Who needs Oscar when you have Bennie?

I talked with several students at Benton High School about what they felt were this year’s best movies. Some films were popular, some were called stupid, some were considered outright hilarious and some were recognized as “pee-your-pants” scary.

They may not be the Academy, but the students at Benton know what they like (and what they don’t). Although several films were discussed, here are the clear-cut favorites:

Funniest movie: “You Don’t Mess With The Zohan”

While “Tropic Thunder and “Pineapple Express” also were mentioned, “Zohan” is a widespread favorite at Benton. Students enjoyed the silly humor and Sandler’s performance as the hairdressing special forces soldier from Israel.

“I like all of Adam Sandler’s movies, but this was probably his best one since ‘Big Daddy,’” says Landon Davis, a freshman at Benton.

Scariest movie: “The Happening”

“Saw V” was the choice among the few who saw it, but M. Night Shyamalan’s most recent mystery creeper had the girls going. The film features a pandemic of mass suicides spreading throughout the Northeast. Just before death, everything becomes silent.

“It was creepy. Now every time the wind blows, I pee myself,” jokes sophomore Marissa Hebb.

Most memorable scene: The bully toss in “Hancock”

While “Hancock” got mixed reviews by critics, it seemed to be a popular movie with the younger students. One scene, in particular, was recalled a few times. In the film, Hancock (played by Will Smith) saves a kid who is being bullied by another. After the bully calls Hancock a dirty word, he throws him high into the air using his super strength.

“He comes flying down and (Hancock) just catches him with one arm! Then the kid runs away crying. It’s awesome,” says Ethan Roach, a freshman.

Worst movie: “Prom Night”

No one seemed to like this one. Students said that it was very cliche, the acting was terrible and the villain in the movie was not frightening at all. Also, the plot lacked originality.

“It was just way too predictable,” says freshman Kelly Taylor.

Best movie: “Iron Man”

Robert Downey Jr. revitalized his career by playing Iron Man/Tony Stark in this highly touted flick. Students said that the story and cast were excellent and, along with “The Dark Knight,” it raised the bar for every superhero movie that will follow.

“I liked the story and the graphics,” explains senior Megan Lengdon. “It was new and exciting. And it was a lot better than ‘Spider-Man.’”

Lifestyles reporter Shea Conner can be reached at sheaconner@npgco.com