The Plugged In Movie Awards 2021: And the Winners Are …

LISTEN TO THE PLUGGED IN SHOW, EPISODE 69.5

Have your tux on? Your sequined dress? Your COVID-19-required mask or vaccination certificate? If so (or even if not), come right in, sit yourself down and prepare for the official unveiling of the Plugged In Movie Awards—newly nicknamed “the Pluggys,” a suggestion courtesy Plugged In user Bruce in our blog. Thanks, Bruce! And if you want to go behind the curtain, click on the link above to hear exactly what our deliberations sounded like.

So with no further ado … the envelope please!

Best Movie for Kids

The Nominees: Black Beauty; The Croods: A New Age; Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey; Onward; Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarves

The Pluggy goes to … Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.

It was an upset, to be sure. A Christmas movie? Against titanic contenders from Disney, Pixar and DreamWorks? But in one of the PIMA’s most passionate discussions, Netflix’s Jingle Jangle narrowly squeaked out a win, thanks to its winsome messages, wholesome vibe and pretty good music.

Your vote: Onward

Despite a wee bit of controversy, Pixar’s pre-COVID flick won your hearts. The story of two brothers on their quixotic quest to get another day with their long-dead dad was charming, sweet and pretty funny. The vote was close, with Jingle Jangle and Black Beauty scoring plenty of support as well. But in the end, Onward moved forward.

Best Movie for Teens

The Nominees: Come Play; Enola Holmes; Mulan; Personal History of David Copperfield; Safety

The Pluggy goes to … Personal History of David Copperfield.

With no real blockbusters to consider, this category was thrown wide open this year, leading to some unexpected nominees. A horror movie? A period drama? Who would’ve thunk it? And yet, when our final votes were tallied, David Copperfield proved to be the clear winner. This delightfully told tale (based, of course, on Charles Dickens’ novel) made good on its own promising beginning and ran away with the Pluggy. It’s funny. It’s well made. And underneath its Victorian garb, it contains some really nice messages, too.

Your Vote: Enola Holmes

It’s the second film from Netflix to snag a prestigious Plugged In honor, this one bestowed by you. The fun, slightly scary and pretty clean story of Sherlock Holmes’ little sister proved to be too charming for our readers to pass up.

Best Movie for Adults

The Nominees: The Father; Greyhound; Hamilton; Minari; News of the World

The Pluggy goes to … Minari

This category always makes for a spirited discussion in the Plugged In office. And, honestly, it began a bit earlier than normal this year, as we tried to figure out whether Disney+’s Hamilton belonged in the teens or the adults discussion. Profanity finally pushed it into the latter, where it eventually fell to the poignant family story of Minari. Not many people have had the chance to see this gem yet. But it’s up for six Oscars (in addition to winning our own prestigious honor), so you might want to put it on your short list.

Your Vote: Hamilton

Hamilton didn’t throw away its shot with Plugged In readers. This Broadway phenomenon-turned-Disney+ hit rocked the voting, singing and dancing its way into your collective hearts. Fun, educational and rather touching, Hamilton adds yet another trophy to its case.

Best Christian Movie

The Nominees: Fatima; I Still Believe; Selfie Dad; Switched; When We Last Spoke

The Pluggy goes to … I Still Believe

This drama, based on the real story of Christian singer Jeremy Camp and his wife, isn’t the easiest Christian movie to watch. In fact, tissues are seriously recommended. But the movie tackles an issue that many Christians face: Where is God in the midst of our tragedies? This powerful, poignant film offers a hint or two.

Your Vote: Switched

Who says that Christians don’t laugh? Two nominees, Switched and Selfie Dad, upend that stereotype, and Switched giggled all the way to this Plugged In honor. The film offers a really good message underneath the laughter, too—and emphasizes that Christian films just keep getting better and better.