Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films

Cannon films have enjoyed a lifespan of ups and downs. Founded by Dennis Friedland and Chris Dewey, the company took off when taken over by Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus. This documentary film focuses on the history and legacy of the Cannon group, and how the wacky cousins lived and breathed every aspect of the company.

The documentary splices iconic moments from Cannon’s history, on top of new and old interviews from members of the cast and crew from varies Cannon films. The quick cutting between interviews and film clips gives the documentary a snappy, funny tone that makes it accessible for everyone interested in films in general, not just Cannon fanatics. The chronological display of Cannon’s history really gives the viewer an insight into how cinema has evolved over time. Focusing predominantly on the 80s, it’s fascinating to understand how the industry creates mainstream films, and how the mainstream has itself changed.

Nostalgia is a key theme of the film, as the interviews reminisce on the production of film and the alternative style and influence of Yoram and Menahem. The cousins are the main draw of the documentary as their outlandish personalities created numerous funny stories that drove Cannon forward into being a powerhouse at its peak.

Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films is not only entertaining for anyone interested in film, but also provides a fascinating insight into the company for people with a deeper interest in retro cinema. The interviews are genuinely funny, breaking the norm as they focus on the negative aspects of the twin’s characters, as well as the good. This documentary is a real treat for Cannon fans.

Keir Smith

Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films is released nationwide on 5^th June 2015.

Watch the trailer for Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films here:

https://vimeo.com/107973282