So I've finally had a chance to sit and ponder the oscar nominations and as with every year, I'm a little bummed, actually a lot. I will say, before I rant, that I like that there are ten best picture nods. There are so may movies that get overlooked that this somewhat equal the playing field. I have yet to see Crazy Heart and An Education, both have impeccable reviews and killer casts. And every other film is deserving of its nod, there are always a few that don't get the necessary press or distribution, but this list is a good representation.
My issue with this years nominees are with Where The Wild Things Are, because it got snubbed for music, art direction, and costume design. I wouldn't be so bold to call it a best pic, but it definitely deserved recognition for its creativity, originality, and vision. If anything it should have got a best adapted screenplay nomination. Two fucking Randy Newman songs, c'mon people, I'm glad Disney finally instilled some soul into some of their music and film but Randy Newman. Twilight had better music than the princess and the frog.
But on another note, we need to discuss Avatar, this film is everything that going to the movies was and is intended for. It is an experience, and no film has ever been as visually stimulating, but it is not the best picture. It was groundbreaking, it shook up the movie business, and it made everyone forget about their boring lives for 3 hours, or nine hours for a few of my coworkers. I can name three films that are nominated and, in my opinion, better and more deserving of the award: The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds, and District 9. Three very different films, but all are compelling, entertaining, and creative works of art. Two of the best performances are also amongst these three films.
So tune in and see if I'm right and keep your eyes and ears peeled for the Wild Things DVD release and download that soundtrack. Oh, and if you can stomach an intense true story, go watch Precious, and I was told the book is even better, which comes as no surprise.
Check out the rest of the nominees at
Oscars.org
