Episode 161 - Deja Vu (1985)

This might seem strange. Weren't we done with Cannon? Well, actually we are near the end, but since we were so close to 300 total episodes, we decided to just go for broke and do one last run of five Cannon movies to help hit the magic number. This is the first of our final run.

As for 1985's Deja Vu, it ended up being quite a strange watch, but one of our least favorite Cannon flicks. As always, check out today's episode to see why that might be.

Randy's Score: 1/5

JD's Score: 1/5

Up Next: Link!

Episode 130 - Lifeforce (1985) [Revisited]

We went back to the well once again to cover a film that hasn't really got a lot of attention over the years, possibly from coming out during a time that was stacked with releases. Lifeforce, however, is quite a unique movie made by some of the top talent of the time that could not have existed at any other period. It takes everything Cannon and director Tobe Hooper was known for and pushes it to the limit, ending up with a chilling horror adventure straight out of the pulps that they simply could not make today, in many ways.

A story about the evils of temptation and putting base pleasures first, Lifeforce has actually aged like fine wine and turns out to be one of the hidden gems of the 1980s. That is wasn't a hit actually feels almost insulting watching now. Despite that, it holds up as a marvel of practical effects, traditional horror storytelling, and some of the best acting from the time period. This is one that will hopefully get the attention that it deserves sooner than later.

Lifeforce turns out not to be the misfire it is unfairly pigeonholed as, but one of the most unique movies of the 1980s. Do not skip out on it.

Randy's Score: 5/5

JD's Score: 5/5

Up Next: Mercenary Fighters!

Episode 128 - Gracey Quigley (1985)

Once again, we return with a strange little movie we couldn't cover the first time around. This week we look at the oddball black comedy Grace Quigley, which is a movie that has around three different cuts (!) emphasizes different aspects of the story and themes. Unfortunately, two of those have been missing since 1985, and the main star being long gone probably means we won't be seeing it anytime soon. This may seem like a strange thing to point out, however the movie itself is strange enough that more context definitely would have helped.

That said, this film is better than its reputation suggests and it oddly enough holds up pretty well overall as kind of a last gasp from a dying era of moviemaking. All in all, we do recommend Grace Quigley. As always, check the full review to see why that is.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Extreme Prejudice!

Episode 125 - The Company of Wolves (1985)

Today we cover a weird movie that we tried to go over before but couldn't for various reasons. That would be this strange horror-ish fever dream, The Company of Wolves, which is basically a take on the old Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale only with a slightly modern twist. That, and some really impressive mid-80s effects and set design.

The original themes of the old fairy tale are fairly obvious, but this one attempts to make them more modern for the (then modern) year of 1985. Does it succeed? In some ways, but in others it feels confused. Nonetheless, it is definitely one worth talking about. As always, check out the episode above to hear our full thoughts on this one.

You might be surprised.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Double Impact!

Episode 86 - The Adventures of Hercules (1985)

Hercules is back! In this rushed sequel to the surprise Lou Ferrigno and Cannon collaboration we deal with a project that has a strange history behind it. It's not quite on the level of the original, but that doesn't mean it is a complete whiff. This sort of fantasy family film is a bit uncommon, especially from the likes of Cannon.

To find out how exactly it falls short, check out the episode above. Gotta say, this one was a bit disappointing after the wild journey of the original.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: Lambada!

Episode 31 - Runaway Train (1985)

For our last movie of the season we cover the hidden gem known as Runaway Train. Two convicts board a train after escaping  prison and go on a high speed escape as they are pursued by an obsessed warden, guided by inept railway officials, and must keep safe the lone passenger aboard as they barrel onward to certain death. Be ready for thrills and excitement, because you will get plenty of both here.

Runaway Train is a Cannon film through and through. There is violence. There is action. There is over the top insanity. But it's all masterfully done. Based on a screenplay by Akira Kurosawa, Runaway Train is a film that thrills and entertains, but also manages to have a lot under the hood a the same time. There is quite a bit to discuss. To hear our full thoughts be sure to tune in above. You won't regret it.

This is the best Cannon film we've seen so far.

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


Up Next: Season 2 recap!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 9 - The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

This was a curveball. The two of us had seen a lot of movies from this decade, but Buckaroo Banzai is one we'd always missed out on. It's a satire and homage to old Doc Savage style pulp stories with quite a star-studded cast and a lot of hype behind it. Surely this is the exact type of movie we would go for.

Well, yes and no.

To find out exactly what we thought, check out the episode above!

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


Up Next: Runaway Train

Episode 30 - Fool For Love (1985)

Based on a play by Sam Shepard (who also stars), Fool For Love is about an arguing couple who come to a motel after a large scale blow out and end up discussing deep seated issues that reveal themselves as the story progresses. This soon includes two other characters seemingly unrelated to the events that pop in to give context.

Not the usual Cannon fare, Fool For Love tries something a bit different. Here they take a play and transpose it to the big screen. Do they succeed? Well, tune in to find out.

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


Up Next: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension

Episode 29 - King Solomon's Mines (1985)

Cannon tries their hand an old school adventure film! Based on the H. Rider Haggard book of the same name (which turned 100 at the time of the film's release) and starring Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone, this had everything going for it.

