Episode 144 - Terminal Bliss (1992)

This one took some time to find. Though this is a drama starring Luke Perry during his peak years of popularity, Terminal Bliss has become nearly impossible to find. Though, after watching it, we can possible understand why that is.

Though it is a rather simple idea for a drama (rich kids live an empty life and fall apart) it is rather aimless and disjointed, a movie where nothing of consequence happens. Until it does, then it just sort of wanders to the next thing then ends. One might argue that is the point, but it doesn't make for a very exciting watch. In fact, it makes for a terrible experience. Find out what that means in the full episode above.

Randy's Score: 1/5

JD's Score: 1/5

Up Next: To the Death!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 110 - American Kickboxer 2 (1993)

This is a bit of a side-track, and tangentially related to Cannon, but is overall a subject related to what we cover here. American Kickboxer is a Cannon movie, the sequel, for whatever reason, is not. The actual sequel is titled To the Death (and has been proven a tough find), a movie with a completely unrelated title to this one.

That said, American Kickboxer 2's cool reception is completely unearned. This is a fun action movie with a lot of thrills and funny comedy, on a completely different level than the original movie. This one should be much more well known than it is. Find out just how enjoyable this one is in today's episode. This was worth the detour to fin.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Terminal Bliss!

Episode 143 - Penitentiary III (1987)

Finally, a film we've been trying to cover for awhile. It has also been one we have been unable to find for quite some time now. Today, we finally discuss it. Penitentiary III is the only Cannon entry in this prison boxing series that goes back to 1979. We decided to just cover the movie Cannon themselves put out. The prequels are not the subject today, and would have given us far too much to cover. Trust me, this one has more than enough to discuss.

Though the premise is generally about prison boxing, this entry adds a dash of Cannon madness to the proceedings, creating a movie you have to see to believe. It isn't quite what you might expect, even if you can guess the general beats. One can't really give Penitentiary III justice by talking about it in a few words. Check the episode out and learn about a Cannon movie that deserves to be far better known than it currently is.

This is up there with some of the better known flicks.

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Up Next: American Kickboxer 2!

Episode 142 - That Championship Season (1982)

Another strange home-run, Cannon adapts a popular stage-play and Pulitzer winner by the man who played Fr. Damien Karras in the original Exorcist movie. Not only that but he directed this film himself as his only outing as director. Not only that, but the movie is also swimming in Catholic themes as well. It's an odd one, even for Cannon Films!

That Championship Season is about a group of middle-aged men who reunite every year with their coach to relive the glory days. On this reunion, their 24th, the group end up spilling their souls in a night of strange confessions and reassessment over the direction of their life, what they lack, and what they need to understand their place in the world. How often do we lose our way along the road to life? What do we need to steer our way back?

It's a bit heavy, and it is dialogue heavy since it is based on a stage play, but there is a good reason it was so highly regarded when it released. Jason Miller truly did a great job with this adaption, and it will hopefully be re-evaluated in the future. It is quite unique, even in the Cannon catalogue. Jusst don't expect much in the way of car crashes or explosions!

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Up Next: Penitentiary III!