State of The Race Vol. 2 - 2009: Best Director

With the recent much publicized change within the Oscars, adding 5 more nominees to the Best Picture category, one has to wonder how this will affect the Best Director race. Will there ever again be a lone director nominee? Will this new development put more focus on the Directing nominees? How important will securing a directing nod be to a Best Picture contender now?

Given Oscar history there are plenty examples to be found that could prove or disprove any of these hypothesis, just look at Michael Curtiz, nominated for Angels with Dirty Faces back when ten nominees were the norm, despite the film itself not receiving a nod. In the end, while adding 5 nominees to the shortlist may devalue what it means to be a Best Picture nominee, it will no doubt increase the value of a Best Director nomination, especially if there is a lone director nominee this year. So, without further adieu, here are the ten most likely candidates for 2009's Best Director shortlist.

In Alphabetical Order:

Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker:

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last year or so, you are bound to have heard, read about or seen The Hurt Locker. The buzz on the movie has been deafening, as has the raves been for helmer Kathryn Bigelow, who has been getting props for injecting style and fierce veracity into her character study that just so happens to be set within the confines of the Iraq War. She has proven over the years to be adapt at genre filmaking, and with the Hurt Locker we are seeing the apex of her directorial powers. Whether or not she receives a nomination, it is very likely that the film will receive Picture, Actor, Editing and Cinematography nominations which in the end will only further amplify her buzz come time for critics and guild awards.

James Cameron (1 Nomination/1 Win) for Avatar:

For the past 20 years, James Cameron has been known as a technical genius and master of his craft, constantly pushing the envelope by creating new technology and visual f/x that has revolutionized the way we make films. Despite having not made a narrative feature film since 1997's landmark blockbuster Titanic, Cameron is an immediate threat for the Best Director race for Avatar, a science fiction adventure that takes him back to his roots in genre filmaking. While little is known about the actual story and what we will see on the big screen, there is no doubt that the technological advancements he has made in the filmaking process for this film will lead the Academy to want to honor him just for the sheer ambition and scope of his vision.

Jane Campion (1 Nomination) for Bright Star:

After receiving strong "comeback" reviews and a standing ovation at Cannes, Campion has forced herself back into the mix after last receiving a nomination for 1993's The Piano. Statistically speaking, being the only female director on this list with prior Oscar nominations and even a win for her screenplay, Campion has the best chance of becoming the first female director to receive 2 nominations. It also doesn't hurt that Bright Star, her film, is a period relationship drama and a biopic of sorts to boot. We will have a better idea of her chances once the reviews here in America start to roll out, but I have a feeling that Campion will secure a spot on the shortlist come next February.

Lee Daniels for Precious:

Lee Daniels is very likely a nominee this year for Precious, his Sundance award winning urban drama which received raves and rapturous applause upon it's debut at Cannes earlier this year. Due to the fact that besides The Hurt Locker, it is the most proven contender of the year having received raves at home and abroad it is likely that Daniels is carried along with it. It also doesn't hurt that Oprah has endorsed the movie, and the cast is phenomenal as well. Whether or not Precious is seen as an actors film, there is no doubt that Daniels is a top tier contender this year especially given that the Academy has the opportunity to be incredibly diverse by not only nominating a female director, but an African American director as well.

Clint Eastwood (4 Nominations/2 Wins) for Invictus:

This one is quite simple to explain. The Academy loves Clint, and thus have awarded him 4 Oscars in the past for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, plus another 4 nominations for Mystic River and Letters From Iwo Jima. It also doesn't hurt that he is directing another Oscar favorite Morgan Freeman, in a period biopic of Nelson Mandela an internationally beloved symbol of Freedom and peace. After getting the shaft last year for Changeling and Gran Torino, it is likely that the Academy will want to make it up to him, even if the movie is more Changeling than Million Dollar Baby. Clint is another extremely likely contender for this list.

Peter Jackson (2 Nominations/1 Win) for The Lovely Bones:

After bringing us the trilogy that dominated the Oscars three years in a row, and a special f/x marvel in his remake of King Kong, Peter Jackson is back with his adaptation of international best seller The Lovely Bones which is the kind of story the Oscars go gaga for. Lovely Bones is a familial relationship drama of sorts that is set around the death of a young girl, otherwise known as Oscar bait. Jackson has at his dispersal an amazing cast, and also has everyone waiting to see what his version of Heaven will look like. Either way, Jackson is by now an Academy favorite and in accordance to that is a definite contender for Best Director this year.

