The Cannon Cruisers

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're checking out Mouse Hunt (1997), Gore Verbinski's feature directorial debut and one of DreamWorks' earliest releases. Written by Adam Rifkin and starring Nathan Lane, Lee Evans, Maury Chaykin, and Christopher Walken, the film follows two brothers who inherit a valuable old mansion and discover that one very determined mouse has no intention of letting them sell it.

Much of the conversation comes back to just how completely Mouse Hunt commits to being a live-action cartoon. JD and Randy compare its slapstick to Tom and Jerry and older comedy teams, while spending some time on how Verbinski and the effects crew make that approach work in live action. There's also some discussion of why this particular kind of family movie seemed to disappear after the 1990s. Most importantly, Randy stayed awake for the whole thing.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're covering North (1994), Rob Reiner's family comedy adventure based on the novel by Alan Zweibel. Elijah Wood stars as a twelve-year-old who divorces his parents and travels the world looking for replacements, with a huge supporting cast that includes Bruce Willis, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Dan Aykroyd, Kathy Bates, Reba McEntire, John Ritter, and Scarlett Johansson.

JD and Randy revisit one of the most infamous failures of the 1990s and quickly discover that the strange part isn't how badly made North is. It isn't badly made at all. The acting, direction, music, and cinematography only make the confused story and increasingly uncomfortable stereotypes harder to understand. An 87-minute movie somehow feels closer to three hours, and by the time they reach the ratings, even the thunderstorm outside seems ready for the episode to end.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of racist stereotypes and other mature themes.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're finishing the series with Class of 1999 II: The Substitute (1994), a direct-to-video sci-fi action horror sequel directed by Spiro Razatos from a story by Mark L. Lester. Sasha Mitchell stars as John Bolen, a mysterious substitute teacher who arrives at another violent high school two years after the events of Class of 1999. Caitlin Dulany and Nick Cassavetes also star as the series shifts from killer robot teachers to a slasher-like spin on the same battle between students and authority.

JD and Randy agree that the third movie works better than they expected, especially once the action gets moving and Razatos' stunt background takes over. JD's real enemy is the title, which he spends the episode arguing should have remained Class of 2001, while Randy is amused that the killer-teacher movie he half-jokingly pitched during the previous episode is pretty close to what they actually got. Most importantly, Randy managed to stay awake this time.

Content Warning: This episode contains mature language and discussion of mature themes.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're covering Class of 1999 (1990), Mark L. Lester's dystopian sci-fi action film and spiritual sequel to Class of 1984. Starring Bradley Gregg, Traci Lind, Pam Grier, John P. Ryan, Stacy Keach, and Malcolm McDowell, the film imagines a future where violent high schools turn to military androids as teachers. Their solution to juvenile delinquency soon becomes a bigger problem than the students themselves.

JD and Randy compare it with Class of 1984 and find a movie that barely resembles its predecessor beyond the basic idea. This time Mark L. Lester seems more interested in RoboCop, The Terminator, and the action chops he picked up making Commando. The teenage acting splits them, with JD finding its school-play quality charming while Randy is considerably less forgiving. What they do agree on is how much fun the veteran cast is having and how well the practical effects still work. Randy may have liked it more than Class of 1984, but apparently not enough to stay awake.

Content Warning: This episode contains mature language and discussion of mature themes.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're covering Class of 1984 (1982), an exploitation crime drama directed by Mark Lester and starring Perry King, Timothy Van Patten, Roddy McDowall, Lisa Langlois, and Michael J. Fox. Inspired by The Blackboard Jungle, the film follows a music teacher whose attempt to keep order in a troubled high school puts him up against a violent gang of students.

JD and Randy compare Class of 1984 with Over the Edge and debate how much of its depiction of school violence still feels relevant. They spend plenty of time on Timothy Van Patten's performance and the film's soundtrack, but the bigger frustration is how long it takes the movie to deliver the revenge story its marketing promises. Along the way, they question whether all that exploitation actually gets in the way of the film's more interesting ideas about violence, authority, and adults failing troubled kids.

Content Warning: This episode contains mature language and discussion of mature themes.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're looking at Angus (1995), the Patrick Read Johnson coming-of-age comedy starring Charlie Talbert, George C. Scott, Kathy Bates, Chris Owen, and James Van Der Beek in one of his earliest roles. Angus Bethune is a high school student dealing with bullying, family problems, and the usual misery of being a teenager, while the film piles on the mid-90s soundtrack and attitude.

JD and Randy get into Charlie Talbert's performance, the film's loaded alternative-rock soundtrack, and the strange decision to give James Van Der Beek almost nothing to do. They also question how much character development was lost in the editing, and whether Angus might have been a much stronger movie with some of those missing pieces left intact.

