan and Globus keep surprising, even over a decade since claiming Cannon for themselves. It's been quite a season, but we're finally nearing the end on this overlong season. Keep tuning in as we continue into next year!

Randy's Score: 1/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: Midnight Ride!

Episode 87 - Lambada (1990)

1989 was not a good year for Cannon, but they tried changing tact a bit with 1990. Instead of focusing on hastily assembled action movies that had nowhere near the care of their best work, they leaned harder on their lower budget work. It ended up creating an intriguing gem in Rockula and creating quite a fun little picture in Lambada.

It's not quite up their with their best, but it's a fun little picture that we enjoyed talking about. Our full impressions above should make that clear.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: The Forbidden Dance!

Episode 86 - The Adventures of Hercules (1985)

Hercules is back! In this rushed sequel to the surprise Lou Ferrigno and Cannon collaboration we deal with a project that has a strange history behind it. It's not quite on the level of the original, but that doesn't mean it is a complete whiff. This sort of fantasy family film is a bit uncommon, especially from the likes of Cannon.

To find out how exactly it falls short, check out the episode above. Gotta say, this one was a bit disappointing after the wild journey of the original.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: Lambada!

Episode 85 - Rockula (1990)

This was a surprise. We haven't had the best luck with musicals on Cannon Cruisers, we especially didn't enjoy the infamous bomb known as The Apple. The songs just weren't that good and the plot was confusing. However, Rockula was a very different experience from that. For one: we actually enjoyed it!

This movie is bizarre, but it uses its creativity to its advantage, creating a plot and cast of characters as memorable as its soundtrack. The result is a cult classic that deserves its cult status. If anything, it deserves a bit more attention than what it gets. Find out why in the episode above!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: The Adventures of Hercules!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 55 - Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)

This is one I'd been wanting to cover for quite some time. Since we'd been covering s much Chuck Norris on Cannon Cruisers, it is only fair to cover what many believe to be his best movie. As discussed in our Missing in Action episode, Norris actually is very good in a very specific type of role, one that he simply wasn't given too many times. As much as I appreciate his many other Cannon vehicles, movies like this showcase him at his best, and none before or since have managed to top Lone Wolf McQuade from 1983. Having David Carradine definitely helps.

So check out the above episode and learn a bit about the best Chuck Norris movie. If you're a Norris aficionado then you are are missing out. It's a classic!

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 5/5

Up next: Rockula!

Episode 84 - Hercules (1983)

Yes, once more we have gone back to the past. Since this season is focused on covering Cannon through 1989 and 1990 it naturally means less material to cover. Because of this, we decided to fill out holes in the schedule with movies we have missed so far. There are a few! This includes the three movies Lou Ferrigno made with Cannon. Today, we are covering 1983's Hercules, one of the films we missed during the first season.

It might be hard to believe, but we actually enjoyed this one a good deal. Despite its infamous reputation it holds together solidly and has just enough creativity ad lightheartedness that you would feel comfortable showing it to your kids or younger relatives. It isn't perfect, of course, but it holds together much better than you would think. As always, check out the episode for full impressions.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up next: Lone Wolf McQuade!

Episode 83 - River of Death (1989)

We've made it to the end of the '80s! Don't get me wrong, we will be going back to cover some of the films we have missed over the years, but for all intents and purposes this is the end of the '80s for Cannon. We're going to continue right into 1990 next, but it's clear that Cannon is not quite the same is it once was.

Take River of Death. It has everything going for it: Michael Dudikoff, based on an Alistair Maclean book, and directed by the man who gave us Chuck Norris classics Lone Wolf McQuade and An Eye for An Eye. It has everything Cannon usually uses for success. But it doesn't quite work out. Check out the above episode to learn just why that is.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: Hercules!

Episode 82 - Crack House (1989)

Now this is the Cannon we all know and expect. One of the last Cannon movies of the 1980s, Crack House is, unfortunately, not the return to form you would hope. You can definitely see the same problems that plagued every other Cannon film around this time.

Despite that, there are a few things we did enjoy, which we will talk about in the episode above. Tune in to check it out!

Randy's Score: 1/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up next: River of Death!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 54 - Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987)

Bet you didn't expect this one! After our Halloween special, we've gone back to our normal schedule! Today, we take a look at a cult favorite film in Andy Sidaris's Hard Ticket to Hawaii, the second entry in his Triple B series (Bullets, Bombs, & Babes [or Boobs]) of B movies. This is the most popular movie in said series, and we're going to discuss just why that is.

