The Cannon Cruisers

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re going back to 1989 with the action-comedyTango & Cash, starring Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell. Directed by Andrei Konchalovsky (and a few others), this one follows two rival LAPD cops who get framed for a crime they didn’t commit. To clear their names, they have to put their differences aside and take down the real villain.

We break down the film’s mix of action and comedy, the chemistry between Stallone and Russell, and the chaotic production history that somehow resulted in a movie that still works. From quirky character moments to over-the-top action, we get into what makesTango & Cash a cult favourite and how it stands out from other buddy cop films.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re diving into the 1987 Tales for All film The Great Land of Small, directed by Vojtěch Jasný. We follow two kids on a strange adventure through a magical forest, where they meet Fritz, a leprechaun-like creature, and face Slimo, a dark god who thrives on chaos.

This episode, we break down the film’s bizarre mix of fairy tale elements and its uniquely Canadian twist. It’s often compared to The NeverEnding Story, but we look at how it carves out its own quirky space—with invisible dogs, a villainous hunter, and a world brought to life by Cirque du Soleil performers.

We talk about what works, like its low-budget creativity and oddball charm, and what doesn’t, like its meandering plot and Slimo’s vague, unsettling presence. So, is The Great Land of Small a hidden gem or just a weird curiosity? Tune in and let us know what you think!

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re taking a ride back to the 90s with Drive (1997). Don’t confuse it with the 2011 film—this one stars Mark Dacascos as Toby Wong, a prototype enhanced human on the run from Chinese hitmen. Along the way, he teams up with a dreadlocked bystander played by Kadeem Hardison.

Directed by Steve Wang (Guyver 2: Dark Hero), Drive blends American and Hong Kong action styles into a fast-paced, quirky adventure. While it might not have the name recognition of its 2011 counterpart, this movie is a treat for action fans who appreciate energetic fight scenes and offbeat humour.

We dig into the film’s standout moments, including the over-the-top fight sequences, Brittany Murphy’s quirky side character, and the entertaining, Hong Kong-inspired villains. Despite being a straight-to-video release, Drive knows exactly what it is: a fun, silly action flick that’s hard not to enjoy.

If you’re in the mood for a 90s throwback with a Hong Kong twist, this one’s worth a watch. Let us know what you think, and as always, keep cruising with us!

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! We’re back with another episode, diving into the 1984 Canadian drama The Dog Who Stopped the War (La Guerre des Tuques). This is the first official entry in the Tales for All series, following our looks at The Christmas Martian and The Peanut Butter Solution.

This time, we’re talking about a group of kids waging an epic imaginary winter war, complete with snowball fights and a massive snow fort. Set in a Quebec winter, the film blends playful antics with deeper themes about growing up and loss, capturing the innocence and complexity of childhood.

We highlight some standout moments, like the impressive snow fort and the kids’ inventive snowball strategies. We also dig into the more emotional parts, especially the fate of the dog and how it drives the story’s resolution. While it touches on heavier themes, the film stays family-friendly and engaging.

So, is The Dog Who Stopped the War a timeless classic or just a nostalgic throwback? Let us know what you think.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! We’re back with a festive bonus episode, diving into the quirky holiday film Le Marchand de Noël—better known as The Christmas Martian. This 1971 Canadian oddity is often seen as the unofficial start of the Tales for All series, mixing extraterrestrial antics with holiday cheer.

In this episode, we talk about the story of Pooh Flower, a Martian who lands in a small Quebec town, befriends some local kids, and stirs up chaos among their parents. With its strange but charming scenes, this film captures a nostalgic mix of childhood innocence and imagination.

We break down the highlights, like its whimsical tone and status as a holiday special, and the drawbacks, like its loose plot and random hijinks. Even with its flaws, The Christmas Martian is a unique holiday film that’s perfect for a cozy winter watch.

So, is it a hidden gem or just festive weirdness? Listen in and let us know what you think.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! We’re back with a deep dive into Strike Commando (1987), an Italian action film directed by Bruno Mattei. This is 80s action at its finest, with Reb Brown starring as a soldier in Vietnam caught in a story of betrayal and explosive revenge.