Michael Mann (1 Nomination) for Public Enemies:

While Mann definitely has some committed fans, the Oscars have not been one of them having only ever liked his work on The Insider, and to a lesser degree Collateral. However, with decent reviews on his side for his stretching the look and feel of a period drama to include a grittier more digital presentation Mann may have his first hit within the Academy in a long time. Armed with a great cast boasting Johnny Depp's best performance of his career, excellent cinematography and great production design, it is likely that Mann's Public Enemies could be an all around hit come February.

Rob Marshall (1 Nomination) for Nine:

After narrowly missing out on Best Director in 2002 with his Best Picture winning hit Chicago, and again three years later with multiple Oscar winner Memoirs of a Geisha, Rob Marshall is returning in a big bad way with the highly anticipated musical Nine. Boasting a strong cast and typically beautiful technical achievements in production design, costumes and cinematography, Nine looks to be a sure thing this year, and the strongest contender for the most nominations come Oscar night, but will Marshall be brought along for the ride? The man obviously knows style and grace as shown in his previous credits, but have the Oscars tired of musicals with Hairspray, High School Musical 3 and others proving to be duds? Based on the trailer and speculation alone, I think that Marshall has a good chance of making the short list, but taking home the little gold man is a horse of a different color all together. We will have to wait and see.

Lone Scherfig for An Education:

The third and most low profile of the three female directors on this list, yet no less impressive is Lone Scherfig for her breakout Sundance success, An Education. Despite not being as well known or proven as Ms. Bigelow and Campion, Scherfig does have a leg up on the two given a few different factors. 1. She is directing a small coming of age dramady, the kind that Oscar loves, compared to Kathryn Bigelow's Iraq war genre. 2. An Education has been proven here at Sundance with raves and awards, something Campion's Bright Star has not having only seen success in Europe so far. 3. An Education boasts a breakout role for a beautiful and talented young girl, much like Juno did with Ellen Page last year. If the Academy and audiences fall for Carey Mulligan the same way they did for Page in 07, then the film as well as the director and screenwriter will be pulled in with her. Much like Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody. (which I know is not the best example)

Martin Scorsese (6 Nominations/1 Win) for Shutter Island:

What can you say about Martin Scorsese that hasn't already been said for the last 30 years. The man is a master of his craft, and has been on a hot streak as of late, the man has batted 1.000 with Audiences and the Academy this decade. Now, this year, with Shutter Island, Scorsese is returning to the horror, mystery, and thriller genre for the first time since 1991's Cape Fear, and based on the amazing trailer, boy is he on the top of his friggin game. If anything it looks like the man is having fun playing around with special f/x, moody lighting, creepy sets and suspense driven editing like a kid on Christmas. If The Departed has proven us anything, Scorsese is an automatic contender even if the movie doesn't seem to be Oscar fare, just as The Departed seemed last year. Given the competition he's facing this year from old foes like Clint Eastwood, and Peter Jackson and Rob Marshall, Marty may have a steep climb ahead of him to garner a 7th nomination, but I have a feeling that even he doesn't make it this year, his movie will.

State of The Race Vol. 2- 2009: Best Picture Part 2

- Nine: This is the last of three Oscar bait movies that I believe will make the top 10 list this year. The Academy likes Musicals enough, they love Rob Marshall, and it's clear they love the stars, I mean, look at that cast. Nine stars 2 time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis in a role that requires him to sing and dance, not to mention a bevy of Oscar winning actresses in Marion Cottilard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench and Nicole Kidman, a 1 time nominee Kate Hudson and pop star Fergie. Also, based on it's trailer the movie looks like it will at the very least reap the most tech nods of the night, but that doesn't make it a sure thing, just look at Dreamgirls. Either way, Nine is one to watch out for this November.



- Precious: The one film on this list that has proven to be great besides The Hurt Locker, Precious has been receiving raves from the time it premiered at Sundance to it's international debut at Cannes where it received a standing ovation. Precious is the most likely nominee on the list on paper due to it's subject matter and the fact that it's looking to be this year's best indie film, it even has an endorsement from Oprah! Even if it doesn't score the nod, which is unlikely given that there are ten available, rest assured knowing that director Lee Daniels and stars Gabourney Sidibe and Mo'Nique will probably be reaping nods for their excellent work in this picture.



