Forest Warrior (1996) User Reviews

Chuck Norris as a spiritual being who faces off lumberjacks chopping trees down in his forest

[ma-cortes · 5/10 · 14 August 2012]

This is a children fantasy about a magical mountain , a mysterious legend and a story of courage against all odds ; including an ecological message , being realized by Norris brothers , Chuck and Aaron . It deals with children fight to save the local forests of Tanglewood Mountain helped by a spiritual being named John McKenna (Chuck Norris) who was possessed a century before (1875) by a mountain spirit and who is able to transform into bear, wolf or eagle . A greedy developer (Terry Kiser) , owner of 'Thorne Lumber' enterprise attempts to chop trees for his profit , as the little boys with the help of the ghostly man who was murdered in the same woods long time ago , along with the sheriff (Max Gail) and a drunk father (Michael Beck) struggle the nasty lumbermen .

The film is a blending between ¨Beastmaster¨ along with a group of children in ¨Goonies¨ style and antics , kick-asses , frolics against villains like ¨Home alone¨ . Mild and light adventure with ecology issue , it's full of fighting , humor , action and silly scenes and results to be an average flick . The picture packs action , explosions and several slight fights in Terence Hill/Bud Spencer style . Good support cast crammed by familiar faces as Roscoe Lee Browne , Max Gail , Loreta Swift , William Sanderson , Barbara Niven , George Buck Flower , John Dennis Johnson , among others . Colorful cinematography by Joao Fernades , usual of Chuck Norris films ; being filmed on location in Hood River, Lost Lake, Mount Hood, and Parkdale, Oregon, USA . Functional musical score and including some beautiful songs . The motion picture was regularly directed by Aaron Norris who has usually produced , playing stunts and directed various vehicles for his brother Chuck , such as ¨Missing in action 3¨, ¨Delta Force 2¨ , ¨Hitman¨ , ¨Hellbound¨, some episodes of ¨Walker Texas Ranger¨and three children films such as ¨Sidekicks¨ , ¨Top dog¨ and this ¨Forest warrior¨. The only film done by Aaron Norris to not have Chuck Norris in it was ¨Platoon leader¨. Rating : Average but entertaining . The picture will appeal to Chuck Norris fans .

Movie of the century

[Mau_ · 1/10 · 21 October 2005]

Well, there are some things in this world that words aren't enough to describe. Forest Warrior is definitely one of these. Shiny acting combined with superb state-of-the-art special effects and especially incredible direction work by Aaron "The Vision" Norris. The story (and what a story indeed!!) tells of John McKenna (Chuck "the interpreter of feelings" Norris), a forest warrior, protector of the local woods who can transform into a bear (which is something everyone should see!). McKenna fights against the evil lumberjacks who YEARN to bring the forest down (you can actually hear one of them saying "i wish we could just cut down those trees"!). So the story is amazing and full of twists and tricks and it even includes a musical scene (insanely funny) where the lumberjacks dance and play 'air guitar' with their chainsaws.

In another words: don't miss this one!

I wish I could say this was good, but...

[Walking_Tall · 12 July 2004]

I am proud to be one of Chuck's biggest fans. I have an autographed poster on my wall, I have seen every movie he ever made, and I consider "Walker, Texas Ranger" one of the greatest shows of all time. I will defend Chuck 'till I die, but even I cannot stress how obscenely horrible this movie was. It is an embarrassment on a great career. I will defend Chuck for "Bells of Innocence", I will stand by him for "Delta Force", and I will even take up for "Breaker, Breaker", but this movie is just awful.

To begin, the acting isn't bad, considering there were very few veteran actors on the scene. Chuck Norris and William Sanderson were great, but the rest of the cast didn't seem fit for their roles. The fight scenes were good, but that comes with any Norris movie.

Now, the bad. The story is ridiculous, for a movie anyway. The ending was terrible. The story might make for a good book, but it is just horrible as it plays on screen.

