Sidekicks

Aaron's firmly in the driver's seat while brother Chuck lays down the action yet again in this enjoyable and harmless action romp, a re-hash of The Karate Kid only less involved and played mainly for laughs. Brandis is the asthma-induced child who dreams of fighting alongside his screen hero Chuck Norris. Mako plays loveable sage Mr. Lee who teaches the kid a little confidence and karate and soon enough his dreams form reality as the man himself soon turns up in the flesh at a martial arts tournament. Tame and undemanding, Sidekicks is an idle gem that whiles the hours away.

I just got done watching this movie on Television with my 2 children a boy who is 5 and a girl who is 7, and feel it is a wonderful family movie. My children asked if we could buy it. I remembered watching this movie when it first came out. I was about 17 at the time, and I liked it then too. It is similar to Karate Kid, but I enjoy the twist of the kid daydreaming and overcoming is asthma. This movie sends a wonderful message to children: it shows them that having an illness doesn't mean they can't be "normal", it also teaches them how to gain control of their anger and channel it into something good, and like the Karate kid it shows that being a bully never pays off. Furthermore, it shows kids that it's "normal" to daydream and don't let others tease you and push you around because you are different; all it takes is a little hard work and determination and you can find something you are good at.

This is intended to be sort of a martial arts drama for kids, but it is in fact one of the best unintentional comedies ever. Most really bad movies are just bad and will bore you and make you not want to watch anymore, but Sidekicks is entertaining throughout. Mako, the martial arts instructor, and Joe Piscopo, the evil rival dojo owner, are clearly in on the joke and really ham it up. Brandis and Norris generally play it straight, although I'd have to honestly wonder if Chuck knows how cheesy the stuff is, I'd imagine not, having made Walker Texas Ranger.

I will not spoil the ending, but it fits perfectly with the movie. Watch this one with a group of friends and/or on an intoxicating substance for best effect. Chuck fans and children will also love this, but don't expect a good movie or a plot and dialogue that make sense.

I had the pleasure of being a crowd scene extra during the filming of the tournament scenes. Some excellent martial arts technicians showed up to demonstrate their skills.

The movie has been compared to The Karate Kid, but it stands on its own legs. Good acting throughout and a good storyline. I got a kick out of the scenes filmed at Lamar High School - my alma mater.

The great thing about this film, and yes it is indeed a great thing, is that it knows it is corny. It is well-cast, and it maintains a great sense of humor throughout the story. As far as Barry's dreams being too violent for a kid to be having, are you joking?!? Our society today is becoming so numb to violence,and often it film it is gratuitous. But in this film it's more slap stick humor than anything else. You can't compare this to any other Chuck Norris film. It is a genre all it's own. I saw this film as a kid and recently it was on Encore and I watched it again and had a great time. Taken for what it's worth, this film will make you do a happy dance.