The Must-See Action Films by Cannon Films

      Casey Chong discusses the key action films from Cannon Films…

      If you experienced the 80s and 90s, you would likely recognize Cannon Films, an independent production company known for its low-budget B-movies in genres like action, martial arts, and sci-fi & fantasy. Although Cannon had a shaky beginning from 1967 to 1979, it began to flourish after Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus acquired it. Their approach involved producing inexpensive films that often capitalized on Hollywood trends, and they typically profited from VHS sales and rentals.

      Under their leadership, they made Chuck Norris a household name and helped launch the careers of Jean-Claude Van Damme and Michael Dudikoff. Unfortunately, Cannon's lifespan was cut short due to overspending, market changes, and significant debt. In tribute to the long-gone Cannon Films, here are the standout action movies that defined the company…

      **Missing in Action (1984) & Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1985)**

      A discussion about Cannon Films wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of its most iconic films, Missing in Action. Released during Hollywood's Vietnam War trend, the film features Chuck Norris as Colonel James Braddock, a former POW who returns to action to find missing U.S. soldiers. Norris’ stoic delivery and impressive skills in martial arts and weaponry made him a prominent star for Cannon.

      Director Joseph Zito, known for his horror films The Prowler and Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, seems like an unexpected choice for this project. Nevertheless, his direction effectively combines intense moments with grounded action scenes. Missing in Action became one of Cannon's biggest successes, earning over $22 million at the box office.

      A prequel followed the next year, although Missing in Action 2: The Beginning was filmed back-to-back with the original. While the sequel didn’t perform as well financially, many argue it is a superior film, featuring a compelling story set in a North Vietnamese POW camp. The narrative bears some resemblance to The Bridge on the River Kwai but executes it with more action typical of Cannon’s style. Lance Hool, making his directorial debut, delivers a gritty war-action film with Chuck Norris’ pragmatic portrayal of Colonel Braddock anchoring the cast. Missing in Action 2: The Beginning also deserves recognition for casting Soon-Tek Oh as the sadistic North Vietnamese Colonel Yin.

      **Invasion U.S.A. (1985)**

      Chuck Norris reunites with Missing in Action director Joseph Zito in the box-office success Invasion U.S.A. As the title suggests, it features a deranged Rostov (played by a flamboyant Richard Lynch), who leads a Latin American guerrilla army in a terror campaign against the U.S., particularly in Florida. Invasion U.S.A. embodies its era as an archetypal ‘80s B-movie centered on terrorism, showcasing Rostov and his army’s willingness to destroy properties and harm innocent people.

      Norris stars as a retired CIA agent who springs back into action, determined to ensure his long-time enemy, Rostov, faces dire consequences. Equipped with Uzis and a fierce demeanor, Norris’ character, Matt Hunter, takes on the bad guys single-handedly. The action scenes are outstanding, with Zito effectively utilizing the $12 million budget to create some of Cannon's most thrilling moments, including a memorable mall shootout and car chase.

      **The Delta Force (1986)**

      Despite its overt jingoism and outdated propaganda, The Delta Force stands out as one of Cannon’s stronger action films. The movie pairs Norris with veteran actor Lee Marvin as elite Special Operations Forces tasked with rescuing hostages from a hijacked plane. The hijackers are led by Abdul Rafai (Robert Forster, in an awkward accent), from a radical terrorist group.

      For much of the film, Norris appears to take a backseat to Marvin, but rest assured, Menahem Golan, who co-wrote and directed the film, knows how to put Norris front and center when it counts. Golan showcases Norris’ typical stoic demeanor effectively, and the action sequences feature everything from thrilling motorcycle stunts to intense shootouts and explosive martial arts displays. The Delta Force grossed over $17 million in the U.S., leading to two sequels, including Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection and the Chuck Norris-less Delta Force 3: The Killing Game.

      **Bloodsport (1988)**

      This film marked the beginning of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s career as a martial artist-turned-actor. His breakout performance as Frank Dux in Bloodsport remains one of the most recognized films in Hollywood martial arts cinema. Based on a supposedly true story, the film follows a martial artist who enters a fighting tournament in Hong Kong, where he faces off against the feared Chong Li, portrayed by Bolo Yeung.

      Van Damme