And the Oscar goes to......

In a few short hours the Oscars will begin! For me, this is a major deal and I will watch it from beginning to end.

Although I don't have a ballot (how do you get one of those anyway?)I have selected my TOP TEN FILMS FOR 2012.Here they are:

1. LINCOLN The amazing performances by Daniel Day Lewis as Abraham Lincoln and Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln make this movie. Director, Steven Spielberg’s, attention to detail is heartening. This is a great film that shows the American democratic experiment at work --- from a congress that does the tough labor and deals with difficult issues and the extending of rights to people.

2. THE IMPOSSIBLE I was emotionally spent after seeing this movie. A great performance by Naomi Watts and the young actor who plays the oldest son, Lucas, is a wonder. You live through this with this family and it is even more amazing when you realize the story is true. The ending is a powerful homage to the thousands who did not survive.

3. FLIGHT The Academy really honked-me-off by not nominating this movie for Best Picture. Another great performance by Denzel Washington and I loved that each character was flawed. A great and compelling twist solidifies the film.

4. ARGO I’m not a big Ben Affleck fan, yet, he made me one in this movie. An intense film about a piece of US history I did not know and that is really quite incredulous, yet, it happened.

5. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK This easily could have been set in Pittsburgh with the passion of Steelers fans; loved the whole superstition and “good ju-ju” one does to guarantee victory for one’s home team. Great performances by Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Deniro. A great romantic comedy --- and I rarely, if ever, write those words.

6. LIFE OF PI A wonderful metaphor, a movie that makes you think and has you blown-away as it reveals its truth. Also, the special effects are incredible.

7. THE INTOUCHABLES Go to “Net-Flix” and put this movie at the top of your queue. One of the most accurate portrayals of a person with a disability and the need to just be seen as a person.

8. WE HAVE A POPE Same advice as in number seven --- rent this….do so now and watch it as part of the upcoming conclave to elect the new pope. A simply delightful film.

9. THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN This is my kind of super-hero --- unsure and very human. A great telling of the Spiderman story and Emma Stone is a delight.

10. JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI A great documentary that highlights one man’s passion for and commitment to his craft.

Happy viewing!

sj;