Non-Cannon ~ Episode 4 - The Exterminator (1980)

This action movie was a surprise hit when it was first released in 1980. Before action movies took the scene by storm, vigilante movies like Dirty Harry and Death Wish were the thing to be. This one starred Robert Ginty as a Vietnam veteran who is pushed too far and decides to slaughter perps after they attack a friend of his.

To be frank, this movie is terrible. There is no plot and no central villain. Characters dip in and out of the story. The main character destroys any justification of his crusade out of the blue. The ending makes no sense. Nothing follows. The direction is pedestrian. The acting is atrocious.

Randy disliked it, but JD outright hated it more than any movie they have covered thus far. Find out why in this episode!

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


Up Next: The Exterminator 2!

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!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 3 - The Sword & The Sorcerer (1982)

This movie was a bit out of the norm for what we usually do. Normally we focus on Cannon and Cannon-like films, but Cannon didn't put out many Fantasy films. That said, the end result isn't too far off from what they would put out.

Released in 1982, this film was a surprising success considering its tiny budget. Audiences of the time were really hungry for genre movies, and this fit the bill. The Star Wars effect was still working for Fantasy and Sci-Fi films.

Unfortunately, as good a try as it is at a sword and sorcery flick, it doesn't quite come together at the end. To see what we thought, watch the episode above.

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


Up Next: Breakin'

Episode 11 - Revenge of the Ninja (1983)

Only a ninja can stop a ninja.

This is the second of Cannon's ninja anthology series (starring Sho Kosugi) and is regularly regarded as the best. And it is. The action sequences are well directed, choreographed, and over the top, the hero is as strong as the villain, and the pacing is on the money. This is the movie that signified that Cannon was about to be action movie powerhouse, and it easily stacks with their more well known fare.

Cannon waited a bit longer than usual to capitalize on the ninja craze (a rarity for them), but it was worth the wait. Revenge of the Ninja is better than the already strong Enter the Ninja in every way. It is only a shame that Cannon gave their sequels as much time and care as they did with this one. Maybe things would have turned out different for them.

Fans of '80s action movies would do well to catch up on this formerly well-known action series. It is exactly what you're hoping it is. Ninja action movies do not get better than this.

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


Up Next: The Sword & The Sorcerer

Episode 10 - House of the Long Shadows (1983)

Now for something a bit different.

This 1983 horror comedy stars quite the cast. Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, John Carradine, and Desi Arnaz Jr star as a group in a haunted mansion which might be more than it seems. What starts as a fairly typical horror movie twists and turns as it goes along to something unique be the end.

This film doesn't have the best reputation, though that might be because of the era it was released in. This is a sort of horror movie, or horror comedy, that isn't made anymore, so there is nothing modern to compare it to. As it is, this film was a delight and is recommended for those looking for a fun Sunday afternoon film to watch alone or in a group. You will not see anything like it from the likes of modern Hollywood.

And that is why we are doing this series in the first place.

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


Up Next: Revenge of the Ninja!

Episode 9 - 10 to Midnight (1983)

Bronson is back! This time in a thriller cat and mouse game against a killer with a soul of blackness. Detectives Leo Kessler and Paul McAnn must work fast to track him down before it's too late. But how can you catch a killer that is always one step ahead of the law? They better hurry before the next murder strikes a bit too close to home.

Part thriller and part slasher movie, there are few films that strike such a fine balance as this film does and maintains tension throughout. However, it isn't all great as we find out in the episode. But it is another winner from Charles Bronson and director J. Lee Thompson.

Be sure to listen in to hear our full thoughts.

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


Up Next: House of the Long Shadows!