Non-Cannon ~ Episode 102 - Double Impact (1991)

Finally, we find ourselves covering another Van Damme favorite, this time the apparently "gimmicky" Double Impact from 1991! In this one, JCVD plays our duel lead characters from different sides of the track who must come together to avenge their parents' deaths. It's fairly standard stuff overall, but the execution keeps it engaging until the end.

All in all, it's probably not Van Damme's best work, but it's a good time and quite the bridge between his earlier more low budget Cannon-era work and the more high budget blockbuster fare he would be making throughout the rest of the '90s. Check out the episode to hear our full thoughts. Double Impact not a stunner, but it sure is some good fun.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Up Next: Sword of the Valiant!

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 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!

Non-Cannon ~ Episode 101 - Cyborg Cop (1993)

Today we decided to take a look at one of Cannon Cruiser favorite, Sam Firstenberg's final action movies. This was made around the time of Cannon's collapse, which means it is not officially a Cannon movie despite having all the hallmarks of one. Even though watching it you would be hard pressed to not appreciate it for what Cyborg Cop is.

There isn't really much to say beyond it being clearly an early '90s direct to video actioner, but it carries all the same flair and fun of a small budget Cannon picture which makes it worth talking as we cover the movies we have missed from them. There isn't much left from Sam Firstenberg to cover otherwise, so it was nice to watch this one.

Despite our negatives, it is definitely worth seeing if you are a Cannon aficionado.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Love Streams!

Episode 122 - Body and Soul (1981)

Here is another flick we missed out on during our original season. Body and Soul is a remake of an older movie, but unlike the usual Cannon remake, it doesn't feel modernized for its era. It somehow manages to feel like an older film in a lot of ways.

That said, it's fairly predictable and not the most exciting film. Body and Soul is not a hotblooded action movie or an intensely dramatic tearjerker, it's just a fairly competent Cannon film from the era where they were still getting their bearings. Despite all of that, it is a surprisingly fun movie worth seeing if you're into this kind of thing.

Check the full review to see just how it hangs with other Cannon movies from this era. We were glad with the final result, if not blown away.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Cyborg Cop!

Episode 121 - X-Ray (1981) [Revisited]

In case you are confused by the title, 1981's Hospital Massacre went by many monikers over the years. The title of the version we watched for this episode was titled X-Ray, even though it is the exact same movie.

For our watch along this time we were able to get more into the surreal aspect of the concept and the out there sense of humor. While the film still has clear faults (which you can hear about in the episode) the overall experience is much improved and we were much more able to get into it. This one might not be a classic, but it is quite a trip and worth watching if you dig the horror genre. There is nothing else quite like it--something Cannon was quite good at pulling off.

As a whole, we are definitely glad we re-watched this one!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Body and Soul!