Thank You for 2021!

I just wanted to put out a quick thank you to everyone who reads the blog and listens to the episodes. I know it's been a rough few years for just about everybody in the world for many different reasons, but still we need a break from it all to rest and have a little fun.

Cannon Cruisers was an idea that started a few years back on a whim due to this desire to explore lesser touched on aspects of the way things were. Cannon Films was a unique studio from a unique time with a unique way of doing things and, until the last few years, hadn't really gotten their due for it. Aside from being a punchline for movie hipsters and nostalgia fodder for Gen X teenagers and Gen Y kids, no one talked much about them.

I'm happy to say that much has actually changed since we first started this podcast four (!) years ago in 2017. There are far more podcasts about Cannon Films, for one, and far more people enjoying them for what they were. Not only that, but Cannon is far more ubiquitous now than they've been in the near 25 years since the last movie was released in North America.

It's a very different world now.

Back when we began finding Cannon movies to watch was also a bit of an ordeal. So many of the movies were too obscure that no one appeared interested in picking them up and putting them out. Considering how popular Cannon Films was back in the day, this was surprising at the time. How does one of the most popular, if not the most famous, b-movie studio get completely glossed over? Especially in our nostalgically obsessed world?

Of course, that didn't make much sense. So naturally, a lot of people noticed, and did something about it.

It's a different world now. Boutique labels like Kino Lorber, Code Red, Scorpion Releasing, Vinegar Syndrome, and others, have been putting out a record number of Cannon movies on Blu-Ray over the last few years. 

Even streaming services have finally began putting their work up there for more people to see. This is a compete change from a few years ago when even a cult movie like Rappin' was difficult to find. Now it feels like everything Cannon put out could be made available at anytime. This wasn't thought likely at all, even a few years ago.

In fact, because of this renaissance of re-released movies, it has allowed us to put out even more episodes. In fact, our next season (after our upcoming wrap-up episodes) mainly exists thanks to this change in the status quo. You will see an onslaught of movies covered that we just couldn't get back when we started, for whatever reason. Now things have opened up again for us, and season 8 might be our biggest season yet. 

Stay tuned for that!

This is a long way to say thank you for sticking with us for four years. It's been quite a ride. I don't think either of us expected it lasting quite this long, but we definitely are happy we not only started it but also stuck with it. We're in it for the long haul now.

Thank you for a fun 2021 here at Cannon Cruisers, and hopefully we'll see you again next year for more madness as we continue marauding the Cannon vaults into out fifth year anniversary. We've got a lot left in the tank!

We're well on our way to covering a total of over 200(?!) movies and beyond. And we're still not even done.

Have a good holiday and we'll see you in 2022!

Christmas Special (Non-Cannon ~ Episode 84)

Merry Christmas! This year we decided to record a kind of joke episode for you based on a notorious horror movie from back in the day.

You've probably heard of this one before, and if not you're in for a treat, but we thought something silly would be apt after a difficult year for a lot of people. We had a lot of fun watching and recording this episode, so hopefully you have a good time listening to it.

The movie might be completely loopy, but it isn't without any merit. Find out why in today's episode on Silent Night, Deadly Night 2 from 1987.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Season 7 Wrap-Up!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 83 - The Thing (1982)

There would be no chance we wouldn't cover what is largely considered the best John Carpenter movie. So here it is, as the last film of season 7 we have decided to take on what is one of the most famous and beloved remakes of the 1980s, 1982's John Carpenter's The Thing. How else could we end this season but with a Carpenter film?

There isn't a whole lot to say about this one without giving away the game, but let us just say that we enjoyed this one a great deal. There is a reason it is so beloved.

Randy's Score: 5/5

JD's Score: 5/5

Up Next: Christmas Special!

Episode 106 - Chain of Command (1996)

Here it is: the last movie Michael Dudikoff made for Cannon Films, and the last the company ever released. This, thankfully, is not a letdown like Hellbound, or as confused as the last couple of Dudikoff pictures. While it is a bit awkward and ropey in places, Chain of Command is very reminiscent of the Cannon Films we've grown to enjoy a good deal since starting Cannon Cruisers a few years ago. It's action packed, bizarre at times, and fast-paced.

Everything you've come to expect from a Cannon movie is in this one, for the last time. It almost feels like they knew this would be their final go, since they put everything they could into the picture that made them what they were. It is thankfully not as limp as the last few Dudikoff actioners we covered here.

Of course, it isn't quite as good as his best Cannon flicks (still the first two American Ninja movies) but it does make up for disappointments like Human Shield and confused efforts like River of Death. This is a very solid outing more Cannon and action aficionados should give a chance to. You might be surprised that this came out in 1996 (even if, like the last few, it was made years before) because it feels out of its time.

This was actually the best sort of movie to leave this era on, and it is a very good thing they made it. Cannon Films will be missed, and this film shows why.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: The Thing (1982)!

Episode 105 - American Ninja V (1995)

Here it is, once again, one of Cannon's final triumphs, and the end of their popular American Ninja franchise! This family friendly ninja flick was made in 1993 but did not come out in North America until 1995, making it one of their last released movies. Though this was technically not related to the other 4 entries in the fan favorite American Ninja franchise (though let's be fair, 3 was only related because of the presence of Steve James) it also has a reputation as being one of the worst films Cannon put out.

This might surprise you, but we at Cannon Cruisers emphatically disagree with this assertion. In fact, not only did we enjoy this movie a good deal, we also thought it was the best movie in the franchise since the second entry. No, we are not being ironic or contrarians. Check this episode for the unfortunately maligned entry as we struggle to understand why this movie is as hated as it was when David Bradley himself and the story itself improved leaps and bounds over where he was in the last two. We just had a blast watching it.

Not to say American Ninja V is perfect. It still can't top the first two films for sheer entertainment value, but it does come close to their level, making up for the weak third entry and the confused, but ultimately fun, fourth one. Honestly, more people should see this one or re-watch it today. It deserves reassessment. American Ninja V is much better than its overly harsh reputation will have you believe it is. Why it is so hated, even a quarter of a century after its release, is anyone's guess. We definitely do not fall into this camp and recommend watching.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Chain of Command!