Cannonball Run II

Cannonball Run II

Year: 1984

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Hal Needham

ActionComedy

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Cannonball Run II yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Cannonball Run II (1984)

Trace every key event in Cannonball Run II (1984) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Sheik's Ultimatum

Sheik Abdul ben Falafel is faced with a daunting ultimatum from his father – he must reclaim the title of the world's fastest. This pressure catalyzes Abdul's journey to bring back the famed Cannonball Run.

2

Resurrecting the Cannonball Run

Determined to rise to the challenge, Abdul announces that there will be no race this year, prompting his father to suggest he simply 'purchase one.' Abdul takes matters into his own hands to ensure the race returns.

3

Enlisting the Doctor

To improve his chances of winning, Abdul recruits Doctor Nikolas Van Helsing to serve as his in-car physician, a role he previously shared with his friends. This marks the beginning of their thrilling adventure.

4

Attracting Former Racers

Abdul's financial backing attracts many former racers back into the competition. J.J. McClure and Victor Prinzi are among those eager to join, invigorated by the chance to compete once more.

5

Rescuing Rivals

Abdul learns that rivals Blake and Fenderbaum are in financial distress due to dealings with the shady Don Don Canneloni. Demonstrating his character, Abdul rescues them by sending a henchman away with a substantial sum of money.

6

Don Don's Kidnapping Scheme

In an effort to settle his own debts, Don Don hatches a plan to kidnap Abdul for ransom. This dark plot threatens to overshadow the excitement of the upcoming race.

7

The Race Begins

As the race kicks off, J.J. and Victor disguise themselves as a military general and driver to avenge their past embarrassment. Their clever ruse sets the stage for a chaotic and hilarious competition.

8

Unexpected Companions

Along the race route, the duo of Betty and Veronica, eager for excitement, mistakenly hitch a ride with J.J. and Victor, believing they’ve struck it rich. Their comedic interactions inject further chaos into the race.

9

Colorful Competitors

The race features a vivid array of competitors, from Jackie Chan in a water-capable car to Jill Rivers and Marcie Thatcher in a Lamborghini. An orangutan driving a Cadillac Fleetwood adds a humorous twist, creating mayhem along the way.

10

Helping a Stranded Soldier

While on their journey, J.J. and Victor encounter a stranded soldier named Homer Lyle. Their kindness helps build camaraderie, deepening their bond with Betty and Veronica as the race progresses.

11

The Kidnapping of Abdul

As tensions escalate, Don Don's gang manages to successfully capture Abdul, creating a rallying point for the racers. The remaining participants quickly unite with a shared goal to rescue their leader and claim victory.

Pinto Ranch
12

The Audacious Rescue Plan

The collective of racers devises a bold rescue plan, blending in as belly dancers to infiltrate Don Don's ranch. Their creative approach showcases their teamwork and commitment to freeing Abdul.

Pinto Ranch
13

Frank Sinatra Joins the Action

In a surprising turn of events, Frank Sinatra offers his assistance during the rescue mission. His participation adds both star power and excitement to an already thrilling race.

14

Raising the Stakes

As the race unfolds, Abdul raises the prize to an astounding $2 million. This bold move triggers a frenzy among the racers, leading to a relentless and no-holds-barred competition.

15

The Final Showdown

The race culminates in a dramatic finish as Abdul faces another defeat, attributed to a surprise substance administered by Doctor Van Helsing. With his pride wounded, Abdul plots his comeback for the next race, potentially facing an orangutan.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:32

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Cannonball Run II Summary

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Cannonball Run II Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cannonball Run II

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cannonball Run II

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More About Cannonball Run II

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