The Useless Critic 2.0

I have always adored the Oscars, because I love celebrities and I love good movies. I'm also vapid. Love me, hate me. So, as goes without even introducing anymore, here comes your Useless Critic utterly useless thoughts on the nominations, which were announced today . I don't think any of the Best Picture nominations were surprises. And I'm pretty glad they've kept the category so large. It allows more room for interesting picks (read: abandon hope NOW.) "Nebraska" has been getting a TON of buzz, arguably the most "dark horse" of all candidates. And let's face it: This race is going to come down to "American Hustle" vs. "Gravity." Seriously: Where have I been? I was a bit disappointed about several things though, none of them being Jennifer Lawrence's cleavage.  Ahem. Where was I? 1.) "Before Midnight" only getting ONE  nomination. There is so much to love about t...

"Her" has gotten enough attention as "Gravity," "American Hustle," "The Wolf of Wall Street," etc. A lot of people and periodicals will insist this is the best film of 2013. After some inactivity on his part that Spike Jonze may have delivered the film of his career. Is it? It's one of the best- it's an unsettling, moving picture that manages to crawl under your skin. Despite its more fantastical properties, "Her" is riveting- and one of those movies that come along every now and then that manage to slip the viewer realistically in through the protagonist's vulnerabilities.  Joaquin Phoenix gives an amazing performance as Theodore, who is a borderline loser everyman, but more really just a lonely man going through a bitter divorce from his longtime love (acerbically played by "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," Mara Rooney.) He lives in flashbacks and lives by himself. Every emotion he goes through, the vi...

I want to devote January 2014 to seeing films that may garner Oscar nods. I know this could bankrupt me, but I'd love to attempt it anyway. How do we know about the Oscar nominations? It's partially intuition and partially because of the Golden Globes. ;) Here's a picture of Jennifer Lawrence since everyone loves her. Everyone except Joan Rivers . First Movie: "Her" by Spike Jonze starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Mara Rooney. Out nationwide Jan. 10. This has an incredible Rotten Tomatoes rating. Like, 92%? That is unheard of good! This will also be me come next year; I'm going to become enamored with my gophone I just know it. Second Movie: "Saving Mr. Banks" by John Lee Hancock starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson. Out everywhere now, more or less. Did you know the writer behind "Mary Poppins" was a bisexual feminist who penned erotica? Me neither. Tom Hanks grates my nerves sometimes, but Emma Thompson is a g...