E: Here we are with the second in our series on the Oscar nominees, winners, and the performances that were unjustly forgotten. To see our thoughts on the supporting actor category, go here.
MMGF: So, here we have one of our, shall we say, less competitive competitions? And the Academy obliged by giving us who we all expected.
M: We’re getting to the end of the box office doldrums. May officially starts the summer movie season, even if those of us in the northeast are still waiting impatiently for the “early” spring that Punxsutawney Phil promised us well over six weeks ago. With that said, April usually tosses in one or two things to get the ball rolling. I can’t speak for my sisters, but this year there’s one movie I’m really looking forward to, and one that I’m intrigued by against my better judgement. We’ll get to those. Once again, this is not a full and complete list, just the big films, and the small ones that may have piqued one of our interests.
E: I have to tell you, I feel pretty damn great about that. Especially after the nominations proved so fiendishly difficult, I’m feeling pretty satisfied. And exhausted, because I was too excited to sleep last night – but mostly just happy. I was a bit dubious about Seth McFarlane, but in the end, I thought he was pretty terrific. Oh, sure, his monologue went on to long, but the song and dance numbers were fantastic (Charlize Theron and Channing Tatum! Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Daniel Radcliffe! Alex Wong! the L.A. Gay Mens Chorus singing about boobs!), the sock puppets killed it, and way more of his jokes made me laugh than groan. Let’s talk Oscar!
E: 2013 has proved to be one of the more challenging Oscar seasons in memory. Some seasons, dreary after dreary award show passes with the same four actors and the same clump of producers. But this year, three of the top six categories are in complete chaos! Amazing! It makes my job harder here, but it’s going to make the ceremony WAY more interesting. Much as I enjoy them, this year it’s not just going to be about the gowns and speeches; there are some genuine mysteries here. Ladies and Gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts – like the lady says, it’s going to be a bumpy night.
E: Rounding out the last best picture nominees, and the remaining films with the highest nomination total, I have an odd little quartet for you today. An extravagant Western fantasy, a heartbreaking tale of a marriage’s ending, a tale of heroism and alcohol, and James Bond’s zesty new installment. Yes, that’s right. Skyfall is a five time Oscar nominee. A Bond movie – because it’s a really, really well made Bond movie.
