2021 Award Winners

It's that time of year again folks. With a Sammers record 80 movies this year, it's about time we get back to the descriptions for these awards after I so lazily skipped them last year. With that said, let's get to it.

The John Wick Award

Other nominees: Chaos Walking, Copshop, Free Guy, Malignant, Shadow in the Cloud

**Runner-Up:** Boss Level

One of the more underrated movies of the year, Boss Level took real lessons from it's time loop successors in Groundhog Day and Happy Death Day. Not only did it implement the time loop concept into an action film but it took the time to tell a complete story that made you understand and feel for the characters while adding real emotional stakes. This movie was far better and more well rounded than I ever expected. I thought for sure it was going to be a fun premise that felt hollow, and it was anything but. It also had some of the most fun villains on screen in all of 2021.

**Winner:** Raya and the Last Dragon

It's not often that my best movie of the year award wins this award too because I feel that's a little bit of a copout. However, in this case I feel it's both fitting and deserved. The main reason for that being I had no intention of seeing this movie. I never saw a trailer for it, and I only went because Codes got us tickets for it. I had absolutely no expectations or idea of what we were about to watch. Within a few minutes I realized this was going to be good, and ended up watching one of my favorite movies of the last decade.

The Age of Ultron Award

Other nominees: Escape Room 2, F9, The Matrix Resurrections

**Runner-Up:** Eternals

When this was announced I didn't care for it, and in hindsight, I wish that had stayed the case. As the trailer dropped, and played over and over again every time I saw movies in theaters, it grew on me more and more. An MCU movie built like a greek epic? An MCU take on Justice League style characters? This sounds and looks like it could be awesome.

Spoiler: it wasn't. This movie was too big for its own good. They introduced too many characters too fast, which made them all feel one dimensional or forced. You can describe most characters by generic terms like "girl who loves humans" or "guy who loves warrior girl" and despite the great cast there simply wasn't enough to make it work. They introduced cool concepts for some characters only to drop those storylines off screen to build to the movies climax, and this didn't feel like a Marvel movie-in a bad way. In my opinion, there is nothing interesting about seeing these characters interact with other MCU characters (except Kingo), and I have no interest in seeing more of them period. This was a long, dull movie that would've been better had it been a series so each character could get the depth they deserved.

**Winner:** Halloween Kills

Halloween Kills opened the year as one of my most hyped movies of the year. It was coming off, in my opinion, the best Halloween movie, and one of the better modern horrors out there. The trailer was phenomenal, and the team behind the first came back. The expectations were high.

It didn't meet them, and the reason why is perhaps the most frustrating part. They have Michael Myers down. He's a force of nature that is an absolute blast to watch on screen so clearly they know what they're doing with the character. They are capable of telling good stories. They had interesting concepts in this movie. The problem is they executed those concepts so poorly, and made every character look so incredible stupid (even by horror movie standards) that it became hard to watch.

Halloween Kills is basically two different movies. The badass Michael Myers killing film, and the film with a bunch of really stupid people doing really stupid things. It was a shame to watch them get half the movie so right, and half the movie so wrong. It would only have taken a few simple tweaks to make this movie so much better, and as you can tell it was disappointing they didn't do that.

The WTF Did I Just Watch Award

Other nominees: F9

**Runner-Up:** Voyagers

It's been a while since I saw this in theaters. I simply remember a few things. First, the concept was really cool, and I was excited to see "Lord of the flies" in space. Second, I was taken completely out of the movie the moment they caught the bad guy admitting to murder, had the proof shown to everyone, and he was able to get away with it by making up a completely random story on the spot that only a complete idiot would believe. Guess what? The vast majority of them were complete idiots, and from that moment on, I was waiting for it to end.

**Winner:** Prey

Let's talk about Prey. The single lowest scored movie I've ranked on this website to date. A movie that's shot extremely well, and has a concept that lends itself to a lot of fun potential horror plots. For those that don't know, Prey follows five friends in the woods on a trip, and they start getting hunted. The director was clearly trying to make a statement about selfishness vs. selflessness, and I'm all for that being the main theme of a story. That's where the good ends.

