We're all just up in the air.

Hello everyone, or hello me, or whoever may stumble across this. Was inspired to start up a blog from recently watching Julie & Julia, the Meryl Streep/Amy Adams film that's nominated for a few Golden Globes. Probably wondering why I would watch something that screams "chick flick" all over it. The simple reason is that I have an odd fondness for awards shows, especially the Oscars, and I have recently developed a desire to view all of the films nominated each year in the four acting categories and best picture. This year will not be any easier since the academy has expanded the best picture category to include ten films, making this task a larger one that I had hoped for. Hopefully I will have already seen a few of the nominees (Up, Inglourious Basterds, Up in the Air, Avatar, etc?). Anyways, to comment on last years Oscars, I agreed with just about every winner, obviously Heath Ledger, Penelope Cruz for supporting Oscars, but I wasn't a huge fan of the Reader and thought Mickey Rourke should have won for the Wrestler. Que sera, sera.

Moving on. Typically, the Golden Globe nominations are a bit of a precursor or insight into who may end up being nominated for Oscars, and it's usually a safe bet to count on Meryl Streep being in there. Therefore, leading me to preemptively watching Julie & Julia before the nominations are announced. J&J was a decent film, funny at times and Meryl is as always fantastic. I was not particularly moved, minus the inspiration to start blogging, but I was entertained nonetheless.

Other films that I've had the privilege of seeing the past few weeks that could be up for Oscars include NINE, Avatar, and Up in the Air. All pictures that I enjoyed very much even though they differ content wise dramatically. NINE was fun with the all star cast and I'm beginning to enjoy musicals more and more. Avatar is simply fantastic visually in 3D and is very entertaining despite it's somewhat predictable plot. Up in the Air is one that was sobering and at times all too real, but another fine performance from George Clooney, an actor who's recent work I've come to admire. It's a film that some will disregard for it's subject timing in our economy, and that little back story is given on the main character, but the characters dynamic and the realization that things don't always work out the way you planned and it's more important to soak up the moment than fret on the future was what made this film standout to me.

Obviously you can tell I enjoy movies. It has been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember. I have quite a collection and am an advocate of Netflix for all movie lovers. I look forward to the noms this year. Also, just wanted to note that I am very disappointed that Sony and Marvel are pulling the plug on the next few installments of Spider-Man with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire. I know that the third film was received with mix emotion, but relative to a lot of other super hero films, it wasn't that bad. I guess we'll just have to wait and see who gets to play the high school version of Peter Parker come 2012. In the words of Julia Child...

Bonjour!