Chuck Norris – Missing in Action (1984): Reel Action

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

It's hard to believe, but here on REEL ACTION, this is our first foray into the wild and wonderful world of The Cannon Group. Founded by Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, Cannon were the kings of eighties B-movie action flicks, and by far their biggest star was the one and only Chuck Norris. In the early eighties, James Cameron and Sylvester Stallone's script for what would become Rambo: First Blood Part 2 was making the rounds, and Cannon did their version with two back-to-back Missing in Action movies starring Chuck Norris as James Braddock.

Originally, Missing in Action 2: The Beginning, which was released as a prequel in 1985, was due to come out first, but when the movies were turned in it was obvious the first film was far superior, so it hit theaters, and for a while was one of the biggest grossing independent movies of all time. Join us as we dig into the fun action flick, a personal favorite of series host Travis Hopson.