It has been a relatively weak year for movies, so the lack of powerful acting performances should come as little surprise. This coming January, voters may have a difficult time jotting down five names for both the lead actor and lead actress categories. Sad. Let me put it this way, when Sasha Baron Cohen starts generating buzz for what is essentially an extended (although extremely hilarious) reality show, you know you’ve got a problem.

In previous Oscar seasons, strong frontrunners have usually emerged by Thanksgiving. Last year, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix were both viable winners and raved…
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Every year, critics present one independent film with the “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” seal of crossover approval. The seal, given with the condescending tone normally associated with a Special Olympics medal ceremony, is meant to assure mainstream filmgoers that an indie is neither too urban nor gay to offend, and not too esoteric to confuse.

This year, critics have chosen to champion the inoffensive, yet thoroughly enjoyable road movie, “Little Miss Sunshine.” In it, a likeable family from Arizona, the Hoovers, drive their adorable, eight-year-old daughter Olive to San Diego so that she can compete in a children’s…
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We are rapidly approaching the heart of the Oscar season. In previous years, it is likely that at least one or two films will have reserved their spot in the AMPAS top five. Last year, golden boy George Clooney’s “Good Night and Good Luck,” fueled by excellent reviews and a timely subject matter, seemed like a sure bet to snag a Best Picture nomination. Two years ago, “Sideways” captured the imaginations of critics everywhere. The year before, there was hardly any doubt Clint Eastwood’s “Mystic River” would reap major awards.

What about this year? In a fairly weak year…
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