Happy Friday eve followers!!! I hope you all enjoyed your extended weekend with friends and family. With Labor Day comes the unfortunate but exciting part of the year where we transition from summer to fall. With that comes the end of another season at the movies. This year’s SMS has been nothing short of gleefully chaotic with big films coming out week after week. This has indeed has been one of the best summer movie months I’ve had this decade. As we prepare for the cinematic adventures that await us in the fall and winter months, it’s time we properly cap off this year at the movies with our 10th annual SMS AWARDS SHOWCASE. Let’s look at the lucky recipients of the Re-Porter Blog’s Highest Honor.
Only a select few actresses captured the hearts and minds of the audience this year with their screen presence and aura. For Halle Bailey, she exceeded expectations as one of the breakout stars of the season with a captivating performance as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Displaying all of the things that make the character iconic while also giving her a refreshingly renewed sense of conviction and motivation, Bailey is a standout in one of the most memorable performances of 2023.
Despite being completely CG, it was clear that Rocket Raccoon catapulted himself to iconic status in the final installment of the Guardians of The Galaxy series. All the credit goes to Bradley Cooper’s emotionally charged performance as the beloved trash panda. Gut-wrenching and uplifting in every possible facet, Cooper brought his all in an incredible performance that ranks among the best in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While little is known on whether or not Cooper or Rocket will return in Phase 5 or 6, this actor and his virtual counterpart are the shining bright light in Phase 5’s early stages.
Best Superhero Movie
Marvel’s Multiverse Saga has endured its fair share of criticism and even controversy. That said, no one can argue that one of the brightest things coming out of this new phase is James Gunn’s emotional swan song for his lovable group of a-holes. A thrillingly poignant and emotionally jubilant final chapter in the series started nearly a decade ago, Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is one of the strongest entries in the MCU and one of 2023’s best cinematic additions. A worthy final track to an incredible playlist.
Surprise of The Summer
DC hasn’t had much goodwill this year when it comes to its on-screen portfolio. 2 box office duds coupled with baggage from all sides have made having optimism about the franchise few and far between. However, there is something to be said about the franchise’s entry that fortunately doesn’t have a closet full of controversy surrounding it. Blue Beetle was really looked at as a major player in the SMS but the end product became one of the more surprising additions to the genre. Despite its by-the-numbers story and plot, the movie benefited from its terrific cast, fun action, and grounded story. Sure there were small references to other DC properties, but with talk of Jaime Reyes potentially joining James Gunn’s DCU, the film has enough narrative separation to be placed right into the brewing universe that is on the horizon. Despite not-so-promising box office numbers, this was a much-needed breath of fresh air for DC and the superhero genre as a whole.
Best Action Movie
There were a lot of action movies this summer that were filled to the brim with adrenaline. But in the end, it was the robots in disguise that left the biggest impact on me this season. Building off the momentum set by the excellent Bumblebee, Transformers Rise of The Beasts managed to make this once-ridiculed series one worthy of getting excited about again. With a director who has a love for the world and some cheesy yet heartfelt moments peppered throughout, Rise of The Beasts is one of the most fun entries in the series and of SMS 2023. With talk of an “intriguing” collaboration brewing thanks to the film’s jaw-dropping ending, it’s safe to say that Transformers is ready to kick things up a notch with its future installments.
Best Comedy
It might be weird to put an animated film as the best comedy of the summer (you’ll understand why in a moment) but to be honest the newest entry in the TMNT franchise was genuinely one of the funniest things to come out this year. Not surprising knowing it was steered by permanent teenager Seth Rogen. Yes, it had action and gorgeous animation, but the antics of the turtles themselves (played by actual teens) made for some authentic and hilarious moments that added to the engagement factor. This new take on turtle mythology has some real intrigue to it as we now have an opportunity to genuinely grow up with these versions of Donnie, Leo, Mickey, and Raph. It’s a great time to be a Turtles fan and a great time to be a fan of animation which perfectly transitions us into our next category.
Movie of The Summer
I don’t think there is much that needs to be said about one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year and one of the summer’s most talked-about cinematic events. At this point (even with some unfinished scenes), Spider-Man Across The Spider-Verse is just showing off with its visual storytelling and unmatched sense of style. Awesome to look at with so much heart and character in every frame, the latest entry in Miles Morales’ story has us salivating for how he plans on dealing with the opposition he faces in the form of a new universe and his darker variation of himself dawning the persona of the prowler. One thing is certain, we are BEYOND ready for the next “twhip” through the multiverse.
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