- Public Enemies: Is basically in the spot of being this year's Dark Knight, given that it is a serious film dressed up as a Summer blockbuster, and that it features an Oscar nominated Director at the top of his game. Michael Mann may not have hit it big with the Oscars since 99's The Insider, but with Public Enemies he directs an all around fantastic movie that has an awards friendly period story, stars the beloved Johnny Depp in his best performance yet along with the great Marion Cottilard, an entertaining Billy Crudup and Christian Bale who is solid enough but a bit subdued. I expect a great box office and a well timed January DVD release to boost this deserving film into a spot as a best Picture nominee.



- Shutter Island: Last week, Shutter Island probably wasn't a realistic contender for a Best Picture nomination. While I believed( and still believe) it would be my favorite and possibly one of the funnest movies of the year, Best Picture just seemed a bit unattainable for a Martin Scorsese genre flick. As of yesterday, the chickens are commin home to roost y'all. Shutter Island is now one of the most likely of the ten nominees because of Martin Scorsese's track record this decade, he's batting 1.000, it stars 3 time nominee Leonardo DiCaprio, and is shot, edited and designed by a stable of Oscar favorites. Plus, how fun does this movie look? I know I'm going to be first in line for this come October.



- Up: Finally we come to nominee # 10, and the film which has been talked about the most in regards to probably getting a Best Picture nod this year. After Wall-e and Ratatouille were talked up as possible contenders the last two years, it seems that Pixar could finally score that coveted nomination it has deserved about 6 or 7 times since Toy Story blew our minds away about 15 years ago. Despite the fact that it is inferior to Wall-e , Ratatouille, Finding Nemo and a few other Pixar classics, Up is definitely one of the more touchingly sweet Pixar films and surely one of the years best when it is all said and done. However, Up also has the most potential to be snubbed out of any film on this list. Despite adding 5 more nominations, one has to wonder if the Academy truly is biased against animated films, even if they are superior. If Wall-e couldn't do it, how could Up make it in? All of this will definitely become more clear in the coming months, so for now all we can do is wait and see.





Besides these ten there are almost more than 20 other films who will now be vying for Best Picture due to this new, wide open field of competition. I expect there to be more than a few suprises as we navigate our way through the rest of 2009's oscar season, and I know that I am not the only one excited by the future possibilities of the Academy Awards.

here is a list of other possible contenders for this year's Best Motion Picture category:
Amelia
An Education
Antichrist
Biutiful
Bright Star
Broken Embraces
Brothers
Cheri
Fish Tank
Green Zone
The Immaginarium of Dr. Parnassus
The Informant
Inglorious Basterds
Julie & Julia
The Last Station
Love Ranch
A Prophet
The Road
A Serious Man
Star Trek
The Tempest
Where The Wild Things Are
Within The Whirlwind

State of the Race No. 1 Vol. 2 - 2009 : Best Picture Part 1

With the recent news that this year's Academy Awards Best Picture category will be featuring 10 nominees compared to the usual 5 nominee rule that has been in place since the first got rid of the 10 back during the 40's, the race has definitely been shooken up quite a bit. Critical and audience favorites like Up and Star Trek could see nods despite being an animated and action film respectively. Early releases like Katherine Bigelow's The Hurt Locker and Michael Mann's Public Enemies may no longer have to fight as hard to get a spot on the kudos short list(or now long list?. Even a comedy, Funny People, from Judd Apatow now stands a fighting chance at ultimately recieving a nod. While the inclusion of an extra 5 films may make things seem less competitive, in the long run the race will become even tighter as more films will now be fighting, especially in the case of animated, foreign and comedic films which never before were reasonable contenders. So, which 10 will be good enough to earn one these coveted 10 spots on the list?

My predictions are: (In Alphabetical Order)

- Avatar: This is on my longlist of predictions for a variety of reasons. 1. This is James Cameron's first movie in more than a decade since 1997's Titanic, and you can bet that the Academy is looking out for this one. 2. The amount of money and new technology that has gone into this movie is titanic in its ammount (pun intended), if anything at all I'm almost 100 percent sure that Avatar will be a game changing film that changes the state of cinema. And finally 3. Despite the fact that I am not a fan of Titanic, I have to give Cameron props for being one of the best action and technical directors of his generation, having never really made a bad film since before Terminator. Avatar is bringing him back to the Sci-Fi Action genre that made his career.

