Review: Oscar 2008 Films

[One-Way]

Since I've been so busy with school, I've been putting a bunch of films on hold. Classes end on Wednesday, December 17, so I'll be watching these films from then on. These films are the top contendors for the Academy Awards as well. Instead of making a separate thread for each, I'll be putting each review in here.

Doubt
Slumdog Millionaire
Frost/Nixon
The Wrestler
Revolutionary Road
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Milk
The Reader

[PepsiAddict]

Ive seen a lot of previews for the "Milk" lately I'll probably go check it out.

[One-Way]

I have tickets to a private screening for Revolutionary Road on December 18. Unfortunently, my family is having a business dinner party that same night. I am so disappointed because I would kill to see this film a week before it's released!

In other news, I have DVD screeners for both Frost/Nixon and Milk. I'm still debating whether I should watch them or just see the films in theatres.

[One-Way]

THE WRESTLER
Directed By Darren Aronofsky

I just got back from watching The Wrestler at Arclight Hollywood, one of four theatres playing the film. The theatre is truly amazing, you get to pick where you sit while purchasing the tickets. The ushers also introduce themselves and the film which gives it a nice touch. They also had the original costumes Mickey Rourke wore in the film on display on the lobby. I was fascinated and couldn't help but stare for minutes on end.

As soon as the film was about to begin, I paced myself. I have been waiting nearly two years for another Aronofsky film. I've seen all three of his films and they've each been an extraordinary piece of work. I've been wondering how Aronofsky would tackle this type of project, considering he wasn't writing the screenplay.

The Wrestler is truly an emotional journey through the wrestling career of Randy "The Ram" Robinson. A popular wrestler from the 80s, the film is set in present day as Randy is already aging. His story runs parallel with Cassidy, a stripper he has built a friendship with.

Maryse Alberti, the cinematographer, and Aronosfky shot this film with an Arri 416 Super 16mm camera. The camerawork allowed us to feel the real human nature of these individuals. Randy's relationship with his daughter is heartfelt throughout the film as they struggle to make senese of their role in each other's lives. The gritty nature of the cinematography allows us to actually feel their emotions. If the acting and camerawork is not enough, Clint Mansell's beautiful score hypnotizes you and lures you into their world.

Like all of his work, Aronofsky provides us with a true gem. Aronofsky has described this as a "small, little film" with hopes not to overhype it. That's what it ultimately is; an emotional experience with wonderful performances. The use of editing his superb and like his others films, helps shape the story in its own way. The ending will keep you guessing and leaves me personally hoping I don't have to wait another two years.

[One-Way]

At Arclight Hollywood, they also had on display the original costumes from Doubt and Revolutionary Road. I couldn't help but stare and take pictures of the suit Leonardo DiCaprio and dress Kate Winslet wore.

[TomServo]

How expensive are tickets?

I've only seen one Aronofsky film (Requiem for a Dream) and didn't really like it, but this one has been getting almost unanimous praise.

I have so many movies to see. I haven't even seen Changeling!

[One-Way]

How expensive are tickets?

I've only seen one Aronofsky film (Requiem for a Dream) and didn't really like it, but this one has been getting almost unanimous praise.

I have so many movies to see. I haven't even seen Changeling!

You didn't like it? I've never heard of anyone not liking it and if you truly didn't, I highly doubt you'll like The Wrestler. Requiem was one of the finest films ever, so maybe you should rewatch it.

Tickets were pretty pricey, $14.50. I don't know if that's because we saw it at midnight but it seems to be the price for all showings.

Aronofsky definitely isn't for you though. Save the criticism.

[One-Way]

Since Revolutionary Road is in limited theatres on December 26, I'm pretty sure it's only going to be playing at Arclight Hollywood again. I just purchased tickets for a 12:01am showing on December 25. I chose the same seats as last night, too.

Hopefully, sometime during the evening, my family and I can go see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Good way to knock down two of the post powerful films.

