Greatest White Trash Movie Heroes

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 15, 2009 12:18 PM CDT

Hicks and hillbillies can be heroes, too, SpikeTV points out in a look at the greatest characters to go from the trailer park to the big screen.

  • HI McDunnough, Raising Arizona: Nicolas Cage's performance remains his finest to this day. His likable baby-snatcher makes some lousy decisions, but "he’s loving and loyal—not to mention having one helluva mustache."
  • B-Rabbit, 8-Mile: Eminem's character from the wrong side of the tracks wears his white trash status as a badge of pride, and even manages to turn it into his enemies' disadvantage.

  • The Ram, The Wrestler: Mickey Rourke's comeback role is "a beloved symbol of white trashiness," who goes through pain and humiliation for the sake of his fans. "When The Ram bodyslams someone, he bodyslams them in the name of peace and goodwill."
  • Luke Skywalker, Star Wars: Skywalker lives on a patch of dirt in the boondocks with beat-up vehicles in his yard, and he "lives with his aunt and uncle ‘cause his dad killed his mom." This proto-redneck proves that it isn't the "vehicle you drive or the parents you have, but what’s inside that makes a true hero."
Click the link below for the full list. (More movies stories.)

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