R2-D2 - The Droid We Were All Looking For. A Tribute To Kenny Baker

In a year where we've lost so many of our brightest stars, David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Prince, and Muhammad Ali, we have just lost another bright star. This star didn't just shine bright in our galaxy. But in another galaxy, far, far away.

Kenny Baker, the actor who played R2-D2 in all seven Star Wars movies, had passed away yesterday at 81 years old.

Baker was born Birmingham, England on August 24, 1934. He was educated at a boarding school in Kent.

He got his first glimpse of show business when he joined a theatrical troupe with dwarves and midgets. He joined a circus for a brief time and learned how to ice skate. He even became part of a successful comedy group called Minitones with Jack Purvis.

But it was in 1976 when he met American Graffiti director George Lucas  that Baker got his big break.

George Lucas was in the middle of writing and directing this strange science fiction-fantasy adventure called Star Wars. It was unlike anything up to that point. It had a huge cast of characters. A wide-eyed farm boy, a feisty princess, a reluctant space pirate and his gorilla side-kick, and two robots, one golden and human-like, and a small one shaped like a mail box.

Lucas was looking for a small actor to fit in the small robot. And Baker was the actor he was looking for.

The filming of Star Wars was a true nightmare for everyone involved. And especially for Kenny Baker. Whenever the cast and crew went out to lunch break, they would often forget Baker was still in the robot, but remember him eventually. And this was in the hot desert of Tunisia!

Almost everyone involved thought the film would flop. Even Kenny Baker thought the film looked very strange.

But when it was released on May 25, 1977, not even George Lucas expected the film to be as successful as it was. Not only was it the highest grossing film of all time at the time (and still the 2nd highest grossing film of all time behind Gone With The Wind when adjusted for inflation). Not only did it become a major lucrative franchise that is still pumping out sequels and spin-offs. But it became a cultural phenomenon that is still going strong today.

It doesn't matter if you've seen any of the movies or not. We all know Star Wars. It's one of those things we've all had a connection with at some point in our lives. We all know the dialogue, the images, and we all know the characters.

Fans love to argue who the real hero of Star Wars is. It's easy to say Luke Skywalker. After all, he blew up the Death Star, rescued Princess Leia, and redeemed his father. Others might argue Anakin Skywalker was the hero all along, because he was the one who brought balance to the Force. And others would point to Princess Leia, as she was the one who led the Rebellion against the Empire in the first place.

But I think we can all agree that the true hero of Star Wars is R2-D2.

Who was the one who Princess Leia trusted with the secret plans to the Death Star? R2-D2. Who showed Luke Skywalker Princess Leia's message, and led him to Obi-Wan Kenobi which started Luke on his life-changing journey to saving the galaxy? R2-D2. Who saved Luke, Han, Leia, and Chewie from being flattened like pancakes in the garbage compactor? R2-D2. Who aided Luke Skywalker in his fight against the Death Star? R2-D2. Who threw Luke Skywalker his lightsaber at Jabba's sail barge, allowing him to rescue his friends? R2-D2. And... Who completed the map to finding Luke Skywalker helping Rey and the Resistance to find him? It wasn't C-3PO. It wasn't Chewbacca.

It was Artoo-Detoo!

R2-D2, along with C-3PO, is the only character who can be seen in all seven (eventually nine) Star Wars movies. Some might think this is just a coincidence. But the reason might actually be more important than you think. George Lucas has stated that R2-D2 is the tape recorder of the whole story. He's the one capturing all the events in his data. And he's the one who eventually comes to our planet  and shares those memories. He's the "Journal of the Whills".

R2-D2 paved the way for many famous robots in film history, like Wall-E and even BB8. BB8 was the breakout star of The Force Awakens. He became the must-have toy of Christmas. And we all love that droid.

But it's R2-D2 who will always be our favorite droid.

Some might think that Kenny Baker wasn't really all that important to R2-D2. That basically any small actor could have been inside that robot starring it around. But what these people fail to realize is that it's not just about starring the robot. It's about giving the robot it its soul. Like any great actor should.

Kenny Baker wasn't just a small actor. He was an amazingly talented actor. But even more than that, he possessed this charm and good nature. Everyone who has worked with him has said ho kind and warm-hearted he was.

And that is exactly what R2-D2 is. Kind and warm-hearted. In some ways, R2-D2 is the heart and soul of Star Wars. He's simple, pure, and full of personality. He seems small and ordinary, but comes with many surprises. It's not easy for any actor to pull that off in any character. But to bring that to a robot? Nearly impossible.

If it wasn't for Baker, Artoo would have been just like any robot in science fiction prior to that point. It was Baker's warm heart that gave Artoo his appeal.

I never really got to meet Kenny Baker, but I was fortunate enough to see him in person at Star Wars Celebration in April 2015. It was the last day of the convention. My family and I were in line for Mark Hamill.

We saw them wheeling Kenny Baker in a wheel chair. I tried to contain my excitement of being in his presence. He looked so old and frail. Kenny Baker had been fighting an illness for a few years. He was told to not go to too many conventions because of his illness. And yet he still made an effort to be there to greet his fans.

Baker was thinking of all the kids who love R2-D2, and what it meant to meet the actor who brought their favorite character to life.

Even in his last years, Baker put his fans and others before himself. He was a man who cared deeply about making other people feel happy. And in a world where there seems to be hate and darkness all around, selfless acts like that shine so bright.

Kenny Baker WAS R2-D2. Not just in the movies. But in real life. Both looked small. But their personality and talents are what made them stand tall.

