Review of The Cannonball Run (1981) by Jason Z — 22 Nov 2007
Some people characterise Cannonball Run as a star studded turd of a film. A lazy exercise in by the numbers comedy thats poorly directed, badly scripted and stuffed with vaguely insulting stereotypes. These people are short-sighted buffoons, ignorant of the artistic merit and deeper meaning concealed within the frothy comedic shell of Cannonball.
Lets start with the cast : Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Jackie Chan, Peter Fonda & Farrah Fawcett, not so much a plethora of stars, more a panoply and each and every one turns in a hell of a performance.
The pretext for this gathering of the stars is a cross country race, but that's just the first layer of the Cannonball onion and as you peel away you'll discover a complex and rewarding tale of sacrifice, friendship and the American mindset in the early 80s.
Dedicate some time to Cannonball and you'll be richly rewarded with a true cinematic treat.
This review of The Cannonball Run (1981) was written by Jason Z on 22 Nov 2007.
The Cannonball Run has generally received mixed reviews.
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