Episode 163 - One More Chance (1981)

Today we look at a rare early Cannon flick that we had to scour around to find. This would be 1981's One More Chance, Sam Firstenberg's first movie! This one is a surprisingly wholesome movie about a man looking for another chance at life.

We weren't expecting much out of this, especially since it started life as a student film, but the final product turned out to be treat in ways we didn't expect. Check out the full episode to learn just why that might be. We were a bit taken aback by how much we enjoyed it. This isn't much like Cannon's usual fare!

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Up Next: The Wicked Lady!

Episode 122 - Body and Soul (1981)

Here is another flick we missed out on during our original season. Body and Soul is a remake of an older movie, but unlike the usual Cannon remake, it doesn't feel modernized for its era. It somehow manages to feel like an older film in a lot of ways.

That said, it's fairly predictable and not the most exciting film. Body and Soul is not a hotblooded action movie or an intensely dramatic tearjerker, it's just a fairly competent Cannon film from the era where they were still getting their bearings. Despite all of that, it is a surprisingly fun movie worth seeing if you're into this kind of thing.

Check the full review to see just how it hangs with other Cannon movies from this era. We were glad with the final result, if not blown away.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Cyborg Cop!

Episode 121 - X-Ray (1981) [Revisited]

In case you are confused by the title, 1981's Hospital Massacre went by many monikers over the years. The title of the version we watched for this episode was titled X-Ray, even though it is the exact same movie.

For our watch along this time we were able to get more into the surreal aspect of the concept and the out there sense of humor. While the film still has clear faults (which you can hear about in the episode) the overall experience is much improved and we were much more able to get into it. This one might not be a classic, but it is quite a trip and worth watching if you dig the horror genre. There is nothing else quite like it--something Cannon was quite good at pulling off.

As a whole, we are definitely glad we re-watched this one!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Body and Soul!

Special: "The Cannon Film Guide, Volume 1: 1980-1984" Review!

Find it Here!

Surprise! This week I wanted to do something special as we are still between seasons and recording new material. The wheels are rolling again! So I decided to record a review I made on my other blog for a project that will excite anyone who listens to Cannon Cruisers. You can find the original post I read from here. This side episode is all about The Cannon Film Guide, and then some!

Suffice to say, it's a bit long. Sorry if you like it brief!

It's a bit rambly since I'm not used to talking for so long uninterrupted, and I'm dying in a heated room in the middle of summer, so please excuse the quality. Nonetheless, I think this is a review you're going to want to hear! Anyone who has an interest in Cannon Films should look into this new book. It is exactly what you've been waiting for.

JD's rating: Recommended




Up Next: Commando!

Episode 6 - Hospital Massacre (1981)

Next up we have a horror film that goes by many names (X-Ray, Ward 13, and Be My Valentine, Or Else) but is primarily known as Hospital Massacre. Directed by Boaz Davidson, and starring Gay Austin, Den Surles, and Barbi Benton, this slasher film is by far the most over the top of any we have seen so far. The story is about a boy who was scorned for his Valentine's Day gift as a child then grows up to hunt the very girl who scorned him.

The bloody carnage begins on a Valentine's Day just like any other. Until out heroine is roped into a situation the spins out of control and bodies start to pile up.

We didn't care for this movie. But we didn't hate it quite as much as earlier slasher films like New Year's Evil, choosing to round our combined scores to 1.5/5. Still not good, but better than you would think.

Randy's score: 1/5
JD's score: 2/5


Next Week: Non-Cannon Death Wish (1974)

Episode 5 - Enter the Ninja (1981)

Finally, after four episodes, we come to our first good film.

This was the movie that set off the ninja craze of the 1980s, and one watch of it easily shows why. From the same director as The Apple (stunning as that may be) comes a well directed and acted action movie with impressive choreography, stunts, and moments that epitomize the lighter atmosphere of 1980s films.

Enter the Ninja is the first of Cannon's ninja anthology trilogy, and their first action movie altogether. The surprise success of this film would define the future direction of the company. But before we get there, we have a few more lesser films to get through.

This isn't one of them, however. If you are a fan of ninja movies, action films, or 80s cinema in general, you need to see this film. It is a great watch. Check the podcast to see our full reactions.

Randy's Score: 3/5
JD's Score: 4/5


Up Next: Hospital Massacre