As always, check out the episode above for full impressions. You'll never look at Frisbee the same way again.

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Up Next: Crack House!

Halloween GAIDEN Special #6 - Maniac Cop 2 (1990)

A movie that is very much the end of an era, and one of the last big horror movies before the genre fell into decline in the 1990s. Maniac Cop 2, for all intents and purposes, is the second half of the original Maniac Cop, building off the promises, the atmosphere, and the not quite so satisfying ending to bring the story into full bloom before capping it off with an explosive send off that brings it full circle. As far as horror sequels go, this is one of the best.

This is also one of my personal favorite horror flicks, and I hope you'll listen to the episode above to learn why that is. And yes, this one is being posted on Wasteland & Sky just as the other episodes in this special were.

I would like to thank you for sticking around this past week and enjoying the Halloween excitement. It's been a treat doing something different and sharing it with you. Tomorrow, I'll see you again with a regular Cannon Cruisers episode, where we will return to our normal schedule. It's been fun!

Have a Happy Halloween!

JD's rating: Recommended

Up Next: Hard Ticket to Hawaii!

Halloween GAIDEN Special #5 - Maniac Cop (1988)

On our fifth day of Halloween celebrations, we are taking a look at 1988's noir-ish horror thriller Maniac Cop. This is one that has been gaining in cult appeal over the years, and for good reason. As far as "slasher" style horror goes, it is one of the best.

But Maniac Cop is more than a slasher. Its quite an engaging story of revenge and the price of greed and order over justice. To say more would be to spoil it. Watch the episode above to understand just what I'm referring to.

Just as always, check the link to Wasteland & Sky if you'd prefer to watch it there. All of these are still being cross-posted there.

Remember to have a Happy Halloween! We have one more episode left to end this week long special. I hope you'll continue to join me as we finish this  series up.

JD's rating: Recommended

Up Next: Maniac Cop 2!

Halloween GAIDEN Special #4 - Dead Heat (1988)

For our fourth day I'm going to go into the relatively forgotten and unknown gem, Dead Heat starring Treat Williams and Joe Piscopo. On the surface, this might seem just like any other buddy cop movie from the 1980s, but there is quite a bit more to it than that.

Part action movie, part dark comedy, part zombie horror, and with surprisingly effective themes, this is one of those pictures that could only work in the era that spawned it. As a result, it deserves an episode to itself. You're not liable to see anything like this out of Hollywood ever again. That much is absolutely certain.

This one is also being crossposted on Wasteland & Sky, just as before, so watch it wherever you'd prefer. Remember, we're not done yet!

JD's rating: Recommended

Up Next: Maniac Cop!

Halloween GAIDEN Special #3 - House II: The Second Story (1987)

Continuing from yesterday, I decided to cover the very different sequel to the original House. This one isn't a horror movie, being more of an adventure story. In many ways it is the opposite of the first film, yet it retains many of the themes at the same time. It also helps that has much of the same staff and crew from the first movie to help retain quality.

As always, check the episode above for full impressions! This one is cross-posted on Wasteland & Sky, just as the rest in this mini-series will be. So check it out wherever you prefer.

JD's rating: Recommended

Up Next: Dead Heat!

Halloween GAIDEN Special #2 - House (1986)

Today we're getting a gander at the obscure favorite, House, from 1986. This is a haunted house story with enough dark comedy to unsettle most audiences, but still manages to retain a chilling atmosphere at the same time. From the director of Friday the 13th Part 2 and Part 3, as well as Warlock, and the writer of Night of the Creeps and Monster Squad, comes a hidden gem that shouldn't be as hidden as it is. Find out why in tonight's episode!

As an aside, a reminder that this it being cross-posted at Wasteland & Sky, my other blog! You can enjoy this episode at either location. It's up to you! 

JD's rating: Recommended

Up next: House II: The Second Story!

Halloween GAIDEN Special #1 - Night of the Demons (1988)

Bet you didn't see this coming!

That's right, since we didn't get a chance to record a Halloween episode this year, for obvious reasons, I decided to make some bonus episodes of Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN to take us to the 31st! So get ready for six extra episodes of Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN as I chat about some seasonal movies. It's being crossposted on my other blog, Wasteland & Sky!  

