Most Likely to Cause Flashback Whiplash
The Imitation Game — We have to admit, it took a little time for us to get used to the fact that there are three different time periods shown or being referenced throughout the movie. Of course, the flashbacks that show Alan Turing as a school boy are easy to distinguish from the later timelines (mostly because the earliest flashbacks don’t have Benedict Cumberbatch) but the other two take a bit of work to tell apart. Going back and forth between all of the different time periods sometimes makes our heads spin as we watch the movie.
Best and Most Organized Collection of Home Videos
Boyhood — While it does have a relatively cohesive story to it, Boyhood really feels like a well-curated collection of home videos. There are no transitions between years and ages but you can tell when the film skips forward a few months. Plus, family members or friends just kind of drop out of the picture with no explanation about where they went or what they’re doing now. More than anything, Boyhood will always be known for Richard Linklater’s innovative idea to shoot a movie over 12 years (not the plot), so it’s basically just like a stack of home video VHS tapes put onto a DVD by your local Sam’s Club.
Most Underappreciated Film of the Year
Selma — Not to mention undervalued and under-discussed, Selma is the one film this year that we believe has gotten the shaft the most. We’ll admit that Selma wasn’t high up on our list of Oscars 2015 Best Picture nominees that we wanted to see. At least, at first. But that’s mostly because we hadn’t heard anyone talking about it. At all. Selma is an incredibly well-done film that’s moving and gut-wrenching. It’s a real crime that this film hasn’t gotten more attention. Hopefully last night’s ceremony will change that because this is a great movie with quite a bit of emotional heft.
Strangest Use of Bees as a Plot Device
Jupiter Ascending — Though it just came out a few weeks ago, Jupiter Ascending really cleaned up when it comes to our auxiliary awards. In addition to “Strangest Use of Bees as a Plot Device,” the movie also wins “Most Unnecessary Orgy Scene,” “Most Surprising Non-Death,” “Best Use of a Movie as a Commercial for Haute Couture,” and “Greatest Incorporation of an Oedipus Complex.” No, Jupiter Ascending isn’t the greatest movie we’ve ever seen, but, as evidenced by these awards, it’s definitely worth watching.
Most Likely to Be Mistaken for an Animated Film
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies — It’s no secret that the Hobbit trilogy uses a lot of CGI and special effects. However, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies uses so much that it could honestly probably have been in contention for Oscars 2015 Best Animated Feature Film when the Academy was choosing its nominees. Seriously though. We’re not saying it’s a good or a bad thing. It just changes the way we look at the story.
Everyone’s Secret Best Picture of the Year
Guardians of the Galaxy — Could this award go to any movie but Guardians of the Galaxy? Guardians was one of the highest-grossing films in 2014. Not only that, but it’s one of the best-reviewed and most-well liked of the highest grossing films of the year. While we’re overjoyed that it was nominated for two Oscars 2015 categories this year, we still secretly consider it to be Best Picture of the Year in our hearts.
Most Awesome Movie of the Year
The Lego Movie — Because The Lego Movie is awesome and we just want to remind everyone of that.
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