Content Warning: This episode contains mature language and discussion of mature themes.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Over the Edge (1979), a coming-of-age drama directed by Jonathan Kaplan and written by Charlie Haas and Tim Hunter, who would later write Tex and River's Edge. Starring Michael Kramer, Pamela Ludwig, Vincent Spano, and introducing Matt Dillon in his film debut, the film follows a group of teenagers in a newly built suburb whose boredom, neglect, and growing frustration erupt into violence.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss the film’s lasting influence on youth dramas, its naturalistic performances, and why its slow-burn pacing makes the explosive finale so effective. They also explore the authentic portrayal of suburban alienation, Matt Dillon’s breakout performance, the outstanding rock soundtrack, and the film’s connection to later works like Rumble Fish and the grunge era. Tune in to hear why this overlooked cult classic remains one of the most honest portrayals of disaffected youth ever put on film.

Content Warning: This episode contains mature language and discussion of mature themes.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Brink! (1998), the Disney Channel Original Movie directed by Greg Beeman and starring Erik von Detten, Sam Horrigan, Christina Vidal, David Groh, and Patrick Levis. When gifted inline skater Andy “Brink” Brinker joins a corporate-sponsored team to help his struggling family, he risks losing both his friends and his sense of identity in the process.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss why this beloved DCOM still holds up, from its energetic direction and authentic late-90s X Games atmosphere to its surprisingly nuanced family drama. They also explore the memorable soundtrack, the film’s themes of friendship and integrity, and why Brink! feels more like a theatrical sports movie than a typical Disney Channel production. Tune in to hear why this inline-skating classic remains one of the crown jewels of the DCOM era.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Stay Tuned (1992), a fantasy comedy directed by Peter Hyams and starring John Ritter, Pam Dawber, Jeffrey Jones, and Eugene Levy. When a television-obsessed suburban couple signs a contract with a mysterious satellite TV salesman, they're pulled into a demonic broadcasting network where surviving each channel is the only way to escape.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss the film’s overlooked cult status, Joe Dante-inspired style, rapid-fire television parodies, and why it may have been released for the wrong generation. They also explore the impressive practical effects, Chuck Jones’ animated sequence, and John Ritter’s standout performance as the perfect everyman. Tune in to hear why this forgotten 90s fantasy comedy deserves a second look.

Content Warning: This episode contains mature language and discussion of mature themes.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Mom and Dad Save the World (1992), a sci-fi comedy spoof directed by Greg Beeman and written by the creators of Bill & Ted. Starring Jeffrey Jones, Teri Garr, Jon Lovitz, Wallace Shawn, Eric Idle, and Kathy Ireland, the film follows an ordinary suburban couple who are abducted to a planet of lovable idiots and unexpectedly become humanity’s only hope.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss the film’s troubled release, its box office failure, and why it found a second life on HBO. We break down the impressive practical effects, wonderfully silly gags, Wallace Shawn stealing every scene, and why this affectionate Flash Gordon parody deserved better than its 1992 release date. Tune in to hear why this overlooked cult comedy is more fun than its reputation suggests.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of an actor's criminal history involving child sexual abuse material.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Rent-a-Kid (1995), a Disney Channel family comedy directed by Fred Gerber and starring Leslie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, Matt McCoy, and Sherry Miller. A businessman launches an unusual foster program that lets prospective parents "rent" children before adopting them, leading one couple to discover what family really means.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss the film’s unusual premise, made-for-TV roots, and why it feels like a forgotten cable movie from the 90s. We compare it to Problem Child, talk about Leslie Nielsen and Christopher Lloyd’s limited roles, and debate whether its low-key charm outweighs its lack of excitement. Please note this episode was recorded remotely and audio quality may vary. Tune in to hear why this pleasant but forgettable comedy lands right in the middle of the pack.

Content Warning: This episode contains mature humour and discussion of child trafficking references in the context of the film's premise.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Problem Child (1990), the controversial family comedy directed by Dennis Dugan and starring John Ritter, Michael Oliver, Amy Yasbeck, Jack Warden, Gilbert Gottfried, and Michael Richards. When a chronically returned orphan finally finds a home with a well-meaning father, Junior’s destructive antics turn suburban life into complete chaos.

