Because I watch films on my own outside of Cannon Cruisers, I thought I would share with you some of the movies I've seen over the past few years outside of the podcast that would otherwise be Cannon Cruiser episodes. Whether it is because Randy expressed no interest or because I didn't think he'd be interested, I watched these on my own.
As usual, these fall in the category of Non-Cannon episodes, but are movies that we won't be doing episodes on. That's fine because I'm not sure I could say anymore on these movies than these short spurts.
With that said let us head to the reviews.
Re-Animator (1985)
A Lovecraft movie that manages to nail both the eerie feel of a Lovecraft story, and at the same time balances comedy and horror expertly. I found it hard to believe this was as good as it was even when watching. Jeffrey Combs' performance is especially one to remember. There isn't really anything like Re-Animator, even in the horror subgenre of Frankenstein-style "Playing God" movies. Unless you have some sort of an irrational fear of zombies this is a must see movie.
JD's Score: 5/5
Tuff Turf (1985)
A modern Rebel Without a Cause-style movie. This stars James Spader as a loner who arrives at a new school to take on a gang and ends up falling in love at the same time. There were a few of these movies at the time, but Tuff Turf turns out to be one of the better attempts. The characters are memorable, the acting is good, and the soundtrack is pitch perfect. If you're looking for a tough guy movie then this definitely worth it.
JD's Score: 4/5
Night of the Creeps (1986)
In this '50s horror style romp, brain slugs take over the campus of a college and all hell breaks loose. From the director of Monster Squad, this is comedic horror take on what it's like to lose yourself to your lesser urges.Yes, that means what you think it does. The movie is a lot of fun and is very lighthearted despite the gruesomeness of what happens, and the effects are very impressive. Highly recommended for horror buffs and anyone who likes their movies weird. Because this is weird, but very unique.
JD's Score: 4/5
The Blob (1988)
A "remake" of the 1958 Steve McQueen classic, this movie has a much more depressing and dour tone than that one. It's essentially the story of modernism and how the blind pursuit of progress takes the innocent in its cross-hairs to be devoured. Everything gets crushed and no one will be spared: no matter who you are. This would usually make for a miserable experience, but coming out in the 1980s allowed incredible special effects, inventive direction, and some sharp writing to make this quite the deserved cult classic. You won't guess what happens next! I can't say enough good things about The Blob.
JD's Score: 5/5
3:15 The Moment of Truth (1986)
The best way to describe this is: Tuff Turf, but not as good. Which is a shame, because it's not bad, but could be better. It features a gang member who walks away from his gang and a year later the gang starts getting worse and starts imploding. The problem is that this is a setup that needs to focus on multiple characters and different angles, but we get none of them. There's no scope to create stakes. The main character leaving the gang would have more impact if we saw what the gang meant to him or vice versa, and why the gang came to be. But because of this overly narrow scope it is hard to get invested in the drama. It's a solid watch, but there are better in this genre.
JD's Score: 3/5
Martial Law (1990)
Aside from a goofy opener, this buddy cop action movie is just all around flat. There's drama with no impact, twists that don't mean much, and a villain who is boring. Cynthia Rothrock is in this, but she might as well not be. There's nothing for her, or anyone else, to do here. Normally I save action movies for Cannon Cruisers, since even Randy can get behind them, but there was really no point with this one. This is a movie even Cannon itself would have shelved for being too dull. And that's saying something.
JD's Score: 2/5
Deadbeat at Dawn (1988)
A movie written and directed by one man filmed over the course of years, and it doesn't show it. This is another gang movie, but it's much grittier than the above ones. Goose is a man who leaves his gang and tries to make a fresh start when his past catches up with him. This is a pure indie film that is carried by its direction, action, intensity, atmosphere, and surprisingly good effects. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is probably the most impressive movie I've ever seen, and a pure guys-night-out flick at the same time. There isn't anything out there like Deadbeat at Dawn, and that is reason enough to see this.
JD's Score: 5/5
Street Trash (1987)
I don't even know where to begin with this one. I heard about this from author J. Manfred Weichsel due to the effects, which are indeed quite amazing. The movie is about street bums (hence the title) and the discovery of a tainted alcoholic beverage which melts the insides of whoever drinks it. That is, it's supposed to be about that but then the drink disappears for a good third of the movie. There's no plot here, it's just disjointed happenings among random characters who show up then die or disappear before showing up to die later or disappear again. It's definitely a weird movie and worth it if you like disturbing movies with a lot of grime, but it just didn't hold my attention beyond seeing how the insane special effects would be used next.
JD's Score: 2/5
The Junkman (1982)
From the man behind the original Gone in 60 Seconds comes this movie of car stunts, explosions, rock n roll, and good old guy fun. This is an independent picture made all the more impressive in how explosive it is and how relentless the action remains. The back story is given with the first five minutes, then there's ten minutes of setup followed by nonstop action. It's a very 1970s movie. However, it is still very packed with no dragging in pacing. There is always something happening, and always something to keep your eyes glued on the screen. As a stunt movie it is quite a bit of fun.
JD's Score: 3/5
Class of 1984 (1982)
Sort of a take on Blackboard Jungle, but with more of a look towards the way things are going to be in a few years (and cleverly using 1984 in the title helps make the point), this is about the education system and urban and societal decay. Students rule the school and can do whatever they want, as teachers are not there to discipline or teach: they are basically there to recite the curriculum and keep their head down. Because the system neither cares for teachers nor students it ends up grinding them both down to nothing. This one ends in a confrontation with a psychotic gang of students who attack a teacher's home and end up paying the price for their deeds. It's an intense ride, and one well worth experiencing.
JD's Score: 4/5
Class of 1999 (1990)
A loose sequel to Class of 1984, this one has more a fantastical take and is seen from the student's point of view where the last was primarily from the teacher's position. In this one schools are prisons and glorified government camps made to beat the correct information into students. The teachers are inhuman (in more ways than one) and the adults have all but given up, leaving the children to fend for themselves while at the same time expected to be cogs in a machine that is breaking down. This is more of an action movie than the first and relies on some good special effects, making this a much different experience than the earlier movie. It takes some sharp turns. I would definitely recommend seeing this after the first one. They make good companion pieces even despite having so many differences with each other.
JD's Score: 4/5
Class of 1999 II (1994)
This is just a slasher movie in the Class of 1999 setting with a teacher killing students. It's silly and absolutely frothy, but it is enjoyable to watch and have a good time with. There's not a single dull moment despite how off beat it is from the first two (not having anything to do with the original writer/director is part of that), and for lovers of schlock there is a lot here. It's not close to as good as the original ones, and I would even hesitate to call it good, but it is fun. If you watched the first two you might as well watch this one. It can't hurt.
JD's Score: 3/5
I think that's enough for now!
Suffice to say there is a lot out there we can't even begin to cover with Cannon Cruisers, and this is merely a sampling of it. What do you think of these movies? Did I miss anything good? Be sure to let me know. We're always looking for stuff to cover.
That's it for this week. Next time we'll be back with season 6 and back in the thick of it with more Cannon Films goodness.
Stick around, we've got many more movies to talk about!
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