This is the one movie that I can't stand behind Chuck on. If you are looking for a classic Chuck Norris action movie, as I was when I rented this, look somewhere else. You will most likely be disappointed with this one

An atrocious Chuck Norris ego-boost vehicle

[Tails-5 · 1/10 · 10 August 1999]

I know that many of Chuck Norris' movies are filled with cliches and ripoffs of Dirty Harry and other such movies, but this one lays less off of Dirty Harry and instead goes for low immature humor and painfully bad scriptwriting. A pack of stupid kids protect the rainforest from a greedy troupe of redneck lumberjacks, with the help of the ghost of a part-Indian mountain man (played by none other than Chuck Norris) who happens to know karate. The film features a handful of Walker, Texas Ranger regulars, in addition to perhaps the most painful scriptwriting anyone has seen on this planet. But then again, what can we expect from Aaron Norris, who is Chuckie's little brother?? Also, did I forget to mention that the acting REALLY sucked!?

This movie is torture to watch

[sveknu · 1/10 · 12 May 2005]

What were they thinking? I repeat: What were they thinking, coming up with a movie as bad as this? I just can't imagine it's possible to make this and be satisfied with it when it's finished. So what happened? Did they think that as long as Chuck Norris was in it, everything would be OK? If so, they were totally wrong. Norris has starred in lots of bad movies over the years, but this is the lowest of the low. A horrid mixture of family, comedy, action and adventure with REALLY lame fighting scenes, a script that probably was found in the trash and very unfunny moments puts this movie at a really low ranking spot in movie history.

Awful

[Jona-5 · 2/10 · 5 April 1999]

This movie really is awful. I expected a action-adventure, not an adventure movie for kids. There is some kicks in slow-motion but otherwise no action. There is a bunch of kids that help the spirit of McKenna to save the forest from bad guys.

Chuck is an awful actor too.

Oooh I forgot there is an explosion.

Yes.

[gemmaz · 10/10 · 27 May 2011]

One word: Yes. A three in one experience: Home Alone, PBS's Nature, and Walker, Texas Ranger all in an hour and a half!

Special effects: The special effects were excellent, particularly the sparkling light balls. We also enjoyed the animal to human transformations. Seamless.

Law enforcement: The lawyers were accurately portrayed and incredibly competent considering the fees they were charging. The permit process was entirely plausible...I mean, who needs NEPA or EPA approval anyway?

Animals: The killer chipmunk? Slam dunk. A falcon transforming into a fist? Yes please!

Life lessons: The deep and riveting plot line of the alcoholic father and the lumber tycoon who finds his morality left us wanting more. Also Chuck was full of his usual cogent remarks on life's profundities.

Fight scenes: We were on the edge of our seats. It IS Chuck. The little kid who kicks the bad lumberjack in the face was the icing on the cake.

Political Correctness: comments like pull up your pantyhose (and be a man), and those environmentalist fairies were a couple gems.

Choreography: three words -- lumberjack dance scene.

Costume design: A great tour of some timeless 90s classics. Dad and Mom jeans a plenty!

Fave quotes: "There were six of them (bad guys) and then there were five..." (because Chuck was kicking their butts!) "How very sad." "Sad this!"

Chuck Norris takes his brand of action-packed excitement to powerful new heights in this riveting wilderness adventure..

[HarryLags · 7/10 · 24 October 2016]

"Forest Warrior" features the charismatic Chuck Norris as McKenna, a forest spirit who incorporates the powers of an eagle, wolf, and bear. When an unscrupulous businessman, Travis Thorne. (Terry Kiser.), attempts to cut down many of the trees in the forest of Tangle wood Mountain, a group of teens plot to stop him. They need help from the Forest Warrior and help they get! Not only can McKenna fight, he is a Shape Shifter and can take on whatever form he needs.

Personally i really like this film and It goes without saying that for me, Forest Warrior is a goddamn great movie. Anything that features Chuck Norris kicking ass is worth watching, but if you add in the ability that he can shape shift into various animals too, well then that's even better.If you think that I wouldn't watch this film every single day for the rest of my life, you just don't know me.

Forest Warrior plays out like a brilliant cross between Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Walker, Texas Ranger, and some animal morphing stuff that you didn't know you needed. It's friendly enough for children, bad ass enough for adults, and weird enough for people in search of originality.

"Forest Warrior" delivers wondrous scenes of nature, an energetic group of teens, and exciting action sequences from Norris. Give this movie a try if you have never seen it and if you have, show the master some respect and watch Forest Warrior once again...