Take the stupidity from Halloween Kills and Voyagers and multiply it by 1,000 for this movie. None of these characters have any business being in the woods let alone modern society. I legitimately asked myself multiple times throughout this movie how these characters made it into their 20's and 30's being as stupid as they are. Now I've never been hunted by someone but if I were to be hunted I can promise you it would not involve me slowly walking in broad daylight and talking in my normal voice (and louder) to bicker with my friends while someone is trying to kill me. They are given favorable situations to defend themselves on numerous occasions and never take these holy grail opportunities to stop this person.

Speaking of this person, she's a random woman, hunting these people for no reason, because other hunters killed her daughter years ago. It has nothing to do with these people, and she's in no way built up as a real threat. It's laughable that this random mom is able to track and dismantle these five men with how incompetent she is. Then again, she probably found these people to be as unlikeable as audiences did, and decided to do us all a favor and kill them off. In fact, I'm actually going to assume that's the case from this point forward because she also kills herself at the end. No spoiler warning because you don't want to be one the people like me who sat through this terrible movie that according to Rotten Tomatoes audience score 3% of audiences enjoyed.

This was an awful, awful movie, and I recommend no one see it ever. It's not bad in a fun way, it's bad in an infuriating way. Horrible characters, horrible decisions, and horrible motivations ran rampant in this, and the most enjoyment I've gotten out of seeing it is constantly shitting on it.

The I Feel Like I'm Taking Crazy Pills Award

Other nominees: Chaos Walking, Shadow in the Cloud

**Runner-Up:** Venom 2

I enjoyed the first Venom, and was excited for a sequel once we heard saw Carnage was coming. The trailer came out, and red flags rose up. It looked like they doubled down on the humor and silliness, and toned down everything else. That's exactly what happened.

I will always remember this movie for one thing and one thing only-being the film the I realized was going to suck in the quickest amount of time. It took me 20-30 seconds to realize it was going to be bad time as we are dubbing voices over weirdly shot scenes for ridiclous looking characters. The film then proceeded to make 90 minutes feel like 150, and I couldn't wait to get out of the theater. The only other thing I remember thinking was man, imagine how cool a real Venom vs. Carnage movie would be, as if this didn't actually count. I have no idea why it isn't absolutely wrecked on movie watching sites.

**Winner:** Dear Evan Hansen

Here is a soapbox movie for me. Dear Evan Hansen is a really good movie, and tons of the criticism regarding it is woefully lacking in nuance. When you read moments off a script without context it can sound like there are some ridiculous things in this movie but within the actual story being told make a ton of sense when you realize you're dealing with a shy, mentally troubled teen who was thrust into a situation he wasn't remotely capable of dealing with emotionally or mentally.

Another thing people mistakenly say this movie does is that it glorifies suicide. To those making that point I ask, did you watch this movie? There is one character who commits suicide, and his family is on the verge of an absolute collapse until Evan as an outside force gives them something new to grab onto and rally around. Without Evan, those parents are divorced within months, and their daughters life is ruined. Instead, the only person who truly sees their life ruined is Evan. On top of this, Evan's entire arc is about overcoming his own failed attempt at suicide, and growing to the point where he can deal with problems is a healthier way and move forward.

How the fuck does that glorify suicide? It's the complete opposite, and the amount of people triggered by the concept who negatively scored this movie without watching and dealing with context is borderline sickening. In reality, this is a touching, emotional movie on the complexity of suicide and mental health, and features a lot of tremendous music and emotional moments. It's a feel good story, and the fact that it's not viewed as such is pretty fucking stupid.

The Heath Ledger Joker Award

Other nominees: Albert Sparma-The Little Things, Captain Boun-Raya and the Last Dragon, Evan Hansen-Dear Evan Hansen, H-Wrath of Man, Hutch-Nobody, Joe Deacon-The Little Things, Kurt Warner-American Underdog, Nolan Booth-Red Notice, Paul-Dune, Peacemaker-The Sucide Squad, Rengoku-Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, Roy-Boss Level, Shang Chi-Shang Chi, Vanderohe-Army of the Dead

**Runner-Up:** James Bond (No Time to Die)

There were a lot of contenders this year. I decided to give the edge to James Bond at this spot for a few reasons. Daniel Craig did an exceptional job in his final outing as the character, I thought the character had a great arc, and the end of the character was a touching conclusion and moment for the actor, character, and series. Bond was simultaneously badass, relatable, emotionally detached with a repressed anger and yet still compassionate. It was a strong final look at this version of the character at that was the extra bump needed to separate from a batch of other strong contenders.

