01/26/2025
If the Daily Wire existed in 1985, this is the film they’d have made.
I’m reading the book The Last Action Heroes (by ) and I admit I was intrigued by Chuck Norris, who I never gave much thought to before and whose films I mostly ignored. This seemed like the most promising of his filmography and, well, it delivered.
However… not because of Norris. He’s more stiff than a wood plank (though the one-liner “I’ll hit you with some many rights you’ll be begging for a left” is baller as f**k). Nor is it the jingoistic, American ra-ra that marks the film’s thesis.
No, I’m giving the props to director Joseph Zito, a director known to add a touch of class to genre fare (see The Prowler specifically to see a film with amazing style and grace with a plot that does not deserve it). He treats this shameless anti-communist propaganda with deadly seriousness which, ironically, gives it so much charm.
During a scene where communists enter an affluent suburban neighborhood, we see the “American Dream” on display (kids playing football in the streets, couples walking their dogs, young teenagers necking in the car… the only thing missing is Apple Pie on the windowsill). Then it is taken away by not one, not two, but eight houses being blown up while the communists sneer and laugh. It ain’t subtle but it’s provocative as is seeing communist commandos take over busy malls and gorgeous beaches.
It’s all very very earnest, incredibly racist, and stuffed with “glorious purpose”… it really wants you to pay attention to these communist fellows from other countries! Yet, its physical artistic power can’t be ignored.
Poll Question: Is Invasion USA…
