Cannonball Run III aka Speed Zone, Cannonball Fever (1989)

The next VHS Strikes Back pick comes from Chris, and he’s gone for the high-octane 1989 comedy Cannonball Run III: Speed Zone — also known in some regions as Cannonball Fever. Chris has a history of picking sometimes questionable movies, and this one certainly fits the bill. Directed by Jim Drake, who was best known for his work in television sitcoms, the film was the third entry in the loose Cannonball Run franchise, following The Cannonball Run (1981) and Cannonball Run II (1984). Despite its connection to the series, Speed Zone leaned heavily into slapstick comedy, celebrity cameos, and outrageous stunt work, attempting to capture the same chaotic energy that made the earlier films cult favorites.The production brought together a star-studded cast, including John Candy, Eugene Levy, Donna Dixon, and Brooke Shields, with many familiar comedic faces from the era lending their talents. Shot in both Canada and the United States, the movie doubled down on big stunt sequences and over-the-top gags, but it struggled critically and commercially upon release. However, in the decades since, Speed Zone has developed a reputation among fans of offbeat ‘80s comedies as a guilty pleasure, bolstered by its eccentric mix of stars and its place in the larger, gloriously messy Cannonball Run legacy.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryBuckle up… because the road is about to get ridiculous. When a cross-country race brings together the most outrageous drivers ever put behind the wheel, chaos takes the fast lane. With comedy legends like John Candy and Eugene Levy trading punches with traffic laws, and stunt drivers risking it all for the biggest gags on four wheels… this isn’t about winning — it’s about surviving the ride. Speed Zone… where the gas pedal meets pure madness.Fun FactsJohn Candy joined the cast after turning down several roles in the late ‘80s.The movie features a star-studded cast, including Brooke Shields, Eugene Levy, Donna Dixon, and Tim Matheson.Despite being packed with comedic talent, the movie bombed at the box office, making less than $1 million in the U.S.Brooke Shields won a Golden Raspberry Award (Razzie) for Worst Supporting Actress for her role in Speed Zone.Director Jim Drake had previously directed Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol.The movie’s stunt work involved real high-speed chases, with stunt drivers performing dangerous maneuvers instead of relying on camera tricks.The working title during production was Cannonball Run III, but rights issues prevented the official branding.John Candy and Eugene Levy would later reunite in other comedy projects, solidifying their reputations as Canadian comedy legends.The film has since developed a cult following among fans of bad movies, often celebrated for its over-the-top humor and chaotic energy.The film was released internationally under different titles, including Cannonball Run III in some regions, which confused audiences but helped it connect to the more successful franchise.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