There will be a Star Wars movie every year until the end of time. And there will be many small actors inside Artoo-Detoo. But it's Kenny Baker who we will all remember as the original Astromech Droid.

Kenny Baker. Thank you for encouraging Luke Skywalker to get off that dusty farm and save the galaxy. Thank you for retrieving the Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance. Thank you for all the times you saved Luke, Leia, Han, and everyone in the galaxy. But most of all, thank you for the joy you brought to all of us. You were the Droid we were all looking for. And you will never be forgotten.

May the Force be with you. Always.

Twitter, @simonpegg 13, August 2016. 

Return of the Sith - "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" Trailer Review

Guys... WE GOT A NEW ROGUE ONE TRAILER!!!

... Oh yeah. And the Olympics are on, and stuff. But still, WE GOT A NEW ROGUE ONE TRAILER!!!!!

It's been a disappointing year for summer movies. Which makes the fact that we're getting A NEW STAR WARS MOVIE THIS DECEMBER all the more sweeter and reassuring.

And this doesn't look like your typical Star Wars movie. It looks more like a Star WARS movie. Emphasis on "War".

The trailer opens with a shot of the planet Jedha, which has been described as a "holy land for followers of the Force". It can easily be compared to Jerusalem for the Jewish religion, or Mecca for the Muslim religion. One of my favorite things about Star Wars is how the idea of the Force can relate to every religion, whether it's Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, etc. It's one of the reasons Star Wars is so universally loved. Heck, even "Jedi" is considered an actual religion in some parts of the world. (It's true... All of it!)

The first line in the trailer is said by Saw Gerrera (played by Forrest Whittaker). "The world... Is coming undone." In a year full of tragedies, unrest, and the most chaotic presidential election in history, that line could not be more relevant. Another reason I love Star Wars is how its themes still remain relevant in our culture.

The theme of Rogue One appears to be hope. Hope amid a world (or galaxy) full of darkness and despair. This galaxy looks so dark and grim, as it should. This has been over twenty years of the Emperor's reign. And according to the opening crawl of A New Hope, this is the Rebellion's "first major victory against the evil Galactic Empire".

The action in this trailer looks amazing. The director is Gareth Edwards, who directed 2014's Godzilla. No matter what your opinion of that movie, we can all agree that the visuals were amazing. The Rogue One trailer has amazing visuals.

I guess Count Dracula is in charge of parking the Death Star.

Despite The Force Awakens being a giant success in reviving the franchise and attracting new fans, one of the biggest complaints some fans had over it was that it didn't really take risks or give us anything new. Which is understandable. Even though Rogue One doesn't show us anything new, it really feels different form the other films. It feels more like a war movie/espionage. And considering we don't see, let alone hear of, any of these characters in the Original Trilogy, don't expect the ending to be all lollipops and rainbows.

Of all the characters we saw in the trailer, the one that left the biggest impression on me was Chirrup Imwe (played by Donnie Yen). He appears blind, but is still able to hold his own against Stormtroopers. Remember what Obi-Wan Kenobi said to Luke Skywalker when he trained him with a helmet shielding his eyes? "Your eyes can deceive you, don't trust them." This can't help but make many fans like myself wonder, is Chirrup a Jedi? He definitely believes in the Force. "I fear nothing. All is as the Force wills it." he says before he beats down Stormtroopers with his staff.

But it's Gyn Erso played by Felicity Jones who I am the most excited for. I can already see her being a breakout star like Daisy Ridley's Rey in The Force Awakens. I love her spunk, her reluctance, her grit, her determination, and her sense of humor. Where Rey felt more like Luke Skywalker (I wonder why that is...), Gyn is more like Han Solo.

My 2nd favorite part in the trailer, the one that gave me chills, was when the Rebels are on a U-Wing fighter. Gyn Erso asks her team "Are you with me?" To which Captain Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) replies "All the way." 

I love how a woman is leading a daring mission, and the men are proud to follow her. There are no jokes of how she's a girl. Just like how in the Original Trilogy, when Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia led the Rebellion, they didn't take her less seriously because she's a girl. They followed her all the way because she was strong, brave, and trustworthy. And it's so exciting to see more female characters like that in the new Star Wars movies.

But the moment everyone is talking about is Darth Vader.

We don't see his face. Just the back of his helmet. We hear no dialogue. We only hear his breathing. And he already leaves a huge impact. That is not only a testament to how well the teaser introduces him, but also how iconic of a character he is. Even if you've never seen Star Wars, you know who Darth Vader is. We all know his theme song, we all recognize his voice, and we all know his lines. For many of us, he's the first thing we think about when we hear the words "Star Wars". Darth Vader is the #1 reason I am excited for Rogue One. I'm so excited to see my all time favorite villain in all his Rebel crushing glory! And James Earl Jones returning to voice him could not be more perfect!

If there is one problem I have with this teaser, it's that it made me realize how far away December is. Just like the trailers for The Force Awakens did. We used to have to wait three years for a new Star Wars movie. Now we only have to wait a year. But it still feels like three.

And in a year like 2016, where there is so much darkness and despair, I have never been more anxious to escape back to that galaxy far, far away. If there is one bright side to this divisive election, it's that no matter who wins (Trump or Hillary), we get a new Star Wars movie either way. And I think we can all agree that that's awesome!

May the Force be with you. Always.