[LadySilver]

I'll be watching The Reader on the 24th. Hopefully, it's as good as the book.

[One-Way]

MILK
Directed By Gus Van Sant

Milk is the story of Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay elected official from San Francisco. It features one of the greatest ensamble casts since The Dark Knight, along with Sean Penn, James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin and Diego Luna.

It is how it sounds; we step into the life of Harvey Milk and his journey to election for supervisor of San Francisco. Through the riots and protests until he finally reaches office, we see how much they had to truly endure to get equal rights. If Brokeback Mountain wasn't your thing, this won't be either. There's a lot of, maybe a little too much, kissing in the film. I bring this up because normally I wouldn't have a problem with it. However, in the first thirty minutes of the film, I felt like they were putting it right in front of our faces a tad too much. It dies down after that so it only makes me wonder.

Overall, it's a powerful film and very well-directed. The film's cinematography is done by Harris Savides who has worked on American Gangster, Martin Scorsese's short feature The Key to Reserva, and Woody Allen's upcoming film Whatever Works. The cinematography is exceptional because it helps recreate the 1970s. For most of the film, you feel transported to that specific period of time. Especially when we see establishing footage of actual protests that Milk participated in and when we get up close and see Sean Penn, not once do you feel out of place.

The performances were great, all around, and pretty much what I expected. When Penn and Brolin share screen time, their chemistry turns into magic. Sean Penn's mannerisms and body movement are excellent as he portrays Harvey. Towards the end of the film, it gets scary good, and you wonder if Sean Penn is acting anymore. In a sense, Penn becomes Milk as he gives a powerful speech in front of thousands.

It's an interesting film to see considering I didn't know about Harvey Milk. The film is pieced together perfect, almost making it seem like a documentary, which I find to be amazing considering how well they adapted to the 70s. The film's ending is quite unbelievable, even though we are told what's going to happen in the first two minutes of the film. Milk is a very powerful and at times emotional film which will probably receive some well-deserved Oscar nominations.

[TomServo]

So... I think Slumdog Millionaire is my new favorite?

[PepsiAddict]

Im going to go see it
I like Sean Penn, especially in the movie
" I Am Sam"

[One-Way]

So... I think Slumdog Millionaire is my new favorite?

I still haven't seen it but I will next week.

There's an interview with Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler) and Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire). Check it out, it's on YouTube somewhere.

[One-Way]

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
Directed by Sam Mendes

I haven't read Richard Yates' novel and had debated if I should but decided against it as the date for this film neared. I wanted everything to be an absolute surprise; from the story to the direction by Sam Mendes. I didn't read many reviews while they were being released these past few days simply because I had heard there was a tragic ending involved and I didn't want to ruin it for myself. The trailer for this film was absolutely emotional and I had drawn pictures in my head for what I would imagine the story to be like.

From the opening shot of the film, I knew this was going to be much different than those pictures in my head. Sam Mendes has a very different approach to filmmaking so I knew this wouldn't be a typical film with an American marriage crumbling to the floor. The structure of the film was much more different than what I had imagined. The way it begins, the use of flashbacks and the ending is definitely not what I expected.

After reading responses and reviews, I realized many people were disappointed. I don't think I was disappointed, I was just surprised at the approach to constructing this film. With that said, the acting is completely brilliant from DiCaprio and Winslet. Michael Shannon stole the screen in ways I couldn't even begin to imagine possible. Finally, there's a contendor I can compare with Heath Ledger's performance.

Revolutionary Road is a very difficult subject matter; maybe not to those who wanted to see a love-story gone mad but it depicts real life. Anybody who has been married, or even involved in a serious relationship, knows about the difficulties of the future. Portraying the emotions two people feel in a relationship where the love is beginning to fade away seemed impossible until this film. With the way the film is presented, Sam Mendes makes us look at the Wheeler's relationship from different angles.

