As a long-time fan of action flicks and martial arts movies, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Chuck Norris‘ remarkable career unfold over the years. From his humble beginnings to his rise as a Hollywood action star, there’s no denying that he’s left an indelible mark on the genre. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of his most iconic films from the 90s, shall we?
During the 1990s, Chuck Norris had a packed schedule. Along with appearing in films, he also starred as the main character in the CBS procedural show titled “Walker, Texas Ranger“. This series spanned over 9 seasons and produced a total of 196 episodes, gaining widespread popularity across the globe. This boosted Chuck Norris’s fame even more since it was unusual for action stars to appear in TV shows. Despite this trend, Chuck Norris chose to stay with the successful series, which was produced by his brother Aaron. The show’s reception was so positive that Rick Perry, the 47th Governor of Texas, honored Chuck and Aaron as Honorary Texas Ranger Captains for their outstanding work on the series.
Due to his focus on television during the ’90s, Norris appeared in fewer movies compared to his ’80s peak. Despite having 13 films under his belt in the ’80s, he only managed seven in the following decade. These ’90s films didn’t garner as much love from fans and critics, but they were still well-received. As for their quality, they may not have been up to par with Silent Rage, but they delivered all the signature Chuck Norris elements: high kicks, gunfights, and a sprinkle of life lessons.
7
‘Forest Warrior’ (1996)
Have you ever imagined Chuck Norris with supernatural abilities? You’re in for a treat! The renowned action star takes on a unique role as a ghost in “Forest Warrior”. Yes, you heard that right – a ghost! And get this, he has the ability to change into a wolf, bear, or eagle. His character is named Jebediah McKenna and at the start of the movie, we discover that he was murdered by thugs from a logging company for not giving up his land. However, now his spirit is back with a vengeance, intent on defending the sacred Tanglewood forest from another timber corporation.
No one Messes with the Environment When Chuck is Watching
To whom does the credit for this story belong, Chuck or Aaron? The person who conceived this story is worth a roundhouse kick, yet you’ll still find yourself captivated by the absurdity it presents. This is the type of movie where Chuck’s character doesn’t vanquish the villain through conventional means like shooting or kicking. Instead, he transforms into a bear, and I won’t give away any spoilers. As for the film itself, it’s an extraordinary blend of fantasy and action that challenges your thoughts on unity, while tackling the pressing issue of environmental conservation.
Stream it on Apple TV+
6
‘Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection’ (1990)
Back in the ’80s, Pablo Escobar’s infamy sparked a wave of Hollywood productions focusing on drug trafficking. Just like many others, I found myself drawn to this theme and decided to watch “Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection.” In this flick, our hero, Colonel Scott McCoy, embarks on a journey to Colombia, not unlike the real-life DEA agents chasing Escobar. There, he encounters Ramon Cota, played by Billy Drago, who bears a striking resemblance to Escobar. This cunning fellow has been evading the DEA with ease.
A Visually Stunning Sequel
Delta Force 2 is often praised for being one of the most visually stunning action movies. The movie’s vivid backdrop creates a striking contrast against its familiar narrative about crime and its consequences. And with Chuck Norris delivering an outstanding performance, the film manages to stay engaging throughout. However, it fails to live up to the original as it shares minimal connections with the first installment. Additionally, it bears a strong resemblance to the earlier Chuck Norris film, Missing in Action.
Stream it on MGM+ or Apple TV+
5
‘The Hitman’ (1991)
Detective Cliff Garret (Chuck Norris) of Seattle is so exceptional at his job that it earns him resentment from fellow officers. Eventually, a crooked peer shoots and critically injures him. In the belief he’s dead, the DEA fabricates his demise. Upon recovery, they employ him for undercover assignments. However, will this deception hold up? Particularly when Garret encounters a familiar face from his past? The Assassin might take you aback.
A Dark, Stunt-Heavy ‘90s Action Flick
In a casual spaciousness that harmonizes with its mysterious, artistic design, “The Hitman” maintains a similar stylistic approach as “Code of Silence,” intertwining complex drug stories with captivatingly imperfect characters. The movie is also known for one of the most impressive endings in action cinema. However, it has noticeable flaws; the dialogue can be simplistic at times and some stunts are questionably realistic. Despite these issues, it’s a reasonable pick for a Sunday watch, though it may not rank among the top undercover agent films.