Finding Dory Review

 

"I suffer from short-term memory loss... It runs in my family. At least I think it does... Hmm. Where are they?" -Dory

Dory is not alone. It's so easy for us to forget things. Where our keys are, when an exam is, our spouse's anniversary/birthday, etc.

But we all remember 2003's Finding Nemo, the fourth film from Pixar Animation Studios, the studio that invented computer animation and revolutionized the industry. It was gorgeous to look at, and it had so many lovable and memorable characters with a talented voice cast which included Albert Brooks as the over protective father Marlin the Clownfish, and Ellen Degeneres as Dory the forgetful Blue Tange fish. And it was a terrific story of courage, taking risks, and how far a father's love can really go. Some people believe that Finding Nemo is about overcoming disability. Nemo is physically disabled with one bad fin from birth, Dory is mentally disabled with short term memory loss, and Marlin is emotionally disabled due to tragically losing wife and eggs to a barracuda. That perspective helps give the film a lot more depth.

The film made a huge splash (no pun intended) with critics and audiences, grossed over $900 Million worldwide, won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and became the best-selling DVD of all time with over 22 Million copies sold!

From a financial standpoint, a sequel makes sense. The demand for one is clearly there, and the first film is still beloved even 13 years later. But from a creative standpoint, it cannot help but feel like a huge risk. Of all the Pixar films that we want a sequel to, Finding Nemo wouldn't be at the top of that list. (That would be The Incredibles.) The first movie's story ended so perfectly. Marlin found his son Nemo (as the title says), Dory finally has a family to belong to, Marlin learns to trust his son Nemo more and let him live his life, Nemo learns to appreciate his father more, and everyone lives happily ever after. There's really not much more you can do. Then again, the first Toy Story didn't really need a sequel when you think about it. And I think we can all agree that Toy Story 2 & 3 were worth making.

Pixar's solution? Have the sequel center around the breakout supporting character, Dory. This premise had a lot of fans worried that Dory, who worked so brilliantly in the first movie, would only be best in small doses. And it is understandable. Most of the best characters in stories are supporting characters. But when they are put as the focus of their own sequel or spin-off, it rarely works. (Joey anyone?)

Thankfully, Pixar has crafted another great sequel with Finding Dory. Now, is it as good as the first Finding Nemo? It comes close, but not quite. Does that make it bad? Of course not! That was a tough act to follow. Very few animated films (or even films in general) are as good as Finding Nemo.

A problem with film fans these days is that when a sequel isn't as good as the previous film, they label it as "unworthy" or "disappointing". Return of the Jedi is often regarded as the weakest of the original Star Wars trilogy. But that doesn't mean we should write it off completely. It's still a great movie in its own right, and a fantastic conclusion to the Original Trilogy. The same can be said for The Dark Knight Rises.

Even though Finding Dory isn't as good as the first, it's still amazingly funny, entertaining, and heartwarming.

Ellen Degeneres hasn't lost an inch of her irresistible charm as Dory. She's still her funny self from the first movie, but this time she's given more depth. She has her own arc where she is looking for her family (just like Rey in The Force Awakens). I'm glad to say Dory can indeed carry her own film. Ellen clearly loves playing the character. She is as synonymous with Dory as Robin Williams was to the Genie, and Tom Hanks is to Woody. I just cannot see anyone else playing her. It's safe to say that nobody wanted a sequel to Finding Nemo more than Ellen. She often joked about it on her show. Her excitement for this sequel shows in her performance. She brings so much emotion. Her character is so much more relatable this time. We all root for her to retrieve her memory and find her parents. Plus, baby Dory at the beginning is the most aDORYble thing you will see all year!

But as brilliant as Ellen is as Dory, Albert Brooks also deserves praise for playing Marlin. His dynamic with Dory in the first was part of what made it so enjoyable. It was similar to Tom Hanks and Tim Allen's dynamic in Toy Story, and John Goodman and Billy Crystal in Monsters, Inc. He and Nemo don't necessarily go through the same change as Dory, but their arc is also filled with a lot of laughs. There's one scene where Marin says "Going across the entire ocean is something you should only do once!" That sounded like a subtle wink to the camera, echoing the worries fans had about the sequel. Marlin in many ways relates to the pessimistic movie goer, which is what makes him so likable.

There are quite a few familiar faces from the first. Me. Ray, Crush the Sea Turtle, and even the "Mine, Mine" seagulls all make appearances. Not everyone from the first movie comes back though. But honestly, it makes the film better. A big problem sequels tend to make is they try to include every single character and idea from the first movie, making it feel too crowded. But Andrew Stanton and his team are smart enough to know what from the first movie to include, and what is best to leave in the first movie.

 

There are lots of great new characters as well. The standout is Ed O'Neil as Hank the octopus.

Hank is a seven armed octopus who Dory meets at the Aquarium. Unlike Gill and company in the first movie where they tried to escape from captivity, Hank actually embraces captivity, and prefers to stay in the safety of the aquarium away from the ocean. Ed O'Neil and Ellen have such great chemistry, and you really feel for their friendship.

 

The animation, like any Pixar movie, is gorgeous. I love the attention to detail Pixar pays to its films, and this film is no exception. From how thick the water looks, to the expressions on the fishes' faces. You can watch this movie with the sound off and still be entertained.

If there is one flaw with the film, it's in the climax. It's not that it's bad or doesn't work. It's just not what I expected. Where the first film's climax is emotional and dramatic, the second movie's climax is more played for laughs. And it does get lots of laughs, but it doesn't really fit the tone of the movie. It would be like if Toy Story 3's climax was more comical than tear jerking. Finding Dory is so heavy in a lot of scenes, that the comical climax sticks out like a sore thumb (or fin).