Join JD and Randy as they revisit one of the most critically hated family films of the 1990s and ask whether its reputation is actually deserved. We discuss John Ritter’s surprisingly heartfelt performance, the film’s themes of adoption and belonging, and why Problem Child is far less cruel and mean-spirited than many reviewers claimed. Please note this episode was recorded remotely and audio quality may vary. Tune in to hear why this infamous comedy may be due for a reappraisal.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, JD and Randy check out Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022), the satire parody musical comedy directed by Eric Appel and starring Daniel Radcliffe, Evan Rachel Wood, Rainn Wilson, Julian Nicholson, and Toby Huss. The film presents a heavily fictionalized, over-the-top biography of the legendary parody artist Al Yankovic, tracking his life from an accordion-playing kid to a chart-topping superstar dealing with drug cartels and a wild relationship with Madonna.

Join JD and Randy as they break down Daniel Radcliffe’s intensely serious performance and how the movie plays as a perfect takedown of the typical Hollywood biopic genre. The guys chat about the absurdity of the action-packed third act, the massive cameo-filled pool party scene featuring characters like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, and the few actual truths hidden inside the script. They also talk about the credit song, Weird Al’s real-life career trajectory, and why this film works as an excellent double feature with UHF.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, JD and Randy check out UHF (1989), the cult classic comedy satire directed by Jay Levy and starring Weird Al Yankovic, Michael Richards, Kevin McCarthy, David Bowe, Fran Drescher, and Victoria Jackson. The movie follows George Newman, a guy who cannot seem to keep a job until he gets the chance to manage a low-rated UHF station. He takes over the studio and turns it into a local powerhouse packed with bizarre public access programming and eccentric characters.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the movie's zany humour, memorable bits like Spatula City, and how the writing stays tight without punching down. The guys chat about the film getting crushed at the box office in July 1989 by massive summer blockbusters, the stacked cast of weirdos, and behind-the-scenes trivia like Mark Knopfler playing guitar on the soundtrack. They also look at how Weird Al's long career kept this movie in the pop culture consciousness for nearly 40 years, making it a favourite example of the "save the TV station" plot.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! JD and Randy take a look at Masterminds (1997), a PG‑13 action film directed by Roger Christian and starring Patrick Stewart, Vincent Kartheiser and Bradley Whitford. The movie follows a rebellious teen who brings his stepsister to an elite prep school on the same day the campus is taken over by a security contractor demanding millions in ransom.

They talk about how the film blends its “Die Hard in a school” premise with 1990s family‑friendly action, and look at the mix of traps, hacking moments and set‑pieces that shape the story. They also get into the tone, the PG‑13 limitations, and how the movie compares to other school‑siege films of the era. The conversation touches on the villains, the polished studio feel and the odd place the film occupies in the 1990s action landscape.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit content.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! JD and Randy take a look at Spookies (1986), a horror creature feature directed by Brendan Faulkner, Thomas Doran and Jeanie Joseph, and starring Felix Ward, Alec Nemser and Maria Pechukas. The film follows a group of travellers who take shelter in an abandoned mansion, unaware that a sorcerer is using the house to trap souls while a series of monsters close in on them.

They talk about how the film’s unusual production history shapes the final cut, and look at the mix of creatures, set‑pieces and ideas that appear throughout the story. They also get into the way the added footage changes the tone, the choices behind the effects work, and how the movie fits into the tradition of stitched‑together genre films like Ninja Terminator. They also bump into a few surprise zombies, something that never fails to keep Randy on his toes.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit content.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are checking out Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010), the beloved horror comedy directed by Eli Craig and starring Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, and Katrina Bowden. The film follows two well-meaning hillbillies who head to their fixer-upper vacation cabin in the woods, only to be mistaken for chainsaw-wielding killers by a group of preppy college students.

Join JD and Randy as they break down this clever subversion of slasher tropes and the "comedy of errors" that drives the plot. The duo discusses the fantastic chemistry between Labine and Tudyk, the film’s brutal yet accidental gore, and how the story completely shifts depending on which character’s perspective you follow. They also touch on the film's desaturated 2010s color grading and why it remains a definitive cult favorite for fans who want to laugh at their horror.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are checking out the 2011 genre-bending film Detention, directed by Joseph Kahn and starring Josh Hutcherson, Shanley Caswell, and Dane Cook. The story follows a group of high school students in Grizzly Lake who must survive a slasher killer known as Cinderhella while trapped in a 12-hour detention that involves time travel, body swapping, and a world-ending apocalypse.

