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.