On this day April 21, 1989, the action comedy Speed Zone premiered in theaters. Directed by Jim Drake, the movie featured a star studded cast including John Candy, Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, Donna Dixon, and Brooke Shields. A spiritual successor to the Cannonball Run films, it followed a group of eccentric drivers racing across the country in an illegal coast to coast race.
Despite a hefty budget of 18 million dollars, Speed Zone crashed at the box office, bringing in just 3 million. The film was panned by critics for lacking the charm of its predecessors and for relying too heavily on slapstick gags and celebrity cameos. It still became a curious piece of late 80s comedy and is remembered for its over the top car chases and ensemble of familiar faces from TV and film.
Fun fact: Speed Zone was released in some countries under the title Cannonball Fever, further linking it to the earlier Cannonball Run franchise.
Trivia question: What 1989 racing comedy featured a star filled cast and was considered a spiritual follow up to the Cannonball Run series?
Despite a hefty budget of 18 million dollars, Speed Zone crashed at the box office, bringing in just 3 million. The film was panned by critics for lacking the charm of its predecessors and for relying too heavily on slapstick gags and celebrity cameos. It still became a curious piece of late 80s comedy and is remembered for its over the top car chases and ensemble of familiar faces from TV and film.
Fun fact: Speed Zone was released in some countries under the title Cannonball Fever, further linking it to the earlier Cannonball Run franchise.
Trivia question: What 1989 racing comedy featured a star filled cast and was considered a spiritual follow up to the Cannonball Run series?
