Cannonball

Cannonball follows Coy Buckman, a hotheaded racer who drives a scarlet Pontiac through a reckless continent-spanning contest called the Trans-America Grand Prix. This underground event operates outside the rules, letting speed and bravado take priority over safety or legality. Coy locks horns with a diverse field of rivals, all chasing a $100,000 prize that could change a driver’s future. The main obstacle is Cade Redman, the formidable contender who also aims for a coveted spot on the prestigious Modern Motors squad. Along the way, Coy must balance bravura maneuvers with practical tactics, relying on grit, luck, and a crew that understands the peril of this madcap chase. Along the way, Coy crosses paths with Linda Maxwell and other racers, each with their own quirky tactics.

Directed by Paul Bartel, Cannonball was released in 1976 as a lean action comedy. The project originates from a concept credited to Don Simpson, pairing street racing thrills with Bartel's offbeat sensibility. The cast pairs Carradine and Hamel in zippy exchanges that underline the film's blend of action and humor.

The film grossed about 1.5 million worldwide against a budget of 780 thousand, making it a modest but profitable drive in the late 1970s exploitation scene. Audiences appreciated the practical stunts as the heart of the feature.

Cannonball captures a specific era of car culture with over the top chases, quick witted banter and a sense of outlaw camaraderie. The film helped define a kitschy subgenre that blends burlesque humor with high speed thrills and a road movie ethos. It reflects a 70s DIY attitude where cars and stunts drive the comedy.

Critics offered mixed reactions, noting the film's breezy energy and uneven pacing. Core themes revolve around risk versus reward, the lure of fame, and the pressure to prove oneself in a chaotic world where the finish line feels earned not guaranteed. Dialogue crackles with sarcasm and bravado, underscoring a social roughness of roadside competition. It remains a brisk, unapologetic slice of 70s street racing cinema.