How to Survive a Plague

Ranking the 2013 Oscar Nominees

Ranking the 2013 Oscar Nominees

It’s become an annual tradition for me to rip off In Contention’s annual tradition of ranking the Oscar nominees from best to worst. I did it in 2011. I did it in 2012. See my 2013 rankings below. But first, a list of the films I regrettably haven’t caught up with yet: Mirror Mirror, Chasing […]

How to Survive a Plague

How to Survive a Plague

How to Survive a Plague gets its title from the film’s standout moment, near its midpoint, when AIDS activist and writer Larry Kramer shouts down two quarreling activists with one word: “PLAGUE!” “40 million deaths is a fucking plague,” Kramer tells them, admonishing them for their incivility. It’s a wake-up call to those around him, […]

2013 OSCAR PREDICTIONS: A Truly Wide-Open Race

2013 OSCAR PREDICTIONS: A Truly Wide-Open Race

As good as 2012 was for films in general, it’s been an even better Oscar race. Unpredictability reigns supreme in a field filled with mostly great films. Phase 2 will kick into gear Thursday morning after Seth MacFarlane and Emma Stone announce the official nominees. It was tough, but here’s what I’ve got: Best Picture […]

2013 OSCAR PREDICTIONS: Doc Shortlist Drama

2013 OSCAR PREDICTIONS: Doc Shortlist Drama

“I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.” Yes, Obi-Wan. Today, the Academy’s documentary branch announced its shortlist, and right on cue, the blogosphere exploded. For good reason? It’s hard for me to say at […]