American Beauty was a work of art by Mendes because of the way the Burnham's family was depicted. Sam Mendes does an incredible job at introducing us to the Wheeler's and photographed each scene wisely. In the beginning of the film, we seem so distant to Frank and April; almost like a neighbor. Toward the end of the film, we feel like a regular in the house as if we're apart of the family and witnessing their struggles and arguments firsthand.

I think it's a shame so many people think this film is a disappointment. In a way, I'm glad because it didn't turn out to be a typical period piece with DiCaprio and Winslet. One thing I know for sure is people who are disappointed know there is something they couldn't quite catch. Hopefully with more viewings, they could understand why this film was told in the way it was. Take the time to understand why each flashback occurs and understand what each character is feeling.

Leonardo DiCaprio deserves the Oscar for his performance and I think this is made clear no matter what your opinion on the film is. Unfortunently, this isn't a film for everyone and it's disappointing when people can't truly see how great it was. Just because it isn't what you expected doesn't necessarily mean you should be disappointed in the film. The film is very emotional and made me feel something I have never really felt. I felt scared of the confinements in life and the hopeless emptiness that exists in this world. I felt worried for all the marriages that have failed because they had the same problems; they couldn't break free from their struggles. I felt my own heart shattering as Frank Wheeler walks out of the room and barely looks at Shep... knowing, trying to imagine, what he was feeling.

[One-Way]

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
Directed by David Fincher

I had been anticipating seeing this film almost as long as Revolutionary Road. The trailer for this film was just as beautiful and almost as emotional. The film seemed to be well-received as many first time reactions from press screenings described the film as a masterpiece. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was a long time coming; it's a film that's been in the words since the 90s and it's finally here.

There are certain aspects of the film which were just as I had imagined. However, the overall themes of the film felt like they became repetitive. I felt like we revisited the same life lesson Benjamin learned more than just once, which is probably why the film felt so long. You can certainly feel Eric Roth had written the screenplay with many similarities in the theme and its characters with Forrest Gump.

The CGI was quite impressive although I am definitely not a fan. The recreation of New York and the given periods of time were quite breathtaking. The make-up to age Benjamin Button was very strong and felt very real. The technical aspects of this film was amazing, without a question. The writing, overall, was often beautiful and flowed like a poem. At other times, it felt like it dragged on too long and we were being force-fed certain emotions. Brad Pitt gives a very warm performance as Benjamin Button. I wasn't blown away by his performance in particular nor Cate Blanchett's, although they were both quite well. In comparison with DiCaprio and Winslet, they seemed to fade into the distance.

There is a particular scene which completely blew me away given the way it was filmed. If you seen the film, I'm talking about the "everything happens for a reason" scene with the taxi and Daisy. Had the film not ended with Daisy growing old, this would be a beautiful way to end the film. It was truly an amazing experience and the scene ran beautifully. It's probably one of the few times I turned to my girlfriend during a film and uttered "wow."

Overall, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button didn't have the impact I had hoped. Even though Revolutionary Road wasn't constructed as I had hoped, I still felt like it shook me for a day or two after seeing it. Given the size of this film - the budget, the time spent preparing, and production - it doesn't leave the lasting effect you had hoped for. I think it was a very fine film, however, and worth watching.

My mother was completely disappointed and felt the film ran much too long. She doesn't believe it will win Best Picture, or Best Actor for that matter. Gotta respect a mother's opinion. I don't think she's wrong.

[ara87]

You didn't like it? I've never heard of anyone not liking it and if you truly didn't, I highly doubt you'll like The Wrestler. Requiem was one of the finest films ever, so maybe you should rematch it. I didn't like Requiem either. I liked the parts with the mom the best, other than that, it didn't hold my interest. Also I always think about Lord of the Rings when I watch it, b/c I saw it after the LOTR series used it's main theme, so I guess that doesn't help any. As far as other
Aronofsky films go, I've only seen, "The Fountain," which I equally liked and disliked.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As far as best pics go, choosing out of the the 10 that are nominated for the Critics Choice Awards, I'd go with

Doubt
The Reader
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionare

(the other nom's)
Changeling
The Wrestler
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Wall-e

[One-Way]

I haven't heard many people not liking Requiem for a Dream. The film has some of the best performances from its decade. The music is beautifully crafted and like you said, was later used for others films like Lord of the Rings. The film is a great character study and its story is very powerful. Definitely Aronofsky's masterpiece and one of the greatest films of all time.