Join JD and Randy as they attempt to untangle the chaotic, fast-paced energy of this post-modern cult classic. The hosts discuss Joseph Kahn’s distinct music video aesthetic, the film’s relentless barrage of 90s and 2000s pop culture references, and how it deconstructs typical slasher tropes through a self-aware lens. They also weigh in on whether the movie's confusing, multi-genre plot is a brilliant piece of experimental cinema or simply too exhausting for a casual watch.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are covering the 1991 Italian cult film The Last Match, directed by Fabrizio De Angelis and featuring an ensemble cast including Oliver Tobias, Ernest Borgnine, Henry Silva, and Charles Napier. The story follows a professional football player whose daughter is wrongfully imprisoned in a corrupt Caribbean country, leading him to recruit his entire team for a daring military-style prison break conducted like a championship game.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss the bizarre origins of this script and the sheer absurdity of watching a football team in full pads and helmets engaging in a violent skirmish. The hosts break down Ernest Borgnine’s performance as the coach, the film's surprisingly slow law-thriller buildup, and the ludicrous final twenty minutes where sports plays are used to coordinate a prison raid. They also weigh in on the film’s "vaguely Cuba coded" setting and debate whether the entertaining climax makes up for the wooden acting and confusing editorial choices found in the first two thirds.

Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain (1983) – Wuxia Fantasy Action

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are checking out the 1983 Wuxia classic Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain, directed by Tsui Hark and starring Yuen Biao, Sammo Hung, Adam Cheng, Bridget Lin, and Moon Lee. Set in ancient China amidst a landscape of constant civil war, the film follows a young soldier who stumbles into a supernatural conflict and must team up with a group of powerful masters to prevent a vengeful spirit from destroying mankind.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss how this groundbreaking production bridged the gap between traditional Hong Kong cinema and modern Hollywood special effects. The hosts break down the film’s chaotic energy, the legendary cast's physical performances, and the specific visual elements that famously inspired John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China. They also explore the film's themes of unity and explore whether the fast-paced, imaginative action still holds up as a high recommendation for fans of the fantasy genre.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are checking out the 1991 sci-fi actioner Dollman, directed by Albert Pyun and starring Tim Thomerson, Jackie Earle Haley, and Kamala Lopez. The film follows Brick Bardo, a hard-boiled cop from the planet Arcturus who finds himself stranded on Earth after a space pursuit, only to discover that on our planet, he is only thirteen inches tall.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss why this Albert Pyun cult classic is the perfect choice for a high-energy, 82-minute watch. The hosts break down Tim Thomerson’s iconic performance as the pint-sized peacekeeper, Jackie Earle Haley’s turn as a ruthless gang leader, and the creative practical effects used to sell the scale differences between the hero and his new environment. They also explore Pyun’s ability to deliver an enjoyable genre film on a micro-budget and debate how this gritty, "tough guy" space cop story holds up decades later.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are checking out the 1993 martial arts cult classic Undefeatable, directed by Godfrey Ho and starring the legendary Cynthia Rothrock, Don Niam, and John Miller. The film follows a tough street fighter who teams up with a police officer to hunt down a sadistic, muscle-bound serial killer after her sister becomes his latest victim.

Join JD and Randy as they dive into why this low-budget actioner has earned such a massive following over the decades. The hosts discuss Cynthia Rothrock’s impressive screen presence, Don Niam’s high-intensity performance, and the technical execution of the choreography leading up to the film's infamous final showdown. They also weigh in on the tonal balance between 90s charm and over-the-top violence to see if this "good kind of crazy" flick actually lives up to its viral reputation.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are checking out the 1993 family favorite Prehysteria!, directed by Albert and Charles Band and starring Brett Cullen, Colleen Morris, and Austin O'Brien. The film follows a young boy who discovers a clutch of mysterious eggs that hatch into a group of miniature, living dinosaurs, leading his family into a whimsical adventure to protect them from a greedy museum curator.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss whether this 90s staple remains a fun watch for dinosaur lovers or if it feels a bit too inconsequential. The hosts break down the impressive stop-motion effects used to bring the tiny dinosaurs to life, the strange character crossovers from other genre films, and the legendary voice work of Frank Welker. They also explore the film's unique sequel structure and debate whether the lack of a complex plot is overshadowed by its charm as pure family entertainment.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are checking out the 1986 action thriller Quiet Cool, directed by Clay Borris and starring James Remar, Adam Coleman Howard, and Daphne Ashbrook. Set in the remote mountains of California, the film follows a tough New York City cop who travels to a small rural town to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend's family. He soon discovers a deadly struggle for survival against a ruthless group of marijuana growers who have the local community under their thumb.

