Film at 11

I have let two weeks go by without seeing a movie! And, so close to Oscar season. I committed to having a party this year (was on the fence after the poor showing two years ago), but bit the bullet and happily have 9 responses. 8-9 people is really ideal for an apartment my size (for optimal comfort while TV viewing, although that number assumes a couple of people on the floor or standing behind the couch) so it's good to have a cushion for cancellations. (Two years ago I went from 7 to 2 in the space of three days. It was me and a married couple. Embarrassing. But at least it was snowing heavily, so there was an air of adventure about their coming.)

I have also only seen 2 of the 5 "Best Picture" nominees ("Milk" and "Slumdog Millionaire.") I have no desire to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (it looks creepy and tedious at the same time) but I might have to. I did plan on seeing "The Reader," so that will not be an issue, but "Frost/Nixon" was always on my if-I-have-to-for-Oscars list. Sigh. At least if I see those three, I'll also hit every acting, screenplay, and directing nominee, since I've seen all the others. I was especially pleased to see Melissa Leo for "Frozen River" and Richard Jenkins for "The Visitor." And Anne Hathaway for "Rachel Getting Married" and Marisa Tomei for "The Wrestler" (I think her performance has been somewhat ignored under all the praise for Mickey Rourke, so good for her. I know she was already vindicated for her "My Cousin Vinny" win with a nomination for "In the Bedroom" a few years back, but it's great to see her still getting kudos for what she does.)

I haven't even posted my top films of last year. Lazy!