There are two films on the 2012 "Best Picture" list that I just don't get. One just surprises me because I don't think it's that great of film..more of a one trick pony...and that's The Artist. After the first couple of minutes of silent movie novelty, I'm thinking..uh OK...now what?*
But the other---the one Brad Pit wondered aloud what it was about (and he was the star!) is The Tree of Life.....which I not only don't see as a Best Picture contender, but hated! Perhaps if I had looked more at the movie poster I would have resisted seeing it? The fact that it ended up actually nominated may say some something about the chasm between reviewers and the people who actually pay to go to movies. If it wins, there ought to be a revolt against reviewers everywhere.
War Horse is a touch too Disney, manipulative and predictable, The Help (a local favorite because of Octavia Spencer) is good, but great? Like absolute best picture? Maybe not.
I have not seen some of the other front runners, like The Descendants and Hugo, but since I kinda despise Sacha whatever his name is, I'll let that bias eliminate the latter. I like George Cloony, who makes great acting look like a walk across the street, so I'll put that--unseen!---towards the top. As for Incredibly Big and Very Nearby, or whatever that forgettable name is, sorry, but 9-11 is still a touch close for me to enjoy Hollywood's take on it (even with Tom Hanks!).
For a story well told and well acted, my money is on Moneyball.
And baseball isn't exactly my sport.
The envelope, please?
The Oscars air on ABC next Sunday at 6:00pm Central.
[UPDATE: The L.A. Times today reports the Academy members who cast the votes are hardly a snapshot of American 2012...mostly old white guys.]
[*UPDATE #2: Some movie goers in London demanded their money back because they didn't know The Artist was a silent movie.]
War Horse is a touch too Disney, manipulative and predictable, The Help (a local favorite because of Octavia Spencer) is good, but great? Like absolute best picture? Maybe not.
I have not seen some of the other front runners, like The Descendants and Hugo, but since I kinda despise Sacha whatever his name is, I'll let that bias eliminate the latter. I like George Cloony, who makes great acting look like a walk across the street, so I'll put that--unseen!---towards the top. As for Incredibly Big and Very Nearby, or whatever that forgettable name is, sorry, but 9-11 is still a touch close for me to enjoy Hollywood's take on it (even with Tom Hanks!).
For a story well told and well acted, my money is on Moneyball.
And baseball isn't exactly my sport.
The Oscars air on ABC next Sunday at 6:00pm Central.
[UPDATE: The L.A. Times today reports the Academy members who cast the votes are hardly a snapshot of American 2012...mostly old white guys.]
[*UPDATE #2: Some movie goers in London demanded their money back because they didn't know The Artist was a silent movie.]
Just saw The Artist today and totally agree. Kept hoping to see the point, but never did. Maybe that is the point? Liked Moneyball and The Help, but neither deserve Best Picture. Hope to see a couple more of the nominees this week. - Sandra Langston
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