Join JD and Randy as they dive into whether this cult classic holds up as a "hidden gem" or feels more like a standard television production. The hosts discuss the film’s unique blend of urban cop tropes and rural survivalism, the distinctive look of its "cartoonish" villains, and the surprisingly effective use of practical motorcycle stunts. They also weigh in on the film's "bloodless" approach to violence and debate whether the leisurely pacing and generic 80s synth score help or hurt the overall experience.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are covering the 2002 cult classic Bubba Ho-Tep, directed and written by Don Coscarelli of Phantasm fame. Based on the novella by Joe R. Lansdale, the film stars Bruce Campbell as an elderly man in an East Texas nursing home who claims to be the real Elvis Presley. Alongside his friend Jack—a fellow resident played by Ossie Davis who believes he is a "dyed black" John F. Kennedy—the duo must defend their home from an ancient Egyptian mummy that is preying on the souls of the elderly.

Join JD and Randy as they explore why this bizarre premise is actually a deeply moving meditation on aging, mortality, and the fear of being forgotten. They discuss Bruce Campbell's surprisingly nuanced performance, the film's leisurely pace that mirrors the lives of its protagonists, and the creative practical effects used to bring the soul-sucking "Bubba" to life. Whether you’re a fan of Campbell’s B-movie roots or Coscarelli’s unique directorial style, the hosts dive into how this indie gem balances outhouse humour with genuine heart.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are checking out the 2006 Korean action gem The City of Violence, directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, who also stars alongside Jung Doo-hong and Lee Beom-soo. The film follows a group of childhood friends who reunited after the mysterious death of one of their own, only to find that their different paths in life lead to a brutal confrontation with old grudges and new betrayals.

Join JD and Randy as they break down this low-budget standout that packs a punch with its high-impact Taekwondo choreography and dynamic cinematography. We discuss the film's unique technical choices, from its homages to classic Westerns and The Warriors to the decision to use gritty, "normal" performers over stylized K-pop stars. Whether you're here for the technical breakdown of the fight sequences or the thematic exploration of aging and regret, we dive into whether this 20th-anniversary flick is a must-watch for martial arts fans.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we are covering the 2026 release Primate, the intense killer monkey movie directed by Johannes Roberts and starring Johnny Sequoia, Troy Kotsur, and Jessica Alexander. Set in Hawaii, the film follows a family whose homecoming turns into a bloody survival nightmare when their pet chimpanzee, Ben, contracts rabies and goes on a feral rampage.