But that's a mild criticism. As a whole, Finding Dory is a pure delight. It's funny, entertaining, and heart-warming. In a summer filled with disappointing and unnecessary sequels, Finding Dory reminds us how great a sequel can be when you put enough effort into the story and characters. Andrew Stanton has crafted a sequel worthy to stand with his first film. I recommend this movie to all ages. Kids will love it, adults will love it, and if you're like me who saw the first movie when he was a kid, you will feel warm feelings of nostalgia for it just like with Toy Story 3. Pixar has a knack for making films that stay with us into adulthood. Dory may have a hard time remembering things. But we certainly don't forget Pixar movies, especially from our childhood.

Laugh It Up, Fuzzball! Why We Still Love Chewbacca

39 years ago today, a little science fiction movie called Star Wars was released. It was writtenand directed by a USC Alumnus, George Lucas who gave us American Grafitti. Sadly it was a huge bomb at the box office, andis barely even remembered by the public. If only it got a sequel. I guess wewill never know what happened to Luke Skywalker and friends. Oh well…

JUST KIDDING!

If you didn't notice the sarcasm and actually thought thatwas true, you must be living under a rock. Nearly four decades old, and withover seven movies (and still going), countless books, games, TV Shows, etc. Star Wars has arguably never been more popular.

It has so many unforgettable characters. The wide-eyed anddaring Luke Skywalker, the brave and feisty Leia Organa, the cocky Han Solo,the lovable R2-D2, the paranoid C-3PO, the menacing Darth Vader, and so much more. 

But one character that has especially stolen all our hearts is Han Solo's trusty co-pilot, the mighty Chewbacca!

Last week, a video of a 38 year old mother in Texas, Candace Payne, purchasing a Chewbacca mask for herself went viral. What started as a simple, fun Facebook Live video is now something that you cannot avoid, nor want to. Just watching the video will brighten up anyone's day. There's just something about her positive attitude and laugh that is contagious. Even Kylo Ren would not be able to contain his joy watching this woman.

Since then, Candace Payne has been everywhere from Good Morning America to The Late Late Show with James Corden, and even this week's new episode of The Star Wars Show! She's even gotten to meet Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars films!

And to think, this is all because she put on a mask based on a character from a nearly 40 year old franchise!

Ever since the video went viral, it has been nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find one of those masks at the store! I was luck to get one today at Target. And it was the best money I ever spent!

What is it about Chewbacca that makes him so endearing even to this day? I can think of a few reasons.

One, he doesn't speak English.

In all the movies Chewbacca has appeared in, he never actually talks. He just growls. His growling noise is like that sound you make when you gargle mouth wash. Ben Burtt said to get the sounds for the Wookie, he had to record footage of animals such as a Walrus, a Lion, a Bear, etc. Even though he makes the same noise over and over again, he shows so much emotion when he does it. They can sound angry, joyful, scared, and of course sad.

There's just something about characters who only communicate with one sound or phrase that we find so endearing. In Guardians of the Galaxy, there was a walking, talking tree known as Groot who only says "I Am Groot." And he immediately stole the whole show as well as audiences' hearts. And how can you not find Baby Groot dancing adorable? Honestly? 

(WARNING! GAME OF THRONES SPOILER!!!) The latest episode of Game of Thrones broke our hearts by killing off another major character. GOT is no stranger to killing off major characters. (In fact, it's what they're infamous for.) But this death was especially heart breaking. This time it was Hodor, a large person who only says "Hodor". And for years no one knew why... Until now. Long story short, I won't be able to "hold the door" for anyone without crying for a long time.

Character like Groot and Hodor owe a lot to Chewbacca for paving the way for them, and helping them find their voice in popular culture. 

Another reason is because he is fierce.

Han Solo: It's not wise to upset a Wookie.

C-3PO: But sir, nobody worries about upsetting a Droid!

Han Solo: That's cause a droid don't pull people's arms out of their sockets when they lose. Wookies are known to do that.

C-3PO: I see your point sir. Artoo, I suggest a new strategy. Let the Wookie win.

Good choice, Threepio. Chewbacca is one character you do not want to get on their bad side. He never backs down from a fight, he's tough, he's brutal, etc. His Bowcaster is so cool that even Han Solo in The Force Awakens prefers it over his own blaster!

Chewbacca is who you want by your side when you go to a dangerous place.

When you find yourself disagreeing with a Wookie, especially Chewbacca, it's way better to swallow your pride and let the Wookie win.

A third reason is because he's just so adorable, like a puppy dog!

Next time you go to Disneyland, I reccomend going to the Launch Bay at Tomorrowland. There you get a chance to meet and get a photo with Chewbacca in person. He gives some of the best hugs... EVER!!!

And I'm not the only one who feels that. In The Empire Strikes Back, when we see Chewbacca hugging Luke, we can't help but feel warm and fuzzy. When Chewbacca cries out for his friend Han Solo being frozen in Carbonite, we can't help but feel sad with him. The same thing happened in The Force Awakens when (SPOILER ALERT) Han Solo was murdered by his son Kylo Ren. Chewbacca's cry is like that of a dog mourning their owner.

Most supporting characters are either fierce or huggable. They are usually never both. Chewbacca is the rare exception of a character who perfectly balanced between fierce and huggable. He's the perfect travel companion. He's someone who will protect you from harm, AND keep you company. 

