CANNONBALL

Cinemavixion Review

Paul Bartel's 1976 film "Cannonball!" offers a raw, no-holds-barred look at the underground racing circuit with a premise that screams pure adrenaline. The story follows Coy Buckman, whose souped-up Pontiac becomes a contender in the Trans-America Grand Prix, an illicit race across the continent where the only rules are the absence of speed limits and any regard for the law. Buckman navigates a treacherous landscape of international competitors, all vying for a substantial $100,000 purse and, more importantly, a coveted spot on the elite Modern Motors racing team. The rivalry with Cade Redman, played with memorable grit by Bill McKinney, provides a compelling central conflict. While the film garnered a modest reception, with an IMDb rating of 5.5 and a Metascore of 35, its $3.27 million box office take and enduring cult status speak to its appeal among fans of automotive mayhem. Featuring David Carradine and Veronica Hamel, "Cannonball!" is a spirited, albeit somewhat chaotic, cinematic sprint that captures the reckless spirit of its era's racing culture.