Up first I decided to cover a bit of hidden favorite, Night of the Demons from 1988. This is an odd one that I thought deserved discussion. Check the episode above for my thoughts!

JD's rating: Recommended

Up next: Tune in tomorrow!

Episode 81 - Kickboxer (1989)

From the director of The Perfect Weapon and also the producer of Bloodsport. Kickboxer is the third of three official Cannon movies Van Damme did (there is one more they produced, but was released by another company) and was one of the most successful Cannon did period. It also led to four sequels starring Sasha Mitchell and Mark Dacascos throughout the '90s. Needless to say, this was easily one of Cannon's biggest hits of 1989, and one of their last before their demise.

So how does it hold up? Very well. Much like Cyborg and Bloodsport, Kickboxer injects a vitality and spirit missing from much of Cannon's output at this period. As always, our full impressions can be heard in the episode above.

Randy's score: 3/5

JD's score: 4/5

Up next: A Halloween surprise!

Episode 80 - Outlaw of Gor (1989)

We're already back with another episode of Gor goodness. We decided to watch this one via MST3K for variety, but mostly for a change of pace. It didn't end up changing much, because it's more Gor. The difference is that Outlaw of Gor has a more connected story and constantly has things going on. Of the two Gor movies, this is the more enjoyable.

On another note, this was the last episode we recorded before our unexpected hiatus threw us off. Do our opinions hold up? Find out for yourself. (Enjoy a treat at the end due to the otherwise short episode)

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up next: Kickboxer!

Episode 79 - Cyborg (1989)

One of the few standouts in this latter period of Cannon has been Jean Claude Van Damme. As the once powerful studio continues its downhill tumble towards bankruptcy, it is Van Damme that begins his ascent. He made four films for Golan and Globus, and this is the second of the quartet.

Cyborg is a post-apocalyptic action movie directed by Albert Pyun. We've had a rocky relationship with Pyun on Cannon Cruisers, but this is one of his better efforts, most likely saved in editing (once again) by Van Damme's secret skill. Because it is otherwise the weakest Van Damme picture from his early career. But it's still not bad. In fact, it has many interesting parts worth discussing, which we do in the episode above.

Cannon might be on its last legs, but that doesn't mean they didn't still put out some winners. This is one of them. Check it out today!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Outlaw of Gor!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 53 - Streets of Fire (1984)

It's time for a movie I've wanted to cover for a long time! From legendary director Walter Hill (Hard Times, The Driver, The Warriors, 48 Hrs.) comes a Rock & Roll fable with enough romance and wonder to shake a stick at. It's the criminally overlooked and unfairly underrated Streets of Fire from 1984! It's also one of my favorites.

Of course it doesn't mean the film is perfect, as the episode will show, but the purpose of covering it is to give you a look at a movie that might be one of the most influential in a decade full of influential films. There isn't really anything like Streets of Fire, and if you haven't seen it may this be your excuse to do so. No better time than the present.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 5/5

Up Next: Cyborg!

Episode 78 - American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt (1989)

Ninjas!

It's been awhile, but finally we get back to the action with Cannon's famous American Ninja series! Unfortunately, we do without Michael Dudikoff or Sam Firstenberg this time as well as any of the energy from Cannon's other movies. David Bradley is just settling into the role but he can't do much with a movie as flat as this. Steve James can't hold the entire thing together, even though he tries.

It's sad to say, but American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt simply doesn't live up to the first two movies. Check out the episode above to see exactly why.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: Streets of Fire!

Episode 77 - Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects (1989)

Bronson is back! As is J. Lee Thompson! However, it is for the last time. Kinjite is the final film Charles Bronson made for Cannon Films, and this is the final film Thompson ever directed. Bronson would only make Death Wish V after this (which we already reviewed) before ceasing to make theatrical films then doing a small series of TV movies before retiring. This makes Kinjite a much more interesting prospect than you'd think at first glance.

As for the film itself? It's okay. It's neither one of Bronson or Thompson's best, but it's touchy subject matter, especially considering recent revelations in Hollywood, make the movies very brutal depiction of sex trafficking hit on another level. It's a decent thriller with some really good moments and spikes of action. Considering how modern aging directors are putting out embarrassing stinkers, it is remarkable to see Thompson and Bronson go out in a respectable way. The '80s truly ended with their retirement from the game. See the episode above for our full thoughts.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up next: American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt!