If Chewbacca reminds you of a dog, that's because he is one... Kinda.

Chewbacca was actually inspired by George Lucas' dog, an Alaskan Malamute (pictured above). She would often sit by George Lucas' side whenever he wrote. She would also sit in the car with him in the Passenger's seat, just like Chewbacca sat next to Han Solo in the Millenium Falcon.

The name of George Lucas' dog? Indiana!

But the main reason we all love Chewbacca? He's loyal to the very end.

Chewbacca is a perfect example of a true friend. He's brave, he's selfless, and he's loyal. He sticks by Han Solo's side no matter what. And he is willing to help his friend with anything, no matter how hard it sounds. Fly a few strangers to Alderaan? No Problem. Rescue a Princess from the Empire? Sure. Join the Rebellion in a battle between Good and Evil where survival is unlikely? In a heart-beat.

Chewbacca not only helps Han Solo with his problems, he also gives him great advice, and encourages him to go back and help the Rebels destroy the Death Star.

Even when Chewbacca doesn't get a Medal (and he totally deserves one!), he still acts really humble, and proudly serves the Rebellion, and then the Resistance, for the rest of his days.

(SPOILER) The death of Han Solo is heartbreaking for countless reasons. But one of them is the thought of Chewbacca being alone. When we hear Chewbacca scream in agony over his friend dying, we fee his pain. Chewie, just like us, has known Han Solo for years. He traveled the whole galaxy with him, fought in many battles with him, shared many laughs with him, and even grew old with him. I cannot stand to think of Chewbacca without Han Solo in Episode VIII and IX. And neither will he. I wish we could all give him a hug.

One of the most controversial topics in Star Wars fandom right now is the reboot of the Star Wars Canon. Any story before 2014, like The Thrawn Trilogy or Legacy of the Force are no longer canon. One of those stories includes Chewbacca dying by being crushed by a moon.

Personally, I'm all for the canon being rebooted. It's bad enough we lost Han Solo. I cannot imagine what Star Wars would be like without Chewie.

But even if Chewbacca does die in any of the future films (and hopefully he won't), our love for him never will. He's fierce, he's huggable, and he's a friend to the end. He's just one of many reasons we still love Star Wars.

Chewbacca, we love you! But you already knew that.

May the Force be with you! 

Captain America: Civil War Review (No Spoilers)

Love it or hate it, we are in a comic book movie Renaissance. Four decades ago, we had to wait at least five years for a major comic book movie, and even longer for a good one.

The comic book genre has come a long way since it was first launched with Richard Donner's Superman in 1978. There have been all kinds of comic book movies. They can be exciting and blood pumping (The Avengers), they can be dark and edgy (The Dark Knight), they can be quirky and different (Deadpool, Guardians of the Galaxy), they can be grand and epic, and sometimes they can be small and simple (Ant-Man).

Sure, we have our occasional Green Lantern or Fantastic Four. And movies like Batman v Superman can be very divisive. But there is no denying that when the genre excels, it excels.

Right now, when it comes to comic book movies, the studio that is the undisputed king right now is none other than Marvel Studios. And with their latest outing, Captain America: Civil War, they have only solidified their reign.

I had the privilege of seeing an early screening of Captain America: Civil War last night. And let me tell you, it is probably the best film that Marvel has ever made. Yes, I am including The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and maybe even Captain America: The Winter Soldier (but just by a TINY margin)!

I do not know where to start with this one! It is a really long movie, at 2 hours and 27 minutes. But I was not bored for a second! The script might just be the best one Marvel has produced yet!

I will not go too much into detail, because the bless you know the better. If you have seen the trailers, you know that the Avengers have been split in two. One side is led by Tony Stark (played by the irreplaceable Robert Downy Jr.) which favors government interference with the Avengers, and the other side led by Captain America (the irreplaceable Chris Evans) which believes the Avengers should be independent.

This is not only the perfect superhero movie for right now. It might just be the perfect movie for right now, period. With the election just a few months away, our country has arguably never been more divided. There is so much fear and paranoia among the American people right now. The scene where they show all the damage the Avengers have caused while saving the world hits very close to home with what is happening in our world right now.

If there is one thing Marvel is known for, it's picking the right actors and actresses for their characters. And Civil War is no exception.

Just like Robert Downy Jr., Chris Evans has established himself as the only actor who can play Captain America. He takes a character who at first seems one dimensional, but gives hims depth and warmth. Captain America is told to cooperate with the new law, but he believes it is wrong. He has his values, and sticks to them. Even when his peers are against him. This is probably the best Chris Evans has ever been in the role! This might be the last time we'll see Chris Evans as Captain America. And let me just say he went out with a bang!

At this point, it's pretty much cliche to say that Robert Downy Jr. IS Iron Man. And to be fair, he is practically playing himself. But he is just too charismatic and witty. He has always shined as the genius, billionaire, playboy philanthropist. He took a secondary comic book character, and made him iconic. He still cracks jokes, but he is also very concerned with how much damage the Avengers are causing, and believes they need government interference. You may agree with him, you may not agree with him. You are either with him or against him. I couldn't decide myself1 But I do know one thing for sure. I never want to see anyone else play Tony Stark. Just like how Harrison Ford made Indiana Jones his own character, so does Robert Downy Jr. with Iron Man.

