The Oscars Are A-Comin’

Yeah, Another Blogger

I’m very well acquainted with some people who wouldn’t watch the Academy Awards telecast if the fate of the world was hanging in the balance. They can’t stand all the pomp and the self-congratulatory aura that the show is partially dressed in. Well, if the fate of the world was hanging in the balance I’d watch anything, you know, even brain-dissolving entities like The Maury Show or Chrisley Knows Best. That’s the kind of guy I am. Looking out for humanity and nature and all that, you dig?

You’d hardly have to twist my arm, though, to get me to turn on the Oscars, a broadcast that I’m pretty well addicted to. I like seeing big cinematic stars on the Academy Awards’ stage and in the audience. I like the good gags that often fly from the mouths of the hosts. I like holding my breath every time a high-heeled and flowingly-gowned actress heads uneasily toward the podium, doing all she can not to trip in front of a billion viewers worldwide. And, more than anything, I enjoy keeping alive a personal tradition that dates back to when, eons ago, I began watching the Academy Awards with my mom. She was an Oscars lover of a high order. She’d be happy to know that I’ve missed nary an Oscars presentation since those days of yore.

Well then, as surely we all know, the big day is nigh. The Academy Awards extravaganza takes to the airwaves on Sunday, March 4 at 8 PM in the USA’s Eastern Time Zone, the area in which yours truly resides. My wife Sandy and I will be glued to the boob tube. She, like me, wouldn’t miss the show.

And I’ve decided that I shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to jot down a few remarks about the Oscars. I’ve given a fair amount of thought as to what I might say herein. If I had it in me, which I don’t, I’d churn out thousands of words right now about great performances by actors over the years and about brilliant screenplays and spot-on directing. However, I’m someone who, knowing his limitations, tries to keep things manageable. Thus I’ve made the command decision to limit my realm of discussion. Seeing that the Best Picture category probably is the one that most people pay the most attention to, I will fill up the remainder of this essay by paying attention to it too.

This year there are nine nominations for Best Picture, all of which, needless to say, came out in 2017. A film-going dynamo of sorts, I hit the cinemas 46 times last year, a spree during which seven of the nominees passed before my eyes. The two that I didn’t see (Call Me By Your Name and Get Out) I wouldn’t presume to comment upon. As for the others, I shall, but not before mentioning that, of the flicks I took in last year, I thought that the un-nominated The Florida Project was the best (you can read my review here). It is a work of fiction that feels like real life, which is something I cannot say for many movies. The Florida Project is delightful, poignant and troubling. It will test the emotional strength of your heart. I highly recommend it.

Back to the subject at hand. In alphabetical order, the seven nominated films that I caught are: Darkest Hour. Dunkirk. Lady Bird. Phantom Thread. The Post. The Shape Of Water. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

That’s a sturdy and imposing list. Very fine movies reside on it. But not every one. The Post, for instance, isn’t a very fine movie. A retelling of the Pentagon Papers crisis during Richard Nixon’s presidency, The Post seemed to me to be not much more than standard filmmaking. The Washington Post newspaper (from which the film derives its title) without question stepped up to the plate for democracy by publishing, against enormous legal pressure, leaked government documents (the Pentagon Papers) that showed that the Vietnam War likely was unwinnable. But the movie has far too many preachy moments. They bring an artificial flavor to the proceedings. Director Steven Spielberg has been involved with considerably better work (Jaws, Schindler’s List and Lincoln, to name a few).

Nor is Phantom Thread top-notch, to my way of viewing things. I definitely liked its oddness, its peculiar charm, but felt unsatisfied in the end. It’s the tale of a fastidious and successful British fashion designer (played by the fabulously talented Daniel Day-Lewis) in the 1950s, a gent of 60 or so who marries a lady much younger than he. They feel each other out, they sometimes butt heads and worse . . . but their mental and emotional states, the whys behind what is happening between them, were never clear to me. Way too much understatement for my tastes. I have relatives and friends who rave about Phantom Thread, though, so what do I know? Give it a try.

Ah yes, Lady Bird, the saga of a discontented California high school senior (portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, one of the numerous non-Americans who have no trouble nailing American accents) who is fumbling her way toward whatever her destiny might be. The girl’s given name is Christine but, in trying to become her own person, she demands to be known as Lady Bird. Greta Gerwig, herself an actress, wrote and directed the movie, a double-barreled feat that she pulled off most admirably.