**Winner:** Guy (Free Guy)

Ryan Reynolds at his best really. This was a concept we are seeing more and more of these days, and honestly as far as live action production goes this is the best of the bunch simply because Guy is such a fun, likeable character to root for. Ryan Reynolds playing himself is always fun but the naivety and innocence he adds to his sarcastic fit and comedic timing in this role really takes things up a notch. This movie was so much better than it should've been because he absolutely kills it whenever he's on screen.

The Chloë Grace Moretz Hit-Girl Award

Other nominees: Anna-The Protege, Asuna-Aria of a Starless Night, Giulia-Luca, Hannah-Those Who Wish Me Dead, Kate-Kate, Millie-Free Guy, Pohebe-Ghostbusters Afterlife, Ratcatcher II-The Suicide Squad, Raya-Raya and The Last Dragon, Sam-Gunpowder Milkshake, Wan Yen-Boss Level, Zoey-Escape Room 2

**Runner-Up:** Maude Garrett (Shadow in the Cloud)

Fitting that the actress the award is named after has another character worth mentioning. CGM, like Reynolds, is such a likeable person on screen, and she did a tremendous job in this movie that hardly anyone knows about or saw. The premise is she's on board a plane in WWII pretending to be someone she's not, and then things escalate. It's a really tense film that constantly has you on the edge of your seat. The vast majority of the movie is told focusing entirely on Garrett in a cockpit-esque compartment by herself, and her reacting to the people and things around her. The film takes you in a direction your not expecting at all, and then you realize while she's portrayed this feeble character she's actually tremendously strong willed and a huge badass. It's worth a watch. Maude Garrett is a top notch character.

**Winner:** Yelena Belova (Black Widow)

Marvel has found their next superstar. Florence Pugh (and Yelena) is someone I imagine is going to pop up on here many times down the line. Yelena is the Tony Stark of MCU females, and it's going to show time and time again. She stole the show in Black Widow, and then returned in Hawkeye just to show us yes she really is as awesome as we thought. There really isn't much else to say. Her charisma, comedic timing, and character nuances are going to propel her to be one of the MCU's most popular character sooner than later.

The Sammers Random Character Who Needs a Spinoff Award

Other nominees: Guy who dove at Spiderman-Spider Man: No Way Home, Jaren-Old, Noi-Raya and the Last Dragon, Vanderohe & Dieter-Army of the Dead, Wan Yen-Boss Level

**Runner-Up:** David Mansell (Nobody)

Chirstopher Lloyd as a badass retired assassin. Who the fuck wouldn't want to see that?

**Winner:** Anthony J. Lamb (Copshop)

Potentially the best villain of 2021, Anthony J. Lamb steals the show in Copshop, a movie I had no idea existed until a few days before it came out. I'm not going to spoil much because I genuinely believe people should watch this movie and see this performance for themselves. Basically, this guy is batshit fucking insane in the most entertaining way possible, and has the most epic one liners since White Goodman in Dodgeball. Anthony J. Lamb is someone who needs to return on screen in some capacity.

The Right in the Feels Emotional Moment Award

Other nominees: Clay Callaway return performance-Sing 2, Kurt proposes-American Underdog, Luca gets a train ticket-Luca, Make sure his girls are taken care of-Worth, Miguel's mom gets a funeral-The Marksmen, Mirabel gets a door-Encanto, Rengoku sees his mom-Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, Rick & Katie-The Mitchell's vs. The Machines, Spengler gets a moment with his daughter-Ghostbusters Afterlife, You will be found-Dear Evan Hansen

**Runner-Up:** Spider-Man saves MJ (Spider-Man: No Way Home)

My favorite moment of an all around great movie. Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man returns and we see a situation identical to that of Amazing Spider-Man 2, where Gwen Stacy falls from a building, and he dives after her, desperately trying to save her only to be one second too late, and lose the love of his life. In this movie, Tom Holland's Spider-Man sees MJ falling, and makes his dive. However, Green Goblin attacks him, and no one is left to save her. In comes Garfield, making the dive and catching her at the last moment.

