The Six Shooter: Back to School
As a child, like many others, I hated this time of year. Yes, the beginning of the school year was something I dreaded so much that I couldn’t even enjoy the last few weeks of summer. But as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized it wasn’t nearly as bad as I made it out to be. In reality it wasn’t bad at all. I had friends at school and I didn’t hate my teachers. Which brings us to this month’s Six Shooter as I’m going to highlight some of the teachers that lead our heroes to action movie glory! So lets do this!
6. Chuck Norris/Mr.Lee (Sidekicks, 1992)
I know it is odd to start off to start with a shared slot but this is my article and I do what I want. But anyway, Barry Gabrewski doesn’t have an easy life. He’s small, he’s asthmatic, he’s got bullies and the poor kid doesn’t have the confidence to get the girl. Barry is a day dreamer that gets lost in the idea of being the “Sidekick” of THE Chuck Norris and this kid needs some serious guidance. Barry’s life starts to change when Mr.Lee starts throwing dumplings at his face. With the help of Mr. Lee and the dream of starring in quite a few classic Norris films he is able to overcome all his hindrances to achieve a dream and do a wicked nun chuck form to boot!
As a skinny kid with asthma that grew up watching the Chuck’s movies, Sidekicks hit close to the heart. As cheesy as that is I am proud to say it. If you can find something to help you along the way in life in a movie then take it and smile.
5. Qui-Gon Jinn (Star Wars: Episode 1, 1999)
Now I’m not going to set here and act like I am super educated on my Star Wars history, cause honestly I am not. As a matter of fact I didn’t watch all of the Star Wars movies until about a year and a half ago. I know I’ll get heat from people for this but I am gonna just put this out there… Qui-Gon is a better trainer than Obi-Wan. That is hard for me to even say because I am a big fan of Obi-Wan. He was probably one of the best parts of the prequel triology. But lets face facts, Qui-Gon trained Obi to be a great Jedi, and he was. Obi trained Anakin to be a Jedi and we all know how that went. Therefore Qui-Gon > Obi-Wan. That is not the only reason he makes the list. His wisdom is staggering and he did find the one that would bring balance to The Force. Who knows, if Qui-Gon wouldn’t have passed the Star Wars saga could have been a lot different.
4. Master Splinter (TMNT, 1990)
Master Splinter is easily one of the best senseis there has ever been in fiction. An over sized rat full of wisdom and skill that has fathered and trained four incredibly different personalities. He is able to commanded respect from all of the Turtles and rarely has to raise his voice. Not only that but even in the face of death he still puts others first. Little Danny was ready to throw his life away until Splinter dropped some knowledge on him. All that and he beat the Shredder after all four of his pupils were unable to. Master Splinter you are one of a kind.
3. Ra’s Al Ghul (Batman Begins, 2005)
“If you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, you become something else entirely. A legend, Mr. Wayne.” And Batman was born! Ra’s is one of Batman’s most dangerous villains and that iss saying a lot. But in the Nolanverse, Ra’s is not only the first real villain the Dark Knight faces but he is also the one who teaches Bruce Wayne how to become more than just a man. Ra’s was tough but he made Bruce Wayne great and since that is what this article is all about then he has to be here. I’d like to think that all the cool stuff Batman does in the Nolan films is a direct result of Ra’s. And he had epic facial hair!
2. Mr. Miyagi (Karate Kid, 1984)
Mr. Miyagi took a clumsy jerk kid with no discipline and turned him into a half way decent fighter. I am not gonna lie, I’m not a big fan of Daniel-san but this isn’t about him, in some ways he was basically a lump of useless clay that Mr. Miyagi was able to mold. Although Miyagi was unconventional with his methods, he got the job done and in the process he made a halfway decent person out of old Dan. And even in his old age he could still get the job done. Miyagi-san is among the best teachers there is. He even took another student that was a whole other challenge in itself, but Miyagi proved himself yet again. Hats off to you Mr. Miyagi.
1. Mickey (Rocky, 1976)
I was telling a friend of mine the other day that it truly saddens me when someone tells me they have never seen Rocky. It truly makes me feel bad for their life. There are books in the world about people’s lives that have been changed by the 1976 classic. If you have yet to see it, stop reading this and go watch it right now! However I am sure if you are reading this, then you have experienced the greatness that is Rocky. And you have met the little old man that turned Rocky from a bum into a monster that ate lightning and crapped thunder! Mickey stands alone as a trainer. I honestly think that if I had a trainer like Mickey I would be a lot further in my professional career. But that is of no matter. Mickey was the best. He’s so good I want to watch Rocky and go to the gym!
Ok peeps, I know I have missed quite a few of the amazing teachers, mentors and coaches that have been a part of action movie history, so hit me up on Twitter (@PlanetWillams) or leave me a comment below with some of the names I’ve missed and why you love them. Thanks for reading.
