The Cannonball Run (1981) movie poster

The Cannonball Run (1981)

"You'll root for them all...but you'll never guess who wins."
ThumbScore
๐Ÿ‘ 89%Google users liked it archived
Critics Score
๐ŸŽฌ 28% (RT: 29%, MC: 28) โ„น๏ธRT = Rotten Tomatoes (critic reviews). MC = Metacritic (weighted critic average). Critics Score is the average of both.
ActionComedyFamily

Where to Watch

No streaming options currently available in the US.
Director
Hal Needham
Runtime
1h 35m
Country
United States of America, Hong Kong
Language
English
TMDB Rating
6.2/10 (684 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes
29%
Metacritic
28
Cast
Burt Reynolds as J.J. McClure
Roger Moore as Seymour
Farrah Fawcett as Pamela
Dom DeLuise as Victor
Dean Martin as Jamie Blake
Sammy Davis Jr. as Fenderbaum
Jack Elam as Doctor
Yes. 89% of real audiences liked it based on 684 votes. Critics scored it lower at 28%, but audiences disagreed.
Overview
A cross-country road race is based on an actual event, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S. The Cannonball was named for Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle across the country. Many of the characters are based on ruses developed by real Cannonball racers over the several years that the event was run. Wikipedia โ†—
Fun Facts
  • Burt Reynolds spent months preparing for the role, heavily researching the subject matter.
  • It remains one of the highest-rated action films of 1981 among dedicated fans.
Audience Consensus

The Cannonball Run is a 1981 action, comedy, family film directed by Hal Needham. A cross-country road race is based on an actual event, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S. The Cannonball was named for Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle across the country.

Many of the characters are based on ruses developed by real Cannonball racers over the several years that the event was run. The film has been rated by 684 audiences on ThumbScore, reflecting its reach and engagement with viewers. As a action film, The Cannonball Run delivers on the expectations of its genre while bringing its own distinctive perspective to the storytelling.

The production showcases the creative vision of its filmmaking team, bringing together performances, cinematography, and narrative elements that have resonated with audiences. The Cannonball Run (1981) continues to find viewers through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home media, maintaining its place in the contemporary entertainment landscape. The film represents the kind of cinematic experience that has attracted a dedicated audience, with viewers appreciating its approach to the story and characters it presents.

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