A Glorious Summertime Film

[rmilanowski1987 · 10/10 · 25 March 2007]

It is a rare occasion when the film industry launches a title of such immense proportions that the general public actually fears it. Such is the case with Forest Warrior. The average viewer obviously does not understand the numerous subplots that are only hinted at throughout the film. The work of a cinema master can be seen as Aaron Norris gracefully exposes the tips of many icebergs, leaving the viewer to wonder what is beneath. The acting of the entire ensemble is enough to leave you breathless. One character's "rag"tag antics will make anyone but the most cold-hearted smile. I cried as this masterpiece drew to its beautiful, but inevitable conclusion. This film is without a doubt, the one movie to see before you die.

Brilliant Movie

[mervjepson · 31 October 2004]

I have watched this movie at least 20 times. I enjoyed it every time I watched it. It is a pleasure to watch a movie without drugs, sex, violence to make it enjoyable. The plot is realistic with rich people trying to make big money at the expense of nature and trying to hoodwink the local citizens, (like some politicians in todays world) Some people believe in ghosts some don't, but in this movie the ghost bit fits in with the movie brilliantly. I would give this movie a rating of 9.9 It is a family movie and I wish there was more like it. The comments I read about this movie being "a Urinal" I could not believe. The person that wrote the comments on this movie must have been watching something else. I would put this movie amongst the "Disney Classics" It is a BRILLIANT MOVIE.

This is a film that you can watch with your children.

[orchidlily77 · 7/10 · 9 September 2006]

Chuck Norris always seems to get a rough ride for being a decent kind of guy who makes a film with a moral. Well the moral to this tale is that the typical rich business man is prepared to destroy a forest so he can make money. He forgot about the spirit of the forest and this is where Chuck comes in. The film is a mixture of fantasy, enchantment, ecology, and North American belief in that a human can turn into an animal. Also it gives a great sense of community, that seems to be dying out with in a world that is computer and cell phone bound. Chuck's acting in this film was fine. He knows he is neither Laurence Olivier or Al Pacino, he does what he does best. Michael Beck was great. He played the guy whose wife walked out on him and left him to raise their daughter who in fact was doing a good job or taking care of him, as he could not cope with his wife leaving. There is a very moving scene where he believes his daughter is dead. He did a great job. At the end of the day, this film has to be taken into context. There are some very comical moments in the film and some cute scenes with a baby bear.

Should come as no surprise that it's terrible

[Wizard-8 · 27 August 2003]

Terry Kiser must REALLY be a good friend of Norris; not only did he guest-star several times on his "Walker" TV show, he agreed to be the villain in this terrible family movie. Actually, you can't really call it a "family" movie - it's strictly aimed at the juvenile set instead of having something for kids AND their parents. Correction - make that a particular juvenile set that has its classes in the basement of a school. The dopey tone and the extreme exaggeration of the heavies will even have five year-olds rolling their eyes.

Poor Chuck; looking at him in the movie, it's obvious that he's past his prime. Watching him in action during the (badly choreographed and edited) fights, it's obvious that 99% that it's a double doing the action - since you only see his face 1% of the time in these scenes! (This was also very evident in his TV series after the first few seasons.) Actually, it's hard to feel any sympathy to him when you consider that he actually isn't in that much of the movie. Also, he appears utterly bored in his scenes. Well, at least Norris for once is showing emotion.

It's no wonder that this never got a theatrical release. It's an embarrassment to everyone involved. That is, except for the underrated Roscoe Lee Brown. He enters and leaves the movie with his dignity intact, giving a conviction to everything he says. What a performer, to be able to survive this!

The funniest movie I have ever seen!

[Hashimoto · 10/10 · 7 March 2000]

"Forest Warrior" is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. It is a family adventure about children who seek the help of the spirit of the forest to save a mountain from greedy business men. That even SOUNDS stupid! And thats not even the funny part! Norris stars as the flowery forest spirit who has a gun but would rather kick and punch in slow motion to defeat his enemies. With goofy one-liners and a retarded plot, you'll laugh all night long!!

I enjoyed watching with kids

[ranchgal01 · 7/10 · 19 March 2005]

This is a family movie, more along the lines of the Disney movies of the 50s and 60s--For those of you wanting OCtagon--get over it! The kids are the stars, and Chuck is the mythological/fantasy part of this and it does all fit if you watch it in the right frame of mind.

