The Challengers
Director: Drew Goddard
Writers: Joss Whedon, Drew Goddard
Stars: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison
Summary: Five students (Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams) decide to head out to a cabin in the woods for the weekend for some good ole’ college fun. Little do they know, there are sinister forces at work as two scientists (Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford) work behind the scenes to cause their deaths at the hands of the Buckners, a zombie redneck torture family (which is a completely different species than regular zombies).
Director: Adam McKay
Writers: Will Ferrell, Adam McKay
Stars: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen
Summary: NASCAR racing phenomenons Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) and Cal Naughton Jr. (John C. Reilly), also known as “Shake & Bake” are at the top of the stock car racing world as they continually win races in first and second, but are put to the ultimate test when legendary French Formula One driver Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) decides to set his site of being the best on the oval as well.
This Week’s Versus Moment: Caught in their Underwear
Melissa Picks Cabin in the Woods
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0phRCUJN3M?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0&w=9200&h=415]
The Moment: Dana (Kristen Connolly) and her roommate Jules (Anna Hutchison) are getting ready for a weekend away at a secluded cabin in the woods when Jules finds some books on Soviet economic structures in Dana’s bag. When Dana says that she’s brought them in case she gets bored, Jules looks at Dana and firmly says, “We have a lake and a keg. No more learning!” At this moment, Jules’ boyfriend, Curt (Chris Hemsworth), comes into the room and jokes with Jules about reading books and how she shouldn’t know what they are. He also points out his friend, Holden (Jesse Williams) through the window who is apparently a really sweet guy who everyone intends on setting Dana up with. After these small, clever exchanges Curt tells Dana to choose one book over another because it’s more interesting and then he says, “Also, Bennet doesn’t know it by heart so he’ll think you’re insightful … And you have no pants.” He says it as if he’s noticing it for the first time, realizes that he shouldn’t be looking, quickly averts his eyes and walks out of the room. With a completely shocked expression on her face, Dana says, “Oh!” and tries to cover herself with one of her books.
Why My Pick is the Winner: This meta horror film really turns horror tropes and stereotypes on their head and it all begins with this scene which is within the first five minutes of the film. We get a general idea for each of the characters and they really aren’t what we expect from the typical horror movie. Instead of talking about how trashed they will get over the weekend or how excited they are to get away and make bad decisions, they’re talking about bringing books on Soviet economic structures and which author will be the most interesting. Curt says it best when he jokingly says to Jules, “What are you doing with these?! Who told you about these?!” in reference to the books and Jules cries, “I learned it from watching you!” as she runs out of the room. They’re making fun of their stereotypes and letting us know that there will be more to this movie than we’re used to. This scene reaches its hilarious climax when Curt points out that Dana isn’t wearing any pants. It’s funny, it’s smart, it’s a beautiful girl in her underwear. What more could you ask for? It’s the best caught in their underwear moment.
David Picks Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JribVbv6CV4?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0&w=920&h=415]
The Moment: A former pit-crew mechanic, Ricky Bobby got the chance to race in the middle of big race when his driver bowed out while in last place. He finished third but was soon placing first where his skills behind the wheel propelled him to the very top of the NASCAR circuit. With his best friend Naughton Jr. always right behind him, they seemed an impossible team to beat. Along comes cocky racing showman, Girard who is an international star. Bobby challenges him to see who is the best driver, and Girard shows superior skills, winning the race and taking Bobby’s place as the team’s first dirver. Not wanting to give up his fame and reputation, Bobby pushes himself to hard at the next race and crashes, sending his car airborne, flipping it over several times before landing it upside down on the track in a crumpled heap. Rescue and fire crews rush to him and extricate him from the wreck. At first, he seems okay, with no obvious physical damage, but he begins yelling that he is on fire . . . even though he isn’t. Panicked, he shoves the EMT crew away and bolts down the track screaming about the horrible pain of burning. The perplexed crew stand in bewilderment, begging him to calm down but it’s no use as he drops to the pavement and starts rolling. Announcers up in the stands try to understand the odd behavior that turns even more peculiar when suddenly, Bobby is out of his driving suit and running free in only his underwear, driving gloves, socks, shoes and his helmet. He begins howling for Tom Cruise to use witchcraft to get the fire off him when Naughton Jr. bursts onto the track at a full sprint, crying in hopes that the invisible fire doesn’t burn his friend. He then tackles him and starts patting out the flames that aren’t even there.
Why My Pick is the Winner: Stripping down to one’s underwear in a movie really ends up being one of three things: very sexy, very creepy or very funny. Will Ferrell will do anything for a laugh, and fortunately, just about anything he does is funny. Never one to shy away from making himself look foolish, Ferrell has made a career out of putting himself in embarrassing situations. Ferrell knows what he’s after and makes sure to go as wild as possible, donning a pair of slightly ill-fitting tighty-whities and flopping about in frantic spasms. The addition of the socks and shoes are brilliant but it’s the bulbous helmet that really makes the moment hysterical as it gives him a kind of naughty bobblehead doll feel. The best part is the how. How did he get the fire suit off so quickly, a question that doesn’t need an answer because the fact that he did while keeping the helmet and shoes on is pure comedy gold. The best caught-in-their-underwear moment.
Which one do you think is the best?
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