Comments on Crimespree Cinema: Patti's take on the 2010 Oscar Best Picture catago...

I'm happy for Bigelow and The Hurt Locker
2010-03-08T10:56:09.180-06:00
I'm happy for Bigelow and The Hurt Locker. Of course now I have to live in a world where Sandra Bullock supposedly handed in the best female performance of the year, in a movie that I can't possibly imagine can achieve more than flatout suckitude.

Talk about swallowing a little bitter with the sweet.

I liked UP IN THE AIR a lot because it was about a...

2010-03-07T18:28:18.934-06:00
I liked UP IN THE AIR a lot because it was about a real problem but still managed to charm. Every day people are losing their jobs to this method or worse.

Sadly, I didn't see any of the nominees yet, t...

2010-03-06T23:58:56.949-06:00
Sadly, I didn't see any of the nominees yet, though even the devotees of DISTRICT 9 I've discussed it with point out that certain aspects, such as the ending Chris cites, are disappointing (I'm still wondering about the alien super-substance)...and some are amused that AVATAR and DISTRICT 9 are rather similar in many story and stucture particulars. (I did see MOON, and seem to be one of the least enchanted with it among its audience.)

Interesting, particularly for this site, that except for PRECIOUS, which stressed other aspects apparently, that none of them is particularly a crime drama, though a number deal directly or indirectly warfare and its horrors. Or does A SERIOUS MAN edge over into CD?

I'd be disappointed if AVATAR wins best pictur...

2010-03-06T19:24:38.532-06:00
I'd be disappointed if AVATAR wins best picture. I liked it, but it doesn't have the gravitas I think a "best picture" should have. Between the two, I think DISTRICT 9 has a better story and was an overall better movie. Both fall down with the standard action movie fare toward the end, which was disappointing. DISTRICT 9 in particular really didn't need to end in a big shootout with robots and blasters and all that (and I love robots and blasters!).

That said, if any SciFi movie should have a shot at best picture, my vote is for MOON. I'm bummed it didn't even get nominated. I thought that was a fantastic movie.

I'd be satisfied if THE HURT LOCKER wins, but again, I think the better of war-related movies isn't even in the running. My vote would be for THE MESSENGER, which I would happily see walk away with a best picture, were it nominated.

What else? INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS was a movie I enjoyed very much, but don't think it deserves best picture. UP I liked over the first 15 minutes, but the rest descended into typical Pixar shlock, in my opinion. As animated films go, I thought FANTASTIC MR. FOX crushed it. FOX is one of my favorite movies of the year.

Didn't see AN EDUCATION and really know nothing about it. If it wins, I'll watch it.

THE BLIND SIDE never came close to interesting me enough to see it, in this life or any yet to come. Even if it wins, I won't see it. It is impossible for me to imagine Sandra Bullock turning in an Oscar-worthy performance. I'm actively rooting against this movie.

I didn't see PRECIOUS, but from what I've heard it is great. I think it would depress me too much to see it. I'll be happy if it wins, but I don't know that I will see it even then.

I didn't see A SERIOUS MAN either, but probably will. In fact I'm sure I will, regardless of whether or not it wins (on a related note, I'm stoked at the news the Coens are taking on TRUE GRIT).

I thought UP IN THE AIR was a great movie. I would happily see it win. In fact, I would be most pleased if either this film, PRECIOUS, THE HURT LOCKER or DISTRICT 9 win, in that order.

Excellent reviews, many thanks! I couldn't ge...

2010-03-06T15:00:56.446-06:00
Excellent reviews, many thanks!

I couldn't get interested in Inglorious either. Crappy from the sounds of it.

The rest, right on. I go for Hurt Locker for best film and/or director. looks very good. Must get around to checking it out.

I think you're right, Patti. Either AVATAR or...

2010-03-06T14:03:07.384-06:00
I think you're right, Patti. Either AVATAR or THE HURT LOCKER should win BEST PICTURE. I'm leaning towards AVATAR.

Sorry you didn't like Basterds-my favorite aft...

2010-03-06T09:55:48.911-06:00
Sorry you didn't like Basterds-my favorite after The Hurt Locker. Avatar was visually impressive but I was bored by the end. Trite story. I also did not see Blindside. I could tell from the previews that I have seen this film many tims before. I actually feel that there was no one film that stood out this year as a classic. I was more impressed with both Shutter Island and The Ghost Writer so far this year.

It has to be the Bastards!

2010-03-06T04:46:41.001-06:00
It has to be the Bastards!

I haven't seen Avatar and frankly have no desi...

2010-03-05T23:38:21.784-06:00
I haven't seen Avatar and frankly have no desire to do so. (I've really started to dislike films which so ham-handedly try to shove any moralisms down your throat.) Hurt Locker was very good, but I honestly hope neither of these win.

If I were on the academy, Up in the Air and Up would get my votes. Both were highly originally and poignant without being preachy. True pieces of art.