Join JD and Randy as they dive into why this "Cujo with a chimp" creature feature is being hailed as one of the best horror movies of 2026. We break down the production's decision to use a suit actor over CGI, the effectiveness of the isolated setting, and the specific creative choices that separate this from your typical animal attack schlock. We also weigh in on the film’s brutal practical effects and discuss whether this straightforward survival story lives up to the viral hype.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Cast a Deadly Spell (1991), an HBO original urban fantasy noir directed by Martin Campbell and starring Fred Ward, Julianne Moore, David Warner, and Clancy Brown. Set in 1948 Los Angeles where magic is part of everyday life, private detective H. Philip Lovecraft refuses to use magic as he investigates the theft of the Necronomicon.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s blend of hardboiled noir and Lovecraftian horror, strong performances, impressive practical effects, and early urban fantasy influence. We discuss its HBO production roots, surprising violence, and why this feels ahead of its time. Please note this episode was recorded remotely and audio quality may vary.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Castle Freak (1995), a Stuart Gordon gothic horror film produced by Charles Band and Full Moon Features. Loosely inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s The Outsider and The Rats in the Walls, it stars Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton as an American family who inherit an Italian castle and discover a chained, mutilated “castle freak” living in the dungeon.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss the thin script, predictable structure, and heavy reliance on shock value instead of atmosphere. We break down the wasted Lovecraft premise, the uneven pacing, and why strong practical effects and Jeffrey Combs’ presence cannot rescue what feels like a half-formed 90s horror idea built around a poster concept. Tune in to hear why this cult Full Moon entry did not work for us.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language and discussion of sexual violence.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! Yes, we’re doing Fortress again, but this is a completely different film from last week’s 1992 dystopian prison movie. Fortress (1985) is an Australian horror thriller directed by Arch Nicholson and written by Everett DeRoch, the writer of Razorback and Link. When a rural one-room schoolhouse is invaded by masked criminals, a teacher and her nine students are kidnapped and forced into a brutal fight for survival in the outback.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s wild tonal shifts, cartoon-masked villains, and shocking escalation from hostage drama to full-blown survival horror. We discuss its HBO cult status, disturbing final act, and why this outback nightmare leaves such an impression. Please note this episode was recorded remotely and audio quality may vary. Tune in for our full take on this intense and unexpected 80s thriller.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Fortress (1992), a cult sci-fi action thriller directed by Stuart Gordon and starring Christopher Lambert, Kurtwood Smith, and Loryn Locklin. Set in a near-future America with strict population control, the film follows a couple imprisoned for having a second child and sent to a privately run desert prison designed to break both body and mind.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s prison escape structure, body-horror elements, and surprisingly strong practical effects. We discuss Kurtwood Smith’s unsettling villain, Jeffrey Combs’ appearance, the film’s corporate dystopia themes, and why this remains one of Stuart Gordon’s most entertaining non-Lovecraft projects. Tune in for our take on its highs, flaws, and cult reputation.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Hundreds of Beavers (2024), a silent indie comedy directed by Mike Cheslik and co-written with Ryland Brickson Cole Tews. Shot in stark black and white, the film follows applejack salesman Jean Kayak as he blows up his livelihood and must survive the wilderness by becoming a fur trapper, all while facing an absurd army of costumed animals.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s live-action cartoon style, Buster Keaton and Looney Tunes influences, video game logic, and nonstop visual gags. We discuss its long festival rollout, physical comedy precision, escalating insanity, and why this two-hour silent farce somehow never wears out its welcome. Tune in to hear why Hundreds of Beavers stands as one of the most original and joyful comedies in recent years.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering The Heat Wave Lasted Four Days (1975), a Canadian crime thriller directed by Douglas Jackson and produced by the National Film Board of Canada. Set in Montreal during a summer heat wave, the film follows a television reporter who stumbles into a criminal operation and slowly ruins his life through greed, bad choices, and mounting pressure.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s unusual origins as an English-as-a-second-language teaching tool, its multiple cut versions, and its surprisingly tense ABC Wide World of Mystery presentation. We discuss the stripped-down dialogue, sleazy moral spiral, downbeat ending, and why this obscure Canadian TV movie works better than it has any right to.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Dolls (1987), a gothic horror fantasy directed by Stuart Gordon and produced by Charles Band’s Empire Pictures. When a young girl, her abusive parents, and a group of stranded travellers take shelter in a remote English manor, they discover their elderly hosts are doll makers whose creations punish cruel adults and spare the innocent.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s dark fairy-tale tone, creepy practical effects, and stop-motion killer dolls. We discuss its fast pacing, gothic atmosphere, moral framework, and how this predates Child’s Play and Puppet Master while standing on its own as one of Gordon’s most unsettling films. Tune in to hear why this compact 80s horror gem earns its cult reputation.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Alphabet City (1984), a stylish neo-noir crime drama directed by Amos Poe and shot on location in early 80s New York City. Starring Vincent Spano, Kate Vernon, Jamie Gertz, and Michael Winslow, the film follows a small-time mob runner over one long night as he tries to escape the life after being ordered to burn down his own family’s building.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s music-video energy, neon-soaked cinematography by Oliver Wood, and Nile Rodgers’ electronic score. We discuss its thin but focused story, Fear City atmosphere, and why this feels more like a time capsule of pre-gentrification Alphabet City than a traditional crime thriller. Tune in to hear why this vibe-heavy cult noir works best as a snapshot of a vanished era.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Primal Rage (1988), an Italian-American horror thriller directed by Vittorio Rambaldi and Patrick B. White. Often mistaken for a killer monkey movie, this cult oddity is actually a rage virus horror film where a lab baboon bite turns college students into violent, screaming maniacs.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s Italian horror DNA, uneven pacing, and low-stakes body count. We discuss the misleading premise, the Halloween party massacre, Goblin-adjacent score vibes, and why this plays more goofy than scary. Tune in to hear why this oddball rage virus entry is more curiosity than classic.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Good Boy (2025), an indie horror hit directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written with Alex Cannon. Told almost entirely from a dog’s perspective, this haunted house horror drama follows Indy as he moves with his terminally ill owner to a rural family home where grief, illness, and something possibly supernatural begin to overlap.