Scarlett Johansson kicks so much a-- I mean butt as Black Widow! She's tough, brave, and never gives in to anyone. She never backs down from a fight. Even though she's a super human, Scarlett Johansson gives her so much warmth and makes her so relatable. She hates having to see her friends fight, and feels conflicted with which side she should choose. I am still holding out hope for that Black Widow stand alone film starring Scarlett Johansson. I will be first in line at the theater.

Paul Rudd adds much needed comic relief to this dark story. Paul Rudd is one of those actors who is hard to dislike. No matter what movie he is in, you just cannot help but root for him to achieve his goals. He was the right guy to play Ant-Man.

Chadwick Boseman could not be more perfect for Black Panther. I first saw him in the under-rated Jackie Robinson biopic 42, and I knew he had a bright future ahead of him. This seems like a ridiculous character, but he is given a tragic back story, and Boseman brings so much weight to him. I am even more hyped for the Black Panther movie in 2018.

But the character who steals the show is the web-slinger himself, Spider-Man/Peter Parker played by newcomer Tom Holland!

We have had two actors play Spider-Man/Peter Parker in five films. Tobey McGuire was the perfect Peter Parker, while Andrew Garfield was the perfect Spider-Man. Tom Holland combines the best aspects of both takes, and makes the character his own. He IS Spider-Man! He is so funny, relatable, and charismatic. He gives a star-making performance, and I know for a fact we will be seeing more of this kid!

And the best part of this Spider-Man? NO ORIGIN STORY REMAKES!

The movie is fully aware that we have all heard of Peter Parker's story at this point. We know how he got his powers, what made him decide to use them for good, with great power comes great responsibility, yada yada yada. His origin is briefly referenced in dialogue, but then we move on with the plot. We know everything there is to know about this character, and immediately feel invested in him.

The weakest part of this movie, as with most Marvel movies, is the villain Helmut Zemo played by Daniel Bruhl. It's not that he doesn't have a great plan. In fact, his plan is genius. He is the first villain to do what all the villains couldn't: he split up the Avengers. So for that, he deserves some evil points. But the character himself just isn't all that interesting or memorable, despite Daniel Bruhl giving it his all. I really hope Marvel gets better at villains soon. I have no doubt that Thanos will prove to be a great threat for our heroes.

However, in the case of Civil War, I will give Marvel a pass. This movie isn't about villains. Most superhero movies are about heroes fighting villains. But this is a movie where heroes fight EACH OTHER. That is the true villain of the movie: Rivalry.

Everybody is picking sides right now between Team Iron Man and Team Cap. I went in as Team Cap. But the movie did such a great job of making me see Tony Stark's view, I actually questioned if I made the right choice.

It is not a black and white movie. It is very grey. It reflects our own world. it shows that there really is no easy answer to figuring out what is best for the world. Is it better to have more Government interfere with us? Or should we be more independent? Are the Avengers really saving us, or causing us more harm? It's funny that a movie with a teenage boy with spider powers, a man in ahi-tech suit, and a man who can shrink down to the size of an ant can be this thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Captain America: Civil War represents the very best of Marvel. It's just as entertaining and fun as Marvel's other films, but it is way more intelligent and thought-provoking. The characters are all lovable and relatable, and the emotions feel genuine. This is The Empire Strikes Back of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Heck, they even reference that movie in the climax!)

There have been so many comic book movies, that there is no doubt we will get over-saturated someday. Even the once popular Western genre eventually died out. But as a certain Avenger, Vision, once said "A thing isn't beautiful because it lasts. It is a privilege to be among them."

We should enjoy this era while it lasts. It really is a privilege to live in a time where we have had a Batman v Superman movie (featuring Wonder Woman), a Deadpool movie, and a Civil War movie in the same year! And it won't always be like this.

But as long as the next comic book movies are as good as Captain America: Civil War, comic book movies won't be slowing down anytime soon.

The Jungle Book Review: A Disney Live Action Retelling You'll Go ApeFor!

If there’s one thing Disney is know for, it’s revisiting their most beloved work. Whether it’s re-release in theaters or Blu-Ray, sequels, TV Spin offs, or most recently remakes. From Alice In Wonderland to Maleficent to Cinderella. No matter how you feel about these adaptations, love them or hate them, there’s no denying they have been incredibly lucrative for the house Walt built, and why we will no doubt see more in the future.

Their latest attempt at bringing back a beloved classic of theirs is The Jungle Book. Directed by Jon Favreau, the director of Iron Man which helped kick off one of Disney’s most successful and profitable franchises to date the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has been given the difficult task of taking one of their most beloved and iconic films, which was also the last film Walt Disney himself had a hand in before his death, and introducing it to a new generation.

The 1967 original holds a special place in my family’s heart. It’s one of my personal favorite Disney movies. I love everything about it from the lovable characters, the atmosphere, the animation, the humor, and of course the music. "Bare Necessities" is one of my top 5 favorite Disney songs. And at the risk of offending people, not only do I like more than "Let It Go", but I might also prefer it over "Hakuna Mattata" (hides behind shield). My Mom tells me of how she saw it at the drive-in theater when she was younger.

When I first heard Disney was adapting this film into another live action remake, I didn’t know what to think. But I was optimistic when I found out that one of my favorite directors, Jon Favreau, would be at the helm. And with every new cast member announced, I just became more and more excited. Bill Murray as Balloo? Awesome! Ben Kingsley as Bagheera? Perfect! Scarlett Johansson as Kaa? Love it! Lupita Nyong’o as Raksha? Nice! Idris Elba as Shere Khan? BRILLIANT! Christopher Walken as King Louie?

