It’s awards season.
All the critics’ societies and film organizations are casting their ballots on every artsy film released, leaving some very entertaining films behind in the dust. And for the majority of comedies, horror flicks and action films, some credit needs to be given where credit is due.
So, allow me to welcome one and all to the first ever Daily Gamecock film awards, The Simpsys.
Best “Jaw-Dropping” Film: “The Avengers”
This past summer began with the biggest crossover movie ever made. A comic-book fan’s dream come true, “The Avengers” featured the biggest cast of superheroes within the genre, including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). But it was the final 30 minutes of action within the movie that made it so visually impressive, and the amount of balance found among the large cast was equally as impressive. Thank you, Joss Whedon.
Best “Good-Bad” Movie: “The Man with the Iron Fists”
“The Man with the Iron Fists” was one of those movies that you knew would be silly, yet there is something about it that grabs your attention. Directed by rapper RZA, this kung-fu film features some pretty impressive action scenes and a killer hip-hop soundtrack. Though RZA’s direction was all over the place and it was his first film, his love for martial arts films does radiate throughout “The Man with the Iron Fists,” and sometimes passion is all you need when making a film.
Best “Gory” film: “Dredd 3D”
“Dredd” wasn’t for people with weak stomachs. It’s a movie that revels in gory, graphic violence, from bullets melting skulls from the inside to criminals falling to their deaths and staining the ground with blood. Plus, the slow-motion effects were a nice touch for people who enjoy seeing bullets shot through heads.
Best “Laugh-Til-You-Die” Film: “21 Jump Street”
Two bumbling, but young-looking, police recruits (Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill) go undercover in a high school to investigate a dangerous drug ring. But they find that high school has changed since their days as they once again confront the terror and anxiety of being a teenager and all the issues they thought were in the past. This was the movie that made me take back everything I said about Tatum as he surprisingly showed some acting and comedic talent while paired up with the drastically slimmed-down Jonah Hill. Though the original ‘80s TV series was a drama, the movie was revamped into a crude, hilarious comedy for more modern audiences. Plus, Johnny Depp, who starred in the original show, makes a cameo.
Best “Pee-Yourself-Scared” Film: “Sinister”
“Sinister” has been hailed as one of the most original horror films in a long time, and it’s also one of the scariest for many reasons. First off, the devilish creature in the movie is actually horrifying, especially to those who have or plan to have children. He’s a creature whose curse falls upon those who ever see or draw him. The music throughout the film is ultimately disturbing and the movie doesn’t rely on fake shock moments.