What to Choose....

This year, the Motion Picture of Association of America expanded the Best Picture nominations from five choices to ten. As many of you know, I do like to try to see all of the BP Noms so I have been quite the film attendee these last few weeks. Without further adieu, here are my takes on each of the nominees.

The Blind Side

I just got back from seeing this film. It tells the story of Michael Oher, current right tackle of the Baltimore Ravens, and how he overcame great adversity to be the star he is today. Sandra Bullock stars as Oher's foster mom and, aside from looking schmokin' hot the entire film, delivers and excellent performance. It's a good film but very Karate Kid-ish in several parts.

Avatar

While there is no doubt that this film is visually stunning, the plot is on the thin side. And, of course, very predictable. Many have called this the "Star Wars" of this generation. I have one word for people who have this in their head.

No.

District 9

Loads of shit blowing up...aliens...humans and a poignant message to boot? This is a very good film but when placed next to some others on this list, it's not a Best Picture. Many of my friends went ga ga over the slavery message but I wasn't all that gooey eyed over what is clearly a work of fiction. Perhaps some of them need to pick up a history book for a little dose of reality.

An Education

1962. London. Hot Brit Chick. One would think that this would be my choice but, again, it's just too simple of a plot. There is a great exchange between Carey Mulligan (the previously mentioned hot Brit chick) and Emma Thompson on the topic of Jewish people and Jesus, though, that alone is worth the price of admission

A Serious Man

Just a fantastic film especially for those who like the song "Somebody to Love" by Jefferson Airplane which is played about a dozen times throughout the story. The Coen Brothers homage to their childhood in St Louis Park, Minnesota which was, in fact, filmed here in my state. Filled with all the usual Coen cheer:)

Up

The first 10 minutes of the film are extraordinary...a dagger of pure pathos. But then we segue into the usual journey that leads to redemption fare that makes up virtually all animated features these days. Honestly, not even in my top five of this list.

Up in the Air

Jason Reitman, the director of this film as well as Juno and Thank You For Not Smoking, has become the storyteller du jour in Tinsel Town these days and it certainly is not without reason. His pacing and style are excellent and Clooney, as always, is just fucking gorgeous. I take great comfort in the fact that he is pushing 50 and still looks as good as he does. It gives me hope.

Inglorious Bastards

I love Tarrentino. He's just money. Period. Any thing he touches, it turns to gold. This WWII Jewish revenge flick is so wonderful I could probably write a novel about it. Christopher Waltz is just fantastic and the scene in the basement bar should be studied in every single storytelling class for the rest of time under the heading How To Build Tension. Brad Pitt, as always, is mega and the end is so crazy I laughed for hours afterward. In fact, I'm chuckling right now as I write this as I still can't believe what he did to resolved the story.

This film is in my top three of this list.

Precious

My favorite of the ten but sadly the one that won't win. It's dark, depressing, and all too real. If you want to see the failure of our culture on as many levels as you can imagine, go and see this film. The performances are extraordinary. Gabourey Sidibe is amazing in the lead and Mo'Nique, as her mother, is just chilling...the nightmare of any social services worker and the rock bottom example of a parent.

Be warned that if you decide to see this film it will forever alter you. Quite frankly, it's almost too much.

The Hurt Locker

My prediction for the winner tomorrow night. It's got the mo and it has the story. Jeremy Renner is fantastic as bomb disposal officer in Iraq. I have spoken to several people who served in Iraq and AfPak and they assure me that this is EXACTLY what it is like. The tension and anxiety is almost unbearable at points. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as they came upon each new site looking for IEDs. The camera work is stark..graphic...and perfectly barren. There's a shot at the end...I don't want to give away what happens...but will talk about it in comments if anyone else has seen it.

So, how about you? What are your picks?