Sidekicks 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Sidekicks 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 20, 2023

Chuck Norris, the man, the myth, the legend, receives an enormous offering of hero worship in 1992’s “Sidekicks,” which, appropriately, is directed by his younger brother, Aaron Norris. The actor doesn’t actually have much to do in the feature, which is probably best for Norris’s acting range, but he makes for a compelling action figure in the effort, which explores one sickly boy’s relationship with the screen star through the power of daydreams. Unlike most of Norris’s oeuvre, “Sidekicks” is meant for a younger audience, but the helmer isn’t exactly sure how young to go, often going full cartoon with this endeavor, creating a picture that sometimes wants to be a sincere understanding of adolescent confidence (lifting liberally from “The Karate Kid”), but most of the time wants to be a slapstick comedy co-starring Joe Piscopo at his most obnoxious. The Norris Boys hope to celebrate everything Chuck with the film, but they often get in the way of straightforward earnestness, trying to be wacky in the worst ways.

Barry (Jonathan Brandis) is a teenager struggling with the loss of his mother and problems with asthma, having difficulty communicating with his father, Jerry (Beau Bridges). Barry often retreats to a fantasy world of his own making, joining idol Chuck Norris (playing himself) on action adventures that allow him to be a hero. His teacher, Noreen (Julia Nickson), is concerned, bringing in Uncle Lee (Mako) to help her student gain confidence through martial arts, also preparing him for a showdown with Randy (John Buchanan), a bully who belongs to the villainous Stone Karate dojo, run by Kelly (Joe Piscopo), who hates Chuck Norris.

“Sidekicks” is built around Barry’s daydreams, where he joins Chuck Norris in the star’s cinematic events, helping his hero rescue people in “Missing in Action” and destroy armed goons in “The Hitman.” In keeping with teenage enthusiasm, the sequences are delivered as broadly as possible, putting Piscopo in multiple (and not exactly tasteful) villain roles, offering the sweep of Barry’s troubled mind. Of course, the reality of his life is a bit more sobering, having lost his mother and dealing with seemingly severe asthma, and the screenplay (by Lou Ilar and Galen Thompson) shows some interest in pursuing the darker corners of the boy’s psychological state. It would certainly make for a more interesting picture, but the director isn’t committed to drama. He wants to make something goofy with Chuck as Chuck, keeping “Sidekicks” mostly silly, which wears thin in a hurry.

Uncle Lee soon joins the story, bringing Mr. Miyagi energy to “Sidekicks” as the old man shares his wisdom and discipline with Barry, who can’t connect with his own father. Jerry’s offered unlikely romantic tingles with Noreen, keeping him busy, while his son embarks on a mission to better himself through physical and mental training, with Uncle Lee trying to unlock the teen’s true spirit. It all means well enough, and Mako is certainly a highlight in the cast, but “Sidekicks” doesn’t know what to do with the relationship beyond training montages and ridiculous scenes, including Uncle Lee defending his Chinese restaurant from an invading biker gang (what?). Again, Aaron Norris can’t control is preference for silliness, afraid he won’t reach the target demographic without slapstick events.

Sidekicks 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Apparently, "Sidekicks" never made it past a VHS release, which is surprising for a Chuck Norris picture, but Vinegar Syndrome is looking to give fans something to cheer for, presenting the feature with a UHD release, sourced from a scan of the original camera negative. Clarity is exceptional, delivering a full appreciation of fine detail with a film-like appearance, finding grain capably resolved. Facial surfaces are distinct, exploring the textures of Jonathan Brandis's adolescent appearance and the more leathery looks of Joe Piscopo and Mako. Costuming is fibrous, from casual wear to more professional outfits. Interiors showcase clear decoration, visiting schoolrooms and living spaces, and exteriors deliver inviting depth, highlighting Houston locations. Primaries are rich, with heavy period hues and paint jobs. Reds are distinct with restaurant moments and exterior lighting. Greenery is lush. Skin tones are natural. Blacks are deep throughout. Source is in good condition.