My kids and I enjoyed it for different reasons--they loved the kids getting over on the adults, and all the animals, and fantasy parts.

What I really enjoyed was Michael Beck's father/daughter story, and how her belief and his going downhill and then being reminded what is important and his redemption and getting his life together, gave me a good feeling. He did a fantastic job of it, and made a great father figure.

I also loved Max Gail as the friend who told it like it is, and still made allowances for the fantasy part. It is a family film that no one need worry about who is in the room and who is watching. I enjoyed the hope in this movie.

Blast from the past.

[pinksunglass · 10/10 · 24 June 2011]

It's a shame that most of reviews here just don't get it. This is a movie for kids, who envy characters like Chuck. This is a great movie that you would want for your kid to watch and learn - it tells the story of how important nature is, and that we should stand for it, especially if someone like Chuck is its keeper. It might be a little naive from technical point of view, its a low budget, semi-amateur movie, but nevertheless, it looks great. One of those unforgettable titles from our childhoods, Sunday after breakfast, and your TV is on.. Different type of movie from Chuck, in his Chun-Kuk-Do code of honor and rules to live by.

I liked it!

[somnambulist48 · 7/10 · 6 March 2005]

I think Forest Warrior is a really good movie.

It's great for kids and their families to watch.

The movie is very funny and full of good actors.

I think Chuck Norris is awesome. I haven't ever watched a movie of his that I didn't like.

If you're into super violent films that are full of blood and guts, you probably won't like it.

But if you want to watch a film with your kids and if you want a good laugh, then this is a good choice.

I think that more movies should be like this one.

They would set better examples for young children instead of filling their heads with violence and evil.

I give this movie a thumbs up.

You should really watch it.

The spirit of forest, who help to protect the nature.

[Chris_Walker92 · 10/10 · 4 February 2010]

I remember this film since My childhood - in those time, when it was in all the cinemas, I was just 5 y.o. But I still wonder about this interesting, beautiful and great movie, which full of love to the animals, to the forests, to the world, that surround us...

We know Chuck Norris as a fighter, as a man, who shows to the bad guys the meaning of "honour" with fists and legs, but this time we'll see him as a hero, who has a magic power and a power of the nature itself. I'm glad to watch this movie in every possible time, and advise it to You too.

Actually, I can't understand, why such great, wonderful, really perfect movie has low votes and bad reviews - I can't agree with people, who say about it like about "very simple, usual and not interesting movie", You may just to watch it, to understand, that it's not so.

Here's the amazing movie for all Your family, as for children, as for grandfathers and grandmothers, for all audience. I very hope, that You'll find something interesting and really sensitive for Your soul and for Your heart after watching "The forest warrior".

My mark is 10 out of 10, and I don't even think, that it may be another one!..

This movie rocks!

[Dragofan · 8 May 2001]

Now come on all you pessimistic movie haters out there! This movie is a treasure! The problem is that no one really sees the true meaning behind this film. Before that, Chuck's acting is superb.....not bad!!! He is a model thespian and consumate interpeter of scripts. Now as for what this movie represents. The base for this movie came, no doubt, from C.S. Lewis. This movie is somewhat related to "Narnia," although is based upon "That Hideous Strength." The mountain in this movie represents humanity, and the femecological destiny of our planet according to Suzette Elgin in her treatise on human relations "The Gentle Art of Verbal Self Defense." Chuck represents the Pendragon, or the guardian of the Arthurian throne, son of Uthur Pendragon. He and the children, representing Logres, or the civilized realm of Arthurian Britain, are charged with further guarding humanity (the mountain) against the evil business tycoons. The business men are clearly a representation of Lewis' N.I.C.E. Furthermore, they are an indirect representation of our 20th century totalitarian fears. For the average person this may be a bit much to handle, but with Chuck's guidance, we can all understand the importance of this movie to our everyday lives.

Spirit protecting the forest.

[samanthascribner98 · 10/10 · 13 November 2014]

When I was growing up, my family and I would rent movies from the local store. Every time they would ask me what I would want to watch it was always this movie. I grew up as a fan of Chuck Norris. This is one of my all time favorite movies.