No, it wouldn’t be an upset if Lady Bird grabs the Oscar for Best Picture, but if the decision were up to me, I wouldn’t hand it the award. I didn’t find myself being drawn deeply enough into the movie, probably because Lady Bird/Christine is not a particularly likeable individual. Still, this is a quality film. You won’t go wrong by spending time with it.

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of the Battle of Dunkirk, in May and June of 1940, for the British and other Allies. Imperiled in their positions on French coastlines, the Allied forces, several hundred thousand strong, seemingly had little chance against advancing and surrounding German fighters. Rather amazingly though, most of the Allied troops were safely evacuated.

The movie drawn from the struggle, Dunkirk, is a powerful one. It reeks gloom, fear and claustrophobia, Anyone interested in history or human nature will want to see it. My only gripe about Dunkirk is that many of its sequences, even the ones in open water, don’t capture the scale of the events taking place. Enormous numbers of boats and planes were in action during the battle, but often only a smattering are pictured in the movie. This was by design, I know, an attempt to describe the big picture in small strokes. Still, I left the theater feeling pretty shaken.

Darkest Hour takes on some of the same subject matter as Dunkirk, as it is the story of Winston Churchill during his early days as Prime Minister of Great Britain. Churchill took office about two weeks before the Battle of Dunkirk began. He was a powerful presence, a leader who refused to compromise with Germany, who did his damndest to instill and elicit strength and courage from the Brits in the face of incredible danger. Gary Oldman is fabulous as Churchill. The movie is all his in a sense. But, then again, it’s not all his, for Darkest Hour would be far less than the excellent production that it is were it not for a screenplay, cinematography and direction that come from the top of the barrel. If Darkest Hour wins the Oscar, it deserves it.

Next up are our final contenders, The Shape Of Water and Three Billboards Outside Of Ebbing, Missouri. I liked them both very much. The Shape Of Water is a dreamy fantasy, a story about many things, including how love can develop most unexpectedly. The movie has an element of the supernatural, in the guise of a mythical type of creature that has been captured in the Amazon jungles and brought to the USA to be studied. And it has the radiant Sally Hawkins. She plays a joyful individual, a mute, who works as a janitor at the science facility to which the lizard-man has been transported. Hawkins, through fluid body movements, subtle gestures and expressive eyes creates a loveable character, a person of true depth. Hawkins is an astonishing talent.

There are sublime sequences in Water that carried me away. And there also is a good guys versus bad guys theme (with “I’m gonna get you” scenes and the like that you’ve seen a million times over the years) that I thought holds down the movie. As good as Water is, it might have been better.

Finally we come to Three Billboards. What we have here are a taut plot and superb acting from its main players. You’re not going to find performances superior to those turned in by Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson. Three Billboards is a high-power meditation on evil, tragedy, bigotry and redemption. And I’m certain I’m leaving out other big subjects that it tackles.

All of that takes place in a dusty Missouri town where hard-as-nails Mildred Hayes (McDormand) is determined to prod the local police to find her teenage daughter’s killer, as the crime has gone unsolved for many months. She goes to unusual means in this pursuit, taking shit from nobody. Three Billboards will grab you by your collar. If you’re not wearing a collar it will find something else to grab you by. My guess is that the Oscar will end up in its hands. And I will have no complaints if that turns out to be the case.

Nor will I moan if Darkest Hour takes home the gold. Like Billboards, it is gritty and packs a wallop. To me, those two films are equally good. And totally Oscar-worthy.

(Don’t be shy about adding your comments or about sharing this piece on Facebook, Twitter and such. I thank you.)

78 thoughts on “The Oscars Are A-Comin’”

  1. acomediansguidetoenlightenment February 25, 2018 / 2:32 am

    I couldnā€™t agree more about ā€œThe Post.ā€ I was totally unimpressed! And honestly, I was not a fan of ā€œLady Bird.ā€ I mean whatā€™s so unique about a high school theater student with issues with her mom? Practically my own documentary haha! I really liked ā€œShape of Waterā€ and ā€œGet outā€ out of what was nominated. But to be honest I thought ā€œMudboundā€ was totally snubbed! Iā€™m excited for the Oscars tho! Itā€™s a tradition for me too.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 7:26 am

      Hi. Thanks for stopping by. I’ll have to look for Mudbound.
      Another movie I liked last year is Marshall.
      A Sense Of An Ending is another.
      Take care —

      Neil S.