It's such a powerful moment for any fan of these movies because you know how hard that was on that version of Peter, and for him to 'redeem himself' by saving MJ here had to mean so much to the character. The emotion conveyed by Garfield after he saves her is so real, and so well done. It was such an unexpected but obviously amazing way to redeem his character, and Garfield did a perfect job of expressing everything I was feeling from the audience.

**Winner:** Everyone comes back (Raya and the Last Dragon)

The final touch on this awesome movie, it felt a little Endgame-esque without the immense prior buildup but with plenty of emotional impact on its own. Definitely the most tears that streamed down my face during any movie this year. An awesome feel good moment, with elements of trust and sacrifice, and epicly emotional music.

The Sammers Best Scene of the Year Award

Other nominees: Hutch watches Yulian-Nobody, Godzilla beats Kong-Godzilla vs. Kong, Gorilla Scene-Bad Trip, Final Fight-World Heroes Mission, Police Station Fight-Malignant, Raya ending-Raya and the Last Dragon, Sandworm debuts-Dune, Suicide Squad kills the freedom fighters on accident-The Suicide Squad

**Runner-Up:** Tanjiro vs. Lower 3 (Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train)

I would tend to guess most people wouldn't pick this as their best moment from Mugen Train but I absolutely love the creativity involved. Yes, Rengoku's fight had a lot of emotion behind it but so did this, and it was a much more inventive fight. Tanjiro's acceptance that he needed to move on about losing his family was one thing but constantly being forced to relive it and having to commit suicide inside that realm to escape it was as unique and eye opening of an action sequence as I've ever seen. The fact that the villain tried to capitalize on it and trick Tanjiro into killing himself in reality in a moment of confusion on added to how masterfully this scene was.

**Winner:** Opening montage (Black Widow)

This scene was special to me because it was so different and powerful in a way usually the MCU isn't. With an epic rendition of Kurt Cobain's *Smells Like Teen Spirit*, we see the atrocities, the training, the lifestyle, and the background to all these things that shaped Natasha into the assassin that she became. It's one of the best MCU scenes ever, perfectly tied to the music, and gives so much more emotional depth and background to the now-deceased Avenger in only a few minutes of finely edited clips.

The Sammers Best Movie of the Year Award

Other nominees:

**Runner-Up:** Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train

Arguably the best anime movie I've ever seen, and not arguably the highest grossing anime movie of all time. It starts off a little silly, and in all honesty I wasn't that big of a Demon Slayer guy before it, but Mugen Train completely won me over. From the epic fight described above, to cementing the legacy of Rengoku in anime history, to the moments each main character got to flesh out their desire further, and where it sends things going forward, Mugen Train hits on every level.

There are so many memorable moments in this movie for a variety of different reasons. The comedy of Inosuke and Zenitsu in their dreams, to the emotion behind Tanjiro's or the death of Rengoku, to the epic fight with Lower 3, Akaza and the Thunderclap, this movie was an absolute ride. This and World Heroes Mission definitely had the best action scenes of the year.

**Winner:** Raya and the Last Dragon

Finally, our big winner: Raya and the Last Dragon. From a movie I knew nothing about to the best movie of the year. A movie that teaches lessons of trust, growth, and working together. I won't get into the plot much, I'd rather you go see it yourself. This is a movie that shows unity, and that people can come together regardless of who they are, where they are from, and what they have done. A movie that shows sometimes you have to take the first step to settle scores with enemies or they will never end.

From start to finish this movie was fantastic. It has such a likeable band of characters that you grow to love, realistic emotional conflicts, and lessons that can apply to all of us. I'm a sucker for a great animated feel-good movie, and this is one of the absolute best that genre has to offer. Everyone I went with was tearing up throughout, and rightfully so. I think I'll celebrate the end of this list, and the start of the New Year by watching it again.

## Past Winners

2020 Award Winners

2019 Award Winners

2018 Award Winners

2017 Winners

2016 Winners

## 2021 Movie of the Month Winners

January **Shadow in the Cloud**

February **N/A**

March **Raya and the Last Dragon**

April **Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train**

May **Wrath of Men**

June **The Mitchell's vs. The Machines**

July **Black Widow**

August **Free Guy**

September **Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings**

October **My Hero Academia: World Heroes Mission**

November **Ghostbusters: Afterlife**

December **American Underdog**