Comments on: Backlash: The Bat-Oscars

By: KJB

KJB — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:37:20 +0000

With the success of the “Rings” films, however, I think it is possible that we’ll see the merging of more fantasy elements AND an Oscar grab, not unlike the cinematic forced death march that was “Benjamin Button”. Now they just have to make a GOOD fantasy Oscar grab movie, which will happen.

By: Opinioninahaystack

Opinioninahaystack — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:18:57 +0000

The Wrestler was the Best Picture of the year. PERIOD.

By: Hunin

Hunin — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:35:11 +0000

Well, I could disagree more, but I will only disagree slightly.

I agree that the antipopulist-, antigenre-film knock against the Academy isn’t the same since the wins of Titanic and LOTR:ROTK, but there is a double standard. It is encompassed in one film: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

I’ll write more about this on my site Wednesday evening. I have a full post’s worth of analysis to give about the Academy’s relevance and this year’s noms.

Suffice it to say, the Oscars have not found equity between great “movies” and great “films.” Movies like LOTR:ROTK (as evidenced by the absence of the first two from major category consideration) have to work much harder than their “Oscar-grab film” counterparts to garner recognition.

By: Peter J.

Peter J. — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:10:25 +0000

Gran Torino is not a good film. That isn’t to say that it’s a bad film . . . it’s just not very good either. Gladiator is a good example of a popular film taking home Oscar(s). 300 was a lot better than Gladiator. Although, they may be too far removed in release date, to compare the two.

The Dark Knight was a good movie. Not the *best* movie, but still a very solid incarnation of the Batman mythos. The Wrestler is my favorite film (I’ve seen most but not all the current contenders); and it didn’t even receive a nomination.

Slumdog Millionaire is a silly and unevenly told story. You can pretty much count on them taking home the Best Picture Oscar. Which became plainly clear, once The Wrestler was omitted from the list of nominated films for that category.

*FART**