The runners you chose seem quite right. Although if you're talking about Oscars, I don't think Doubt or The Reader will get a nod. I think it'll be more like:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Milk
Frost/Nixon
Slumdog Millionaire
Revolutionary Road/The Dark Knight

[One-Way]

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
Directed by Danny Boyle

I read a review where someone said, "If you were to tell me one of the best films of the year is going to be about an Indian boy on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, I would have called you crazy." Well, believe it or not, it's true.

Slumdog Millionaire is a story about an Indian boy who finds himself a question away from winning 20 million rupees. He is later accused of cheating and tortured for answers. As we come across each question he answers right, we go back to his childhood and reveal he knew the answers through life experience. Slumdog is a story about destiny and it is beautifully told, in a very uncoventional way. With that said, the story takes a typical Hollywood-ending dive which is a definite crowd pleaser.

The performances are great all around, even from the young children who appear in most of the film. Dev Patel gives a very warm and humble performance as Jamal, the contestant of the show. The story drops you in the slums of India as we explore the life of these children. Even at the films slowest points, the story manages to hold your interest. Very worthy of the attention it has been receiving although I'm not sure how long the film will stay with me, personally.

[ara87]

The runners you chose seem quite right. Although if you're talking about Oscars, I don't think Doubt or The Reader will get a nod. I think it'll be more like:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Milk
Frost/Nixon
Slumdog Millionaire
Revolutionary Road/The Dark Knight

I admit I don't think the Reader will get a nod, but is "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" really that great? I've only seen the trailers, and I know I shouldn't judge off those, but B.B. just seems like another extravagant love against all odds story, "Doubt" appears to be much better. Anyways although I had planned to see them this weekend, I am now scrapping them, to go to an independent theater to see "Gran Torino."

As far as Oscar nom's go, I think "Waltz with Bashir" may get a best foreign nom, or best animated nom

[One-Way]

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an intriguing story and fine piece of cinema. Whether you like or dislike the film, it's obvious it will get the nods. Benjamin Button and Slumdog are the current front runners for the Oscars. Benjamin Button is pure Oscar bait.

While I liked certain aspects of the film, I felt that it was too long but I certainly do feel it was very well made. It's a very technical film and has its moments.

[PepsiAddict]

Wall-e was kinda cheezzy though.

[ara87]

Just saw "the Wrestler." It was a decent film, but definitely not ever a candidate for best picture at any award. I give it a 7 out of 10.

[One-Way]

Which is why it's not getting any talk for Best Picture. It's a performance film and worthy of all its recognition.

[ara87]

Just saw, Gran Torino, Milk, Frost/Nixon, and Revolutionary Road yesterday. I'm going to see doubt or Slumdog Millionaire tonight. Frost/Nixon and Milk were pretty decent, but Gran Torino and Revolutionary Road we're definitely the best. I can't decide if I like G.T. or R.R better though

[One-Way]

Nice.

[One-Way]

THE READER
Directed by Stephen Daldry

I watched this film in the afternoon; I hadn't done that for years! It had begun to rain and since that always leaves a depressing mood, I thought it would be quite settling to watch this film.

To begin, I should say I hadn't done any research about The Reader. I haven't read the novel and wasn't particularly interested in the film. I mainly wanted to give it a watch because of its acclaim but went in expecting a mediocre film. To say I was completely impressed by the film would not be correct. I did, however, enjoy the film much more than I had imagined. Certain parts stood out, such as the structure of the film and the third act of the film.