Sidekicks 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix for "Sidekicks" retains ideal intelligibility, offering sharp dialogue exchanges which maintain accents and intensity, balancing performance choices. Scoring supports with crisp instrumentation and proper emphasis. Sound effects are distinct, handling battle sequences without slipping into distortive extremes.

Sidekicks 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features director Aaron Norris.

• Commentary #2 is listed as a "fan commentary" with "director Joe Begos and friends."

• "Kata Queen" (40:49, HD) is an interview with actress Julia Nickson, who recalls her early career ambitions, taking a chance on acting during her college experience. "Rambo: First Blood Part II" eventually arrived, giving Nickson a professional boost, working to escape typecasting. Talk of "Sidekicks" is offered, including her experience with co-stars, while dietary demands a bit more disturbing to hear, with the actress starving herself to get into shape for the role. The interviewee offers a deep dive into characterization, sharing her personal choices. Time with Chuck and Aaron Norris is recalled, detailing their working process and on-set presence. Nickson also discusses her place as an Asian actress during the era, fighting for more meaningful parts. The physical demands of the shoot are examined, along with the cult longevity of "Sidekicks," with Nickson happy to have a 4K release to put on her shelf.

• "Butch on Sidekicks" (36:19, HD) is an interview with director Aaron Norris, who was pushed into the production process when a mattress magnate wanted to get into the Chuck Norris business. Already a well-oiled filmmaking machine with his sibling, Aaron was ready to go on "Sidekicks," maintaining his positive relationship with Chuck. Aaron's history in stunt performing for television is recalled, helping him to move into the movie business. However, Aaron's greatest success remained with T.V., laboring to make "Walker, Texas Ranger" a sizable hit. Lessons on tone and taste are presented, and locations and casting are fondly recalled.

• "Designing Sidekicks" (47:39, HD) is an interview with production designer Reuben Freed, who discusses his relationship with producer Don Carmody, which was forged over several installments of the "Porky's" franchise. Career struggles and highlights are shared, with Freed making his way through the Canadian movie industry, including work on "A Christmas Story." Talk of "Sidekicks" is included, with the interviewee dissecting the story and Chuck Norris's participation in the project. Technical challenges and visual inspirations are detailed, and a struggle with efficiency is remembered, with the producers unaware of filmmaking demands.

• "Producing Sidekicks" (18:57, HD) is an interview with producer Don Carmody, who spotlights his early career growth, working with David Cronenberg and Ivan Reitman. After producing "The Hitman," Carmody pulled together "Sidekicks," trusting in the partnership between Aaron and Chuck Norris. Casting is celebrated, and the strange experience with producers James and Linda McIngvale is recalled. Distribution challenges are shared, with the McIngvales purchasing a release for "Sidekicks." Interestingly, Carmody takes two opportunities to point out how Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Last Action Hero" lifted the plot from "Sidekicks," but never goes beyond a vague accusation.

• "Editing Sidekicks" (34:33, HD) is an interview with editor Bernard Weiser, who shares his love of cinematic storytelling, working to join the movie business, finding an opening at Cannon Films. Technical and creative challenges are highlighted, with Weiser referring to himself a referee at times, juggling demands from all sides. Weiser also offers his experiences on the sound side of production, building a successful career.

• Image Gallery (2:12) collects film stills, publicity shots, and BTS snaps.

• Original Promo Reel (10:45, SD) summarizes the feature for potential buyers.

• And a Video Trailer (2:33, SD) is included.

Sidekicks 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There are a lot of weird asides in "Sidekicks," including Noreen's avoidance of an openly lecherous colleague (Gerrit Graham). But there's Chuck Norris, who shows up in the final act, becoming the center of attention at a martial arts tournament. It's fantasy come to life for Barry and his intense social dysfunction and health issues, paving the way for a routine showdown ending greased up with some unwelcome slapstick. "Sidekicks" has its fans, enough to inspire this unusual UHD release, and one can't argue with the power of nostalgia. But the actual film lacks charm and necessary grit, setting up a serious understanding of pain, only to offer pratfalls instead.