The Six Shooter: Sidekicks

What is a sidekick? Most would say a sidekick is a hero’s little buddy with way less skill than their counterpart. But that is not so in my view. A sidekick is not a derogatory term or an insult to me. I mean of course it can be, but these day anything cant be taken derogatory if you want to take it that way. But that is another story and we are talking about sidekicks here.

A sidekick at its very basic is a partner. Someone you know you can count on to have your back and can lift you up when your beat down. They are not always the ones highlighted in film, in fiction or even in life. But you better believe if they were not there you would know it. So in this Six Shooter were going to highlight some of my favorite sidekicks in film. This should be fun!

6. Chewbacca (Star Wars Franchise)
I think it is safe to say that if you are asked to list a group of sidekicks Chewie will be on that list pretty quickly. That could be why I started with him. Or it also could be the fact that he is unforgettable. The 7 foot tall Wookie is everything a great sidekick should be strong, loyal, fearless and skilled. You know Chewie could stand on his own if he needed to, but he and Han make a perfect team (now I’m sad). Luckily as I said earlier Chewie can stand on his own and be a force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait to see what is around the corner for Chewbacca as the franchise continues. Maybe he will get that medal he should have got at the end of A New Hope.

5. Dr. John Watson (Sherlock Holmes, 2009)
Dr. Watson was portrayed for many of years as someone for Holmes to explain elementary things to. Granted I’ve never read a Holmes book so the character could be much different. But I didn’t really take notice Of Dr. Watson until 2009 when the Dr. was played by Jude Law. This incarnation of the John Watson character was more then just the catalyst to Sherlock’s brilliance. In those films, Watson is as much of a part of the dope action as Holmes is. Who would have though that a Dr. could throw down that well?

4. Dr. Emmett Brown (Back to the Future franchise)
From one doctor to another, but two very different beings. It is hard to say that Doc Brown is a sidekick really. After all the man invented the first time machine and without him we would even see Marty McFly’s crazy story. A sidekick is usually inferior to the lead, right? Well, that is what makes Doc such a good sidekick. You see Doc is a perfect example of how a hero or a lead can be nothing without a sidekick/partner. Can you imagine Marty’s life with out the zany outlandish unpredictable genius that is Emmett Brown? I’m sure you could, but it would be lame. Great Scott!! What a sucky movie that would be.

3. Doc Holliday (Tombstone, 1993)
Ok this Doc thing is getting ridiculous, last one I promise. But how could I not mention Holliday? Its safe to say that Holliday stole the screen every chance he got in what is the first western i really remember seeing. He was smart, educated, dangerous and witty to boot. But what makes him great is his unquestionable loyalty. It seems like all throughout the film if Wyatt was in the thick  of it you could bet your bottom dollar that Holliday was right there with him. Some could even say he saved Wyatt’s life when he told Johnny Ringo to “say when.” so Wyatt would have to face him. Now that’s a daisy for ya.

2. Jack Burton (Big Trouble in Little China, 1986)
I know what you’re thinking, Jack Burton is the hero in BTILC. But I ask, are you sure about that? Sure he’s the star and the highest billed actor. We even watch the movie from his perspective. But if you go back and watch the movie Jack was just brought in to this world by the guy who really is the hero, Wang Chi. Chi’s girl is the story and he’s the one with all the skill and wins all the fights. The first time Jack pulls a trigger he shoots the roof on to his own head. But Jack is amazing in his own right. He is easily why we love this movie. And when it matters he hits a home run and wins the game. I’m sure if you ask Jack he’ll tell you its all in the reflexes.

1. Robin (Batman franchise)
I have to admit, I’m cheating and I’m a little biased. Dick Grayson, the 1st Robin is my all time favorite comic book character. I’m cheating because in film he’s never been represented well on the big screen if you ask me. I’m not burying Chris O’ Donnell by any means (at least I’m not trying to). I mean the guy did what he could with what he was given.

But over all Robin is the standout sidekick. You cant have a conversation like this with out him. Batman & Robin are the dynamic due for a reason. Robin complements Batman so well. Tim Drake (Robin #3) said Batman needs a Robin. And it is true in many ways. A dark character like Batman needs that lighter side to even out. And lets not forget nearly every Robin has left Batman and became heroes and leaders in their own right. I know I am off the live action film track but if you’re into animated action stuff and want to see some good Robin depictions, seek out the DC animated universe. I truly doubt you’ll be disappointed. Holy sidekicks Batman! We’re second to none!

This was a tough column to do cause there are so many great sidekicks! This may need a volume 2! Anyway that is all I have for now. Did I forget someone you think should be included? Maybe you think I’m crazy with my picks? Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @planetwillams. Thanks for your time. See ya.