J.J. McClure (Reynolds) is a wealthy businessman with a hankering for the extreme adrenaline rush.  Assisted by his good friend Victor (DeLuise), he decides to enter the annual race known as 'The Cannonball' where drivers from all corners of the globe come together to compete in a race from Connecticut to California.  There are no real rules as the only objective is to get there as fast as you can without being stopped by the police or killing yourself along the way.  You can never tell who could win but you know that it is going to be one heck of a journey finding out.

The inclusion of this film on an "Asian" review site is probably something of a surprise, but the presence of Michael Hui and Jackie Chan amongst the expansive cast list makes it a possible purchase for H.K. movie completists.  As for my assessment of the film, well that's slightly more difficult as it can really be separated into two possible categories for recommendation...

The first of these would be to examine it from the point of view of someone hoping to see two of the East's biggest stars recreating some of their on-screen magic in their first Hollywood movie.  Well for those of you expecting this, I'm afraid it's going to be something of a disappointment.  Essentially, Chan and Hui are bundled into stereotypical oriental roles as two Japanese drivers (although I swear they spend the film talking to each other in Cantonese) with a prototype supercar that contains some exclusive technology.  Hui is the techno wizz and coordinates things from the backseat, whilst Chan is the driver as well as the muscle of the outfit.  To be honest, they actually receive very little screen time and Chan's five minutes of fame are short-lived as he is gets a brief fight with some Hell's Angels just before the film's finale.  The action is poorly shot and lacks impact sound effects so the whole thing comes across as staged with no regard for professional choreography.  If you are viewing it for these cameos alone then maybe you should stop and rethink before you buy.

Alternatively, you can watch this movie as a typical 1980's comedy that boasts some crazy driving, a lightweight story and some amusing gags.  It may not be all that original or the funniest film ever made, but there's some great chemistry between a number of the actors (particularly Reynolds and DeLuise) and each of them is more than willing to send up their established images. Director Hal Needham, who was also responsible for bringing us Reynolds in 'Smokey And The Bandit' and 'Hooper', also appears to have a very distintive style that has echoed throughout his features. Cars or big vehicles generally feature and nothing is taken all that seriously, but somehow it all brings a smile to your face.  Throw in a few decent car stunts and a couple of bar room brawls and we have a very watchable, if slightly over familiar, movie style on our hands.

Overall, this film can really be given two ratings dependent on your expectations.  If you are an action enthusiast and are picking it up to see Chan the man or you enjoy a little of Hui's zany comedy  then it's probably a one star wonder.  On the other hand, if you enjoy a cheesy slice of Americana comedy and are quite happy just to catch a glimpse of Chan in any aspect then it is probably worth investing in.