Non-Cannon ~ Episode 64 - Sidekicks (1992)

I bet you didn't think we'd cover another Chuck Norris movie so fast! However, this time we chose something a bit out of the ordinary, by deciding to watch a film that would define his post-Cannon career. That would be the now-obscure 1992 hit Sidekicks, co-starring the unfortunately late Jonathan Brandis. This is a family-friendly affair, more directed at kids than the usual adult audience Norris was known for. That said, the nostalgic are sure to get a kick out of this one, just as we did when we discussed it.

That said, the movie is quite a lot more fun than you might expect, and we both enjoyed watching it a good deal. See the full episode for the details.

This is also a bit of a preview of things to come, since next week we will be taking a break from season 7 to dive into some summer-themed films instead. Since it has been a quarter of a century since 1996, the final date we allow ourselves to cover on Cannon Cruisers, we have chosen to use the opportunity to do things a bit different and cover movies we would have seen when we were kids that were aimed at our audience. Since we don't usually talk about such movies outside of rare opportunities, this is going to be interesting. So definitely look forward to that.

A fun summer is on the way!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Summer Special!

Episode 97 - The Human Shield (1991)

Once more into the fray with a Michael Dudikoff thriller from Cannon. Even this close near the end you can still look forward to movies like this. They've become a Cannon Films staple. Unfortunately, this one is not up to the standards of the last few Dudikoff pictures. It's got choppy pacing and a plot that is to threadbare to be worth the running length, among other issues. It also wastes much of the talent behind the camera.

This one is not a recommend. You can do better, both from Dudikoff and Cannon. See the episodes to learn the full details!

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: Sidekicks!

Episode 96 - The Hitman (1991)

We made it, everyone. It's the last traditional Chuck Norris action movie. Though ostensibly more of a crime movie, there is still plenty here that you would expect from one of his movies from the era. Cannon hasn't completely forgotten who they are.

That said, it is a bit more subdued and not quite as strong as some of his better works. Nonetheless, The Hitman does hold up as one of Cannon's better action flicks of the era, and a good final bow from the genre for Chuck Norris. Though he would do other films, even with Cannon, none of them were in this style. In other words, this is the end of an era.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Human Shield!

Episode 95 - The Borrower (1991)

This one is a bit of a throwback. Cannon isn't really known for their horror pictures, and The Borrower isn't going to change that impression. Although they rescued this movie from studio limbo, the resulting story about an alien who changes bodies by ripping off heads doesn't really go anywhere. As a result, the film is rather dull.

That being said, it isn't entirely a waste of time. Check out the episode above for what exactly makes this movie stand out.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: The Hitman!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 63 - RAD (1986)

Bet you didn't see this one coming.

We decided to do things a bit different with this non-cannon entry, deciding to watch a movie one of us hadn't seen in decades and that the other one had never seen. Not only that, but a cult classic that, until recently, hadn't been available to see legally since the 1990s.

RAD is a very simple movie about bicycles and riding them in a cool way. It's straightforward, honest, and doesn't really offer anything in the way of surprises.

Yet, despite all of that, we really dug it. Find out why in today's episode!

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Up Next: The Borrower!