Unfortunately, it just doesn't quite come together. For reasons mentioned in the episode, this adaption misses the mark. This is a shame with the cast it has and the material it is based. But it isn't a total loss. Find out how in the episode above!

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


Up Next: Fool For Love

Episode 28 - Death Wish 3 (1985)

We return to the world of Paul Kersey for the third time. In this entry, our main character deals with what could only be described as the end of the world. Kersey's friend is murdered by an insane gang leader and the two go to war against each other. It's exactly what you would expect from Death Wish.

This is both the strength and the weakness of Death Wish 3. It was clear this was meant to be the culmination of the decay of civiliation that director Michael Winner envisioned, but the problem is that it is still too grounded in reality to be effective when it goes over the top. This film needs to be Bronson in Fist of the North Star but its tone and weak script hold it back from its potential.

That said, it was not an unpleasant watch. See the full episode for our thoughts.

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


Up Next: King Solomon's Mines

Episode 27 - Invasion USA (1985)

It's time for more Norris!

This time we deal with the plot of a ruthless invasion to sow discord across the USA! Only one man can stop the brutal plot before more are killed. But will he be enough? Strap in as Matt Hunter stalks those who would kill the innocent for their own means.

As you can tell, there's not much plot to be had with this one. But that's okay. What it succeeds at is being a simple popcorn movie with much in the way of action and thrills. It also contains one of the best one-liners in action movie history... actually, it has several of them.

Watch the full episode for full impressions!

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


Up Next: The Challenge

Episode 26 - Rappin' (1985)

What is considered the end of the unofficial Breakin' trilogy, Rappin' stars Mario Van Peebles as an ex-con with a gift for the gab. Ostensibly a musical, Rappin' shows the rise of a rapper as he also fights to protect his neighborhood from land developers.

As you can tell, this film has a lot in common with the last Breakin' film in its plot, but thankfully the result isn't anywhere near as dismal. Not a good film, but not a disaster, either. Check out our full thoughts above.

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


Up Next: Invasion USA

Episode 25 - American Ninja (1985)

Back to the ninjas. After Cannon's ninja anthology trilogy they created a brand new series of films starting with this one. American Ninja was one of their biggest hits.

These films aren't quite as off the wall as those ones could get, and they're missing Sho Kosugi, but they were a surprising hit for Cannon back in the day. Especially on home video where they were king.

But how does the original stack up? Tune in and find out!

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


Up next: Rappin'

Episode 24 - Thunder Alley (1985)

In the tradition of the band movie comes this entry from Cannon. Join these ragtag musicians as they rise up from the bar scene toward stardom as temptations such as drugs and women lure them astray. Basically, if you've ever seen a band movie then you know where this is going. There aren't very many wrinkles in this one.

That said, it's a pleasant enough watch that is enjoyable on its own. If you like a solid band film then this might be for you. Tune in to listen to our full thoughts on this obscure music film.

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


Up Next: Escape From New York

Episode 23 - Lifeforce (1985)

Today we look at a classic. Well, it's not so much a classic as a very off and divisive film. Lifeforce is a film about space vampires who come to steal the . . . life force . . . of humans. Valiant and fallible humans battle with seemingly impossible odds against monsters far beyond what they know. What we have here is a science fiction, fantasy, and horror hybrid unlike anything else. Director Tobe Hooper really put out something original here.

We had a bit of a hard time watching this episode for technical reasons, so we would have to get back to it to solidify our opinion, but we came out a bit split on this. Tune in to see what we thought!

Randy's Score: 2/5
JD's Score: 4/5


Up Next: Thunder Alley

Episode 22 - Hot Chili (1985)

This week we cover another raunchy teen comedy. If you've seen one of these you've seen a hundred of them. The difference is that this one has far better pacing than the other ones we covered so far. There are a few good gags and if you wanted to watch one of these you could do a lot worse.

That said, it's still a teen comedy from the '80s. Nothing is going to make you like it if you just don't like this genre.

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


Up Next: Lifeforce!

Episode 21 - Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1985)

Now we come to the next Norris film from Cannon. This is, unfortunately, one of his lesser efforts. The story behind the first two MIA films is well known. They were filmed back to back, but the second one was so much better than the first that they decided to put it out first so that there would be a market for the second one to release in. It turned out to be a great idea as the original movie became a hit and one of Norris' best known films.

But the second and original film does not fare anywhere near as well. To find out just why, watch the episode.

Suffice to say, there are far better Chuck Norris movies to spend your time on than this one.

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


Up Next: The Ice Pirates!

Episode 19 - Hot Resort (1985)

Welcome back to the Cannon Cruisers! We hope you enjoyed February and are ready for more 80s goodness! This season will cover 1985, the year Cannon began to get its groove.

Unfortunately, we start season 2 with a fairly boring comedy from 1985 entitled "Hot Resort" starring Bronson Pinchot. It is a better comedy and more consistent than older films like Last American Virgin, but it is still horrifically dull. There are much better (and worse!) Cannon films to waste your time with.

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


Up next: The Ambassador