A star-studded, chaotic road race sequel that became a critic's worst nightmare

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Cannonball Run II brought together an unmatched cast, including the final on-screen reunion of the Rat Pack. Yet, despite the star power and a $56.3 million global haul, the 1983 comedy was savaged by critics, with some calling it the most insulting and worthless film they had ever reviewed.

Released in 1983, Cannonball Run II was the second installment in a trilogy inspired by the actual Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. The plot follows Sheik Abdul Ben Falafel, who is tasked by his father to win an illegal cross-country race to boost the family name. When the Sheik discovers no such race exists that year, he simply buys one. The film features a sprawling ensemble, including Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, and Jackie Chan, alongside a cameo by Frank Sinatra, who donated his $30,000 fee to charity.

The production was marked by notable departures and oddities. It served as the final feature film appearance for Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Jim Nabors. Behind the scenes, director Hal Needham faced casting challenges, such as when Jaclyn Smith withdrew due to discomfort with the film's improvisational style. To depict the race's momentum, the production commissioned animator Ralph Bakshi to create a sequence for the finale, a choice that drew sharp criticism for keeping the actual racing largely off-camera.

Critical reception was overwhelmingly negative. The film holds a 12% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert awarded it half a star, labeling it an arrogant insult to the audience, while Gene Siskel gave it zero stars, frequently citing it as the worst movie he ever reviewed during his career. Despite this, the film remained profitable, largely due to preselling, and found significant success in international markets like West Germany and France, where it achieved millions of admissions.

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