Episode 94 - American Kickboxer 1 (1991)

With recent entries you might think Cannon is hanging in there, holding on as long as they could to deliver cheap action classics. Unfortunately, this is about the time they also starting putting out duds like American Kickboxer 1, a movie with far more spare parts than any cohesive whole. As a movie it just doesn't hold together.

And unlike American Ninja 4: The Annihilation or Delta force 3: The Killing Game, it also isn't saved by a director putting in a bit more work behind the chair. What you are left with is a rather flat experience reminiscent of the lesser entries in Cannon's library. A shame considering how surprisingly fun the last few entries were.

This one just doesn't work.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: RAD!

Episode 93 - Delta Force 3: The Killing Game (1991)

Once more we reach the end of another Cannon franchise. By 1991, the company was headed toward the brink, but despite that they still struggled to put out what they could to remind audiences of their golden days, even when the budgets didn't quite allow them to hit their old heights. Delta Force 3 is a prime example of a classic style Cannon movie coming out past its prime.

However, the combination this time, much like American Ninja 4: The Annihilation, is surprisingly successful. Delta Force 3: The Killing Game isn't close to perfect, as the above episode will tell you, but it does exactly what it sets out to do. this is easily the strongest film in the series since the original. Quite a feat considering it is the third entry in a Chuck Norris series without Chuck Norris.

Lower budgets were no obstacle to Cannon Films, at least not when it comes to this one. The movie works. As always, check out our full opinions in the episode.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: American Kickboxer!

Episode 92 - American Ninja 4: The Annihilation (1991)

The American Ninja series has been quite the journey here at Cannon Cruisers. The first entry was a stone cold genre classic, enjoyed by many of the years, including us, but the series wasn't handled as well as it should be afterwards. The sequel was actually a very fun entry but, unlike what Cannon would normally do, took two years to get that proper sequel made. Thankfully the second movie was near the equal of the first despite that fault. It looked as if Cannon would have had itself a winner of a series.

Unfortunately, American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt was not the sequel the series deserved. It took yet another two years to be made, and came out in 1989 when Cannon's fortunes were on the downturn. At the same time, series star Michael Dudikoff and director Sam Firstenberg were nowhere to be seen and their absence was felt. Aside from the presence of series regular Steve James, the movie was a huge disappointment to us here.

So we are delighted to say that our impression of American Ninja 4: The Annihilation is considerably brighter than the last one. What exactly has improved? Well, just about everything, aside from the lack of Steve James and a few other annoyances. It's the sequel we expected the third one to be. Check out the episode above to hear our full thoughts!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Another action-packed sequel that's better than you might think!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 62 - The Running Man (1987)

We're back with season 7! I hope you're all doing well on this fine Easter!

This week we decided to start our season off with a fairly well known action set piece from one of the biggest names of the 1980s. It isn't exactly a blockbuster, but one that is far more influential than you might think it would be. That's right, it's The Running Man starring Arnold Schwarzenegger! The original game show dystopian action movie.

One of us had never seen this flick before so look forward to this discussion of both an underrated, and fairly well respected picture. You might be surprised at our thoughts!

Next week we'll be diving back into Cannon again, so be on the lookout. We've got many more movies to go. Cannon Cruisers has much juice left in the tank! Join as we continue our cruise through the Cannon catalog. It's just getting started.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 5/5

Up Next: American Ninja 4: The Annihilation!