The Cannonball Run

Starring: Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Farrah Fawcett, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Roger Moore, Jackie Chan, Adrienne Barbeau, Terry Bradshaw, Peter Fonda, Jack Elam
Written by: Brock Yates

Director: Hal Needham
Year: 1981

Rating: * * * 1/2  Stars       +       (Fan Bonus -  )  Total: * * * 1/2

A cross country illegal race called "The Cannonball" is sponsored, and the wildest assortment of characters take up the challenge.

J.J. McClure (Burt Reynolds) and his sidekick Victor (Dom Deluise) enter the Cannonball race in hopes of winning the prize money, but they have some stiff competition. Rivals Jamie and Morris (Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr respectively) have also entered the race. Disguised as priests, and acquiring a Ferrari, they are the odds on favorites. J.J. decides to use an ambulance as their vehicle of choice, hoping a medical emergency will allow them to maintain high velocity through police speed traps. But they need a doctor and patient. Victor hires a creepy looking proctologist (Jack Elam) and J.J. abducts a gorgeous environmentalist (Farrah Fawcett). Two hot women in tight, one-piece jumpsuits and a Lamborghini are also entered in the race, as well as Roger Moore and his tricked out bond-esque car, Jackie Chan's hi-tech Japanese car, and a Rolls Royce owned by a rich sultan are just a few of the wacky competitors they have to deal with.

With so many stars, so many off the wall characters, and a pointless race across the country, the comedy practically writes itself. Burt and Dom have incredible chemistry, and would go on to star in a number of other films together. Adrienne Barbeau is absolutely smoking hot. Jackie Chan struts his comedic stuff while still an unknown actor to mainstream U.S. audiences. Plenty of cool cars and jaw-dropping stunts to satisfy the inner redneck in all of us. Arguably the first film to feature outtakes during the end credits, it certainly did it best. They say that in life, the journey is more important than the destination, and this film illustrates that point. In the end, there is a winner, but the trophy goes to the audience, for going along this high speed journey with this motley assortment of miscreants. Simple laughs, high speed chases, and an uncomplicated plot makes for an absolutely fun experience.

This movie spawned a so-so sequel in the Cannonball Run II, a forgettable follow-up Speed Zone, as well as a few imitators over the years. 30 years later, the original still generates laughs.

SEE THE TRAILER: The Cannonball Run