The direction was much better than I expected and Stephen Daldry's nomination is well-deserved. Kate Winselt gave a fine performance and, at times, was captivating in her scenes. A dissapointment in the film was David Kross, whose inexperience became quite a problem. At times, he was fairly good at what he was trying to accomplish. At other points in the film, his acting felt awkward.

The overall story of the film wasn't as impressive as I imagined and were also predictable. The ending was better than I hoped and wasn't as "cheesy" or "Hollywood" as I figured. However, there wasn't much substance to hold onto and I felt as if the story didn't know where to go at certain points. Overall, it was a solid film worthy of its recognition.

[One-Way]

I'm disappointed in myself; I didn't see two out of my list.

[PepsiAddict]

Revolutionary Road wasn't all that great. it was "Ok".

[Siggie]

THE WRESTLER


Maryse Alberti, the cinematographer, and Aronosfky shot this film with an Arri 416 Super 16mm camera. The camerawork allowed us to feel the real human nature of these individuals. Randy's relationship with his daughter is heartfelt throughout the film as they struggle to make senese of their role in each other's lives. The gritty nature of the cinematography allows us to actually feel their emotions. If the acting and camerawork is not enough, Clint Mansell's beautiful score hypnotizes you and lures you into their world.



Is he still doing the repeating sequences like in Pi and Requiem?

[Sako]

Hi guys. Quick question.

Did you all like the Dark Knight? Most movies I can watch here like for free, just have to find myself some time. So the day before yesterday, I brought home the Dark Knight (couldn't find an English copy for a while), Eagle Eye, and Madagascar 2. Being a writer myself I watch pretty much everything lol so that's why my selection of movies might seem strange. Coming back to the discussion, I haven't watched any of the movies you guys mentioned so far but I'm looking forward to checking them out. In Armenia, we get movies pretty quickly but since I don't know Russian, I have to wait for an English copy. The Russian translations suck a lot of the time though so I wouldn't watch the Russian versions even if I knew Russian perfectly. I've fallen pretty back but want to start catching up with all the movies towards the end of this month.

[Siggie]

I loved The Dark Knight (and not just because they got rid of Katie Holmes :p).

[One-Way]

Is he still doing the repeating sequences like in Pi and Requiem?

Not really; he's stepped into a different type of filmmaking since Requiem, so no.

[Sako]

I loved The Dark Knight (and not just because they got rid of Katie Holmes ).

Ok. I also liked it but for some strange reason, it just didn't seem really, really great. I've been waiting to see this movie for a long time and when I did see it, I wasn't exactly in the mood. I wanna watch it again and this time not in the afternoon lol.

[One-Way]

Ok. I also liked it but for some strange reason, it just didn't seem really, really great. I've been waiting to see this movie for a long time and when I did see it, I wasn't exactly in the mood. I wanna watch it again and this time not in the afternoon lol.

The Dark Knight wouldn't have had the impact on me if I wasn't anxiously sitting in a room with almost a thousand people on a huge IMAX screen. That experience alone was worth everything.

It's a great film and considering what it has accomplished, a fine work of art.

[Sako]

I'm not saying it was a bad movie. It was really good. I just think that waiting for such a long time and watching it at the wrong time must have given me a different take on everything. I want to watch it properly again.

[One-Way]

Yeah, I agree with the 'watching it at a bad time' part. That's why I think twice about watching a movie; if I'm even remotely tired, it will ruin the experience.

[PepsiAddict]

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k64/AprilFox58/oscar.jpg

It's going to be very exciting.

[One-Way]

Actually, I was more excited for tonight's Independent Spirt Awards because they acknowledged some of the films that were shut down elsewhere. I was very happy with the winners, and unlike the Oscars, they were unpredictable. I feel like I know exactly what's going to happen tomorrow. Hopefully, I'm wrong.

[PepsiAddict]

Well if you're right, then you have special powers.

[One-Way]

I'll post my predictions here, once again, just so we can review them tomorrow. Pepsi, quote me on this and let's see if I was right.