      Like

  2. andrewcferguson February 25, 2018 / 4:02 am

    You put my movie-going record to shame! I plan to see Darkest Hour, but of the rest, I’ve only seen the Post. I agree with you on that one – great subject, but a bit preachy and done by the numbers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 7:30 am

      Hi Andrew. My cable TV provider carries BBC-America, which showed the BAFTA awards last week. I watched it. Three Billboards won Best Picture.

      See you —

      Liked by 1 person

  3. joyce hamilton February 25, 2018 / 8:03 am

    I love the Oscars . My favorite was Shape of Water but l didn’t see Billboards . I hope it comes back .

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Robert Parker February 25, 2018 / 9:28 am

    As you said, “Dunkirk” tried to capture the scene in small strokes, and did convey a sense of desperation, but overall it was disappointing and not a success. Refusing to use CGI on some artistic principle, it failed to depict the scope of the event. The long shot with the Spitfire gliding over the beach was terrific, but, and I know this is just quibbling, a trained fighter pilot has a duty to ditch and return home to fly again, not go sightseeing, coast to a stop, and spend the next five years as a POW. Rylance and Branagh did yeoman’s duty.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 9:53 am

      Hi, Robert.
      Yeah, it’s true. Overall though, I liked Dunkirk quite a lot.
      Thanks for adding your thoughts. I appreciate it.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Laurie Graves February 25, 2018 / 11:19 am

    I just started following your blog, and I enjoyed this post very much. I, too, am keen on movies, and I thought your reviews did a good job of capturing the films. I liked The Post better than you seemed to, but I can’t argue with your assessment. Ditto for Lady Bird. My favorite movie of the year? The same as yours—-The Florida Project. My husband and I have a punishing movie schedule next week so that we will be caught up.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 11:36 am

      Thanks a lot for stopping by, Laurie.

      The Florida Project deserves to be seen by a whole lot of people. What a terrific movie.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Laurie Graves February 25, 2018 / 12:03 pm

        Yes, and heartbreaking, too.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Lynette d'Arty-Cross February 25, 2018 / 11:47 am

    Thanks so much for the reviews. šŸ™‚ I like to watch movies in the theatre but of the ones you describe, I’ve only seen Dunkirk. I made a point of it as my father was one of the people rescued by one of those small boats. I am also a veteran and I found the director’s vision of recreating this event as a series of personalised experiences to be a very accurate re-telling (because of my own experiences). There were moments when I felt I was there. The audience for it will not be as broad (it wasn’t an American battle) because its appeal will more likely resonate with history buffs or military types. So I agree, I don’t think it will win an Oscar. I would really like to see Three Billboards (you’ve provided some extra push šŸ™‚ ) as I also really like Frances McDormand.

    Thanks for the great post. šŸ™‚

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 12:11 pm

      I’m really glad that you commented, Lynette.
      Your thoughts about Dunkirk are from a very personal perspective. Thanks a lot for adding them to my review. I appreciate it.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Debra February 25, 2018 / 12:19 pm

    I’m rooting for Three Billboards. Florida Project was our 2nd favorite movie in 2017. Missed Get Out in the theater, but I have heard amazing things about it. We really wanted to see Mudbound, but it was only at the Ritz for a week. Unbelievable! (I grew up watching the Oscars with my mother and older sister commenting on the actresses’ clothing. I’m sure I’ll hear my mother’s voice in my head as I watch.)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 1:44 pm

      Hi Debra.
      Maybe Mudbound will make a return appearance in one of the local theaters.
      Have fun watching the Oscars.
      See ya’ —

      Like

  8. barrydjd February 25, 2018 / 1:19 pm

    Let me know how it all turns out šŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

  9. opalitelife February 25, 2018 / 3:04 pm

    Out of these mpvies I have only seen The Shape of Water and Lady Bird. Like you, I wouldn’t hand the award to Lady Bird but I would be happy for Gerwig. I found the main character actually quite relatable even though she isn’t very likeable. But let’s face it no teenagers are very likeable. And I definitely wouldn’t give the award to Shape of Water. Honestly I will be slightly angry if it wins because it let me down a bit. I think I am actually going to watch the Academy Awards. I haven’t watched them in my life so it will be interesting.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 3:54 pm

      Hey there. Many thanks for dropping by.
      The Academy Awards show is usually too long. But it can be a lot of fun. Give it a try!

