Roland Emmerich sure likes to destroy the world. After causing mass destruction in “Independence Day” and “The Day After Tomorrow,” Emmerich ends all of earth in “2012.” It may not be greatest movie, but the special effects might be Oscar-worthy, writes Ayinde Waring, in his full review of the doomsday flick.
What is “The Men Who Stare At Goats” all about? Is it worth seeing at the theater? One thing it’s not is an Oscar winner, says Steve Neumann. But if you’re looking for a fun and enjoyable night at the movies, then this new film with George Clooney and an all-star cast might be for you.
Every year the Academy tweaks its show in an attempt to halt falling ratings. This year’s changes include 10 Best Picture nominees, 2 new producers, and a non-televised Governors Awards last Saturday with Lauren Bacall as one of the winners. Kit Bowen is skeptical of these changes and has her own ideas.
With the Oscars expanding to 10 nominees for Best Picture, there should be fewer “snubs” this year. Steve Gustafson wonders which films should have been considered in 5-nominee years, but wound up getting overlooked. From “Singin’ in the Rain” to “Vertigo” Gustafson has his list of seven.
According to some prognosticators, “Julie and Julia” might sneak its way into Best Picture contention. But the cooking flick fails to deliver, says Rebecca Berman, who finds Meryl Streep to be the only saving grace of the movie. Still, she’s unlikely to win her first Oscar since 1982.
It’s been over 30 years since a true comedy in “Annie Hall” won Best Picture at the Oscars. The Academy should take a cue from the Golden Globes and separate dramas from comedies, Michaela Zanello says. Can a film like “Up in the Air” break through, or will it be overlooked like other comedies?
An obscure category no more, the Academy still must actually see the nominees for Best Documentary in order to vote for it (Unlike most other awards). Is Michael Moore’s movie good enough to win, or is he too divisive to win this time? Perhaps “Food Inc.”, “Tyson”, or “The Cove” will break through. Paul Popiel takes a closer look.
“An Education” should get Best Picture nomination, writes Adam Spunberg in his review of the film. Spunberg says Carey Mulligan’s first-class performance gives this British film something to remember come Oscar time. The film also raises unique and interesting questions.
Despite the increase to 10 nominees, it doesn’t appear like the Academy formula for picking Best Picture will change much. Just more of the same kind of films are being considered, says Jeremy Martin, who sees nominations for films like “Invictus” to be virtually automatic.
Not since “Beauty and the Beast” in 1991 has an animated feature film been nominated for Best Picture. But with the expansion to 10 nominees, Pixar’s “Up” could change all of that. Can it go where “Wall E”, “Ratatouille”, and “Toy Story” couldn’t? Bryce Van Kooten takes a closer look.