- Funny People: Before anyone starts to come down on me for including it, please let me state my case. Despite the fact that for some reason it is popular on message boards to bash Judd Apatow, just think about this: Has Judd ever made a film that wasnt well recieved by critics and audience's alike? The 40 Year Old Virgin launched his career with a great box office, awsome reviews and even award nominations from groups like the WGA. When Knocked Up was released it was met with the same great box office and audience support as well as raves from many critics who included it in more than a few top 10 lists for 2007. Now, with Funny People being released in a few weeks Apatow has the potential to threepeat his former successes. With an amazing script and comparisons to Oscar winner James L. Brooks, Apatow faces his best odds yet of finally making it into the Academy.

- The Hurt Locker: Katherine Bigelow's Iraq set War drama analyzing a reckless bomb disarmer is now, in my opinion, the pre september release with the best chances of making it into the top 10 this year. It's already been awarded in Venice and by the Independent Spirit Awards, and it's buzz around the internet is currently at a feverpoint. Besides the fact that Katherine Bigelow is making waves for her amazing high octain direction, the film has also recieved raves for the performances of Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie, the film's cinematography, and it's editing. I think that The Hurt Locker has all the elements in place to shatter the public's weariness towards Iraqi War themed movies as well as the Academy's reluctance to nominate female directors. If this film can make a decent ammount of money at the box office and recieve a well place december/january dvd release, it should have no problem making it in to the list.

- Invictus: This is one of the three obvious Fall prestige dramas that have oscar buzz written all over it. Clint Eastwood is an Academy favorite, having won 4 Oscars for directing and producing Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby along with nods for Mystic River and Letters From Iwo Jima. This year, with Invictus, Eastwood is a strong favorite for Best Picture and Director for his Morgan Freeman starring Biopic of Nelson Mandela. Could he make it any easier for himself? The Academy loves Clint, they love biopics, they love Morgan Freeman and with a December release date, Invictus is premiering in the heart of Oscar season. Unless the movie is a complete flop, expect Freeman and Clint to reap countless awards and nominations this year, including Best Picture. On paper, it's a slam dunk.

- The Lovely Bones: The same goes for The Lovely Bones which on paper is pure Oscar bait. Based on a best selling novel, Peter Jackson is directing a cast of Oscar nominees in a serious family drama that is both touching and tragic. Pairing Mark Whalberg, Rachel Weisz, Saoirse Ronan, Susan Sarandon and Stanley Tucci, the film has an oscar pedigree of stars, especially in the case of Saoirse Ronan who Steven Spielberg believs will win an oscar for her performance as a murdered child in heaven. The movie has the potential to hit big with crowds and women especially if it's a tear jerker, and critics given Peter Jackson's blemish-less filmography and history with the Oscars.

A short note on The Taking of Pelham 123

It was fun during the parts that took place beneath the ground, the action above ground was too Tony Scottsian if you ask me, his hyperkinetic style is starting to wear on my nerves. And there were some moments of ridiculous decisions on the characters parts, which I blame on Brian Helgeland, he is better than that usually.

The acting was ok, nothing special, it would have been more interesting to see the actors switch roles I think.

In the end, the original was better acted, better directed and had a much better ending.

Breaking News: This year's Best Picture category to feature 10 Nominees!

I have to say that I am shocked but a little pleased as well. Perhaps this move will allow for movies like Up and Star Trek to become best picture nominees, and this move could also benefit the Studios as well, lessining the competitive edge. However this also means that if a beloved film is snubbed still, it will be clear that it just didnt agree with the Academy's taste. We could see Pixar, Judd Apatow, James Cameron, Clint Eastwood, JJ Abrams and Martin Scorsese's work face off against each other come february! All we need now is a great host.

Here is the full press release:

