Pop, Rock, and Shine

There is nothing more extraordinary than going to see what would be known as one of the hottest movies of the year. Sitting in that dark theater with hungry viewers waiting to be fulfilled keeps us on edge, and we cling to the strings of drama, razor sharp with biting intensity of suspense. Screams and gasps tingle the ears, and relief are the sea of smiles after the grisly murder scene finally ends. Minds dwell beyond imagination, worlds no longer unseen, and characters take hold of our beating hearts, never to be forgotten. And we laugh to stitches, crying hard, and we beg for more. But nothing is truly as rich as the sweet, sweet aroma of buttered popcorn that we crunch down faster and faster as crisis spirals out of control and lives dance along a fine, thin line, and we savor that taste, that drop of life that holds us to the silver screen. And as the empty bucket falls to the floor, we fade to black, chasing wisps of the blood, sweat, and tears that brought us here. It is now our turn to honor those that gave us reason to pay the high cost for the moviegoer experience but making it worthwhile once, twice, and a third time after, and the nominees are...

1. Hail to the Kings of Comedy

Ben Stiller is no stranger to the reign of Comedy, but his throne lies in jeopardy. Two wild and crazy guys seek to steal his crown, and there is no stopping their rip-roaring laughter, clever wit, and onslaught of insanity. But there can only be one. The depth of drama are the wings beneath Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock, but even they cannot fly high over the cuckoo's nest. That honor rests with the Hangover boys, Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis, but despite his good looks, Cooper may fall short upon the throne, crowning that strange, bearded man that left us stinging with tears.

2. Young Blood

Actors are like a fine wine. In time, they take root, and seeds of talent prosper, mesmerizing us with their heart and soul. Who would have thunk that the bully of Weird Science, Robert Downey, Jr. and Crybaby Johnny Depp, who suffered the wrath of Freddy Kreuger would have ignited beyond majestic heights, stealing our breath away, and leaving us wanting more? What does this say for those nominated for Best Male Performance? Channing Tatum may have earned his stripes in G.I. Joe and gripped us with intensity with his Stop-Loss, but will his passion overcome the formidable men that race him to that sweet, golden popcorn award? Or can nobody beat the two heated opponents, thriving with life, love, and lust in the saga of Twilight, but which one will win? And who would fall? Could we bat our eyes at that immortal kiss, or does our heart burn for the one ready to tear loose? And how do we choose between two men that keep us tangled in suspense?

3. Long Live Betty White

That sweet rose glistens against the teardrops of time. Soft, white petals whisper of eloquence. Grains of gold glisten along long stems of flowers forever in bloom, but never do we realize how sharp those thorns are until we sting with tears. And laughter digs into our sides while our mouths hang open in shock, and we wonder how wild the sweet, white rose really is. And will this be another moment of hers to shine? A true Queen of Comedy, here comes Betty White, honored for a WTF moment, but I fear that honor may belong to a Jack in the Box, launched from the trunk of the Hangover.

4. Breaking Through

White chalk whispers against brick walls. The hands of talent struggle to climb over unspeakable trials. The heart of drama is the burning sun bearing down, but bittersweet tears remind us that this is the struggle of life. And we can't just fall down, so we climb. The thirst to take flight is the fuel in our veins, and great heights linger over the horizon. A gentle breeze whispers of a journey waiting to be found, and laughter is the bell ready to break. And the wall begins to cave under the strength and determination that carves through us, and white chalk falls against the names forever left behind. But one man rises above the rest, filling the shoes of legend, and he is Chris Pine of Star Trek.

Cast your vote now on the MTV Movie Awards or tune in this Sunday, June 6 to discover those honored with that famous, golden popcorn award.