      Like

      • opalitelife February 25, 2018 / 4:02 pm

        Yeah I think it will be fun. The only thing standing in my way are time zones. They are gonna stream it here after midnight.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Alyson February 25, 2018 / 3:17 pm

    I’ve seen 5 of the films reviewed above and agree on the whole with your thoughts – Went to see Lady Bird only yesterday and although I really enjoyed it, don’t think it’ll get the big prize – That I think will go to Three Billboards but we’ll just have to wait and see!

    Unlike Sandy, my other half is not really interested in awards ceremonies so I have to do my viewing alone (but in the case of the Oscars during the night for us, so have to wake up to the results). Always something worthy of discussion after the event though and like at the BAFTAs, there will no doubt be a dress code of solidarity amongst the women and a few taking the opportunity to have their say in front of a global audience – Interesting times.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 4:01 pm

      Hi. The Oscars show has often been a platform for political and societal commentary by some of the award winners. You’re right — we can expect to see that this year. I’m all in favor of that.
      I hope that Trump and other small-minded sorts get slammed at the show.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. alhenry February 25, 2018 / 3:30 pm

    I was transformed from one of those folks who never watched the Oscars (though I love movies) to a diehard Oscar watcher who sees every best pic nomination–all this, thanks to my husband Ed, who is a lovely, sane man in every other regard.

    Of this year’s best pic candidates, I have to go with Dunkirk. Not only was the story original (in its POV) and imaginatively shot (the claustrophobia of the camera suited the tense/small boats/ordinary heroes situation perfectly), it also made me cry. We are talking SOBS here. In 1940, the fate of Europe appeared to be doomed. If you look at a map from the time, there’s all this area shaded one color–that’s Hitler–and then there’s the UK. They look REALLY TINY. But they stood up. And they fought back. The rest of us owe them an inestimable debt of gratitude. Hence, my sobs. I also wondered who would save us now and in the near future from the new wave of Hitlers (of which I believe we in the States boast the finest example).

    Agree with you about The Post, and Phantom Thread. And though I found Three Billboards almost unbearably depressing (what is happening to us, people?!), I agree that Frances McDormand was electric. Also Shape of Water was fun, and might get best pic because the Academy has a love affair with its own mythology.

    I love the story behind The Darkest Hour–Winnie was the first in any position of power to get just how BAD Hitler was. But somehow I felt it lacked “blood.” The director and/or screenwriter seemed more concerned with events than emotions, and TDH was a HUGELY emotional time.

    Enough blathering. I should be looking for short story markets. Someone must want these gems I’ve penned.

    Enjoy the show.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 4:06 pm

      Thanks, Amy, for excellent commentary. Your comments are a lot better than my essay.

      As for your husband’s take on the Oscars show, he has the right idea!

      Liked by 1 person

      • alhenry February 25, 2018 / 4:42 pm

        I’m blushing, Neil, and that’s not easy to make me do. Sobbing? Yes. Blushing, not so much.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Fictionophile February 25, 2018 / 4:11 pm

    Wow! I’m impressed by how often you go to the movies! I went once… I think it was the year before last… LOL Seriously though, the last movie I saw in the theatre was… NO, sorry, can’t remember. We do love movies, we’re just behind the times and watch them at home.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 4:34 pm

      At home or in theaters, watching movies is good either way.

