Year: 1984
Runtime: 108 min
Language: English
Director: Hal Needham
A wealthy sheik organizes a cross-country race, setting off a wild and chaotic adventure. J.J. McLure and Victor accept the challenge, finding themselves pursued by a pair of cunning women. Competing racers Jamie Blake and Morris Fenderbaum join forces against a formidable mob boss. When the sheik disappears, these unlikely rivals must put aside their differences and work together, leading to surprising turns and plenty of laughs as they try to find him.
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As Sheik Abdul ben Falafel grapples with his father’s ultimatum to reclaim the title of the world’s fastest, he embarks on an audacious journey to resurrect the Cannonball Run. When he announces that no race is scheduled for the year, his father’s response is simply to “purchase one.” Undaunted, Abdul seizes this moment to amend his previous defeat by enlisting Doctor Nikolas Van Helsing as his in-car physician, a role previously held by him along with J.J. McClure and Victor Prinzi during the original event.
Abdul’s generous financial support attracts many former racers back into the fray. J.J. McClure and Victor, now accompanied by a daring stunt crew, are eager to return. Their former rivals, Blake and Fenderbaum, find themselves struggling financially due to their entanglements with the shady Don Don Canneloni, who is caught in the clutches of the menacing mob enforcer Hymie Kaplan. Thanks to Abdul’s timely assistance, he rescues Blake and Fenderbaum from their dire circumstances by sending one of Don Don’s henchmen packing with a hefty sum.
In a bid to solve his own financial troubles, Don Don hatches a plan to kidnap Abdul, intending to reap a hefty ransom. The race commences, with J.J. McClure and Victor disguising themselves as a U.S. Army general and his driver, donning military uniforms in a private’s vehicle. Their adventure gains unexpected momentum with the arrival of Betty and Veronica, who, dressed as nuns for an upcoming performance, unwittingly become fast friends with J.J. and Victor, hitching a ride when they believe they’ve struck gold.
The race attracts a colorful array of competitors, including Jackie Chan, who drives a water-capable Mitsubishi Starion alongside a towering assistant named Arnold. A red Lamborghini, originally white, is piloted by Jill Rivers and Marcie Thatcher, who are shadowed by two breathtaking companions. In a hilarious twist, an orangutan takes the wheel of a Cadillac Fleetwood, causing mischief, flipping off elderly ladies, and creating chaos along the route, all while California Highway Patrol officers keep watch.
As J.J. McClure and Victor stop to help a stranded soldier named Homer Lyle, they strengthen their bond with Betty and Veronica, who eventually trade their nun attire for more casual clothing. Meanwhile, Don Don’s bumbling henchmen continue to navigate the race, often facing comical mishaps.
As tensions rise and Don Don’s gang manages to capture the Sheik, a collective defiance ignites among the racers. United in purpose, they rally to free their leader and triumph in the race, storming Don Don’s “Pinto Ranch” with an audacious rescue plan. The trio of J.J., Victor, and Fenderbaum don flamboyant kits as belly dancers, seamlessly blending into the ranch’s exotic ambiance while others roar in via their vehicles, the air filled with revs and screeches.
The three “dancers” and Blake make their way to the Leader’s quarters, seeking guidance from Frank Sinatra in their mission. Surprisingly, the legendary entertainer jumps into the action, competing alongside them on the track. The stakes escalate dramatically, as the winner stands to gain a grand prize.
In an unexpected twist, the Sheik raises the stakes by boosting the prize to an astounding $2 million, igniting a frenzied atmosphere as competitors prepare for a no-holds-barred clash. Amidst the pandemonium, traffic police attempt to maintain order, yet it’s clear that these relentless racers will stop at nothing to reach the finish line.
As the race concludes, it becomes evident that the Sheik has suffered another defeat, attributing his loss to a mysterious substance administered by the doctor riding alongside him. With his pride bruised and ego wounded, the Sheik devises a scheme for redemption in the next race, enlisting none other than the previous winner – an orangutan known for its theatrics. As the starting line looms ahead, the King is left in disbelief at the prospect of facing off against this unexpected contender, who seals his fate with a conspicuously affectionate gesture.
Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:32
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Buckle up for wild, star-studded journeys filled with non-stop gags and vehicular mayhem.If you loved the chaotic, star-packed fun of Cannonball Run II, you'll enjoy these movies. This section features similar high-energy comedies with wild road trips, madcap ensembles, and non-stop gags. Find more movies like Cannonball Run II that deliver a fast-paced, laugh-filled ride.
These stories typically follow a simple premise—a race, a bet, or a mission—that sets a diverse group of characters on a cross-country path. The plot is a vehicle for a series of escalating comedic set pieces, with the journey's goal often taking a backseat to the sheer fun of the mishaps and collaborations along the way.
Movies in this thread are united by their LIGHT tone, FAST pacing, and focus on ensemble-driven, physical comedy. They share a spirit of irreverent fun, prioritizing laughs and high-energy chaos over complex plots or deep emotion, creating a consistently playful and energetic viewing experience.
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The narrative pattern involves taking a familiar, often high-stakes scenario (like a race or a heist) and filling it with ridiculous characters and improbable events. The tension is purely for comedic effect, as the story subverts expectations at every turn, ensuring the stakes feel fun rather than genuinely suspenseful.
These films are grouped by their spoof-like nature, combining MEDIUM intensity action with a very high HumorScore. They share a FAST pace and a STRAIGHTFORWARD plot that serves as a framework for parody, resulting in a consistently LIGHT and irreverent vibe that prioritizes laughter over logic.
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Track the full timeline of Cannonball Run II with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Cannonball Run II. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Cannonball Run II that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
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