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.