Episode 76 - Gor (1987)

Cannon is back! We've returned again!

For certain episodes in this season we went back to grab Cannon movies we might have missed for one reason or another. There are a few we wanted to show you that we missed out on. Today we start with the first Gor movie, based on John Norman's Gor book series!

Unfortunately, we don't find the first movie that exciting. Once again, check the episode above for our impressions! Next week it's business as usual again. 

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 52 - Commando (1985)

We're back!

That's right, Cannon Cruisers is back to full power as we continue on with our brand new season six! As usual, we start with a Non-Cannon, and one that is long overdue: a Schwarzenegger movies. But it's not just any movie, but one of his most infamous films and most influential. That's right, it's time for 1986's Commando!

I was already familiar with this one, but Randy wasn't, so what you get here is an honest reaction to someone seeing it for the first time, and someone who knows it quite well. As always, and for the first time in a while, you can hear both our thoughts in the episode above.

It's good to be back!

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 5/5

Up Next: Gor!

Special: "The Cannon Film Guide, Volume 1: 1980-1984" Review!

Find it Here!

Surprise! This week I wanted to do something special as we are still between seasons and recording new material. The wheels are rolling again! So I decided to record a review I made on my other blog for a project that will excite anyone who listens to Cannon Cruisers. You can find the original post I read from here. This side episode is all about The Cannon Film Guide, and then some!

Suffice to say, it's a bit long. Sorry if you like it brief!

It's a bit rambly since I'm not used to talking for so long uninterrupted, and I'm dying in a heated room in the middle of summer, so please excuse the quality. Nonetheless, I think this is a review you're going to want to hear! Anyone who has an interest in Cannon Films should look into this new book. It is exactly what you've been waiting for.

JD's rating: Recommended




Up Next: Commando!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 20 - Society (1989)

Check it out on Bitchute Here! (The file is too big!)

For this week I decided to take a look at an oddball that flew under many people's radars. That would be Brian Yuzna's Society from 1989. This one is a Lovecraft-style story about a teenager who learns his world isn't quite what he thinks it is. To find out more, click on the episode above! I'm not one for avoiding spoilers, but I think it helps with a movie like this.

So this is our last episode of the GAIDEN miniseries. I hope you've had a good time during this turbulent period as we went through some obscure favorites and not-so-favorites we might have missed out on normal Cannon Cruisers. It's been a blast for me.

Thanks for the good times, and I'll see you with next week's surprise!

JD's rating: Recommended

Up Next: Cannon Film Guide!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 19 - Split Second (1992)

 

Welcome to our weekly installment of Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN! This time we're taking a look at the overlooked 1992 classic Split Second starring the immortal Rutger Hauer. In this one, an unholy monster stalks a cyberpunk world where only two mismatched cops can find it and dispense justice. Needless to say, there is a lot of action.

Though it came out at a bad time it has since enjoyed a cult following that has only grown with the passage of time. In this episode we look to see if that praise is justified, or full of hot air. As always, listen to the episode above (or find us on Bitchute!) to see my full thoughts on the action/ horror/ cyberpunk romp.

JD's rating: Recommended

Up Next: Society!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 18 - Convoy (1978)

Bet you didn't expect this one. Due to a suggestion  decided to cover Sam Peckinpah's 1978 trucker movie classic, Convoy! I cover events surrounding the movie on top of the context as to why this one might be more important than you might think, especially in the context of a project like Cannon Cruisers.

Despite critical savaging, Convoy has gone on to be the director's most profitable movie and a popular guys night out flick. Despite its age, it remains a cult classic to this day. Check out the episode to understand why.

JD's rating: Recommended

Up Next: Split Second!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 17 - TerrorVision (1986)

This week I wanted to cover a movie I hadn't seen before, one quite a bit different from the usual. Today we take a look at a satirical horror movie that is as silly as it is gory, though it doesn't have the reputation you would expect. TerrorVision is an incredibly maligned and hated movie, though I don't quite understand why that is.

Check out the above episode to see just why that is, and wonder with me as to just how it can be so hated. To be honest, I don't quite see it. The movie does exactly what it sets out to do, and for for that I find myself enjoying it.

