Episode 165 - Bolero (1984)

We wrap up both our 2023 and our final regular episode with one of Cannon's most notorious films. Even compared to some of Cannon's most infamous flicks, this one is considered terrible. But does it deserve it's reputation? The short answer, is yes.

Ostensibly a film about sexual exploration and "maturity", Bolero is also known as nonsensical and ridiculous. It earns that description and then some.

Check out this last episode of the year to find out why that is. You might not believe just how off the rails this one gets.

Randy's Score: 1/5

JD's Score: 1/5

Up Next: Top 25 Non-Cannon Films Special!

Episode 146 - Over the Brooklyn Bridge (1984)

Another one we've had a hard time trying to locate. The more generic title probably didn't help, but this is a film that more or less fell through the cracks over the years. It's a fairly simple drama about a man living in the Jewish community of New York back in the 1980s, and it's fairly well done for what it is. But it doesn't have much to help it stand out, nor does it have much in the way of that Cannon Films flavor that made them so well known.

That said, Over the Brooklyn Bridge is a solid watch and well worth seeing, if you can find it. Just don't expect anything too out there or unique. It's just a good movie. Check out what we mean by that in today's episode!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Alien Private Eye!

Episode 141 - Ordeal By Innocence (1984)

In this unexpected adaption of an Agatha Christie novel, Cannon manages to present something a bit different than the usual. Ordeal By Innocence ends up being far more noir-ish than one might expect, with an execution that has to be seen to be believed. Cannon didn't really do much else like it, but then, neither did anyone else.

That said, it's still an Agatha Christie story, so expect some twists and turns and reveals as we barrel towards an ending hedging on the theme of the importance of innocence. It's not quite perfect, but it is perfectly unique. check out the episode to understand why.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Up Next: That Championship Season!

Episode 133 - Ninja III: The Domination [Revisited] (1984)

Of course we would have to go through this one again. Ostensibly the weirdest movie Cannon is known for, Ninja III: The Domination also has a lot going for it as a general good time. It offers plenty for action, horror, and 1980s aficionados, in just about every aspect of its production and manages a level of unpredictability and coherence of the like only Cannon could manage. Giving it a re-watch in a new lens has given it a new appreciation in our eyes.

Though one of us might still consider Revenge of the Ninja the superior experience, it does not change the fact that there is nothing quite like Ninja III: The Domination, and there probably won't ever be again. For that alone, it has earned its place as one of Cannon's best. You are truly missing out if you have never seen this one before.

JD's Score: 5/5

Randy's Score: 5/5

Up Next: Mannequin!

Episode 126 - Sword of the Valiant (1984)

Welcome back! Today we return with another Cannon favorite that we had somehow missed the first time around. This time it is the 1984 Arthurian favorite, Sword of the Valiant, an adaption of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a weird attempt by Golan and Globus to essentially remake a film that had already been made by the same director!

It is hard to describe what makes this one so infamous as our experience with it is that it merely falls short of its goals, but overall it is a competent picture. Cannon has certainly made worse but they have also made better. Nonetheless, there is not a whole lot about this that is very expected or likely coming from Cannon, or anyone else, in the 1980s.

To understand what that means, check out today's episode above. This isn't the easiest movie to describe, and you'll see why.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: New Year's Evil!

Episode 124 - Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984) [Revisited]

Once again we take a fresh look at a movie we don't think we covered very well at the beginning of our run. That would be the sequel to the megahit Breakin' from 1984! We originally saw this in abysmal quality and it quite affected our enjoyment of it.

However, watching it with fresh eyes, years separated from our first episode on it shows how much we missed on that viewing. Check the episode to see exactly how our thoughts have shifted since, and why we now highly recommend Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo more than we even do the original film! It's more enjoyable than you think!

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Up Next: The Company of Wolves!

Episode 123 - Love Streams (1984)

Today we discuss a film we tried to cover once before but failed to. This would be one from famous actor and director John Cassavetes in his lone Cannon joint. In fact, this was his last proper movie released before his untimely death from cancer a few years later. There was another movie with his name on it after Love Streams, but it was ultimately butchered. In this one, Cannon gave him free reign to do what he wanted, and he took full advantage of the opportunity they gave him.

We've covered a handful of films like this on Cannon Cruisers. Cannon wasn't known for releasing these heavier cinematic pictures, but they did put out some great ones such as Runaway Train, Duet for One, Barfly, and A Cry in the Dark, all of which are worth seeing. However, Love Streams might be the best one of them all, and a film unlike anything that could be made today.

Discussing it here is pointless except to say that John Cassavetes wrote and directed a movie about love, in all its forms, and how it can both sustain and change us in ways that we might never suspect. It is quite possibly a perfect film, and you will need to watch the episode above to understand the full context. Love Streams is definitely one of Cannon's greatest films, no question about it.

