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!

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 8 - The Last American Virgin (1982)

A long time ago there was a genre of film called the teen sex comedy. It was about a bunch of horny teenagers trying and scheming to find a way to have sex with anything that moves. Before the advent of the internet, it was an intensely popular genre, and The Last American Virgin was one of the first of its kind. But it's not the best.

This is an update of the Israeli film Lemon Popsicle for a 1980s American audience. The performances are good, the soundtrack is excellent, and there is nothing outright terrible about the movie other than the execution.

Unfortunately, we just couldn't get into this one. Check the review to see why.

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


Up Next: The Halloween Spectacular!

Episode 7 - Death Wish II (1982)

After last week's Non-Cannon premiere, we now walk into the sequel to Charles Bronson's '70s classic.

Death Wish II is a bit of a different film from the original. While the first film was a bit more of a commentary on crime and the state of civiliztion vs barbarity, Death Wish II is a straight up revenge flick. In this one, Paul Kersey is merely after those who killed and assaulted those he cared for. What ends up transpiring is more of a straight up action film than the original.

As it is, it's not as strong as the original, which we go into more in the episode itself. However, it is still solid and fun '80s entertainment.

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


Up Next: The Last American Virgin