The Cannon Cruisers

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re stepping into the ring with Penitentiary II (1982), directed by Jamaa Fanaka. Leon Isaac Kennedy returns as Too Sweet, an ex-con trying to build a new life but pulled back into violence when his old rival, Half Dead Johnson (Ernie Hudson), escapes and comes gunning for him. With Mr. T in a supporting role, the film doubles down on the mix of prison drama, revenge, and boxing spectacle.

We get into the film’s blend of blaxploitation, sports drama, and over-the-top 80s energy, as well as the way it expands on the original’s themes of survival and redemption. From outrageous characters to wild narrative turns, Penitentiary II shows how a sequel can crank things up while still carrying the weight of its predecessor. Tune in as we talk about its strengths, its stranger choices, and its place in this gritty series.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re stepping into the dreamlike chaos of Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998), directed by Don Coscarelli. Michael Baldwin returns as Mike Pearson, who travels through time and alternate dimensions in search of answers about the Tall Man’s origins, only to uncover more questions than resolutions.

We look at the way this sequel ties back to the original, its surreal structure, and its focus on the tangled relationship between Mike, Reggie, and Jody. With Angus Scrimm once again looming large as the Tall Man, the film leans into its fragmented storytelling and haunting imagery. Tune in as we unravel the strange, head-spinning journey of Phantasm IV and talk about what keeps this franchise so enduring.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re heading back in time with Tremors 4: The Legend Begins (2004), directed by S.S. Wilson. Set a century before the original, Michael Gross returns as Hiram Gummer, an ancestor who finds himself way out of his depth when the first “dirt dragons” rise up in a Nevada mining town.

We look at the Western backdrop, the practical effects that bring the early graboids to life, and how the film adds to the franchise’s lore. With a mix of solid action, a few rough edges, and some fun callbacks, Tremors 4 shows there’s still life in the series—even in the Old West.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re stepping back into the ring with Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite (1996), directed by Alan Mehrez. Daniel Bernhardt takes the lead as Alex Cardo, a thief turned fighter who’s guided by Master Sun, played by James Hong, and pushed into the brutal underground Kumite. Donald Gibb also returns as Ray Jackson, tying the sequel back to the original.

We cover the film’s themes of redemption and discipline, along with the martial arts action that drives it. From Alex’s growth under Master Sun to the colourful opponents and bloody tournament battles, Bloodsport II tries to stand on its own while still nodding to the original. Tune in for our thoughts on where it fits in the franchise.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re howling at the moon with Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985), directed by Philippe Mora. Christopher Lee joins Reb Brown in this off-the-rails sequel, where Brown’s character learns his sister has become a werewolf and sets off on a bloody, chaotic quest to stop her.

We talk about the wild tonal shifts, the over-the-top performances, and the strange origins of a script that started as a vampire story. With plenty of gore, odd character choices, and an ending that has to be seen to be believed, Howling II is bizarre horror at its campiest. Tune in as we decide where it lands in the franchise and why it’s still worth watching.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re stepping back into the ring with Kickboxer 2: The Road Back (1991), directed by Albert Pyun. Sasha Mitchell takes over as David Sloan, the last surviving Sloan brother, who’s pulled into a new fight against Tong Po and a shady network of villains played by Peter Boyle and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa.

We talk about the film’s darker tone, the heavy body count, and David’s shift from gym owner to reluctant fighter. From the differences in style and tone compared to the first film to the way this sequel tries to stand on its own, we break down where it lands in the Kickboxer series and whether it’s worth revisiting.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re diving into the strange and surreal world of Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994), directed by Don Coscarelli. JD and Randy return to the madness with the Tall Man, played once again by Angus Scrimm, as Reggie teams up with new characters Tim and Rocky for another round of dream logic and deadly spheres.

We talk about the shift toward a more action-heavy, linear story, the introduction of zombies (or maybe demons), and how this sequel adds new energy while keeping the series’ weird edge intact. From practical effects to evolving character dynamics, Phantasm III brings just enough new ideas to keep things interesting. Tune in to hear where we think this one stands in the franchise.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re heading back to Perfection, Nevada with Tremors 3: Back to Perfection (2001), directed by Brent Maddock. Michael Gross returns as Bert Gummer, now facing a new Graboid evolution known as the Ass Blasters. This direct-to-video sequel takes the franchise in some strange and unexpected directions.

We dig into the film’s mix of practical effects and early 2000s CGI, the returning cast, and how it juggles humour and horror. From callbacks to the original to new creature twists, Tremors 3 manages to keep things entertaining despite its limited budget. Tune in as we break down what works, what stumbles, and whether this third entry is better than you remember.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re stepping into the underground fight scene with Best of the Best 2 (1993), directed by Robert Radler. Eric Roberts, Philip Rhee, and Christopher Penn return, but this time the sports drama takes a hard turn into revenge territory, with a no-rules tournament and a brutal new villain to face.

We talk about the shift in tone, the intense fight scenes, and the sequel’s more violent edge. From missing characters to surprise turns, Best of the Best 2 separates itself from the original while still keeping a few familiar threads. Tune in as we break down how well it holds up and if it earns a place among early 90s action favourites.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re hopping back into the chaos with Critters 2: The Main Course (1988), directed by Mick Garris. Set two years after the original, the story returns to Grover’s Bend just in time for Easter, as a batch of leftover critter eggs hatches and unleashes another round of small-scale terror.

We talk returning cast members, the film’s mix of horror and comedy, and the creative effects work from the Chiodo Brothers. With a surprisingly high body count for a PG-13 film and some memorable moments of mayhem, we look at how this sequel builds on the first and where it stands in the franchise. Tune in to hear our take on this oddball creature feature.