Okay, fellow tapeheads, let’s rewind to a time when action heroes weren’t just larger than life on the big screen; sometimes, they literally stepped out of our daydreams and onto the suburban landscape. Remember escaping into those vivid fantasies where you were the hero's trusted partner, taking down villains side-by-side? Sidekicks (1992) took that childhood wish-fulfillment and cranked it up to eleven, casting the one and only Chuck Norris as, well, Chuck Norris – the ultimate imaginary ally. It landed on video store shelves like a perfectly executed roundhouse kick, offering pure, unadulterated 90s comfort food cinema.
### Dream a Little Dream of Norris
At the heart of Sidekicks is Barry Gabrewski, played with earnest likeability by the late Jonathan Brandis, who many of us would later know from seaQuest DSV or the It miniseries. Barry isn't just navigating the usual trials of early adolescence; he's dealing with bullies, debilitating asthma, and a well-meaning but slightly lost single father figure (a wonderfully warm Beau Bridges as Jerry). Barry’s escape? Vivid, action-packed daydreams where he fights alongside his idol, Chuck Norris, battling ninjas, rescuing damsels, and generally being the cool, capable hero he desperately wants to be. These sequences are pure, goofy fun, throwing Barry and Chuck into parodies of classic action scenarios, often with Norris looking slightly bemused by it all. It's a premise so perfectly tailored to its era, you can almost smell the Pogs and hear the dial-up modem connecting.
The film wisely contrasts these over-the-top fantasies with Barry's mundane reality. His life isn't terrible, just... ordinary, and punctuated by the cruelty of school bullies and the frustration of his physical limitations. Brandis captures that adolescent vulnerability perfectly, making Barry someone you genuinely root for from the moment he fumbles through another daydream in class. It's this grounding that gives the film its surprising heart.
### More Than Just Kicks and Giggles
While the Chuck Norris daydreams are the hook, Sidekicks owes a significant debt to the underdog training narrative popularised by The Karate Kid (1984). Enter Mr. Lee, played by the legendary Mako (who, ironically, was nominated for an Oscar for The Sand Pebbles (1966) but is equally beloved for roles like Aku in Samurai Jack and his turn in Conan the Barbarian (1982)). Mr. Lee is the wise, slightly eccentric uncle of Barry's teacher, Noreen Chan (Julia Nickson-Soul), and he sees the potential beneath Barry's anxieties. Recognizing the boy needs discipline and confidence more than imaginary backup, he takes Barry under his wing, beginning a training regimen designed to strengthen his body and spirit.
It’s here the film finds its emotional core. The relationship between Barry, Mr. Lee, and Noreen (and eventually, the supportive Jerry) is genuinely touching. Beau Bridges, an actor always capable of finding nuance, brings a lovely warmth to Jerry, a man trying his best but clearly out of his depth. The training montages hit all the expected beats, but they work because we care about Barry’s journey. You want to see him overcome his asthma, stand up to the bullies, and maybe, just maybe, impress the girl.
### Retro Fun Facts: The Underdog Story Behind the Underdog Story
Getting Sidekicks made was something of an underdog tale itself. Pitched by writers Donald G. Thompson and Lou Illar, the concept was reportedly passed over by major studios. Enter Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, a Houston furniture store magnate famous for his energetic local commercials. McIngvale saw potential in the film's positive, family-friendly, anti-drug message and decided to finance it himself, turning Sidekicks into a rather unique independent production.
Directed by Chuck Norris's brother, Aaron Norris – who directed Chuck in actioners like Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection (1990) and later, much of Walker, Texas Ranger – the film leans into its earnestness. It's not trying to be gritty or complex; it aims straight for the heart, blending action-comedy tropes with a feel-good narrative. While it didn't set the box office ablaze (precise figures are hard to pin down, but think modest returns), it found its true audience on VHS, becoming a staple rental for families and young action fans. Apparently, Jonathan Brandis threw himself into the role, undertaking martial arts training to make his transformation more believable. It’s that kind of commitment, mirrored by the film’s own plucky production story, that adds to its charm.
### Why We Still Kinda Love It
Let’s be honest: Sidekicks isn’t challenging cinema. It’s predictable, occasionally cheesy (those fantasy sequences!), and wears its influences proudly. But criticizing it for that feels like missing the point. It’s a movie made with genuine affection for its characters and its audience. Seeing Chuck Norris gamely play a slightly fictionalized version of himself, offering zen-like advice both in dreams and reality, is inherently amusing. The final tournament showdown delivers exactly the kind of cathartic victory lap you expect, hitting those satisfying emotional beats.
Rewatching it today evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia, not just for the specific brand of early 90s action-comedy, but for a time when movies could be this straightforwardly sincere. It reminds us of being kids, dreaming big, and maybe wishing we had a Chuck Norris in our corner. The presence of Jonathan Brandis, whose later struggles cast a poignant shadow, adds another layer for those of us who grew up alongside his career. It’s a reminder of his bright talent and the uncomplicated enjoyment films like this offered.
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
This score reflects Sidekicks' status as a truly enjoyable piece of 90s nostalgia. It might lack the polish or originality of some bigger hits, but it absolutely nails the heartfelt underdog story, delivers some fun, goofy action, and features genuinely likeable performances, especially from Brandis and Bridges. It’s predictable comfort food, elevated by its sheer sincerity and the unique meta-presence of Chuck Norris.
It might not be high art, but Sidekicks is pure cinematic comfort food, a warm hug wrapped in a karate gi. It’s the kind of movie you’d happily rent again and again, dreaming right alongside Barry Gabrewski. Now, if you'll excuse me, I suddenly have the urge to practice some roundhouse kicks in the living room.