      See ya’, Lynne. Enjoy the upcoming week.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Janet Sunderland February 25, 2018 / 4:12 pm

    We’re Oscar watchers here, but we’re also SAG Award watchers as I’m a SAG member and get a lot of films to watch. Wasn’t crazy about Lady Bird for all the reasons above; Gary Oldman is amazing to watch; but I highly recommend Mud Bound although it didn’t make it to the Oscar category. It’s really the film I liked best. The cast is excellent, the story compelling, two young men grow up in the segregated South, one white, one black, but back from war, they are the only ones who understand the other. But then, I grew up on a farm so there’s that. The Shape of Water interesting and I’m really glad Guillermo Del Toro was finally recognized. He won best director in the SAG awards, and the film is very good, but I expect Three Billboards will win. It won big at the SAG awards and, if I remember correctly in the Golden Globes. At least Francis McDermott won for Best Actress.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 4:40 pm

      Hi. I think that you’re the third person on this page who recommends Mudbound. I’ve placed it on my to-be-seen list.

      Thanks for adding your thoughts, Janet.

      Like

  15. Ann Coleman February 25, 2018 / 6:33 pm

    Thanks for the reviews! I have yet to see The Darkest Hour, but plan to do so soon. I did see Lady Bird, but it didn’t draw me into it. It felt to me as if each time it skittered to the edge of something important, it backed of into another cliche…but that’s just me. The joys of movies (and books, and art) is that each person responds to it differently, so we all get to form our own opinions. And yours were appreciated!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 6:46 pm

      You’re right — it’s somewhat amazing how people’s opinions differ so much on just about any topic you can name.

      Take care, Ann. I appreciate your comments.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. selizabryangmailcom February 25, 2018 / 7:02 pm

    I consider myself a big movie-goer, but the fact that I know little to nothing about Three Billboards, featuring three of my favorite actors–Frances, Sam, and Woody–says a lot. I can’t wait to see that one. One wouldn’t have thought Woody, from “Cheers” would have turned into such a subtle, seasoned dramatic actor. And nice summary/presentation of the offerings this year. Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 7:38 pm

      I know what you mean about Woody. He’s impressed me in a lot of movies. Did you see The Edge Of Seventeen? He’s really good in that.

      Thanks for stopping by, Stacey. Be seeing you —

      Like

  17. Isabelle February 25, 2018 / 7:06 pm

    Itā€™s great that you put Dunkirk on the list. A touching and powerful film. It made such a huge impression, overwhelming. Loved the film.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 7:40 pm

      Hello, Isabelle. Like I mentioned in the article, my favorite movie last year was The Florida Project. It’s outstanding. A very complex drama. You’d like it a lot, I’m sure.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Isabelle February 25, 2018 / 7:50 pm

        Have just checked it out. Great review received in Norway. Will watch it Iā€™m sure. Thank you.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Amanda On A Small Blue Planet February 25, 2018 / 9:36 pm

    oooohhhh, yes, the Oscars! Glued to the tv for four to five hours, followed by guilt at such an exorbitant amount of time wasted. But I’ll be watching it nonetheless! Mostly ‘cos I love films. I saw quite a few of the movies you did, and have to pretty much agree with your reviews. I was completely absorbed in Darkest Hour, for the first time in a very long while I actually didn’t want the film to end. Dunkirk was brilliant, it’s quietness interspersed with that nerve shredding score. Unintentionally (I assume) the two films complemented each other so well. I love Guillermo Del Toro but was a bit disappointed by Shape of Water. I thought Pan’s Labyrinth was genius but couldn’t say that about Water. I want to see Mudbound and I hear Frantz is incredible. Have you seen that one?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 25, 2018 / 9:54 pm

      Hey there, Amanda. Haven’t seen Frantz, but one of my friends says he liked it a whole lot.
      Three flicks from 2017 that I liked very much are Loving Vincent; Maudie; Ingrid Goes West.

      Like

  19. Amanda On A Small Blue Planet February 25, 2018 / 9:58 pm

    Have heard about Loving Vincent, sounds fascinating. I saw Maudie, lovely film. I’ll check out Ingrid Goes West too, thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. tanjabrittonwriter February 25, 2018 / 10:03 pm

    You ARE a movie buff, Neil. I have not seen a single nominated movie this last year, feel totally out of the loop, but somehow, life still goes on. šŸ˜Š
    I hope you and Sandy will enjoy next Sunday’s show.
    Best,
    Tanja

    Liked by 1 person

  21. The Artist's Child February 25, 2018 / 11:42 pm

    Thank you for a thorough and perceptive run down of the nominees, especially as I not seen all these films. Being in a different time zone means we usually know the winners before the Academy awards are shown on TV at night here. With the internet you can find out as it’s happening. This does have an effect on the element of surprise so viewing the event is more about people watching and the jokes which is a good enough reason. Hope you enjoy it Live.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 26, 2018 / 7:02 am

      Hello there. Thanks for visiting. I wonder who is the host for this year’s Oscars.
      I think that Billy Crystal did the best job. But he hasn’t hosted in years.

