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livingoscar.jpgdiamondduck.jpgOnce upon a time, I loved movies. While not a film snob exactly, I used to consider myself quite well-versed. I read the New York Times Arts & Leisure section, went to the movies all the time, rented little-known artsy films, classic b& w numbers and schlocky horror films. Ah, to be young and pretentious. I would watch the entire nine hour Oscar broadcast, clutching a beer and my predictions, alternately cringing and laughing at the awkward presenter jokes, musical numbers and outfits.

Then came marriage, house kids and budgets, and suddenly it seemed like there were a lot more important and interesting things to spend money on than the movies. At ten dollars a ticket, I don’t want to be disappointed. There’s no room for experimenting, for taking a chance. If I make plans to spend thirty bucks and two hours of my life on something, I want some return. That’s like…four or five paperbacks, after all. Bad movie=rage. And so my dwindling petty cash led to dwindling interest in movies. When I see a commercial or read a review, it’s pretty much “Maybe I’d go see it,” “I’d definitely rent it” or “Waiting for cable for sure.” My interest in the Oscars is down to People Magazine’s fashion round-up. This year, I was actually surprised when Bev mentioned that it was Oscar time. So, time to do some research.

To my even greater surprise, I’d actually seen two of the Best Picture nominees. That hasn’t happened in a long time. As for the others…well let’s take a look.

juno.jpgJuno: Saw it, loved it. Quirky comedies are my thing. I was expecting it to be funny, but I wasn’t expecting to cry. Jennifer Garner broke my heart as a woman desperate to be a mother. Also loved Michael Cera as the hapless father to be. Actually, all the acting was great.

atonement.jpgAtonement: This was slow in bits, gripping in others. I saw it because of attractive British actors in beautiful costume, and I heard there was a hot sex scene. It was a well-told story, but made me sad. I like getting my HEA.

Michael Clayton: I knew George Clooney was in it, and I knew it had to do with lawyers. Give me credit for that.

No Country for Old Men: My local paper was touting this as shoo-in for Best Picture (it won), and I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never heard of it before yesterday. It’s a Coen Bros. film, and I’ve loved some of their past movies. Still, not particularly interested in finding out what it’s about.

There Will Be Blood: My husband pointed it out to me a couple of weeks ago. Cool title, Daniel Day-Lewis, looks like a Western. That’s all I know for sure.

enchanted.jpgThere you have it. That’s three out of five I can’t even be arsed to read a synopsis of. Oh well. What other movies DID get my box office? Shrek the Third (love me some Shrek), Bee Movie (meh), Enchanted (really cute), and Halloween. Yep, I’ll spend the money for my kids. Besides Juno and Enchanted, my other favorites of 2007 have to be Knocked Up and Superbad.

jonah.jpgThat Jonah Hill makes me laugh so hard that I cry. As for the Oscars, didn’t watch. I’ll find out today what everybody wore. Oh, and who won.

What about you? Did you have an Oscar party? Are you indifferent? Do you hit the theatres or wait for DVD? What movies did you love in 2007, Oscar-worthy (so subjective) or not?

[ed (Bev): hee-hee, Syb STILL hasn’t noticed that the Contest Duckie, who SOOO loves surprises, has been hovering around the Oscar Party… just sayin’.]