The Cannon Cruisers

Mom and Dad Save the World (1992)

Mom and Dad Save the World (1992) – Sci-Fi Comedy Spoof 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.

Rent-A-Kid (1995)

RENT-A-KID (1995) – DISNEY CHANNEL FAMILY COMEDY 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.

Problem Child (1990)

PROBLEM CHILD (1990) – CONTROVERSIAL FAMILY COMEDY 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.

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022)

WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY (2022) – SATIRE PARODY MUSICAL COMEDY 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.

UHF (1989)

UHF (1989) – COMEDY SATIRE PARODY 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.