Confessions of a Reel Whore, Part V

Picking up where I left off in Day 4, I'd like to continue with what makes a movie memorable. One of the most important contributions to the cinematic experience is always in the supporting shadow. I am, of course, referring to the animals. To rectify this gross exclusion from the award community, I'd like to present the next award.

Award #7: Most Memorable Animals: Solo or Ensemble Performance of 2007

The Sloppy Seconds:

Pencil (Year of the Dog) - Typically insufferable SNL alum Molly Shannon gives a surprising performance that ranges from sad to neurotic. I contend that she was moved by the presence (and absence) of her accomplished supporting canine thespian.

Monkey (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End) - Although new to the role of Jack, this capuchin breathes much of the life into this plodding installment of the once great franchise. Jack ignites the fireworks, gets the gun, battles the villains and stands with the minority in the rescue of Captain Jack. Not too shabby.

Snake (The Darjeeling Limited) - Like his forked tongue, this poisonous creature's presence was two-fold. It emphasized Peter's completely irresponsible and childish nature, and was the reason the Brothers Whitman found themselves ejected out of the creature comforts of the Darjeeling and into the wild.

Penguins (Good Luck Chuck) - I swear Alba and the penguins must have the same agent cuz they've both in tons of films in recent years. I wonder, which client is hired for its talent and not for its looks?!

Goats (Stardust) - Recently, goats seem to be demoted to filler farm characters, but there was a time when they got steady work. This lucky pair got substantial screen time by hauling Michele Pfieffer around chariot-style. Hey, everyone's gotta work.

Rat (Shoot 'Em Up) - You may remember this little fellow as an integral part of Mr. Smith's elaborate lock mechanism guarding his lair. More of a quirky appearance than a meaty role, but it's probably better than receiving scale for a scurry-on in Willard.

And the award for Most Memorable Animal: Solo or Ensemble Performance of 2007 goes to:

Samantha a.k.a. Sam

(I Am Legend)

The clear-cut winner is Abby, portraying faithful companion to Will Smith's Robert Neville. Sam proves to be the rock of determination behind Neville's cause in this overly depressing tale. Plus she gets the pleasure of having more snuggle time than Salli Richardson got.

After recognizing the best animal performances of the year, I'd be remiss not to mention the greatest creation of a quality film. The efforts of the actor, the writer, and the director combine to create a character that makes a lasting impression on the viewer and takes the film to a whole new level. What follows are the 7 best characters this past year.

Award #8: Most Memorable Characters of 2007

The Sloppy Seconds:

Anton Chigurh (No Country for Old Men): His menacing look, creepy demeanor, the whacked-out 'do, and, oh yeah, his penchant for bloodshed etches this villain into your very soul.

Jude Quinn (I'm Not There): Of the six representations of Dylan, Quinn is the most prolific, entertaining, crass and downright enjoyable. If only the whole film had been about shim I might have enjoyed it more.

Leslie Vernon (Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon): This title character may seem like a given, but the fresh addition of this face to the iconic-slasher circuit just warmed my heart. Vernon strikes the perfect balance between jovial personality and unyielding murderous determination.

Machete (Grindhouse): How cool is it that a character from a fake trailer has garnered enough hype that an actual movie has been greenlit? Now that's truly a memorable feat, and I'm not just saying that because I'm a fan of Danny F'n Trejo!

Andy Hanson (Before the Devil Knows You're Dead): Andy is a character with a total lack of character. How dark and twisted is a man that would rob his own parents and swindles his brother into helping?

Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street): Don't be quick to judge the vicious Todd. His life and love were stolen. Mrs. Lovett kept his razors, withheld the truth, suggested the meat, encouraged the butchery and sold the pies. Who was the true demon of Fleet Street?

And the award for Most Memorable Character of 2007 goes to:

McLovin a.k.a Fogell

(Superbad)

18-year old high school student Fogell, a.k.a. the 25-year old McLovin from Hawaii, delivers up laugh after laugh while the main best-bud characters come to terms with growing up. He rolled with the po-po, battled street urchins and told the hot high school chick what time it was. The cinematic icon of 2007 is McLovin!

Join me tomorrow for Day 6 of my Confessions (assuming my fingers don't fall off while typing). The only two named prizes, the Que Ridiculo! Award and Paula Jai Parker Award, await so don't miss out!