Randy's Score: 5/5

JD's Score: 5/5

Up Next: Breakin' 2!

Episode 117 - The Naked Face (1984)

No, this isn't a repeat episode. The Naked Cage was a similarly titled movie with a much different plot to it. This week we take a look at Roger Moore's The Naked Face, a twisting thriller about a man having his life pulled apart by psychopaths and needing to find the truth.

Unlike some of the other thrillers we've covered from Cannon, this one does a good job of keeping you on your toes and has turns that make sense. It also features quite good performances from all the actors involved. It might have a few too many lazy logic moments, but it's never dull. That is what made it fun to watch for this episode. 

Excuse my cough, however. I was having some bad allergy reactions around the time this was recorded.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Under Cover!

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 20 - The Ambassador (1984)

This week we take a look at a political thriller starring Robert Mitchum, Rock Hudson, and several other older (for the time period) actors. Unfortunately, the movie wastes a good set up and plot idea with a lot of meandering followed by an ending that is just too out there to work. This was based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, but very loosely. It can definitely be seen in the creakiness of the story.

It is a shame because there are some good aspects to this film. Listen to the episode to hear them and our other thoughts.

As a whole, however, we just didn't go for it.

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


Next week: Missing in Action 2: The Beginning

Episode 17 - Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984)

The original Breakin' was a surprise hit for Cannon. No one expected it to be that big, and yet it was a phenom. There was nothing particularly great about the film. It was a dance picture with a lot of charm and spirit and was a guilty pleasure for many. But it was also a surprise hit, being one of Cannon's most profitable movies. This led to a sequel being cranked out remarkably fast to capitalize on their success. Unfortunately, the result of striking when the iron was hot lead to this film.

While the original was unremarkable and yet absorbing, this film is an objective failure on every front. The plot is missing, the dancing is ridiculous, and the acting is even worse. Breakin' 2 is everything a sequel shouldn't be, and well deserves the reputation it has.

To find out our full thoughts, check out the episode above. Needless to say, we hated it.

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


Up Next: Season 01 Wrap-Up!

Episode 16 - Missing In Action (1984)

Here we are. It's Norris time.

The main main stars in his first Cannon film as Col. James Braddock, a Vietnam Veteran with unfinished business. Lots of action and mayhem ensue.

This is a simple film with a simple goal, and it takes a few watches to settle in, but once MIA clicks, it clicks hard. While Randy enjoyed it well enough, JD liked it enough to give it his first perfect score for an official Cannon movie. This story of a man who lost it all and fights to get it back simply resonated for him too much to sit on.

To hear our full thoughts, be sure to listen!

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


Up Next: Non-Cannon: Radioactive Dreams!

Episode 15 - Ninja III: The Domination (1984)

Happy New Year! Today we great the end of 2017 with the end of Cannon's Ninja Anthology trilogy. Unlike the first two, this one is bonkers.

Starring Lucinda Dickey and Sho Kosugi, Ninja 3 contains horror elements, dance movie elements, and action movie elements into one almost cohesive whole. None of the three actually mix, but they're all pretty inoffensive and make up for one entertaining package.

That said, it is the weakest of the three and will probably only be enjoyed by those who liked the first two. It still remains recommended, however.

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


Up Next: Missing in Action

Episode 14 - The Exterminator 2 (1984)

*Note* Merry Christmas! We are sorry for delivering this a bit late than usual, but we hope it was worth the wait!


Four years after the surprise hit action film, Cannon releases a sequel. Is it as bad as the original? Listen as we discuss whether it holds up or not.

Regardless of how it compares, the film is also not very good. There aren't really any action scenes aside from the ending, the plot barely holds together, and the heavy editing works against the movie. This is not recommended, and it is clear why Cannon did not pursue this franchise further. There isn't really anything to build on.

There are far better action pieces from Cannon, including one coming very soon.

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


Up Next: Ninja III: The Domination

Episode 13 - Making the Grade (1984)

Cannon gives another go at the teen comedy genre. This one is a better effort than their previous, being a bit more confident in what it's doing, but it still carries some warts of its own. Not willing to commit to a dramedy or comedic direction ends up making it too long for a comedy and not very sharp for a dramedy. It is, however, held up by strong performances from the cast.

That said, you could do a lot worse than watch this to get an idea of what '80s teen comedies were really like.

Randy's Score: 2/5
JD's Score: 3/5


Up Next: The Exterminator

Episode 12 - Breakin' (1984)

Breakin' was a movie unlike any other that eventually became a template for films that made it like every other.

This is a dancing movie filled with break-dancing and old school hip hop. There's a pretty standard plot to go along with the then-new music. It was made to capitalize on the break-dancing trend at the time and was a big hit due to impeccable timing.

It also holds up surprisingly well. The music is great, the dancing is exciting, and the film oozes charm.

To hear out full impressions, listen to the full episode above.

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


Up Next: Making the Grade!