Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films

Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films is a 2014 documentary chronicling the history of Cannon Films, a low-budget movie production company that was active from the 1960s to the 1990s. The film is directed by Mark Hartley and features interviews with many people involved with Cannon Films, including actors, directors, and producers.

The documentary begins by introducing the founders of Cannon Films, Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, and their early days in the film business. The film delves into the early years of Cannon Films, when the company produced low-budget exploitation flicks like The Happy Hooker and Death Wish.

As the documentary progresses, it explores the wild and often chaotic nature of the company, which was known for producing movies quickly and cheaply. Cannon Films was responsible for many cult classics of the 1980s like Breakin', Revenge of the Ninja, and Masters of the Universe.

The documentary features interviews with many people who worked for Cannon Films, including Sam Firstenberg, David Paulsen, and Luigi Cozzi, who directed many of the company's most popular films. These directors discuss the challenges of working with a small budget and a fast turnaround time, and they also talk about the reckless and often outrageous behavior of Golan and Globus.

The documentary also explores some of the controversies surrounding Cannon Films, including allegations of financial mismanagement and risk-taking. The film touches on the company's attempts to compete with big Hollywood studios, which often resulted in expensive flops like Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

Despite its financial issues, Cannon Films was beloved by movie fans for its entertaining and often over-the-top productions. The documentary features many clips from the company's films, showing off their distinctive style and their reliance on flashy action sequences and big-name stars.

Towards the end of the film, the documentary examines why Cannon Films ultimately failed. It looks at how the company's rapid expansion and reckless spending led to financial ruin, and how the rise of home video and cable TV ultimately led to the company's downfall.

Despite its portrayal of some of the darker aspects of Cannon Films, the documentary is a love letter to the company and its contributions to the world of cinema. It pays tribute to the many talented filmmakers and actors who worked for Cannon Films, as well as the fans who continue to cherish their movies today.

Overall, Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films is an entertaining and informative documentary that sheds light on a fascinating period of movie history. Through its interviews and archival footage, the film gives viewers an inside look at one of the quirkiest and most influential production companies of the 20th century.