2021 Summer Movie Season: Season Awards

Good evening followers. Well, here we are. The new releases today officially mark the start of the Fall movie season. That means the SMS is officially closed but not until we give some flowers to some wel; deserved films and people. Time to close the curtain on another summer at the movies with our season ending awards.

 Best Summer Movie Actor

                                            Simu Liu

The impact that the once promising stunt actor has had on the industry cannot be overstated. 

Simu Liu's role as Shang-Chi has had the same emotional impact on a generation that the late great Chadwick Boseman had as his turn as the King of Wakanda. Despite the other films he has done, Liu stardom is sure to rise as he continues to establish himself within the MCU and the cinematic landscape as a whole.

Best Summer Movie Actress 

Emily Blunt

If there was any doubt about the verstitility of Emily Blunt, this year's summer season proved she is one of the best in her age group. Whether it's her turn as the headstrong matriarch in A Quiet Place Part II or the mischievous yet ambitious Lily in Jungle Cruise, Blunt proves she can carry a movie and captivate an audience. An actress that is elite in every sense of the word. 

Best Animated Movie

Luca

Despite being the lone animated feature released this summer, Luca was a heartfelt and beautifully crafted 

story about the power of friendship and overcoming fear and uncertainty. A gem of a movie that can be enjoyed by all ages. 

Best Action Movie

Black Widow

It took a while to get here but when Natasha Romanoff's solo outing offered a thrilling

and emotional closing chapter to the story of one of the OG Avengers. The introduction of new fan favorites and set ups for future projects, Black Widow is as action packed as it is poingant and engaging. 

Best Superhero Movie

Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings

Much like Black Panther before it, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marked a cultural shift in the cinematic landscape. The first MCU film with a predominate asian cast, the film was as entertaining 

as it was emotionally enveloping and inspiring. A new hero is born and a community is seeing themselves in the best way possible...front and center.

Best Musical

In The Heights

Few films this year captured the spirit of Hispanic pride than the on screen adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's acclaimed play. Star making performances and irresistible music made this the ultimate feel good movie of the summer. The true definition of a silver screen block party. What more could you ask for?

 And finally, the season's most honorable award goes to.....

Movie of The Summer

Of all the movies that came this summer, who knew that one about an NPC's realization that he can be more than what he was built for be one of the most memorable films of the summer. Free Guy had literally everything: Action, heart, romance, comedy, nuance, and narrative cohesion that exceeded people's expectations. Ryan Reynolds and company truly delivered a knockout movie that stands as one of the best of the SMS!!!

And so ends another summer at the movies. Thanks for all the support throughout this unorthodox summer season. Stay tuned for more blog post throughout the remainder of the year and until next summer, have a wonderful fall and winter!!!

2021 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

SMS Month 2 Recap (August/September )

Happy Hump day followers. With the release of Shang-Chi over the weekend, Month 4 of the Summer Movie Season has concluded. The movies that were released this month really ended the 2021 SMS on a high note with a number of them breaking records and defying expectations. Let's breakdown how it all went down as we close out month 4 in our latest recap.

 

The Suicide Squad

James Gunn took Task Force X in a whole new direction with his bloody, vulgar and deliriously fun roller coaster ride that offered some of the best moments in the SMS and the DC Film lineup. A showstopping good time that might be one of the best films to come out of the DC cinematic portfolio.

Respect 

A legend's authentic self is hard to capture on screen. But luckily, the odds were in the favor for Jennifer Hudson. With her elite tlent vocally and dramatically, she captured the essence of the queen of soul in a film that is both uplifting and celebrates one of the most beloved voices in music. A strong performance that measures up well to other biopics precedding it. 

Free Guy

Hard to think a video game movie would be one of the most entertaining films of the year. Behind an amazing performance from Ryan Reynolds and a story that is wacky, action packed, and filled with a ton of heart, Free Guy may go down as the potential MVP of the SMS. A great movie featuring a great guy. What more can you ask for. 

Candyman

The legend that was originated by Tony Tood was given a gritty and scarily pointed new take. Maintaining the terror while ramping up the social commentary, 2021's Candyman paints a disturbing picture of America much similar to Producer Jordan Peele's Get Out but the bloody mayhem keep the film connected to its roots. The legend lives on. As long as people say his name 5 times. 

Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings

In another stellar example of why representation matters, The MCU's newest hero became the talk of Labor Day Weekend as Simu Liu took his places amonst the Marvel greats in a solo movie that has given a terrific jolt of energy to the industry when it needed it most. Stellar action and honerable heart and valor make this latest Marvel outing a must see event for everyone.

Here is a Numbers Breakdown on How the Following Films Did Financially and Among Critics

Best Box Office Numbers (As of September 9th, 2021)

1. Free Guy: $241.8 Million

2. The Suicide Squad: $164.2 Million

3. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: $157.5 Million

4. Candyman: $52.2 Million

5. Respect: $24.1 Million

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (92% Certified Fresh)

2. The Suicide Squad (91% Certified Fresh) 

3. Candyman (85% Certified Fresh)

4. Free Guy (81% Certified Fresh)

5. Respect (67%)

What was the movie you loved seeing this month. Stay tuned this Friday as we put a bow on the 2021 SMS by giving out some summer movie season. Til then, see you soon followers.

