I think I can safely say that the second volume of The Cannon Film Guide is the longest its ever taken me to finish a book. This isn’t a slight on the book, as it is essentially The Stand for cult film historians.
This was a first-day purchase on e-book after devouring author Austin Trunick’s previous volume chronicling the beginnings of the cult of Cannon Films.
Here Trunick tackles the years 1985 up to 1987, but also probably covers a lot more recognisable titles that the everyman will recognise.
We get in depth stories and analysis on big Box Office bombs such as Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, Masters of the Universe plus the Stallone vehicle Over The Top and Cobra.
Trunick’s research and the sheer amount of interviews packed into its 1018 pages is truly astounding, and clearly one of the most comprehensive chronicles of any film studio.
For horror fans we also get the stories from films such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 and Life Force, two of the 3-picture deal for legendary director Tobe Hooper.
The mind boggles at the sign off process for Cannon’s oeuvre at this stage, as they flit between genres and budgets like no one’s business but the story of it all is truly compelling.
Given this was the beginning of the end for Cannon, I cannot wait for the stories that will come out of the Cannon Film Guide Volume III.
The Cannon Film Guide Volume II by Austin Trunick is available now in all formats from BearManor Media.
Bloody Flicks 