JD's rating: Recommended



Up Next: Convoy!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 16 - Deathstalker II: Duel of the Titans (1987)

We're back so soon with a sequel! After thinking it over for the better part of a week I decided to watch Deathstalker II, after all. Even though it was made five years later and featured an entirely different cast and crew I wanted to see if it held with the original.

It doesn't really, but that's not exactly a detriment. Instead it turns out to be a movie that shows that wide spread a genre like Sword & Sorcery actually has. What exactly does that mean? You'll have t tune in to find out!

JD's rating: Recommended



Up Next: TerrorVision!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 15 - Deathstalker (1983)

Something a bit different for GAIDEN, I've decided to take time to watch the first Deathstalker movie produced by Roger Corman. We haven't covered much sword and sorcery here on Cannon Cruisers, so that is going to change with this episode! Back in the 1980s Corman did a few co-productions in Argentina, and this is the most popular one. What better time to take a gander at it then now?

Is it a cult favorite for a reason, or is this one over-hyped and undeserving of its praise? Check out the episode above to see.

JD's rating: Recommended



Next time: Deathstalker II!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 14 - Critters 2: The Main Course (1988)

This time I take a look at a sequel to a movie we covered on normal Cannon Cruisers! Since Randy wasn't that enamored with the original I figured I would use the opportunity and watch the sequel on my own for GAIDEN. Was that a good idea? Tune in to this episode of GAIDEN to find out!

We all know the 1980s were filled with Gremlins knock-offs. Not a single one came close to the original when it came to small creature causing havoc horror (except its sequel!), though the original Critters was actually in-development first, and therefore offered a bit more than a cheap wannabe cashing in on its success.

JD's rating: Recommended



Up next: Deathstalker!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 13 - PM Entertainment Outro

Today we take our last look at our PM Entertainment mini-series in our GAIDEN mini-series. Of course, GAIDEN will be continuing after this, but not our exclusive focus on PM Entertainment. We have to move onto other things eventually, right?

For this one I decided to go out with a bang and cover the two most we known movies PM put out. Thanks to coverage by Red Letter Media's Best of the Worst program, most b-movie fans are well aware of both Hologram Man and The Sweeper, so what better way to end this mini-series as part of our greater sub-series? We're going out big.

First up is 1995's Hologram Man. This is the story of man who becomes immortal, or does he? Finally, we end with 1996's The Sweeper, a movie about a man going off the deep end. Tune in to see full thoughts.

JD's rating:

Hologram Man (1995): Not Recommended

The Sweeper (1996): Recommended

Up next: Critters 2: The Main Course!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 12 - Steel Frontier (1995) & The Silencers (1996)

This time we take a gander at two genre movies! I picked these ones out of a hat, more or less, because I wanted to try something a bit different. PM Entertainment might have specialized in action movies, but they did a lot bit of fantasy stuff, as we saw earlier with T-Force. It turns out this was the right decision.

In this episode we look at a post-apocalyptic western in Steel Frontier, and an alien invasion conspiracy with The Silencers. Both have similarities with what we know from PM, as well as some differences. You might be surprised. As always, check the episode above to see my full impressions and hints as to what is coming next week!

JD's ratings:

Steel Frontier (1995): Recommended

The Silencers (1996): Recommended

Up Next: The conclusion to our PM journey!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 11 - A Dangerous Place (1994) & Zero Tolerance (1994)

This week's theme is revenge! I take a look at two 1994 films by PM Entertainment, both with a very similar theme and yet very different approaches to the subject. The first is the 1994 high school drama/martial arts flick A Dangerous Place, and the second is a Robert Patrick action picture called Zero Tolerance. When our main characters have what is important to them stolen, how will they react? The answer might (or might not) surprise you!

The films this time were both big surprises for me, and I think you will come to believe the same after listening to the episode above.

This trip through the PM Entertainment library has been quite interesting so far. Who knows what exactly there is still out there to find?

JD's ratings:

A Dangerous Place (1994): Recommended

Zero Tolerance (1994): Recommended

Up Next: Steel Frontier & The Silencers!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 10 - Ring of Fire 1 & 2

This week I take a look at two more movies from PM Entertainment. I decided on the first two movies in the Ring of Fire trilogy starring Don "The Dragon" Wilson, kickboxing flicks that are both a bit different from the norm.

