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Chuck Norris, an iconic figure in action cinema, has not appeared in a film since 2012, when he took on the role of Booker in The Expendables 2. Known for his legendary toughness—rumored to have defeated a cobra simply by it biting him—Norris remains a beloved personality among action movie enthusiasts. His status has been cemented not just by his on-screen performances but also through the multitude of internet memes that celebrate his relentless spirit and no-nonsense persona. Furthermore, his background as a veteran of the United States Air Force, combined with a black belt in Tang Soo Do, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, adds to his tough-guy image.
Release Date: September 27, 1985
Runtime: 107 minutes
Norris shone brightest during the 1980s, delivering a series of action-packed films that have since achieved cult status, including Missing in Action and The Delta Force. Although these films often prioritize relentless action scenes over intricate plotlines or character development, the sheer thrill they provide has earned them a special place in the hearts of fans. Among these, Invasion U.S.A. merits a closer look, particularly in its claim to be just as festive as Die Hard.
In ‘Invasion U.S.A.’ Terrorists Choose Christmas Day to Attack America
Despite his initial reluctance to return to duty, Hunter is pushed into action following a personal tragedy tied to the terrorists. Armed to the teeth and with a relentless commitment to justice, he embarks on a mission to thwart the assailants and restore peace, drawing attention to his trademark determination as he delivers what can be characterized as unexpected gifts of liberty to the holiday season.
‘Invasion U.S.A.’ Is More Christmas-y Than ‘Die Hard’
While Die Hard is frequently heralded as a quintessential Christmas film, its connection to the holiday is rather tenuous. The story revolves around NYPD Detective John McClane, who finds himself embroiled in a heist at a Los Angeles office party on Christmas Eve. The film primarily focuses on McClane’s battle against Hans Gruber and his band of thieves, with Christmas merely serving as a backdrop to the unfolding chaos.
Conversely, Invasion U.S.A. is replete with Christmas motifs and illustrates the spirit of community often highlighted during the festive season, albeit punctuated by the disruptive presence of terrorists. One of the film’s most memorable sequences occurs on Christmas Eve, showcasing joyful families preparing for the holiday, only for the celebratory atmosphere to be shattered by violence as terrorists invade the scene.
Another standout moment captures a mall sprawling with festive shoppers interrupted by a fierce attack. As the chaos unravels, Hunter arrives in the thick of it, making a dramatic entrance as he takes down terrorists and saves a church from being bombed, all while maintaining the extravagant sense of action that fans expect.
The striking lines Norris delivers, including one iconic quote about dishing out punishment, contribute to the film’s cult appeal, elevating its status as a holiday classic.
‘Invasion U.S.A.’ Cast and Crew Got to Blow Up a Real Town
The production of Invasion U.S.A. showcased a remarkable commitment to authenticity, with a reported budget of $12 million—significantly higher than typical Norris films. A fascinating aspect of its legacy is that much of the explosive action was filmed in real locations. During a period when construction was taking place at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, filmmakers were permitted to demolish actual homes for scenes involving rockets and explosive mayhem. Similarly, parts of a defunct mall were systematically blown up, bringing an exhilarating level of realism to the on-screen battles.
This film’s unique production stories add a memorable layer to its reputation, making it not only an entertaining action flick but also a fascinating piece of filmmaking history. For those looking to embrace the holiday spirit in an unconventional way this season, revisiting Invasion U.S.A. could be a thrilling choice.
Invasion U.S.A. is currently available to stream for free on platforms such as The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, and Pluto TV, inviting action enthusiasts to relive this Christmas adventure.
Source
movieweb.com