Cannonball Run II

Cannonball Run II is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video, and in the US on Hoopla, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. Its 5/10 TMDB score, built from 353 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Burt Reynolds's performance alone is worth the time investment. Available now on Amazon Prime Video — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Cannonball Run II earns its spot. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Cannonball Run II from the crowd. When a wealthy sheikh puts up $1 million in prize money for a cross-country car race, there is one person crazy enough to hit the road hard with wheels spinning fast. Legendary driver J.J. McClure enters the competition along with his friend Victor and together they set off across the American landscape in a madcap action-adventure destined to test their wits and automobile skills. Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1984. The timing in Cannonball Run II is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Cannonball Run II respects your intelligence. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Burt Reynolds anchors an ensemble with real chemistry. Genuinely funny, consistently, across the whole run.