Ring of Fire from 1991 is a West Side Story meets martial arts tale. It's a bit sluggish at times, but it's definitely one of PM's first proper successes. Meanwhile, 1993's Ring of Fire 2: Blood and Steel, is essentially The Warriors meets Double Dragon (the game, not the bad movie) with tons of fast-paced fights and a kicking early '90s soundtrack. The second one came just as PM was getting their groove on, and it benefits mightily for it.

Both are different from each other, so check out the episode to understand why!

JD's ratings

Ring of Fire (1991): Recommended

Ring of Fire 2: Blood & Steel (1993): Recommended

Up Next: A Dangerous Place & Zero Tolerance!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 9 - PM Entertainment Intro

Trying something different, I decided to take a gander at the library of B-movie video house, PM Entertainment. They put out a flurry of movies (near 100) in the time span between 1989 and 2000, just before the home video market crashed due to the explosion of cheap DVDs.

Essentially, they picked up where Cannon Films left off. Whereas the rest of the 1990s was slowly moving away from testosterone based action and excitement throughout the decade, PM Entertainment kept the fire burning.

Much like Cannon, PM was buit by an immigrant who had nothing in his head aside from making fun movies people could enjoy. There was no pomp, pretension, or audience hatred involved. They just existed to entertain, and they did so.

While PM died just as most things did during the '90s, their high point was considered between 1994-1997, long after traditional '80s action movies were a thing of the past. I'm going to look at a few of them in this special episode.

JD's ratings:

Shotgun (1989): Not Recommended

Maximum Force (1992): Recommended

Rage (1995): Recommended

Up Next: Ring of Fire 1 & 2!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 8 - The Perfect Weapon (1991)

Once again I went for a bit of a curve-ball for this Gaiden episode. Since we watch Cannon movies, and it's been awhile since we got to share any with you, I decided to cover the next best thing this week. This ain't a Cannon movie. However it captures much of the spirit of one in an age when action movies were beginning to die out. It also hits every trope hard and manages fits the era well. Cannon might not have made it--but they could have.

This week we're looking at an action movie starring the overlooked Jeff Speakman in 1991's The Perfect Weapon. This is a martial arts action flick that no one ever talks about, yet I am not quite sure why. Tune in to see just what you've missed and hear my ramble incoherently about the 1990s action movie scene. It's worth it, I promise.

JD's rating: Recommended



Up Next: PM Entertainment Intro!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 7 - Phantasm (1979)

Today we're taking a look at the fantastical surreal action horror of Phantasm. From 1979, this cult favorite led to a five film series that is highly beloved to this day. So how does it hold up? Tune in to find out.

Suffice to say, this is a hard movie to talk about. You won't see too much like it.

JD's rating: Recommended



Up Next: The Perfect Weapon!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 6 - Suburban Commando (1991)

This was an out of left field pick, being that family comedies starring WWF wrestlers from the early '90s have yet to be featured on Cannon Cruisers, but I thought now would be the time to give it another watch since not seeing it since it first came out. t's also nice to not have to cover a horror movie for once.

Suffice to say, they don't really make them like this anymore. Strap on in and let us see how the Hulkster's biggest (or is it?) vehicle of the '90s holds up.

JD's rating: Recommended



Up next: Phantasm!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 5 - Return of the Living Dead Trilogy

Sorry for being a bit late this week, but there's a reason for that! I hope you enjoyed your Mother's Day celebrations. For something completely unrelated, here is a long episode of Cannon Cruisers where I ramble about three zombie movies back to back!

That's right, I talk about all three of the original Return of the Living Dead movies! Since there was no chance we would ever cover these on Cannon Cruisers proper I thought I would use the opportunity to cover them for you here. This episode took a bit of time to do alone, but it's finally out for you to enjoy.

I probably won't do this alone again. This took too much time, and I even had to put it on Google Drive because this site couldn't fit it and Bitchute is being its usual annoying self and refusing to upload. Nonetheless, I do talk about all three of the films here, so check out what I thought in the episode above.

