The Misanthrope – Sunday’s Lighter Side

You can see all the stars as you walk down Hollywood Boulevard,
Some that you recognize, some that you’ve hardly even heard of.
People who worked and suffered and struggled for fame,
Some who succeeded and some who suffered in vain.
Ray Davies, Kinks lead singer, from the song "Celluloid Heroes "

The Movies. We watched "Ray" last night and it was even better than I expected. However, On The Mark mentioned during lunch that it would be interesting if Jamie Foxx didn’t win and see how Chris Rock reacted.

I have now seen all the contenders and that has not happened in a number of years; primarily because I have become so disgusted with the price of movies, the rudeness of the people in the theater and the ads before the show. However, while on vacation the week after Thanksgiving, I discovered the ArcLight Cinemas and loved it despite its hefty $11 matinee ticket prices, but there are no ads and I liked the reserved seating.

So in honor of my seeing all the nominees for Best Picture this year (and I can’t think of anything else to write about) here is my Oscar pick for Best Picture. The winner is:

Ray. Outstanding story. Good acting. I felt as though I was watching the real Ray Charles’ life. My pick for Best Picture and Best Actor.

The Aviator. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I especially like the Senator hearings segments. I was not crazy about the Kate Hepburn stuff.

Finding Neverland. Daughter and I loved this movie. It was just a wonderfully entertaining movie.

Million Dollar Baby. I had no interest in seeing this movie, but wife wanted to. I like Morgan Freeman, but this is not an Oscar worthy movie for him or for Eastwood. Hilary Swank was very good. I have mixed to negative feelings about this movie and not for any moral reasons. This movie does not make my top 10 list.

Sideways. Excellent story. I think anyone who has ever dated has run into these people or heard stories about them. I really like Thomas Haden Church for Best Supporting Actor.