      See you —

      Liked by 1 person

  22. cincinnatibabyhead February 26, 2018 / 2:30 am

    Like you taking one for Mom (watching the Oscars), I’ve been doing the same for the last couple weeks, watching every curling match the Olympics can send my way. I have had no time for anything else. I’ve been Culerized and am trying to learn how to half ass function again. I will not be watching the Oscars but thank you for the tips. I will check out a few of these in time. I’m pretty much up for watching anything other than curl …I can’t even say the word without breaking out in a sweat.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 26, 2018 / 6:56 am

      Hi. For some reason I wasn’t into the Winter Olympics. In years past I used to like some of the events a lot.

      But as for curling . . .

      Take care —

      Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead February 26, 2018 / 1:32 pm

        I’m dreaming “curling” I watched so much. Just to let you know, your country is the reigning gold medal champions. How many Americans would know that one? Jeopardy question.

        Liked by 1 person

  23. greenpete58 February 26, 2018 / 8:03 am

    Great reviews. Forty-six trips to the cinema?! Holy expensive buttered popcorn, Batman. Maybe I should venture away from TCM once or twice. Would love to see “Florida Project,” which you earlier raved about, and which features the great Willem Dafoe. Regarding the Oscar ceremony and who wins/who doesn’t win, I could care less. I gave up on that bloated, self-aggrandizing, politically correct spectacle years ago. George C. Scott, Marlon Brando and I will be discussing life with Pocahontas and General Patton during the broadcast. But, Neil, please let me know if Price Waterhouse chooses “La La Land” again this year.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 26, 2018 / 8:53 am

      Pete, I get the feeling that you’re not an Oscars fan!
      I totally understand.
      Still, I’ll be watching.

      Thanks for stopping by. Be seeing you.

      Like

  24. Aunt Beulah February 27, 2018 / 4:56 pm

    Thanks, Neil, none of the nominated movies have made it anywhere near my small town, though I did see Dunkirk while in Denver. Your words about each will inform my viewing, because I, too, never miss the Oscars. After reading your descriptions, I’ll be hoping either Darkest Hour or Three Billboards…. wins.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 27, 2018 / 7:03 pm

      I just found out that Jimmy Kimmel will be the host. He was the host last year, too. Last year’s show had the crazy incident when the wrong winner of Best Picture was announced initially.

      Thanks for stopping by, Janet. Be seeing you —

      Like

  25. nissenson February 27, 2018 / 7:30 pm

    We’ve been doing a lot of binge-watching at home, so I’m (though not very) ashamed to say I’ve only seen The Post and Darkest Hour, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I don’t think they are Best Picture-worthy. Best Actor for sure for Gary Oldman and Meryl Streep is wonderful in everything she touches. I don’t always watch the Oscars because they’re long and sometimes bore me. This despite the fact that I’ve been a SAG member since 1973 and a SAG nominator twice (I had to watch dozens of films then). However, I think they’re incredibly fun in a crowd. Can we come to your house?

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Julie Yates February 27, 2018 / 9:19 pm

    Good reviews – I’m in agreement with your observations… I’m putting my $ on Three Billboards – amazing acting…

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 27, 2018 / 10:03 pm

      Hi Julie. Yup, it’ll be surprising (I think) if Three Billboards doesn’t win Best Picture.

      Thanks a lot for adding your thoughts. Appreciated.