JD's ratings:

The Return of the Living Dead: Recommended

Return of the Living Dead Part II: Not Recommended

Return of the Living Dead 3: Not Recommended

Up Next: Suburban Commando!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 4 - I Come in Peace (1990)

Welcome back to yet another episode of this spin-off series of Cannon Cruisers. This time I take a look at a not-quite cult favorite in I Come in Peace (also known by the bland moniker of Dark Angel) starring Dolph Lundgren. This is an action, science fiction, horror, buddy cop, and crime thriller, movie all at once and, oddly enough, it somehow all works. The fact that this isn't actually a cult favorite is actually a bit baffling.

You probably won't see anything else like this, so give the episode a watch and find out what you might have missed in this oddball movie.

JD's rating: Recommended



Up next: Return of the Living Dead Trilogy!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 3 - Night of the Comet (1984)

This time on the GAIDEN sub-series I take a look at a pseudo-zombie, post-apocalyptic horror comedy that is a bit weirder than even that description lets on. This isn't like a modern "horror comedy" with pratfalls, swearing, and hyper-violence. In fact, this might best be described as Miracle Mile if it starred two teenage valley girls who simply acted like normal teenage girls from that era. It's not very zany, but it does manage some funny jokes.

That aside, there is more to this movie than the comedy. I go into why in the episode above. Tune in to find out!

JD's rating: Recommended



Up Next: I Come in Peace!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 2 - Creepozoids (1987)

I'm back again! I figured I'd give this quickie format another shot. This week I'm flying solo again. Randy is doing fine, in case you're wondering. As for me? Well, I watched Creepozoids. I'm much worse off than him.

Unlike last week where I shared an overlooked gem of a b-movie, this time I'm going to talk about the opposite. There is a very good reason no one talks about Creepozoids. Even at a paltry 72 minutes it wears out its welcome.

This sci-fi horror movie is a misfire, but it does do some things I find quite interesting and well worth talking about. Join me for this second GAIDEN outing!

JD's rating: Not Recommended



Up Next: Night of the Comet!

Cannon Cruisers GAIDEN ~ Episode 1 - T-Force (1994)

Due to unforeseen circumstances, there is no proper Cannon Cruiser episode this week, and there might not be for some time now. We did begin recording the next season, but there is little point starting and then stopping a quarter of the way through that. Instead, Cannon Cruisers proper will be taking a little break.

But that doesn't mean no content. There will still be new episodes, they will just be a bit different.

For the foreseeable future, I will attempt to upload short episodes of myself talking about era appropriate movies, starting with 1994's T-Force starring Jack Scalia. This is a cyborg cop movie that I enjoyed quite a bit and would like to share with you today. Since it is just me, this episode is quite a bit different than the usual one, and there is no back and forth discussion, but I hope you will enjoy it anyway. If anything, I hope I convince you to seek out this forgotten gem of a b-movie.

JD's rating: Recommended



Up Next: Creepozoids!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 51 - Matinee (1993)

This is an odd movie to talk about. It isn't really a comedy, and it isn't really a drama, but neither is it a coming of age story. It isn't really a period piece either. However, it has elements of all four, making it quite a unique movie. You couldn't end a special like this on a better movie.

Matinee also represents the end of an era. It shows where cinema started, how much of a community project it once was, and how it could bring people together. The movie represents a different time that was long gone by the early '90s. At the same time, the early '90s when this was released was more or less the death of the low budget b-movie. Matinee is more or less the last of its kind on top of being a tribute to what allowed it to exist.

This make it a very hard movie to rate. What may be director Joe Dante's weirdest movie, it isn't quite what you would expect from him. That said, there isn't much like it, either.

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



Up Next: GAIDEN Episode 1!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 50 - Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)

I bet you didn't see this one coming! Today we continue with our mystery special where the theme is just impossible to guess. I'm certainly not going to spill the beans. We take a gander at the sequel to director Joe Dante's 80s hit horror comedy Gremlins, and we discuss whether it compares favorably to the original or not.

You might be surprised with what we come up with! As usual, check the episode above for our opinions. It's quite the movie.

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



Up Next: Matinee!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 49 - The 'Burbs (1989)

We continue on with our special this week with a new episode. This time we cover director Joe Dante's 1989 comedy The 'Burbs. A movie that has grown quite the cult audience over the years, this is simultaneously a satire and an ode to the suburbs it gets its title from. As such, this movie has a bit of a weird edge to it.

The director was on a bit of a streak in the 1980s, and this merely continues it. As always, check the episode above to hear our full thoughts.

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



Up Next: Gremlins 2: The Batch!