Episode 20 ~ Vision Quest (1985)

Every now and then you catch on to not just a sort of movie they don't make anymore, but a sort of book adaption they don't do anymore. The "young adult" coming of age story of an older boy becoming a young man isn't really covered as much anymore, especially in Hollywood. In fact, it actively seems to be discourage these days.

That said, this sort of charm helps a movie like Vision Quest stand out from the pack in regards to sports movies, even at the time. Find out why that might be in today's episode of our summer sports special! 

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Spotify link here!

Up Next: Youngblood!

Episode 19 ~ Brewster's Millions (1985)

Finally, more Walter Hill! It's also a bizarre picture from him, being not only a comedy but a sports adjacent one. It was also the hit he needed to get back on track for the rest of the decade. On top of it, this flick has quite the cast.

That said, it's not quite perfect, but it manages a charm about it that feels so foreign to today. Might help that it's a remake of a much older movie, but there's more to this movie than just that. Check out today's movie to see why that might be the case!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Spotify link here!

Up Next: Vision Quest!

Episode 18 ~ The Natural (1984)

Today's movie is a bit out of our usual wheelhouse but we decided to cover it anyway to fit in with the theme. What we didn't expect is that it still managed to connect well with the movies we went over before and after it, helping us form a pattern of the line of sports movies in cinema as the years went on. There is a lot to 1984's The Natural.

It's also a great watch, too.

So strap in for this week's episode and buckle in with this lost classic that isn't discussed anywhere near as much as it once was and still should be. It's held up extremely well over the decades and is primed to be re-discovered.

Randy's Score: 5/5

JD's Score: 5/5

Spotify link here!

Up Next: Brewster's Millions!

Episode 17 ~ BMX Bandits (1983)

We finally take a trip down under with this infamous BMX favorite! It's BMX Bandits a family comedy where the tricks are as wild as the races and chases--and boy are there a lot of those. Oh, also Nicole Kidman, I guess.

How does it hold up? You'll just have to check out today's episode and see for yourself. Suffice to say, you get exactly what's on the box!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Spotify link here!

Up Next: The Natural!

Episode 16 ~ Six Pack (1982)

After getting into some cult favorite sports movies, we decided to take a small detour in something a bit more obscure, though it's mostly obscure due to availability. This is one that aside from airing on cable a lot back on the day, and actually did well at the box office, has been almost entirely forgotten due to not seeing much in the way of re-releases.

That said, there is a lot of charm here for a movie ripe for rediscovery. This is another one they don't really make them like anymore. See why that might be in today's episode!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Spotify link here!

Up Next: BMX Bandits!

Episode 15 ~ The Cannonball Run (1981)

Here's one we've been hankering to cover for some time now. Not only for finally covering a Burt Reynolds movie, but also one directed by Hal Needham, a stunt-focused lighthearted romp of the kind they simply don't make anymore. We also have yet to really watch anything remotely like it, which made for a fun episode.

That said, even now, there isn't really anything like the original version of The Cannonball Run, even today. A cocktail of comedy, sports, action, and fun, you're going to have a blast with this one. It's simply a great time.

Tune in to this episode to understand just why that is!

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Spotify link here!

Up Next: Six Pack!

Episode 14 ~ Penitentiary (1979)

This one has been a long time coming, and we finally got an excuse to cover it! Finally, here is the original Penitentiary from 1979, the one that started it all. A prison boxing movie about making it against incredible odds, it's definitely got that '70s sleaze factor the decade was known for, but still has a touch of the madness that the later Cannon entry would be known for.

That said, it's not particularly notable outside its well done execution and performances, though you'll see why that is in today's episode. Will we cover part 2? Yes, but not for awhile! We want to really shake it up with this summer special.

Until then, enjoy this episode as we delve into the original entry of one of Cannon's looniest sequels. It's a good one!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Spotify link here!

Up Next: The Cannonball Run!