Best Picture - Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director - Danny Boyle
Best Actor - Mickey Rourke
Best Actress - Kate Winslet
Best Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger
Best Supporting Actress - Penélope Cruz
Best Original Screenplay - Wall-E
Best Adapted Screenplay - Slumdog Millionaire

I admit, I'm a bit unsure about Best Actress (it can really go either ways in such a defined category) and Best Original/Adapted Screenplay.

We'll see.

[PepsiAddict]

Yup we will see.

[Sako]

Guys, I have a serious question. Why is it that the Dark Knight didn't get any awards? If it was so good then why didn't it get anywhere? I'm not saying it was a bad movie. On the contrary, it was good and that's why I'm asking. Most of the movies mentioned above didn't even come close to it when you look at the box office sales. Or did they?

[Sako]

Yeah, I agree with the 'watching it at a bad time' part. That's why I think twice about watching a movie; if I'm even remotely tired, it will ruin the experience.

Well I watched it in the afternoon, it was pretty sunny, and my grandmother passed away a few days ago so I guess I couldn't have picked a worse time to watch it. It's been a strange week and everything's falling into place slowly, slowly :( . Anyways, life goes on.

[One-Way]

Guys, I have a serious question. Why is it that the Dark Knight didn't get any awards? If it was so good then why didn't it get anywhere? I'm not saying it was a bad movie. On the contrary, it was good and that's why I'm asking. Most of the movies mentioned above didn't even come close to it when you look at the box office sales. Or did they?

Tough question, but you like long answers.

The Dark Knight was the first comic book movie to be taken seriously. I mean, I haven't seen Spider-Man and it was always considered a good franchise. It certainly did have the biggest weekend opening until The Dark Knight came along. However, The Dark Knight completely changed the outlook on comic book movies. Not only did it do well in the box office, it didn't even feel like a comic book movie. Batman, Joker and Two-Face were believable in our everyday world and that's why it became such a significant film. It's also because of Christopher Nolan's approach to Batman; he reinvented the entire look and meaning of the franchise.

Unfortunently, at the end of the day, it's still a comic book movie. The Oscars, in particular, are extremely conservative; they love nominating the typical films. This is why we have so many films released at the fourth quarter of the year and hence the phrase "Oscar bait." The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Reader, for example, were both "Oscar bait" films. They were filmed with the intention of being considered for the awards. In the case of Benjamin Button, the film was ready to be seen yet waited months to be released in December. The Reader, however, was rushed to see a December release, specifically for Oscar consideration. The rule is your film must be out before January to be considered for the show.

As for The Dark Knight, the film did extremely well with the critics and the audience. However, it is still out of the norm to nominate a comic book movie. To the conservative members of the Academy, they're not ready to award a 'Batman' movie the big trophy. It makes sense from their viewpoint when you think about it. Obviously, this is ridiculous because The Dark Knight came a very long way to achieve such great things. It deserves Best Picture/Best Director nomination but sadly was shunned out.

As far as the rest of the films that did get nominated, some did well at the box office while others didn't. Again, there are certain films suited for the Oscar consideration line-up. They tend to pick the same type of films over and over again; Benjamin Button is almost a carbon copy of Forrest Gump, which won Best Picture in 1995. The only reason why Benjamin Button probably won't win this year and, trust me, it was almost a sure hit is because of the rare success of Slumdog Millionaire. If there's one thing the academy loves is comeback performances and the underdog film. Slumdog Millionaire captivated many, and because it's such a simple film, backed by a great director, it stole many awards and will probably win Best Picture.

I hope that helped.

[Sako]

Tough question, but you like long answers.

Can't lie about that :) . Allows me to understand people and their views much better. Or maybe it's just a writers habit, lol.

The Dark Knight was the first comic book movie to be taken seriously. I mean, I haven't seen Spider-Man and it was always considered a good franchise. It certainly did have the biggest weekend opening until The Dark Knight came along.

Spider-Man truly is a great franchise. I think the third was a bit rushed but the second did a good job.