2021 Summer Movie Season - Marvel Studios' Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings: Review & Analysis

The Dragon Within!!!!!! Marvel's First Asian-Led Film Is Strong Introduction of MCU's New Blood!!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

The legend of the master of Kung fu begins here.

Story Description 

For generations, the shadow organization known as the ten rings has been responsible for deadly atrocities that have thrown the world into chaos. Whether it’s the kidnapping of Tony Stark or bring countries into submission.,The Ten Rings is a threat not to be taken lightly. Led by the ruthless Wenwu (Tony Leung), the ten rings growth in power is incumbent on the organization finding a worthy successor if Wenwu steps down. However, the only one eligible for the honor is Wenwu’s estranged son Shang-Chi (Simu Liu). After years of having a front-row seat to his father’s destructive methods and enduring his cruel training, Shang-Chi fled to the west coast looking to escape his old life and forge a new one on his terms. But when Wenwu comes to bring his son home, Shang-Chi must decide who he stands with as he faces the father who made him and the life he’s been desperate to escape. Will he succumb to the destiny that’s been chosen for him or will he rise up and forge one of his own?

Shang-Chi, Katy, and Xialing arrive at Wenwu's 
estate.

Film Review

As the 25th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the studios' first film with a predominately Asian cast, Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings is a significant movie in the heroverse given its the first cinematic MCU entry in several years to introduce a new hero and the first big-budget film to have an Asian male lead. With so much riding on the shoulders of all involved, Shang-Chi still aimed to be an epic entry into the MCU and a cultural touchstone for the Asian community much like Black Panther was for the Black community. After witnessing the film in full, Shang-Chi's introduction into the MCU is a visual feast and an emotionally rich origin. Marvel has always made an effort to expand the universe with new characters that always bring new things to the table. Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings is no exception. It has a combination of the street-level narrative while also having its own mythical identity as a compliment. All while telling a story that is well structured and invests in the journey of its characters. Speaking of which, several standouts come to mind but let's start with Simu Liu in his MCU debut.

Rage in da cage.

Liu is truly on his way to becoming one of the bright young stars in the MCU much like Tom Holland, Chris Evans, and the late Chadwick Boseman before him. His performance is the glue that holds the movie together. He is able to balance witty humor with emotional vulnerability so well all while his physical performance carries the action from scene to scene. It's such a joy to find a leading man that can keep the audience engaged in the fun moments and the ones that require more emotional pull. Excited to see where Liu's character goes in the later stages of the Marvel heroverse. Awkwafina continues to be a comedic force in a very entertaining supporting role. One of her biggest strengths is her ability to play off of others. Her role as Katy is no different. She and Liu's comedic banter conjure some of the film's best moments. That isn't to say she isn't capable of being a leading lady and carrying the film. But her ability to be a comedic lightning rod that can excel both on her own and with an ensemble is something I admire and love. Tony Leung and Meng'er Zhang do great as Wenwu and Xialing respectively. Leung plays an antagonist that is at his core a tyrant but his rise as a family man and descent back into violence is something I haven't really seen in many MCU villains. It makes his character complex and tragic in a way especially when you consider his willingness to change and be better. Zhang steals the show as Shang-Chi's little sister Xialing. She exudes strength and is hands down one of the standouts of the film. Her connection to Shang-Chi creates a sibling clash that is rocky at first steadily progresses toward redemption and forgiveness by the story's end. Others like Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley, and Benedict Wong round out a solid cast of characters that all bring something to the table. Some more so than others but still impactful nonetheless. 

Two sides to the same coin.

But we can't talk about this film without mentioning the action which is pure poetry in motion for a good portion of the film. Some of the early set pieces are fast-paced and beautifully shot and choreographed. Each sequence ranges from aggressive and frenetic to regal and elegant. The diverse nature of the fights gives this film an identity unlike its MCU predecessors making it standout. It relies on CG toward the end but at this point, it's standard to expect that and it doesn't rob the film of anything. The movie still maintains a solid flow leaving plenty of room for character development making the 3rd act engaging even with a lot of elements at play. Overall, Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings joins the ranks of some of the MCU's most memorable origin movies. Its action, heart, and characters carry the weight from start to finish and its impact will be felt long after the credits roll. Despite its predecessor's already established pedigree both on the big screen and small screen, The MCU's newest hero has made his presence felt and is poised to have a bright future in the heroverse amongst larger than life brethren.

Rating and Final Thoughts 

A visually stunning display of action coupled with awesome characters and strong narrative
nuanced make the MCU's latest hero's opening journey one to remember.  

Kick open the doors for the new kid in town