Up in the Air

I did not see what all the buzz about this movie was. Was it just because it was a George Clooney movie? I can understand that, but I don't understand this movie being nominated for Best Picture. This movie is a romantic comedy. It is probably a step or two above your average chick flick romcom, but that's what it is. I didn't hate it but I don't think it's a Best Picture nominee.

Up

I cried throughout the first 10 minutes of this movie and I don't ever cry at movies. Oh - and this is an animated movie! I was happy when, after watching it and going online, I read that other people had also cried. This was a great movie, so fun and so touching.

Precious

What a movie. This movie was so dark and extremely hard to watch. But it was also fantastic and courageous. The acting is incredible and the director, Lee Daniels, probably deserves the Best Director award for being able to pull out those emotions from his cast. If you haven't seen it yet - be warned. The term "feel good movie" does not apply here.

Inglorious Bastards

I am not a huge Quentin Tarantino fan, but I loved this movie. I am a huge WWII movie fan, and I can't think of any other movie that decided to re-write the history of this war. That's probably because the actual stories are so amazing on their own. But, I thought the story was great and how much fun to imagine this scenario.

District 9

I am not a Science Fiction fan, so I rented this only due to its nomination. But in the end I liked it. It had an interesting concept to it and I liked the way it was shot. However, the aliens look like the aliens in every other alien movie I've seen. They always look like they are built out of scrap metal from someone's backyard shed.

The Blind Side

I am a sucker for an inspirational sports story based on true events. So naturally I loved this movie. I am not a huge Sandra Bullock fan but she nailed this role. She's been getting a lot of the attention but in addition to her, Quinton Aaron, a relative newcomer, was so great. He played Michael Oher and was so good: heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time.

Avatar

I saw this in 3D which is really the only way to see this movie. The 3D technology is amazing and made this very long movie much more interesting to watch. The story isn't new and the acting isn't fantastic. It's not a bad movie but I don't think it would be getting all the attention and making all the money it's making if it wasn't for the visual effects.

A Serious Man

This movie is very much a Cohen Brothers movie. Usually they are a little too out there for me, but I liked this one. I don't want to give anything away but I will say that the ending is abrupt. I don't think that this movie will win Best Picture but I did find it to be an interesting take on 60's suburban life.

A Single Man

Colin Firth is so fantastic in this movie. I think Jeff Bridges will win Best Actor on Sunday night and he was great but I would love to see Colin come away with that award. This movie is so good and my heart just broke for Colin's character and the pain he was feeling at the death of his partner.

An Education

I saw this movie and came out of it liking it. As time passed, I am liking it even more. It's set in 1960's London which is a totally cool scene on its own. But add a book-smart yet naieve high schooler and an incredibly charming older man to that and you get this great movie. The story is not surprising. You can see all along what is going to happen. But sometimes that can be ok and in this movie it is.

The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker is my favorite to win Best Picture this Sunday. It was so real that it almost felt like a documentary. I was really happy to see Jeremy Renner do such a great job in this movie. I've been a fan of his since he played a fantastic bad guy in SWAT. He's up for Best Actor and I know he won't win but I was happy to see him nominated. This movie is so good on so many levels. If you haven't seen it - make a point to watch it.