Blogging Oscar Hopefuls

I know I kind of dropped the ball on my 'Top Chef' review/recap posts. I discovered quickly that pausing and rewinding and note-taking during my initial viewing of each episode (usually on their first-run-time, which is late for me!) really diminished my enjoyment of the show. My next plan of attack was to save them on the DVR and do a re-watch. Worked better, but ended up being very time-consuming - meaning it was hard to find a 2-hour block in which to do this. I will try to redeem myself for the finale episodes, but don't spoil tonight's because I will not be watching it. My husband is out-of-town for a conference and it's something we watch together. Onward...

My dear readers followed me last year on my 2nd attempt to watch every movie (and short) nominated for an Oscar (the ones they show on tv, not the ones given out 2 days before). I believe I'm committed for a 3rd year, so I thought I'd go ahead and get started and tell you about the ones I've seen. This list is based on predictions made on Vanity Fair's "Little Gold Men" blog - my foremost source on Oscar action. Let us commence!

* "Where the Wild Things Are" (Dark Horse prediction for Best Picture and Best Director, prediction for Best Adapted Screenplay; I would at least add a pick for both Best Original Score and Best Costume) - I may be one of the few who genuinely liked this movie. I was so excited about it as soon as I learned Spike Jonze and Karen O were attached to it and got goosebumps each time I saw the beautiful, emotional trailer featuring "Wake Up" by the Arcade Fire. I liked that the fuzzy line between fantasy and reality is never addressed and leaves the viewer to decide. I know a lot of people thought this movie was too angry for a 'children's movie,' but the whole story is about an angry kid, of course his fantasy (or experience...) are going to reflect that. The monsters were fun and monster-y. I will say that it did drag a bit and felt much longer than it's 90 minutes. Best Picture - no, but Good Picture - yes.

* "The Hangover" (Dark Horse prediction for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor - Zach Galifianakis) - It's possible "The Hangover" may be the reason for the Best Picture category to now include 10 films. The critical and commercial ($$$) acclaim for this movie was outstanding. I believe the thought is, why shouldn't a fun, funny, raunchy movie be the Best Picture of the year? Everyone freakin' loved it, including myself. I laughed the entire time, even when it got a little ridiculous - and anytime Zach G. can get some attention, I'm there. I don't think it will win Best Picture, but the consideration is well deserved.

* "Public Enemies" (Dark Horse prediction for Best Picture and Best Actor - Johnny Depp) - Has Johnny Depp won an Oscar yet? He should have. Although I wanted this movie to come together a little better, Johnny Depp is sensational and sympathetic as bank robber (and murderer, I suppose) John Dillinger. The ending is a bit anti-climactic and Christian Bale doesn't quite deliver, but it was a fun night at the movies (I remember we were at the Drafthouse and I had their Green Chile Mac & Cheese, highly recommended). Again - a no on Best Picture (I don't think it will be nominated), but I think it's possible Johnny could pull down a statue for this one.

* "Star Trek" (Dark Horse prediction for Best Picture, surely at least effects nominiations) - I actually have never watched the original "Star Trek" series (I was more of a 'Next Generation' sort of girl), but this movie made me want to. This interpretation, set in the future or the past, is fast-paced (but not in a breakneck-I-have-no-idea-what's-going-on type of way) and fun the whole way through. I'm sure it was filled with great bits for Trekkies, but is easily as enjoyable for someone not too familiar with the backstory (myself). The character development and effects were great and I was never bored. This film definitely deserves recognition.

* "Julie & Julia" (prediction for Best Actress - Meryl Streep; Best Supporting Actor - Stanley Tucci; Dark Horse prediction for Best Adapted Screenplay) - I know I'm hearing a collective "duh" out there. Meryl Streep is so hot right now - and you all know it. She shines in this movie and as best I can tell, really captures the natural charm of Julia Child. I found I looked forward to the Julia parts more than the Julie parts while watching and I love Amy Adams, too. I think Stanley Tucci is a stretch for a nomination. He is supporting so far as he plays a very supportive spouse, but I wouldn't say he's particularly special in this role. I like him, so the recognition is exciting. I don't think it will end up with Best Adapted Screenplay - the real magic here was adapting the blog into the book - the movie part is easier after that (I guess except for the incorporation of the Julia Child story...hmm...let me think on this...). For sure Meryl (at least) will get nominated and not having seen any of the other films, I'd give her at least a 50% shot at winning at this point.

* "Up" (prediction for Best Animated Film and Best Original Screenplay) - Total dead lock for Best Animated Film. Like "Wall-E" before it, this movie should be up for Best Picture, hands down. If you didn't see this in 3-D, you missed out, but you should still run out and see it RIGHT NOW. Who would have thought a curmudgeonly Ed Asner and initially irritating scout could capture love so well? I guess the same people who knew we would fall in love with a robot. The colors are gorgeous and the story enveloping. This movie should win all it can.

Well, does seeing 6 count at all? I guess we'll see in the coming weeks when nominations will be announced. Would you like a shortened re-cap of Little Gold Men's other picks? Well, here it is:

LGM legit picks - Hurt Locker, A Serious Man, Up in the Air, The Lovely Bones, Invictus, Precious, Inglorious Basterds, Nine, An Education, Avatar, Crazy Heart, A Single Man, The Last Station, It's Complicated, Whatever Works

LGM Dark Horse picks - Fantastic Mr. Fox, Bright Star, The Informant, Amelia, Brothers, Sherlock Holmes, The Road, Trucker, Broken Embraces, The Stoning of Soraya M., The Messenger, (500) Days of Summer

Happy Watching!