Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Cannonball Run

film

The Cannonball Run

1981

A cross-country road race is based on an actual event, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S. The Cannonball was named for Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle across the country. Many of the characters are based on ruses developed by real Cannonball racers over the several years that the event was run.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The film contains crude humor, sexual innuendo, scenes of mild violence and fighting, and instances of characters using deceitful tactics. While lighthearted, it reflects a 1980s comedic tone that may require parental guidance for younger viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5
  • Diverse representation2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Features various high-end sports cars and real vehicle makes as central elements of the race.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

The 1980s comedy includes occasional mild profanity and crude language, without evidence of frequent or strongly offensive terms.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Two racers disguise themselves as Catholic priests and perform a mock blessing, mainly as a race tactic rather than religious exploration.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Includes light flirting and characters using charm as a tactic.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

High-speed racing, pursuits, a biker fight, and apparent danger to a baby create suspense, but the action is comedic and not horror-focused.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Women repeatedly unzip their jumpsuits to distract police, and sex appeal is explicitly used as a comic tactic; no explicit sexual activity is indicated.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

A character is drugged to maintain a medical ruse, and a hypodermic needle is used as part of deception; this is treated as comic wrongdoing.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

A violent encounter with bikers, ambushes, sabotage, and comic physical confrontations occur amid dangerous racing and evasive stunts.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Characters face dangerous racing, police, bikers, and apparent rescue peril; the strongest example is diverting from victory to help another being.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Inventive disguises, elaborate vehicles, gadgets, impersonations, and improvised race tactics drive much of the comedy and action.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The film features a diverse cast of characters from various backgrounds.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Instances of empathy and cooperative behavior occur, such as when characters stop to help others.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The film celebrates friendship and ingenuity, while its climactic choice favors saving a vulnerable being over winning; it also treats cheating and dangerous driving comedically.

Good role models1/5
Why this rating?

Characters are generally outlaws, making them poor role models for children.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in The Cannonball Run would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Cannonball Run, and what caused that change?
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