The message in this movie has always been protect the environment. The fighting and explosion of the tree house is always one of the top dramatic moments in this movie. Chuck Norris, does an awesome job as the spirit of the forest. I love how the Tree House is the main part of the story and how 'the lords of tanglewood' have many generations before them that played in that same tree house. Oh and Loretta Swit as the mom of two of the boys is always surprising!

public urinal

[jank123 · 30 September 2001]

heh. i dont know whether i like this movie or not. cause i dont know whether this THING can be called a movie or not. i dont whether THIS is a thing or not at all. What is this? some sort of entertainment? is it for kids? is it a comedy? is it action? now what is THIS?

do kids like it when adults act like idiots? no, cause i was kid. and i know that they were idiots even when they dont act like idiots. I would like to call this movie a PUBLIC URINAL? thats what its like.

Loved it!

[qebesut · 10/10 · 14 April 2018]

A very practical movie if you want to connect with the spirit of the forest & recover your sense of honest love & childish happiness again. The movie honestly addresses the ugly root of modern consumer culture & its "respected" leading figures, leaving not doubt there will be more haters giving " 1 " score to the movie here than there will be lovers who will watch the movie again!

Considering all the animals movements, the transformation and the special effects put in the various scenes I dare say that it was quite the ambitious project in its time! loved it

Visionary pre 5g

[Melz-234 · 10/10 · 11 August 2022]

This production was clearly ahead of its time, and sometimes folk want to cut down others that are heading in a paramount vicinity. The visual effects are pre digital, and mr Norris has a beautiful hairstylist. I hope the animals weren't hurt too much in the making of this, oh yes, and the children. I wonder if Greta ever saw this film. Every body needs to see this film, or at least download it illegally from the pirate shop. Do it for Bruce W, and Nick Cage, and Gilda Swinton too, just in case there was something happening in Orlando at the time.

Joseph lawson

[josephflawson · 10/10 · 11 July 2021]

Fun fact the only special effect this movie needed was chuck Norris.

Touching

[jamoowns · 10/10 · 8 June 2011]

My Mom and i seen this movie the theater when i was a kid, we watched a lot of movies but this is one to remember, i remember gripping the edge of our seats for at least the first hour and 36 minutes and 57 seconds of the film. We were both crying at parts because of the emotional overtones and brilliant context. whoever wrote this movie i think its a relative of chucks should be given any and all awards that exist for the rest of time for tackling such a sensitive subject so perfectly its historical how chuck so well portrays the animals - i've always liked bears A lot. they are nice. if there was ever any proof that he was a god amongst men, this movie IS IT - 10/10 stars! This movie taught me more about death than 10 saving private Ryan's.

Romper

[annevejb · 12 October 2007]

I found this on a four family feature DVD which is much better quality than average.

On the surface, this should not have much appeal at all. It is a traditional good guys versus bad guys story with traditional understandings of good sense, with some understandings that I find likely to increase real problems in the good versus bad arena and some understandings that I understand as having potential for calming things.

My background for me to have that understanding of the nature of this story is just me being a Klingon. There are Enterprise culture bad guys here. There is an underclass who is helped to stand tall by a prayer to the spirit of the mountain. If these are considered as just part of a story that is not rooted in sensible solutions then, no problem.

So I find this to be an enjoyable romp that gradually builds up to a fun ending. Just it is not to be taken seriously.

The story mentions Tanglewood, which might be a symbolic area. If real it is in the Oregon Rockies, Cascade Range, just north of Mount Hood, were this story was mostly filmed. Ie, not the Tanglewood of the historic USA classical music summer school.

*

The others on the disk: Little Heroes, Bigfoot t U E, Coming Unglued aka Lets Ruin Dad's Day.

The same thing. Disaster if considered as anything to do with sensible ways. Especially Coming Unglued. Except there is still real entertainment if the negative sides can be shrugged off. To varying extents I would expect to have to do that shrugging off with stories that are much lower in entertainment value.

*

The only flaw in this romper, to me, is that this is USA culture. They have a lot of skills in this sort of story telling and while they do set some stories in other continents it is natural for most to be on their home turf. A cultural pressure towards All American Girrrrrl.