Stream it on Apple TV+
4
‘Hellbound’ (1994)
In this action-packed supernatural thriller, the characters Frank Shatter (played by Chuck Norris) and Calvin Jackson (Calvin Levels) from the Chicago Police Department find themselves embroiled in an unusual murder case involving a rabbi. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a startling truth – the suspect they are chasing is none other than Prosatanos, an envoy of Satan, who previously attempted to seize control of the world from Jehovah during The Crusades.
An Experimental Production that Still Fascinates
It’s possible that Norris’ fans might ponder over why he decided to create such a film, but considering his peers were delving deeply into experimental work during that period, he may have felt compelled to follow suit. Action legends like Schwarzenegger, Van Damme, and Stallone were attempting to demonstrate their versatility by venturing into sci-fi and drama. Given Norris’ penchant for the unconventional, he opted for a storyline so intricate that it even boasts a cameo from King Richard.
Filmed entirely in Israel, this movie presents a more intellectually stimulating experience compared to Norris’ other works, yet his performance lacks any apparent enjoyment. It marked the final production by Cannon Films, which subsequently found itself in deep trouble.
3
‘Sidekicks’ (1992)
The story, titled Sidekicks, centers around a frequently-bullied asthmatic boy named Barry, who lives with his widowed father. Being somewhat of a loner, Barry often daydreams about being Chuck Norris’ sidekick and fighting the action hero’s film adversaries. In this narrative, the antagonists are symbolically represented by those who torment Barry in his daily life, such as the school bully, the overzealous PE teacher, and the lackluster principal.
The Most Creative Chuck Norris Movie
Full of energy and creativity, with very few dull moments, the movie “Sidekicks” truly embodies its title. If the plot seems a bit eccentric, that’s intentional. It can be quite cheesy at times, but viewers should let go and immerse themselves in this fantastical world to fully appreciate the thrilling excitement. Director Aaron Norris and the writers are skilled in their craft, even if we may not always understand their methods. Their outlandish concept allows for a series of stunning action sequences that leave one awestruck. While he isn’t the main character, Chuck Norris still brings his charisma to the table, offering more than just physical finesse. He delivers a touching performance as a man striving to give purpose to a troubled boy.
Stream it on Starz or Prime Video
2
‘Logan’s War: Bound by Honor’ (1998)
In the late ’90s, as his popularity waned, Chuck Norris opted to feature in the CBS TV movie titled “Logan’s War: Bound by Honor.“. In this movie, a group of mobsters brutally kills the family of a boy named Logan. His uncle Jake (Chuck Norris) later finds out that Logan possesses an extraordinary ability – “proximity sense”, which allows him to detect danger before it occurs. Excited by this discovery, they both start planning their revenge plot.
Taking the Fight to the Mob
In this action movie, Michael Preece, who’s known for his work on Dallas, skillfully takes the helm, maintaining a smooth pace. The film’s intricate screenplay delves into profound questions about talented individuals and their existential dilemmas. While it stays true to its genre by featuring an uncle and son on a mission to hurt the wrongdoers, it also subtly challenges viewers to ponder. For his exceptional direction in this project, Preece was recognized with a nomination for Best TV Director at the Lone Star Film & Television Awards. Moreover, Norris shines, leaving spectators puzzled as to why he hasn’t taken on more roles portraying father figures, given his versatile performance.
Stream it on Paramount+
1
‘Top Dog’ (1995)
Top Dog served as Chuck Norris’ final movie release in theaters during the ’90s, prior to his decision to focus on direct-to-video productions. In this heartwarming story of man and canine, rugged lawman Jake Wilder (Norris) teams up with Reno, a police dog, whose handler was tragically killed. Jake pursues a dangerous plot by Neo-Nazis to detonate a tolerance conference. Throughout their adventures, the pair narrowly escapes death on multiple occasions but ultimately thwarts the attack.
Brutal Bites and Beatdowns
In an age where Hollywood often overlooks significant societal issues, Chuck and Aaron crafted a compelling movie that tackles ethics and racism. However, this high-octane production truly stands out due to its thrilling action scenes, particularly the quick-witted performances of Digby and Betty, the canine duo who brought Reno to life. A striking scene featuring Wilder battling close to a hundred men in a single room is particularly noteworthy. This film will captivate dog enthusiasts and fans of the genre alike.
Stream it on Prime Video
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2024-12-20 05:02