Carved almost verbatim from Cormac McCarthy’s compelling novel, “The Road” is a depressing, gut-wrenching journey that is strangely uplifting at its core, writes Kit Bowen in her review of the potential Oscar contender. Bowen interviewed the film’s star Viggo Mortensen last week.

James Cameron has another blockbuster set for release soon in “Avatar,” which promises to be in the Oscar hunt. Blockbusters do not often win Best Picture, but movies like “The Return of the King” and Cameron’s own “Titanic” have bucked the trend. Can “Avatar” join them? Bryce Van Kooten reports.

Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is nothing short of fantastic, says Seth Keim is his review of the movie. The film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel just might have what it takes to challenge perceived favorite “Up” for Best Animated Film at the Oscars.

Viggo Mortensen is introspective in discussing his latest film “The Road,” an adaptation of the post-apocalyptic novel by Cormac McCarthy. Kit Bowen sits down with Mortensen for the first ever AwardsPicks interview, and discusses everything from his son to the Oscar buzz surrounding the film.

The much anticipated “Where the Wild Things Are” won’t be up for too many Oscars, with the possibly exception of Best Original Score, writes Christa Youngpeter. But the film adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s children’s book is mostly entertaining, and it works for both kids and adults.

While the Academy expanded to 10 Best Picture nominees, the acting categories remain at five nominees each. Pity the poor actors, writes Jeremy Martin, who sizes up the early race for these Oscars. Daniel Day-Lewis (right) is likely to be a candidate for his third Oscar with “Nine.”

Usually mid-year releases don’t contend at the Oscars, but “The Hurt Locker” could buck the trend. Paul Popiel says the film is one of the year’s best, thanks largely to the explosive work of Kathryn Bigelow, who will try to become the first woman to ever win Best Director. Jeremy Renner is also up for Best Actor.

While “The Blind Side” might appear like a sappy film, it’s much more than that, writes Kit Bowen. The Michael Lewis book-turned-movie is “honest, heartfelt, and surprisingly inspirational,” thanks in part to a terrific performance from potential Oscar candidate Sandra Bullock.

With a witty script and terrific dialogue, “Pirate Radio” is a joy to watch, says Colin Campbell. Academy favorite Phillip Seymour Hoffman puts in a memorable performance, but the supporting cast is also worth taking notice.

Two late-summer action flicks generated positive reviews and entered the Oscar discussion. With 10 nominees for Best Picture, both “District 9″ and “Inglourious Basterds” have a shot. Seth Keim compares the two films and offers his choice for a spot in the Final 10.