The 82nd Academy Awards, which will be presented on March 7, 2010, will have 10 feature films vying in the Best Picture category, Academy Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Sid Ganis announced today (June 24) at a press conference in Beverly Hills.
“After more than six decades, the Academy is returning to some of its earlier roots, when a wider field competed for the top award of the year,” said Ganis. “The final outcome, of course, will be the same – one Best Picture winner – but the race to the finish line will feature 10, not just five, great movies from 2009.”
For more than a decade during the Academy’s earlier years, the Best Picture category welcomed more than five films; for nine years there were 10 nominees. The 16th Academy Awards (1943) was the last year to include a field of that size; “ Casablanca ” was named Best Picture. (In 1931/32, there were eight nominees and in 1934 and 1935 there were 12 nominees.)
Currently, the Academy is presenting a bicoastal screening series showcasing the 10 Best Picture nominees of 1939, arguably one of Hollywood ’s greatest film years. Best Picture nominees of that year include such diverse classics as “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Stagecoach,” “The Wizard of Oz” and Best Picture winner “Gone with the Wind.”
“Having 10 Best Picture nominees is going allow Academy voters to recognize and include some of the fantastic movies that often show up in the other Oscar categories, but have been squeezed out of the race for the top prize,” commented Ganis. “I can’t wait to see what that list of ten looks like when the nominees are announced in February.”
The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, February 2. The Oscar® ceremony honoring films for 2009 will again take place at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood , and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network.

Sorry for the Inactivity

Summer has so far been overly kind to me. For the first time in months, I woke up this morning not remembering what day it was and what date is was. After that I realized that today would be a good one to take a break, lay by the pool and just relax. So, updates will return to normal activity starting Monday with a review of The Taking of Pelham 123, My First Official Oscar Predictions List Article of the year, and my 5 most anticipated movies for the rest of the summer.
Enjoy the weekend guys and girls.

Tyler j. Pratt, The Oscar Hut

Trailer Park 2009 Presents Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island

I'm just going to say that I already have my ticket purchased because this looks to be one hell of a movie.

State of the Race, Mid Year Review: The Support

So far this year, believe it or not, audiences were treated to as many as three delightful candidates for nominations in the Supporting races for the 2010 Oscar, none of whom are female. However, with films like Whatever Works, Funny People and Nine on the way flaunting the talents of Patricia Clarkson, Leslie Mann and Judi Dench respectively, this could rapidly change. So lets take a look at how the last six months have treated the Best Supporting Races, shall we?

Best Supporting Actor:

Starting rather quickly in the year, the Best Supporting Actor race was treated with not one but two contenders for this year's shortlist. In March's Watchmen, audiences (Well, large groups of fanboys) were dazzled by the talents of former Oscar nominee Jackie Earl Haley, and the superb character actor, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, as Rorschach and the Comedian respectively. Haley, quickly leapfrogging the competition gained raves for his performance, essentially being compared to last year's oscar winning Joker played by Heath Ledger. While there are no assurances that he will be nominated this year, Haley without a doubt left his mark. While less praised, yet just as good, Jeffrey Dean Morgan gave a fantastic performance as the hideous human being the Comedian. He gave the movie a much needed sense of pathos and doubt with his role and while he may not get love anywhwere else, he's getting some from the Hut.

April brought movies like Duplicity and The Soloist, both bearing good supporting acting. Duplicity, the 2nd most fun I've had at a theatre all year, was indebted to the work of Paul Giamatti who was great in a comedic role as a sinister CEO, providing the movie with some great moments. Jamie Foxx, of The Soloist, also gave a great effort for his role as a schizophrenic, homeless, musical prodigy, While many cried out Oscar bait!, I just sat back enjoyed his layered performance. He may catch shit from time to time, but Jamie Foxx is definitely alot more dramatically talented then he recieves credit for. So we finally arrive at this year's top Supporting Actor contender, so far of course, and it's a name you may not expect( unless you didnt catch his picture above): Jason Bateman for State of Play. He's in the movie for only around 7 minutes, but when he arrives, boy does he make an entrance. When I saw Play in theatres, I admired it, the direction was good as was Crowe and Mirren, but to be honest I was drifting off a bit. All of this changed the second Bateman, as Dominic Foy, entered stage left. He was franticly obsessive compulsive and hilarious, injecting the film with a sense of energy and livlieness, causing the audience to erupt with laughter and even applause. And then his taped confession scene came up, immediately shutting the audience up as we silently hung on to every word. I remember his part of the movie but little else, Bateman was just excellent, and you wont here many complain if he earns a nomination, though as the film came out so early, its unfortunately not 100 percent likely.

As I mentioned before, the supporting actress's so far this year are sparse, a few good performances but none with any shot whatsoever of a nomination. But I guarantee this will be changing by August, as we have Patty Clarkson and Leslie Mann coming soon.

Congrats to Adrian and the new Oscar Bait site!

