Sidekicks 4K Vinegar Syndrome Review!

Sidekicks released in 1992 by Vision PDG Gallery films and distributed by Triumph Films has been restored in 4K resolution by Vinegar Syndrome. I am going to review not only the release by Vinegar Syndrome but the movie as well. Sit back and enjoy the write up!

Sidekicks is a martial arts/ drama starring Jonathon Brandis, Chuck Norris, Beau Bridges, Danica McKellar, Joe Piscopo, Julia Nickson, John Buchanan, Richard Moll and Mako. The Story follows Barry Gabrewski (Brandis) a teenager who is bullied by most of the kids in his high school for being different. Especially Randy Cellini (Buchanan) Not only does he have Asthma which is holding him back but he also has a strong imagination which the other kids laugh at him about. He loves action movies, particularly Chuck Norris films. Chuck is his favorite actor and while the other kids bully him he knows he can rely on Chuck to be there. The only two people in his school who don't bully him are Lauren (McKellar). Lauren is a cheerleader and likes Barry. She sticks up for him. The other is Noreen Chan (Nickson) she is Barrys teacher. After an incident in in class, Noreen wants to talk to Barrys father Jerry (Bridges). She tells Jerry he needs to take interest in what Barry likes and invest some time into it. So he decides since his son likes Chuck Norris movies he will sign him up for Karate. They go to the Stone Dojo where you meet Sensei Kelly Stone (Piscopo). While talking with Stone, Barry ask him if he likes Chuck Norris. And you get my favorite line in the movie as Stone responds with "Chuck Norris? He Stopped competing because of me! Because I would kick his ass." After earing that Barry and his father leave laughing and not signing up for Stone Dojo. After another incident at school Noreen decides she will ask her uncle Lee (Mako)to help train Barry. Barry begins training harder than ever but he is still having the daydreams. In gym class Barry decides he wants to participate and the PE instructor Mr. Horn (Moll) says "Barry, if you die on me I will shoot myself and come after you" After yet another incident at school where this time Barry was holding his own, Cellini tells him about a competition  and says if he wants a real fight show up.

So after deciding to compete Barry, Noreen and Mr. Lee show up at the competition. They unfortunately are told they need a fourth person. After seeing Chuck Norris was at the competition Mr. Lee tells Noreen to go talk to him and try and get him on the team. Chuck finds Barry enjoying the show and after some small talk tells him "Let's go win this thing".  After going back to the sign in table they inform the man Chuck is their fourth person of which he laughs until Chuck ask if that is a problem. He says no but you need a team name which they decide on Frying Dragon. The competition begins and Stone Dojo takes Womens Forms, Frying Dragon takes brick breaking. Barry wins Weapon Forms and then we are at the finals Mens Sparring. Kelly Stone is going to get his wish by fighting Chuck Norris. During this fight Chuck would score multiple points while telling the referee no point to keep fighting. Stone getting frustrated rips his Gi off and flexes while making his best Bruce Lee sounds. He runs towards Norris and gets kicked in the face. Flipping head over heel multiple times before landing on his face. The competition bended in a draw so both Stone Dojo and Frying Dragon had to compete in a tie breaker. Frying Dragon got to pick who they wanted from their team first and they picked Barry. Stone Dojo got to pick the event and they chose Brick Breaking, Cellinis specialty. Cellini gets up to the bricks and breaks all but one. Barry gets up there and starts pacing. Mr. Lee tells him to stop and not have anger towards Cellini and just break the bricks, he then lights the bricks on fire. Barry overcomes his anger and fear and breaks them all. In the end he not only overcame his bully, fears and his health issues. He overcame his insecurities and proved others wrong. 

In my opinion Joe Piscopo stole this movie. His character was fantastic.  I have tried to find another actor that could have pulled off the character as well as Piscopo did and have been unable to.

I think this is a strong movie for kids who have illnesses, disabilities, told they wont be able to play sports because of them. I was born with severe Asthma myself. Doctors told my mom I would never be able to play any sports. I begged my mom to do things and she signed me up for them. From Martial Arts to Football. When I was younger I wanted to be a Professional Wrestler. And when I got old enough I did that as well. To me this shows all kids they can do it  and not to let anyone tell you you can't.

Now onto the release. Vinegar Syndrome put out Sidekicks on 4K. It comes with a very nice case with custom artwork. It has a magnetic clasp to open it. Inside you have the movie with a very nice slip cover. The artwork is double sided with one side having the custom art work and the other having the original vhs artwork. You get a 40 page magazine with pictures and facts that is really cool.

The 4K disc has more vibrant colors and is clearer than the Blu Ray. Both look really good but the 4K is slightly better. I did watch both copies to give a true comparison. You get bonus footage and I will include all of it here.

4K Ultra HD/Region Free, 4K UHD presented in High Dynamic Range, Newly Scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative.

Brand new commentary track from Director Aaron Norris.

Fan commentary track with film maker Joe Begos and friends.

Butch on Sidekicks an interview with Aaron Norris

Producing Sidekicks an interview with Reuben Freed.

Editing Sidekicks an interview with Bernard Weiser.

Original movie trailer, original 10 minute promo reel, English SDH subtitles and still gallery.

At the time of this write up you can buy the movie from Vinegar Syndrome for $44.99. I would highly suggest it as I am extremely happy with my purchase of it and can't wait to see what movies like it they put out in the future. I have included a link to it in case you would like to purchase it yourself.

https://vinegarsyndrome.com/collections/frontpage/products/sidekicks