      Like

  27. Annika Perry March 1, 2018 / 11:10 am

    Neil, there would have been a time I’d have seen all the nominated films but alas rarely have time to go to the cinema!! I had wanted to see The Post but not so sure now, I’m intrigued to watch Three Billboards after all the hype and Dunkirk is one of my husband’s favourite films. Enjoy the event this weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger March 1, 2018 / 1:50 pm

      Thanks a lot for stopping by, Annika.
      Yes, I know where I’ll be on Sunday night (i.e., staring at the boob tube). I hope it’ll be an entertaining broadcast.
      See you —

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Jacqui Murray March 2, 2018 / 10:47 am

    I don’t go to many movies so would like to hear snippets about them to inform a trip. But, all of these have become more about hate speech and politics than inspired creativity. Now, I simply read trusted reviews (bloggers who eschew the depressing stuff).

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger March 2, 2018 / 11:47 am

      Hello Jacqui.
      Thanks for stopping by and adding your thoughts. Much appreciated.

      Neil S.

      Like

  29. Christy B March 2, 2018 / 6:37 pm

    I really liked Lady Bird but wasn’t much into The Shape of Water. I will have the Oscars on with my mom – NOTE: we like watching for fancy dresses, and there are sure to be a LOT of them šŸ˜‰

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger March 2, 2018 / 9:40 pm

      Hi Christy. A bad wind and snow storm has caused power outages all over my Pennsylvania region. They are saying they probably won’t be able to restore service till Sunday night. If that’s the case, I possibly may miss the Oscars!
      I have to turn off my phone now. Bye.

      Like

  31. viewfromoverthehill March 13, 2018 / 11:51 am

    I’m one of those who has NEVER watched the Oscars. Come to think of it, nor did I manage to see a movie in a theatre this past year. Guess I’m addicted to Netflix. Maybe I’ll do better next year. Cheers, Muriel

    Liked by 1 person

  32. Aunt Beulah March 13, 2018 / 7:34 pm

    You are fortunate to live near a large city where you can walk, take photos, explore. I’ve walked every inch of my small town and, except when there’s a change in the weather, there’s never much new to see. Of course there are the mountains, but some days they take too much effort. I enjoyed your brief discourse of gaps.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger March 13, 2018 / 8:50 pm

      Hello there, Janet.

      It’s true — I consider myself lucky to be living near Philadelphia. It’s a fascinating place. Lots to do.

      Enjoy the rest of the week.
      Be seeing you —

      Like

  33. Browsing the Atlas March 21, 2018 / 2:39 pm

    I’m still in the process of watching all of these movies. I LOVED Three Billboards. The writing and acting were phenomenal. It’s the best movie I’ve seen in years. I liked Lady Bird, but agree that it didn’t quite earn “Best Picture,” even though it was well done. I can’t wait to see The Florida Project and The Shape of Water.
    Such good movies and shows these days.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger March 21, 2018 / 3:22 pm

      Thanks for stopping by, Juliann.
      Three Billboards is terrific, like you say. But the movie I liked best from 2017 was the un-nominated The Florida Project. I bet you’ll love it.
      See ya —

      Neil S.

      Like

  34. thewonderer86 March 22, 2018 / 2:19 am

    Great post. I love going to the cinema. In Holland there is a great deal – the Cineville pass – you pay Euro 20 a month, and can to designated cinemas as often as you like. Needless to say we’ve been lots. I loved ‘The Shape of Water’, which looked beautiful and had an equally beautiful message. But don’t know why ‘The Florida Project’ was so overlooked.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger March 22, 2018 / 9:22 am

      Hi there. I appreciate your taking the time to add your thoughts here.
      Yeah, The Florida Project is superb. If you haven’t seen Three Billboards yet, I’m certain you’ll like it a lot too.
      Take care —

      Neil S.

      Like

  35. johnlmalone February 3, 2019 / 12:01 am

    Yes, I’ve seen Billboards a few times and find it rather simplistic; ‘Shape of Water’ I’ve seen three times hoping to see some depth in it but found it a little shallow — excuse the shameless pun; I found it nowhere near as good as its origin story , ‘Creature From the Black Lagoon’ ffrom my adolesence; have you seen it?

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger February 3, 2019 / 7:04 am

      I remember Creature, but I don’t think I ever saw it. One that I remember seeing is The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms. I was very young, and saw it in a theater with my mother.

      Liked by 1 person

      • johnlmalone February 3, 2019 / 4:19 pm

        if you get a chance, check out ‘Creature From the Black Lagoon’; it’s a little cheesy now, but suitably creepy

        Liked by 1 person

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