However, The Dark Knight completely changed the outlook on comic book movies. Not only did it do well in the box office, it didn't even feel like a comic book movie. Batman, Joker and Two-Face were believable in our everyday world and that's why it became such a significant film. It's also because of Christopher Nolan's approach to Batman; he reinvented the entire look and meaning of the franchise.

I know, that's why I asked why the movie wasn't nominated.

As for The Dark Knight, the film did extremely well with the critics and the audience. However, it is still out of the norm to nominate a comic book movie. To the conservative members of the Academy, they're not ready to award a 'Batman' movie the big trophy. It makes sense from their viewpoint when you think about it. Obviously, this is ridiculous because The Dark Knight came a very long way to achieve such great things. It deserves Best Picture/Best Director nomination but sadly was shunned out.

I get what you mean but still, a good movie is a good movie. What are the judges looking for. Good stories or good movies? Even if Batman was a comic book, it was directed pretty well and the actors were great so I think the judges didn't make the right choices.

As far as the rest of the films that did get nominated, some did well at the box office while others didn't. Again, there are certain films suited for the Oscar consideration line-up. They tend to pick the same type of films over and over again; Benjamin Button is almost a carbon copy of Forrest Gump, which won Best Picture in 1995.

So basically you see directors directing movies they know will work. Am I right? That's the first impression I get.

Slumdog Millionaire captivated many, and because it's such a simple film, backed by a great director, it stole many awards and will probably win Best Picture.

Wanna watch this movie actually since I've lived pretty much all my life in India. I'm glad Hollywood still awards movies like these.

Thanks for the explanation One-Way.

[One-Way]

Slumdog Millionaire was a great film but I feel it's almost overrated by the general public. And yes, for Oscar season, they compile films that are sure hits to win. The Dark Knight is a great film but sadly that's not how the Academy judges. It's like Armenians and their belief you should only marry an Armenian. It's a belief the Academy has and it's almost voodoo to step outside of that norm.

[One-Way]

Best Picture - Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director - Danny Boyle
Best Actor - Mickey Rourke
Best Actress - Kate Winslet
Best Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger
Best Supporting Actress - Penélope Cruz
Best Original Screenplay - Wall-E
Best Adapted Screenplay - Slumdog Millionaire

Correct on all accounts except Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay. In my defense, I overlooked Milk because it was Dustin Lance Black's first screenplay, and didn't quite think it through while I compared it to Wall-E.

Best Actor was a pleasant surprise because Sean Penn truly did deserve the award. Mickey Rourke was extremely great as well but I'm pretty happy with the outcome.

[TomServo]

Well, The Departed, No Country for Old Men, and Slumdog Millionaire aren't your usual Best Picture Oscar winners.

Something's changed. I think the Academy's oldest generation has died out or something. Only Ernest Borgnine, Mickey Rooney, Joan Fontaine, and Olivia de Havilland seem to be left. If this was just a decade ago, movies like Atonement (deservedly) and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button would have swept the awards.

I'd only seen two of the Best Picture nominees, and my personal choice won. Congratulations, Slumdog. Eight wins is a little much, especially Best Original Score which should have gone to the inexplicably snubbed The Dark Knight -- but I won't rain on your parade. Jai Ho!

[One-Way]

I think it's pretty obvious changes are being made because there has finally been a true independent film to win Best Picture. Some people are questioning if it's worthy of being in the same category has Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Godfather. Slumdog Millionaire is on a much smaller scale and wasn't as important, for the lack of a better term, as the past winners. However, it's a new beginning for the Academy and just goes to show what's happening to our industry.

I'm glad the typical Oscar bait of a film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button didn't take much of the awards because, not only was the film a big disappointment, it truly didn't deserve anything outside the technical fields. Slumdog Millionaire did deserve its win for Best Song, but I do agree The Dark Knight was horribly robbed by not being nominated for Best Original Score.

[Lucin]

An award should have been given to Hugh Jackman, the Australian host. He was brilliant!