Oscars

As usual, I'm working on an awards night so get only a secondhand version of the goings-on and who wore what. I did take part in the Oscar pool at work and one online, but this year my viewing is pitiful. Of all the movies that received nominations, I've only seen "Little Miss Sunshine," "Little Children," "An Inconvenient Truth," "Jesus Camp," "Babel," "Borat," "Superman Returns," "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Pirates of the Caribbean." So, really, very few of the major contenders.

My favorite movie of the year was "Sunshine," though frankly I was surprised to see it get nominated. It faces stiff competition from some heavy-hitters. I had high hopes for "Babel" but was really disappointed. It was too slow, too long and I didn't get enough of any characters to really care what happened to them -- not even Brad Pitt!

While all odds point to Eddie Murphy winning for best supporting actor, it's hard to cheer on the guy who's also currently starring in "Norbit." I may feel different if I'd actually seen the movie. Jackie Earle Haley is my sentimental favorite, and he absolutely has an award-worthy performance for his creepy yet heartbreaking turn in "Little Children."

Sounds like Forest Whitaker, Helen Mirren and Jennifer Hudson have the other awards wrapped up, and I have no real opinion on any of these categories. Of the supporting actresses whose movies I've seen, Adriana Barraza was the best, and her storyline in "Babel" was the most compelling.

Sheesh, what a lame blog entry. I guess next year I'll need to see more nominated films!