The Oscar Bait Contest site is one that has probably been due since the great Oscar Igloo site was demoted to it's new and current form, the underwhelming Awards Circuit. The AC basically only retained some of the Igloo's greatness with it's forums and previously the Bait an Oscar competition which has been at a standstill for a while now. The predictions are ridiculous, and the blog is actually OK for the most part.
So for all of you readers who left AC shortly after the Igloo died, be sure to check out The Oscar Bait Contest site, while it may just be in the earliest of stages, I have high hopes that the bait an Oscar contest will live on through the efforts of Adrian James, Douglas Reese and other staples of the Bait an Oscar contest.

here's the URL. It is also posted in the links tab.
http://theoscarbaitcontest.weebly.com/index.html

Some brief thoughts on The Hangover

It was an overall good film, nothing Oscar worthy, but the story was genius in it's simplicity, the acting was all great esepecially from Galifanakis who I expect to hit big with this the way Will Ferrell did with Old School. While there may have been a few too many musical cues, The Hangover has definitely cemented itself as one this summer's buzz films, and could end up as the funniest film of the summer. Assuming of course that Judd Apatow and Woody Allen fail to meet expectations with their latest efforts.

State of the Race 2009: Mid Year Review, actor and Actress

In the past 6 months of stateside releases, it's suprising to say that only a few men and women have been truly exceptional in lead roles. The past few years have seen people like Richard Jenkins and Julie Christy reap Osar bids from pre June releases, but this year could change that.

On the Best Actor front the only notable males have been Robert Downey Jr. for The Soloist and, suprisingly, Seth Rogen for his career changing role in Observe and Report. Other notable performers like Russell Crowe and Jesse Eisenberg have fallen by the wayside due to underwhelming box office results, and Joaquin Phoenix who impressed in Two Lovers has apparently retired, diverting attention from the film. OPnly Clive Owen has been able to truly standout, however he will never be awarded for Duplicity.

The ladies meanwhile have seen even slimmer pickens. Amy Adams has given us the most notable female performance of the last six months in a movie that gained no traction.

Ditto for Paltrow in Two Lovers. And Julia Roberts, despite having excellent pressence and chemistry with Clive Owen, will never see an Oscar for Duplicity.

So, my prediction? No Lead Acting bids will come from a pre June 1st release.

Rest In Peace

(1936-2009)

David Carradine will be missed, I myself will never forget his excellent portrayal of Bill in Kill Bill Vol. 2 as his best performance. It's a shame we will never see him grace the silver screen again.

10 Movies That...Made me Cry

To kick off a new summer series, 10 Movies That..., I'm going to start with one that is very easy for me to define. For anyone that has read this blog in the past, you know how hard it is for a movie to make me cry, the only one so far this year that has gotten me close was Pixar's Up, so, after reading Entertainment Weekly's list, I've decided to get in touch with my sensitive side.......

1. Angels In America- Despite the cheat that this is a miniseries, Angels In America was one of the few times in my life that I actually cried during a movie that couldn't be farther, connections wise, from my own life. It was a movie set in New York of the 80's that dealt heavily with homosexuality, aids and the absence of god. Despite this alienation, I first felt the tears begin to form around 5 minutes in when Prior tells Louis about his AIDS. Then I felt it again and again throughout before finally letting loose. Angels remains a favorite of mine.

2. Bang The Drum Slowly- I first saw Bang The Drum Slowly at a time in my life when I went through the filmographies of my favorite directors and actors, this time being DeNiro. Much like Brian's Song, it is a movie that creeps up on you before slamming you into the ground with a heartbreaking climax or end. For me when DeNiro tells Michael Moriarty goodbye at the film's end, it's like a dam breaks and the tears flow freely, I cant even watch it with anyone else.

3. Finding Nemo- Like most of Pixar's movies, Up included, Finding Nemo was a fun joyous ride that combined elements of adventure, humor and surprise to make for a great viewing experience. The first time I saw it, with my first girlfriend about 6 years ago when it had just came out, I was loving it. Then came the ending when Marlon finally reconnects with Nemo. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes, but thankfully went unnoticed as the girl I was with was also tearing up.

4. Good Will Hunting- Definitely not a sad movie, but one that sucker punches you when you least expect it. The scene near the end, when Will and Sean are finishing up their last session was that punch to the gut. Williams repeats: "Will, its not your fault" over and over again until Damon finally breaks and starts to cry, as did I.