And when I saw the footage at D23 back in August, with Jon Favreau, Lupita Nyong’o, and Neel Sethi on stage, the audience went bananas! (Pun very much intended).

The Jungle Book has been one of my most anticipated films of 2016 for a while. And in a year that includes Captain America: Civil War, Finding Dory, and Star Wars: Rogue One, that is saying a lot!

And after seeing it with my Mom on Friday, I can say that it definitely lives up to the hype!

I’m sure by now you’ve already read plenty of reviews all telling you it’s great. If you were hoping for a different opinion, sorry to disappoint. What can I say? I just adore this movie!

This is probably the most gorgeous looking live action film Disney has made! Never have I seen a film so gorgeous, so perfect for 3D, since Avatar! Half the time, I forgot the animals were CGI. And part of that has to do with the actors.

Neel Sethi gives a star making performance as Mowgli, the man cub raised by wolves. He has such innocence and wonder that not many child actors can pull off. He’s not a perfect person. He makes mistakes just like every kid does. He’s raised to do what other wolves do, and to not do his “tricks”. He is a good role model for kids. His imperfections are part of what make him so endearing and likable. His character encourages kids that it’s ok to be different from the crowd. I look forward to seeing Neel Sethi in more films in the future.

And what can I say about Bill Murray as Baloo? It’s as if he was born to play this character! Murray posses the dry wit, charisma, and laid back attitude needed for Baloo. He is every bit as good as Phil Harris was in the original. And hearing him sing "Bare Necessities" gave me such nostalgia!

Ben Kingsley, I’m convinced, cannot give a bad performance if he tried! He plays Bagheera with such intelligence and warmth. Even though he’s a panther, he looks like someone you can trust with children.

Scarlett Johansson kills it as Kaa! Where in the original, Kaa was more of a slapstick character played for laughs, Scarlett Johansson portrays Kaa as a Siren. Her voice is just so naturally seductive and hypnotic. It’s already hard enough for any man to resist her charms in real life.

Lupita Nyong'o fresh off from playing Maz Kanata in Star Wars: The Force Awakens,  plays Rakshi, Mowgli’s wolf mother with such warmth and love. She’s comforting, but can be upfront when she wants.

Idris Elba’s Shere Khan is probably the best villain I’ve seen in a while! He’s so menacing and frightening, but so full of charisma. In my acting class in college, we talked about what makes a good villain. My teacher says that best villains don’t think of themselves as villains. They still possess this kind of warmth that makes them syphathetic. Shere Khan wants Mowgli dead because he hates man, and what they do with their “red flower” (fire). You can almost see it from his point of view, and why he wants what he wants. Shere Khan is one of my favorite Disney villains of all time, and Idris Elba does him justice!

And of course, Chrisopher Walken as King Louie! Christopher Walken is one of the most entertaining people alive. Even when he’s in a bad movie, he’s just so fascinating to watch. And his “Cowbell” sketch from SNL is one of the funniest things I’ve  ever seen. Having Walken as as King Louie is like a dream come true! He’s scary, but also funny. And his version of “I Wanna Be Like You” is pure magic!

I could go on. This is some of the most fun I’ve had at the movies in a long time! It had an engaging narrative, gorgeous CGI, and a perfect cast! Not only does this make me more optimistic about future Disney live action adaptations such as Beauty and the Beast. But it also makes me excited for the idea of Jon Favreau directing an Obi-Wan Kenobi anthology trilogy starring Ewan McGregor! If it’s as good as The Jungle Book, we’re in for a treat!

Disney is so happy with how this film turned out, they’ve already free lit a sequel! I don’t know if Baloo will be a pilot just like in Tail Spin. But as long as Jon Favreau is on board, so am I!

This movie is already having a great weekend at the box office, so you might as well join the party! You’ve worked hard enough. You owe it toy yourself to have a fun time, and enjoy the Bare Necessities of Life!

Nerd Wars: Why DC Fans Are So Bitter

Since the dawn of time, long even before the internet, mankind has engaged in friendly rivalries.

Star Wars vs Star Trek. Lord of the Rings vs Harry Potter. Coke vs Pepsi. The Beatles vs The Rolling Stones. McDonald's vs Burger King.

But lately, the biggest rivalry is one that has torn families apart, turned brother against brother, and ended friendships. It's a rivalry that has been around since comic books became all the rage. I'm talking of course, about Marvel vs DC.

In arguably their most competitive year yet, both studios are releasing two movies each. Marvel is releasing Captain America: Civil War and Doctor Strange, and DC is releasing Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad.

But the two movies that are causing the most hostility between fans are Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Captain America: Civil War.

What do both movies have in common? Well, they're both superhero movies for starters. They're both part of a larger cinematic universe. And they're both about a Boy Scout dressed in blue and red and a Billionaire with a hi-tech suit clashing ideals and engaging in and all out war.

And ironically, both movies are about bitter rivalries and picking a side.

But the true war is happening online: between DC fans and Marvel fans.

However, the comparisons end at the reception both movies are receiving. Whereas Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice got panned by critics (causing even Ben Affleck some grief), Captain America: Civil War is receiving praise left and right from those who already saw it.

Jon Schnepp, comic book fan and the director of The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened?, said that the airport scene in Civil War is the single greatest action scene in any comic book movie ever!

