Episode 132 - The Fourth War (1989)

In this strange Frankenheimer picture, tensions between East and West in the Cold War are stoked due to a feud between two members on opposite sides and their personal beef. The Fourth War is a story that is acted and directed extremely well, but comes apart at the seams due to one important flaw. The writing is just not up to the task and lets the rest of the project down. Check out the full episode to see just why it falls a bit flat.

Despite that, the movie is worth a watch. There is more potential in the concept than is shown here, but that doesn't make it a waste of time. The Fourth War is still a fun time overall. It just could have been more than the sum of its parts.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Ninja III: the Domination (Revisited)!

Episode 119 - Journey to the Center of the Earth (1988) [Revisited]

It's back, one of the worst films we've ever watched. This time we decided to go over it with fresh eyes, much like we did with its prequel, Alien from LA, to see if it there is a possibility we were too harsh on it. After all, our opinions have changed on just about every film we decided to re-watch so far this season. Certainly the same would happen here?

Well, no, not at all. Journey to the Center of the Earth still gets just about every filmmaking rule wrong, it's still nonsensical, and it still isn't satisfying to watch. The only difference, it seems, is if you can get passed all of that to find something to enjoy here. However, one thing remains inarguable despite everything: this movie is still easily one of the worst things Cannon has ever put out. Watch it at your own risk.

Check out the episode above as we look for more reasons to skip this one. You can definitely do much better than Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 1/5

Up Next: Repo Man!

Episode 91 - Season 06 Wrap-Up

We finally made it!

After over a year in production, and many real world events, Cannon Cruisers season 6 has finally been brought to a close. It's been a long journey, and we are glad to finally move on to the next season and bit of Cannon Films history.

Check out this extra long episode as we wrap it up in style. Can we even remember everything we covered? you'll have to tune in to find out!

As for what's next, we will be taking a two week break before returning with another short special. Pay attention to the episode above if you wish to have a hint as to what it might be. If you've been watching since the beginning then you might have guessed this was coming.

Until then, have a good two weeks. We'll be back before you know it.

Up Next: Assault on Precinct 13!

Episode 90 - Sinbad of the Seven Seas (1989)

And with this, the upload order should be fixed.

Today we finish out catch-up of Lou Ferrigno Cannon movies, as well as our final film for the season. The same group that brought you the previous two Hercules movies brings you this family adventure that is surprisingly fun to watch, even today. How well does it hold up? As always, that's what the episode above is for!

This is the last film on the list before out usual end of season wrap-up, and what a journey it has been! It's hard to believe it has taken us this long. It took an entire year, but we can finally wrap-up our season we started recording over a year ago! Next week is out usual end of season special, then perhaps we will have a little surprise for you. Nonetheless, thank you for sticking with us this long. It's been a blast, and we can't wait to show you what is next!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Romancing the Stone!

Episode 83 - River of Death (1989)

We've made it to the end of the '80s! Don't get me wrong, we will be going back to cover some of the films we have missed over the years, but for all intents and purposes this is the end of the '80s for Cannon. We're going to continue right into 1990 next, but it's clear that Cannon is not quite the same is it once was.

Take River of Death. It has everything going for it: Michael Dudikoff, based on an Alistair Maclean book, and directed by the man who gave us Chuck Norris classics Lone Wolf McQuade and An Eye for An Eye. It has everything Cannon usually uses for success. But it doesn't quite work out. Check out the above episode to learn just why that is.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: Hercules!

Episode 82 - Crack House (1989)

Now this is the Cannon we all know and expect. One of the last Cannon movies of the 1980s, Crack House is, unfortunately, not the return to form you would hope. You can definitely see the same problems that plagued every other Cannon film around this time.

Despite that, there are a few things we did enjoy, which we will talk about in the episode above. Tune in to check it out!

Randy's Score: 1/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up next: River of Death!

Episode 81 - Kickboxer (1989)

From the director of The Perfect Weapon and also the producer of Bloodsport. Kickboxer is the third of three official Cannon movies Van Damme did (there is one more they produced, but was released by another company) and was one of the most successful Cannon did period. It also led to four sequels starring Sasha Mitchell and Mark Dacascos throughout the '90s. Needless to say, this was easily one of Cannon's biggest hits of 1989, and one of their last before their demise.

So how does it hold up? Very well. Much like Cyborg and Bloodsport, Kickboxer injects a vitality and spirit missing from much of Cannon's output at this period. As always, our full impressions can be heard in the episode above.

Randy's score: 3/5

JD's score: 4/5

Up next: A Halloween surprise!

Episode 80 - Outlaw of Gor (1989)

We're already back with another episode of Gor goodness. We decided to watch this one via MST3K for variety, but mostly for a change of pace. It didn't end up changing much, because it's more Gor. The difference is that Outlaw of Gor has a more connected story and constantly has things going on. Of the two Gor movies, this is the more enjoyable.

On another note, this was the last episode we recorded before our unexpected hiatus threw us off. Do our opinions hold up? Find out for yourself. (Enjoy a treat at the end due to the otherwise short episode)

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up next: Kickboxer!

Episode 79 - Cyborg (1989)

One of the few standouts in this latter period of Cannon has been Jean Claude Van Damme. As the once powerful studio continues its downhill tumble towards bankruptcy, it is Van Damme that begins his ascent. He made four films for Golan and Globus, and this is the second of the quartet.

Cyborg is a post-apocalyptic action movie directed by Albert Pyun. We've had a rocky relationship with Pyun on Cannon Cruisers, but this is one of his better efforts, most likely saved in editing (once again) by Van Damme's secret skill. Because it is otherwise the weakest Van Damme picture from his early career. But it's still not bad. In fact, it has many interesting parts worth discussing, which we do in the episode above.

Cannon might be on its last legs, but that doesn't mean they didn't still put out some winners. This is one of them. Check it out today!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Outlaw of Gor!

Episode 78 - American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt (1989)

Ninjas!

It's been awhile, but finally we get back to the action with Cannon's famous American Ninja series! Unfortunately, we do without Michael Dudikoff or Sam Firstenberg this time as well as any of the energy from Cannon's other movies. David Bradley is just settling into the role but he can't do much with a movie as flat as this. Steve James can't hold the entire thing together, even though he tries.

It's sad to say, but American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt simply doesn't live up to the first two movies. Check out the episode above to see exactly why.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 2/5

Up Next: Streets of Fire!

Episode 77 - Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects (1989)

Bronson is back! As is J. Lee Thompson! However, it is for the last time. Kinjite is the final film Charles Bronson made for Cannon Films, and this is the final film Thompson ever directed. Bronson would only make Death Wish V after this (which we already reviewed) before ceasing to make theatrical films then doing a small series of TV movies before retiring. This makes Kinjite a much more interesting prospect than you'd think at first glance.

As for the film itself? It's okay. It's neither one of Bronson or Thompson's best, but it's touchy subject matter, especially considering recent revelations in Hollywood, make the movies very brutal depiction of sex trafficking hit on another level. It's a decent thriller with some really good moments and spikes of action. Considering how modern aging directors are putting out embarrassing stinkers, it is remarkable to see Thompson and Bronson go out in a respectable way. The '80s truly ended with their retirement from the game. See the episode above for our full thoughts.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up next: American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt!