Welcome to Movie Smackdown! 2.0, a film review concept that sees film reviewing as a competitive sport and exists to create moments of film-on-film violence!
The concept — 2 Movies. 1 Review. No Mercy. — is the same as it’s been since we began six years ago, based on the fact that most people like to talk about and rate films in terms of the other similar films they’ve seen before. We usually put a new film coming out in theaters in the ring with an older film that’s available on DVD or download.
That part hasn’t changed but the execution has evolved. First, we have a new look — more of a site and less of a blog.
Second, while you will still hear the opinions of our multiple reviewers as we have in the past, we’re also putting you in the center of the ring where you can make the call. In the previous version of Movie Smackdown!, our SmackRefs would see a film, then break it down into our parts: Set-Up, Challenger, Defending Champion, Scorecard and Decision. In effect, our reviewers were the Ref who was judging the fight and you were sitting in the seats as part of the audience.
Now you’re a Ref, too.
Our SmackRefs will set it all up and, then you make a decision. Each Smackdown allows you to vote in an accompanying on-line poll. We also encourage you to also leave your own “review†in our Comments section.
Our old reviews will remain as “Classics†and we’ll even invite writers to create new site content we think you’ll enjoy. But the bread-and-butter (or the hook-and-uppercut) of the site will be the fact that every Smack from this point on will have its own attached poll. We’re proud to be partners with Sodahead in bringing these snazzy looking creations to you.
This year we’ll also be kicking up our Facebook and Twitter presence because, well, apparently this is absolutely essential to success in these modern times. At least that’s what our friends at Facebook and Twitter tell us.
I also want to welcome Kevin Wohler aboard as the new Editor of the site. An avid film watcher and reviewer, Kevin hangs out in Kansas but always keep one eye peeled on Hollywood. He’s a talented graphic design guy, terrific writer and an honest Ref. We’re lucky to have him.
To everyone else, come on by, cast some votes, leave your own reviews and tell your friends that the Smack is open for business in 2011!
Bryce.. let’s get Smacking!