That Fellow

There are 9 films battling for the gold statue. But the presenter(s) only has one name on the envelope. Who’s gonna come home tonight snagging the Best Picture title at the Oscar?

Sorry, I was aiming for suspense with that opening, but it sounds too TV-showy. However, had the Oscar run by me, this would be how it went down. Prepare for the unfair harsh comments and glowing praises…

What’s it doing here? The only true blockbuster of the bunch that has the most acting nomination. It has 99% all female cast and it’s about racism. Although it’s led by an unauthentic performance by Emma Stone, the story parts for the maids are all moving and touching.

Status? I’d say it’s a dark horse. Some say it got no chance since it didn’t get anything out of acting nomination. But it got 3 for that category and it’s a popular movie and they will remember it for Viola Davis’ big teary final scene! C

What’s it doing here? A war film by the mighty Steven Spielberg led by the photogenic Joey the horse. A true friendship between a young boy and its horse that could be either very inspiring or forgettable.

Status? Once assumed as a frontrunner before it came out, now it’s just another nominee since Spielberg couldn’t even get himself nominated. It may or may not win some technical categories but it wouldn’t make any difference I believe. B-

What’s it doing here? French stars! Silent film! Black and white cinematography! Adorable dog! It’s about the cinema! If we nominate this, we’re promoting people to watch a silent film in modern days! So cool!

Status? The leader of the bunch. It’s just a film that most people really love, except me for example. I only love the lead acting and the score, other than that it’s a pretty disposable film. I only have watched a few of silent films from Chaplin and Keaton, but so far theirs are far superior than this film and those films didn’t win the Oscar. B-

What’s it doing here? It’s an American sports drama. Led by the mega-star Brad Pitt and its protege Jonah Hill, the film will either confuse or awe the audience for its story about using statistic and data analysis in managing a baseball team.

Status? Not much of a chance. Despite its 5 nominations, it could go home empty handed. Its only chances are Pitt and the adapted screenplay. But this film is just like another kid on the block. Good to be here, grateful if it wins something. B

What’s it doing here? A surprise hit in the summer, Woody Allen finally made a film that everyone truly loves and embraces. With a big ensemble cast, it charms its way into the Best Picture nomination. And it’s set in Paris.

Status? Although it only got 4 nominations, the film got nominated in important categories like Director and Original Screenplay. But it just hasn’t won any precursor awards. But hey, at least it got strong chance for the screenplay, unless the sentimental votes lean towards The Artist. B/B+

What’s it doing here? Everybody loves Martin Scorsese and not only the 3D works for everyone, but the story about the early cinema is truly an endearing one.

Status? 10 nominations, mostly in technical categories, but including one for Director. This is the only threat to upset The Artist. Some wonder if it could win without acting nominations. Remember Slumdog Millionaire. The problem is the latter was riding such a wave to its victory and Hugo only has won National Board of Review. B+

What’s it doing here? A family drama with a very dramatic turn by George Clooney. It’s sad and its story about a broken rich family might remind the voters of their own broken rich family. And it’s by Alexander Payne whose previous film was much loved by the voters way back about 7 years ago.

Status? Not sure on this one. It could either be a dark horse since it’s got nominated in important categories or a big loser since it’s been losing its steam even for its Best Actor nomination. So this could be just a film that thanks to its early Oscar buzz is now making money on the box office post its nomination. B+

What’s it doing here? Sandra Bullock + Tom Hanks=35 %. A Stephen Daldry film= 10%. Very sad=20%. 9/11 issue= 35%.

Status? Harshly judged before and after it came out, the film has the least nomination among the others. But sorry folks, not only the film got most voters to nominate this film, but it also got me and I say this film truly deserves the nomination. It may not have a chance in winning, but it’s far superior than The Help or even the frontrunner itself, The Artist. A-/B+

What’s it doing here? I don’t know. Who knew that voters really embrace this one-of-a-kind film? I mean this is a film that features some dinosaurs out of nowhere and jump cuts to the birth of universe just when you start to understand why Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain are mourning?

Status? You know. It’s just glad to be here. A film that should’ve been the frontrunner all along for its perfection. A-

So do you agree with this or not? Told you there’d be some pretty harsh comments and glowing praises on films that you don’t agree. How would you rank these films? The mystery question now is which films would make the cut if we only had 5 Best Picture nominees??