Even though Batman v Superman has gotten panned by critics and has a depressing 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is not without its defenders. The passion fans have for DC's characters should not be denied. And these aren't people who are like "Eh, it was ok. It wasn't THAT bad." These are people who honestly think it's on par with Citizen Kane. That it's a masterpiece that's too smart for critics and audiences. And just like Man of Steel and the Nolan Batman films, if you say anything and I mean ANYTHING remotely negative about Batman v Superman online, you better prepare for some harsh comments like "You're sucking Marvel's d***k!" or "You're BIASED! This movie is AMAZING!"

It's hard to tell if these fans honestly believe Batman v Superman is amazing, or if they are just burying their heads in the dirt and denying any legitimate criticism for it just like Star Wars fans did for The Phantom Menace back in 1999.

Some fans have started making theories that Disney, which owns Marvel, is paying critics to bash anything DC and praise anything Marvel.

RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT...

Youtuber Grace Randolph (host of Beyond the Trailer) believes that critics have an "anti-DC agenda" and just want to see DC fail. She even got in a Twitter war with Andy Signore, the creator of Screen Junkies home of  Honest Trailers. Grace Randolph is one of the few critics I've heard call Batman v Superman a masterpiece. While Signore is the opposite.

There are four words that debunk Grace's theory: The. Dark. Knight. Trilogy.

The lowest rated one is Batman Begins at 85%. The Dark Knight has an amazing 94%. And even The Dark Knight Rises, as divisive as it is, still has an 87%.

Even Superman Returns, a DC film that many fans detest, has a solid 76%.

I mean no disrespect to Grace Randolph, and I enjoy watching her videos and hearing her thoughts. But it's ridiculous to claim that everyone has some type of agenda if they disagree with you.

Critics are just regular people who are doing their job. They are not being paid by ANY studio to give a good or bad review of something. Critics for the most part are professionals. Sure, there are a few critics out there who are unprofessional, and probably don't deserve their profession (looking at you Lights Camera Jackson!). But we should never just assume that every critic has an agenda towards a certain studio or filmmaker.

Just because you love a movie everybody else hates, or hate a movie everybody else loves, it doesn't make  you or them any less smart. It just means we all had a different experience watching it. You don't need to vilify anyone who disagrees with you.

How did I figure this out? Because I used to think just like the DC fans did a few years ago.

I mentioned The Phantom Menace, and how Star Wars fans lied to themselves that it was a perfect movie because they didn't want to face reality that it was disappointing. I was born in the mid 90s, and grew up in the '00s. I am part of the "Prequel era". But I truly love Star Wars. As much as I love DC and Marvel, Star Wars has always been my biggest passion. I just love the story, the characters, the world. And ever since I learned about George Lucas, and all his struggles he went through to make those movies, it made me feel inspired to become a filmmaker myself. It's been a lifelong dream of mine to meet Lucas and thank him for making my childhood awesome.

However, in 2012 I started reading these comments online from people claiming that he's a hack, and that he had nothing to do with the Original Trilogy being great, and that anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot. I was so devastated by these comments. I had a hard time when people disagreed with me on something, especially something like Star Wars.

I was even bullied in person back in 2014 for defending George Lucas. This hurt me so much that it almost killed my excitement for The Force Awakens.

So how did I get over it? Simple: I talked about it TO people. I have learned to discuss my problems in person with reaonable people rather than complain online.

I have even gotten to meet some of these "critics" at conventions. People like Scott Mantz, Mark Ellis, Kristian Harloff, Amirose Eisenbach, Miri Jedeikin, John Campea, Dennis Tzeng, JimmyO, Jon Schnepp, Holly Payne, Krisily Kennedy, Clarke Wolfe, Grae Drake, Alicia Malone, Roth Cornet, Andy Sinore, Dan Murrel, Hal Rudnick, Jeremy Jahns, and so on are some of the nicest, smartest, most awesome people I ever met! They have a passion for film that's contagious, and a knowledge that's unmatched. Even when I disagree with their opinions, I still trust them and love to listen to them when they speak about movies. They have taught me to love what I love, and respect other people for things they love.

And last year at Star Wars Celebration, I made friends with someone who is also a huge Star Wars fan. She doesn't just rant and complain about things she hates. She's smart, intelligent, and reasonable. She loves to have long discussions about things she is very passionate about. She is one of the coolest people I know! She's a great example of being a fan the right way.

Having discussions about art is not about agreeing with people all the time, or having everybody agree with you. It's about discovering what makes you YOU and learning something about your values. And you even learn about other people as well. That in my opinion is the power of art, especially film. It not only distracts us. It helps us to learn more about our world, ourselves, and each other.

And at the end of the day, it's all entertainment. It's not something to stress out about. It's meant to help us escape the real problems of the world (like Donald Drumpf possibly becoming president).

If there is anything I want you to take away from this blog post, it's to stick with your passions. Whether you're a Marvel fan, a DC fan, a Star Wars fan, etc. You should embrace the things you are passionate about. It's what makes you YOU. Do not let ANYONE tell you different.

And if you come across someone who acts like a jerk and bullies you for your opinions like I did, just ignore them and move on. Life is way too short to spend it with bitter people, let alone have fights with them online.

And don't be a jerk yourself. If you don't like it when people attack you for your passions, you shouldn't do the same. You should treat others the way you should be treated.

I love Star Wars, and I love George Lucas. I have some friends that don't share my love for either of those. But we are still good friends, and have intelligent discussions. I respect their opinion, and they respect mine. Everyone wins.

If anyone tells you that you're an idiot or you're "biased" for your own opinion on something, that only makes them even more so. They should probably go drink some of Granny's Peach Tea.