Join JD and Randy as they explore the film’s festival buzz, minimalist storytelling, and emotionally heavy tone. We discuss the dog-centred POV gimmick, Larry Fessenden’s appearance, the ambiguous horror elements, and why this unsettling indie stands out among recent low budget horror releases. Tune in to hear why Good Boy lingers long after the credits roll.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re covering Black Christmas (1974), a Canadian horror thriller directed by Bob Clark, also known for A Christmas Story and Porky’s. Set during the holidays, the film follows a sorority house plagued by obscene phone calls and a series of murders, laying the groundwork for the modern slasher film.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s slow-burn tension, restrained violence, and eerie sound design. We discuss its ambiguous killer, unreliable assumptions, and lasting influence on slashers like Halloween and Scream. Tune in to hear why this bleak, unsettling classic still holds up fifty years later. Merry Christmas.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re diving into Magic Crystal (1986), a high-energy Hong Kong action fantasy from Wong Jing, starring Andy Lau, Cynthia Rothrock, and Richard Norton. When a mysterious alien crystal falls to Earth, cops, criminals, and spies race across the globe as the film jumps from police thriller to sci-fi adventure to Indiana Jones-style spectacle.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s kitchen-sink approach, wild tonal shifts, and nonstop martial arts action. We talk Cynthia Rothrock at her Hong Kong peak, Wong Jing’s self-deprecating comedy role, the family-friendly chaos, and why this feels like Big Trouble in Little China filtered through 80s Hong Kong cinema. Tune in to hear why this hidden gem delivers on action, humour, and pure genre fun.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re checking out Jimmy and Stiggs (2025), an independent sci-fi horror thriller written, directed by, and starring Joe Begos, also known for VFW. Set almost entirely in a single apartment, the film follows a self-destructive filmmaker who believes he’s been abducted by aliens and pulls an estranged friend back into his life just as reality begins to fracture.

Join JD and Randy as they break down the film’s claustrophobic structure, extreme practical gore, and unreliable first-person perspective. We discuss the heavy use of colour, sensory overload, substance abuse themes, and the ambiguity surrounding what actually happened. Tune in to hear why this intense, minimalist horror film sparks debate and lingers long after the credits roll.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re checking out Surf II (1984), a cult 80s comedy from Randall M. Badat starring Eddie Deezen, Linda Kerridge, Eric Stoltz, and Jeffrey Rogers. This oddball spoof mixes beach movies, sci-fi, and new wave punk as a mad scientist turns surfers into cola-fuelled zombies.

Join JD and Randy as they explore the film’s absurd humour, stacked new wave soundtrack, and smart-dumb parody style. We talk the interchangeable leads, the inventive split-screen family scenes, the punk-zombie chaos, and why this weird, divisive gem still stands out in 80s cult cinema. Tune in for our thoughts on its charm, tone, and offbeat energy.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we’re checking out Demolition High (1996), a low budget 90s action thriller from Jim Wynorski, best known for Chopping Mall. Starring Corey Haim, Alan Thicke, Jeff Kober, Melissa Brasselle, and Dick Van Patten, it follows a teen who transfers to a small-town school the same day a group of heavily armed criminals take the building hostage in a Die Hard–style showdown.

Join JD and Randy as they dig into the film’s VHS-era charm, practical effects, splatter-style kills, and surprisingly violent set pieces. We discuss Corey Haim’s standout performance, the inventive high school booby traps, Wynorski’s B-movie style, and how this one stands apart from other Die Hard clones like Toy Soldiers and Masterminds. Tune in for our full breakdown of its action, humour, and 90s straight-to-video energy.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're checking out Demolition Highway (1996), a 90s micro budget action thriller from cult director Donald Farmer, best known for shot-on-video and direct-to-video genre films. Starring Danny Fendley, Joe Estevez, and Lisa Tyer, it follows ex-con Frank as he hunts down his double-crossing partner, rescues a kidnapped daughter, and crashes into biker gang chaos.

Join JD and Randy as they dig into Farmer’s low budget style, the film’s recycled stunts, twin-thug casting, and its mix of crime, revenge, and VHS-era action. We talk Joe Estevez chewing scenery, the uneven pacing, the slow-motion chases, and how this still counts as Farmer’s most competent work. Tune in to hear why this oddball 90s action curio both frustrates and entertains.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're looking at Nightmare at Noon (1988), a low budget action horror western from Nico Mastorakis, also known for Island of Death. A silent albino scientist contaminates a Utah town's water supply, unleashing green-tinged rage attacks and pulling the sheriff, a drifter, and their partners into a desert chase for answers.

Join JD and Randy as they compare it to Romero’s The Crazies and Mutants (1984), break down the film’s western shift, and talk stunt work, explosions, and that overlong helicopter chase. We highlight Wings Hauser, Bo Hopkins, and George Kennedy, the odd pacing, and why this could only have been made in the 80s. Tune in for our take on its charm, flaws, and unexpected performances.

