Chuck Norris: Icon

My brother and I had Sidekicks on VHS when we were kids and we watched it on a continuous loop. We rented Three Ninjas every time we had a chance. Of course, I'm very much aware that both of these movies borrowed most of what they had to offer from The Karate Kid (and did so rather poorly) and also that they were brought on by the popularity of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They weren't great movies, but martial arts films aimed towards children were a big deal in the early to mid 90s. Our interest in martial arts was no exception. We even took karate classes for several years.

Chuck Norris, the star of Sidekicks, has been in the news a lot lately.  Well, a lot for him and the current state of his non-career anyways.  He has endorsed Newt Gingrich, because for some reason an endorsement from Chuck Norris means something in our current state of politics. Mr. Norris was also recently the supposed reason behind Expendables 2 shooting for a PG-13 rating. I couldn't care less about this movie or its rating as I didn't see the original film nor do I plan on seeing its sequel. I just find it interesting and maybe a little sad that this childhood icon (yes, really) of mine has become the representative of conservative Republican values for the state of Texas. I've known for many years now that Chuck Norris isn't a perfect man. I'm not sure at exactly what moment I came to this realization. I do know that it was sometime pre-Conan O'Brien Walker, Texas Ranger lever. It was similar to that moment when you realize that your parents aren't perfect. But. 

Come on Chuck, get your Jesus boner out of my eye.

5 Best Films Set in Texas

I feel the very best about my home state of Texas when it's represented favorably in film. Otherwise, I'm ambivalent. I feel that the following films represent a wide range of some of my favorite aspects of the state. Friday Night Lights (not the movie) would probably be #1 if it only met the technical requirements of the list. I miss that show so much.

5. Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada 2005 (dir. Tommy Lee Jones)

The border patrol issue, in my opinion is a major point of embarrassment not only for the state of Texas, but the entire U.S. This film is my favorite portrayal of the Texas side of the conflict.

4. No Country for Old Men 2007 (dir. Joel and Ethan Coen)

I just think that this is the best, most exciting story ever told in a film set in Texas.

3. Death Proof 2007 (dir. Quentin Tarantino) 

Of all the great Tarantino flourishes represented in this film perhaps my favorite section is the more carefree first half where the focus is on the group of girls just hanging out in a dive bar in Austin taking shots and drinking Shiner. That is a Texas I'm very much familiar with.

2. Tree of Life 2011 (dir. Terrence Malick)

I may not have grown up in the 50s, but that sense of nostalgia Malick created for growing up in a Texas neighborhood around other kids and spending summer evenings getting into trouble was extremely palpable for me.

1. Paris, Texas 1984 (dir. Wim Wenders)

As far as pure Texas cinematography there is nothing better than Paris, Texas - from the desert landscapes to the sparse highway system and the city skylines. I don't think it's coincidence that it took a German director coming in from the outside to take notice of Texas' unique landscape like no other directer ever has.