This episode, we’re talking about everything that makes Strike Commando a cult favourite—over-the-top action, its unapologetic homage to Rambo: First Blood Part II, and the distinct touch of Italian filmmaking. From wild explosions to hilariously bad overdubs, this film is pure 80s nostalgia.

We break down the highlights, like the infamous final showdown and Reb Brown’s unforgettable performance. We’ll also get into the weaker points, like the generic plot and how it skips the usual Italian cinema flair. Still, Strike Commando manages to stand out as a fascinating entry in the action genre.

If you love 80s action or want to see how Italian cinema tackled it, don’t miss this episode. Let us know what you think, and as always, keep cruising with us!

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! We’re back with yet another Bonus Feature. This week, we’re talking about Death Machine (1994), a cyberpunk horror film and the directorial debut of Stephen Norrington, who later went on to make Blade. This one’s packed with 90s action, horror, and some dark humour.

The story follows a corporation under siege by its own deadly creation—a lethal machine designed by a mad genius played by Brad Dourif. If you’re a fan of Easter eggs, the character names nod to genre legends like Carpenter, Dante, and Raimi, adding a cheeky twist to the chaos.

We dig into what works, like the practical effects and Dourif’s unhinged performance, and what doesn’t, like the uneven acting and over-the-top 90s vibes. We also talk about the movie’s release history, including the differences between the director’s cut and other versions.

So, is Death Machine a hidden gem or just another 90s oddity? Listen in and let us know what you think. Until next time, keep cruising with the Cannon Cruisers!

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! JD and Randy are back this week to delve into the 1988 horror sequel Phantasm 2, directed by Don Coscarelli. This long-awaited follow-up to the 1979 cult classic Phantasm stars James Le Gros, Reggie Bannister, and Angus Scrimm as the iconic Tall Man.

In Phantasm 2, Mike, freshly released from a psychiatric hospital, teams up with Reggie to confront the sinister Tall Man, who continues his grim work of harvesting bodies. The film promises more action and a clearer narrative, but does it live up to the surreal and mysterious charm of its predecessor?

Join us as we explore the film's strengths, such as its practical effects and atmospheric settings, as well as its shortcomings, including the studio-mandated changes that stripped away some of the original's ambiguity. We'll also discuss the increased gore and how it impacts the film's tone.

Tune in to hear our thoughts on whether Phantasm 2 is a worthy continuation of the series or simply a safer retelling of the original. Let us know your take on this sequel, and as always, keep cruising with the Cannon Cruisers!

Cannon Cruisers fans, JD and Randy are back with an all new Bonus Feature! This time, we're talking about Tremors 2: Aftershocks (1996), the Western comedy horror sequel to the cult hit Tremors. Directed by S.S. Wilson, it stars Fred Ward, Christopher Garten, Michael Gross, and Helen Shaver.

In Aftershocks, Earl Bassett (Ward) returns to hunt Graboids terrorizing a Mexican oil plantation. But these creatures have evolved into something far worse. The film mixes humor, action, and unexpected twists, building on the original without simply copying it.

We’ll dive into the film's strengths, like its character dynamics and practical creature effects, as well as its weaknesses, like the 1990s CGI limitations. Despite being a straight-to-video release, Tremors 2 holds up against theatrical releases and proves itself a worthy sequel.

Tune in for our take on this unexpected gem, and let us know what you think. Until next time, keep cruising with the Cannon Cruisers!

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! JD and Randy are back with another episode, covering Blast (1997), directed by Albert Pyun. This Die Hard-inspired thriller stars Linden Ashby, Andrew Divoff, and Kimberly Warren, with Rutger Hauer stealing scenes in a memorable role.

The film follows Jack Bryant (Ashby), a janitor thrust into action when terrorists take the US Olympic swim team hostage. Despite its low budget, Blast delivers solid action, a simple yet effective plot, and well-paced tension.

We’ll discuss what worked, like the competent execution and engaging sequences, and what didn’t, such as its heavy borrowing from Die Hard. And of course, we’ll unpack Rutger Hauer’s delightfully odd performance.

Tune in to hear our take!