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're checking out D.A.R.Y.L. (1985), a science fiction family adventure directed by Simon Wincer and written by David Ambrose, Allan Scott, and Jeffrey Ellis. When a mysterious boy is found abandoned in the woods and taken in by a foster family, it's slowly revealed that Daryl is a Data Analyzing Robot Youth Lifeform—a computer brain in a biologically grown human body. The film explores what it means to be human through the eyes of a boy learning to understand friendship, family, and feelings for the first time.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss the film's leisurely pacing, why the marketing spoiled the mystery, and how Barrett Oliver delivers a standout performance as a kid caught between machine and human. We break down the film's philosophical questions, the forced ending that undermines the rest of the story, and why the human elements outweigh the artificial structure problems. Tune in to hear why D.A.R.Y.L. is a solid family sci-fi film despite its mechanical flaws.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're diving into WolfCop (2014), a Canadian horror comedy about an alcoholic small-town cop who gets turned into a werewolf and solves crimes. Directed by Lowell Dean and written by Barnaby Dillon, this partially crowdfunded B-movie delivers exactly what the title promises: a cop who is also a werewolf. The film takes its time getting there, but once it does, it transforms into an over-the-top gore fest with practical effects and absurd humor.

Join JD and Randy as they discuss the film's uneven pacing, why the first half drags before the werewolf action kicks in, and how the practical transformation effects stand out. We break down the ridiculous action sequences, the liquor store robbery, and why the movie works best when it leans into its dumb premise. Tune in to hear why WolfCop is half boring setup and half wild B-movie fun, and whether the concept alone is enough to recommend it.

Trilogy of Terror (1975) & Trilogy of Terror 2 (1996) — Halloween Special — Horror Anthology

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! Happy Halloween! This week we're celebrating with a special double feature covering Trilogy of Terror (1975) and Trilogy of Terror 2 (1996), two made-for-TV horror anthologies created by director Dan Curtis and writer Richard Matheson. The 1975 ABC original stars Karen Black in three roles, including the iconic Zuni fetish doll segment that inspired The Simpsons and Child's Play. The 1996 USA Network sequel stars Lysette Anthony across "Graveyard Rats," "Bobby," and "He Who Kills."

Join JD and Randy as they explore horror's evolution across two decades, from pre-slasher 1975 network TV to post-Scream cable in the 90s. We discuss Karen Black's performance, the Zuni doll's influence on horror, and why "Bobby" is the sequel's strongest segment. Tune in to hear why these Dan Curtis TV anthologies still work and how 21 years between them captures the complete horror boom.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're closing out spooky season with V/H/S: Halloween (2025), the latest Shudder original from the found footage anthology series. Released just days before Halloween, this collection features five shorts wrapped in "Diet Phantasma," a darkly comedic frame narrative that might be the best in the series. Directors Anna Asokavitch, Alex Ross Perry, and Casper Kelly bring wildly different tones, from terrifying to absurdist comedy.

Join JD and Randy as they break down each segment, including the haunted house tale "Coochie Coochie Coo," the Spanish-language procedural "Ut Supra Sic Infra," the disturbing "Kidprint," the Adult Swim-style "Fun Size," and the Goosebumps-meets-gore finale "Home Haunt." We discuss why this is the scariest V/H/S entry yet, how the tonal shifts affect the experience, and whether the Halloween theme elevates the franchise. Tune in for our take on this wildly inconsistent but consistently entertaining horror anthology.

Found Footage Horror / Anthology / Sci-Fi

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week we're diving into V/H/S: Beyond (2024), the seventh entry in the found footage franchise and what many consider the strongest of the Shudder originals. Directed by Jordan Downey, Virat Pal, Christian Long, Justin Long, and Kate Siegel with a script by Mike Flanagan, this sci-fi horror anthology abandons VHS for digital cameras and body cams while maintaining the series' signature intensity. The frame narrative follows a documentary investigating the mysterious Farrington House and unexplained phenomena, seamlessly connecting five shorts that explore alien encounters, rogue AI, and cosmic body horror.

Join JD and Randy as they break down each segment, from the action-packed "Stork" and the terrifying skydiving nightmare "Live and Let Dive" to the darkly comedic "Fur Babies" and the devastating "Stowaway." We discuss how the sci-fi theme creates the most cohesive V/H/S film yet, why the documentary format elevates the experience, and which shorts deliver the best gore and scares. Tune in to hear why V/H/S: Beyond currently stands alongside V/H/S 2 as one of the franchise's best entries.

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re continuing our deep dive into analog horror with V/H/S 2 (2013), a sharper, bloodier follow-up that raises the bar for found footage anthologies. Directed by genre heavyweights like Adam Wingard, Gareth Evans, Timo Tjahjanto, and Jason Eisner, this sequel features four new shorts and a stronger frame narrative that connects directly to the first film.

Join J.D. and Randy as they unpack each segment, from cybernetic hauntings and zombie GoPro carnage to the unforgettable cult nightmare “Safe Haven.” We discuss what makes this sequel more consistent, more inventive, and ultimately more satisfying than its predecessor. Tune in to hear why V/H/S 2 stands as one of the best entries in the V/H/S series and a must-watch for fans of found footage horror, anthology films, and analog terror.