5. Million Dollar Baby- Only around three or four times in my life have I ever seen my father cry. Twice at funerals, and during Million Dollar Baby. The last hospital scene, is hands down one which probably can make any grown man tear up. Morgan Freeman's narration, Eastwood's score, and the exchange between Hilary Swank and Clint, when combined is devastating. My father and I cried like babies on cue with Eastwood's last words to Swanks before assisting her in suicide. Still one of the few repeat offenders for me, I cry every time.

6. Rudy- An underdog story about never giving up when the times get tough, and accomplishing what you set out to do in the end. This description can match any number of films, but for me Rudy is the penultimate under dog story. This is another one that makes men decades older than I cry, and I cant say that I'm not right there with them tearing up.

7. Saving Private Ryan- Giovanni Ribisi is the only reason that I have ever cried during this war film. It's graphically bloody and masculine, yet Ribisi is so unsettling in two of his scenes that every few times I see this, I weep. The first scene takes place in a church, and sees the men recalling their lives at home. When Ribisi talks about pretending to be sleeping when his mom just wants to talk to him, he sets up my tear ducts for the later scene in which he dies calling out for his mother. It is heart wrenching and tragic, and had me bawling the first time I saw it.

8. Schindler's List- Theres not much to say. If you've seen the movie you know why it's here, if you haven't then you need to see it. This is a movie that every human being should see once.

9. The Shawshank Redemption- Shawshank is one of my favorite movies of all time. The direction is wonderful, the acting is amazing, and the screenplay shines as one of the best adaptations ever. There are many reasons to cry during Shawshank, from Andy's escape to Red finally finding Andy to any other number of moments. But what brought about my tears was one scene revolving around one of the minor character's Brooks, superbly played by James Whitmore. Whitmore's narration of the series of events leading to Brooks' suicide has caused me to cry more than anything else from any other movie. It's not something I can explain.

10. Terms of Endearment- This one is simple to explain. When Debra Winger says goodbye to her son is the moment that brought tears to my eyes. I had an aunt who died of cancer, and I can only imagine the last private spoken words between her and my cousins. Just the thought of seeing someone say goodbye for the last time is devastating.

State of The Race 2009: Mid-Year Review, Best Picture

It's seems like the last oscars only happened a few weeks ago, and here we are, 6 months of the year have flown by like dust in the wind. We've seen only a few Oscar-bait like contenders stick the landing while many of the year's pre-ordained popcorn flicks have impressed, some not so much (I'm looking at you wolverine). So in terms of themovies that have seen release stateside, here are the best of this half of the year so far.

Best Picture Contenders: Only two movies so far this year have qualified in the Hut's eyes as worthy of Best Picture nominations, the first of which is Pixar's 10th triumph in a row, UP (pictured right). It was a confidently handled poignant action/adventure comedy that succeeds on many different levels. Up brought to the screen great and memorable characters in the form of the cantankorous old coot Carl and a loyal, loveable dog named Doug, not to mention the amazing vocal performances delivered by Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer and UP writer Bob Peterson. The movie also features Pixar's characteristicaly beautiful animation, good direction by Monster's Inc. helmer Pete Docter and a decent screenplay by Bob Peterson who also voiced the aformentioned Doug. What qualifies this as a Best Picture contender in my eyes is the sum of its parts all of which are great, but what clinched it for me was the beautiful, poignant scene chroncicling Carl's relationship with his wife Ellie from childhood up until Ellie's death, which to tell you the truth had me on the verge of tears, a rarity for me. UP is hands down fantastic. In the end, despite Pixar's lack of ever making a movie that was not one of the year's best, UP probably will be denied everything but the Animated Feature award. And that folks is a shame.

The only other Best Picture contender I've seen so far this year is Star Trek, a movie which hands down was the funnest time I've had in a cineplex this year. J.J. Abrams took a tired franchise, rebooted it and added a shiny new look and feel that was a hit on every level. Abrams fun, fresh direction combined with great editing set up the best paced live ation film so far this year, Michael Giacchino's score(as well as his UP score) was phenominal, his opening number gave me chills. And best of all was the acting. Chris Pine, Zach Quinto, Simon Pegg and Bruce Greenwood were all fantastic. Pine bringing a brash arrogance, Quinto a hot headed calmness and Pegg some much needed humor. Leonard Nemoy's appearence brought the film the needed credibility and pathos to connect with the original series. It's technical achievements will no doubt net the film at least 3 to 5 nominations but as far as it's best picture chances go, things are looking slim. If The Dark Knight couldnt do it, Star Trek won't, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better live action movie so far this year.