Cannonball Run II Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sheik funds a race, mobsters try to steal the prize money, and Burt Reynolds somehow ends up in drag, all while the actual race takes a backseat to everything else.

🍿 Cannonball Run II: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Sheik’s Mission

Following his failure to win the previous Cannonball Run, the Sheik is tasked by his father to compete and win a new race. Finding that no official Cannonball Run exists, his father finances the creation of a new race with a million-dollar prize. This sets the stage for a chaotic cross-country competition.

The Race Begins

Former Cannonballers J.J. McClure and Victor Prinzim, along with Jamie Blake and Morris Fenderbaum, join the race, adding to the already eclectic mix of participants. The race quickly devolves into a series of comedic mishaps and over-the-top antics as each team tries to outmaneuver the others.

Mobster Troubles

Adding another layer of chaos, Blake and Fenderbaum find themselves in debt to a mobster. The mobster, in turn, owes money to someone even more dangerous. This situation leads to a plot to kidnap the Sheik, holding him for ransom in order to settle the debts.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• J.J. McClure (Burt Reynolds): A competitive Cannonball Run racer always looking for a clever edge, known for his driving skills and mischievous antics.
• Victor Prinzim… (Dom DeLuise): J.J.’s comedic sidekick, often transforming into the superhero Captain Chaos to aid their racing efforts.
• Jamie Blake (Dean Martin): One half of a racing duo, known for his laid-back attitude and partnership with Fenderbaum.
• Morris Fenderbaum (Sammy Davis Jr.): The other half of the racing duo who, along with Blake, finds himself in debt to a mobster.
• The Sheik (Jamie Farr): The wealthy, somewhat naive sheik who funds the Cannonball Run in an attempt to prove his family’s speed.
• Hymie Kaplan (Telly Savalas): A ruthless mob enforcer attempting to collect debts, leading to the kidnapping of the Sheik.
• Jackie Chan (Jackie Chan): A skilled Mitsubishi engineer and racer, known for his gadget-filled car and martial arts abilities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Don Canneloni: “In the past, the Canneloni family was the most powerful of the families. We controlled drugs, prostitution, extortion, prostitution, gambling…” – Don Canneloni outlines his family’s past criminal enterprises, comically repeating “prostitution”.
• Slim: “Uh, you said ‘prostitution’ twice.” – Slim points out the repetition in Don Canneloni’s summary of his family’s history.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $28,078,073
• Worldwide Gross: $28,078,073

💥 Cannonball Run II Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so Cannonball Run II isn’t winning any awards, but it’s pure, goofy fun. I watched this movie countless times as a kid, and while some of the jokes definitely haven’t aged well, there’s still something charming about the sheer absurdity of it all. The cast is a who’s who of 80s stars, and seeing them just cut loose and have fun is genuinely entertaining. Yes, the plot is thin, and yes, some of the scenes are downright ridiculous, but if you’re looking for a movie to turn your brain off and just enjoy, Cannonball Run II might just be the ticket. Honestly, seeing Dom DeLuise in drag still makes me laugh.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s comedy movies”
  • “Those who enjoy ensemble cast films”
  • “Viewers looking for lighthearted, over-the-top humor”
  • “Fans of Burt Reynolds and other cast members”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Some suggestive content”
  • “Cartoonish violence”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Cannonball Run II is a mess. The all-star cast are wasted. The attempts at humour are cringing, with no effort put in to make anything entertaining whatsoever, much worse than the original.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “The laughs this time around are scattershot. Plus, this is one very sloppily made film. Watch it and you’ll see. For example, the race in Cannonball Run II is supposed to go the other way around: starting in California and ending in Connecticut. But almost the entire race takes place in the desert.
• TV Guide: “Hal Needham takes a great cast and great idea to make a truly dreadful movie. If you can see this in a theatre, be thankful you can leave. Better yet, save the money and do something truly enjoyable.

Audience Reactions

Fans enjoy the film as a silly, over-the-top comedy with a star-studded cast.: Many viewers find the movie funny and entertaining, particularly if they don’t take it too seriously.

Some love the sheer number of cameos from famous actors.: A lot of people like the Rat Pack reunion on screen.

Overall Consensus: Cannonball Run II is generally considered a weak sequel, but some viewers appreciate it for its cast and mindless humor.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Frank Sinatra’s appearance was his last role in a theatrically released film.”
• “The film was a critical and commercial disappointment, often cited as one of the worst sequels ever made.”
• “Jackie Chan brought along his own stunt team to help with the fight choreography.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cannonball Run II?

Cannonball Run II is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules. While not currently streaming on subscription services, keep an eye on platforms like Netflix and Hulu as availability can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cannonball Run II, you might like these similar films:

• The Cannonball Run (1981): The original film that spawned the sequel, featuring the same characters and premise.
• Smokey and the Bandit (1977): Another Hal Needham-directed action-comedy starring Burt Reynolds, known for its car stunts and lighthearted tone.
• Rat Race (2001): A more modern comedy with a similar premise of a cross-country race for money with eccentric characters and chaotic situations.
• It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963): A classic ensemble comedy about a group of strangers racing to find a hidden treasure, known for its slapstick humor and star-studded cast.

🛒 Cannonball Run II Related Products

• Cannonball Run / Cannonball Run II – Double Feature [Blu-ray]: Get both Cannonball Run movies in one collection. A must-have for fans of the original or those seeking an 80s nostalgia trip. Both movies, both amazing.
• 1981 Chevrolet Ambulance – Cannonball Run 1/43 Scale Model: A detailed replica of the ambulance driven in the first film. A great display piece for fans of the series.
• Cannonball Run Movie Poster: Features the classic image of Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, and the cast. A nostalgic piece for any movie room or garage.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cannonball Run II features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Like a Cannonball” – performed by Menudo

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cannonball Run 1 and 2 Outtakes

Ever wondered what it’s like on set? This outtake reel from Cannonball Run 1 & 2 will have you laughing along with the cast. It’s definitely a fun watch and shows that even these pros have their blooper moments!

Cannonball Run Doctor

Love Jack Elam’s quirky Doctor character in Cannonball Run? This compilation is just for you! It’s a hilarious look at his best moments and definitely showcases why he’s a fan favorite.

“BRILLIANT” CANNONBALL RUN “BIG BLOOPERS” 1981 😂 #cannonballrun #lamborghini #countach #bloopers

Need a good laugh? This blooper reel from Cannonball Run is pure gold! It’s hilarious to see the actors flub their lines and break character, and it definitely makes you appreciate the hard work that goes into making a comedy like this.

The complete Frank Sinatra in “Cannonball Run II” (1984) with Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr

Did you know Frank Sinatra had a cameo in Cannonball Run II? This video not only shows the scene but also explains why the music was changed! It’s a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes world of movie music rights and definitely worth a watch.

✨ Rate