Producers Guild nominations announced

paige Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 02:49 PM EST

see dave, you were absolutely correct...

Laura M. Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 02:52 PM EST

Wow, go Dave Karger with the spot on predictions!

Personally, I'm very happy to see The Dark Knight officially nominated for a big award, but also disappointed that Frost/Nixon got in over Wall-E. Even the original Watergate investigators panned it as historical revisionism about a totally insignificant event. Here's hoping the Academy listens in time.

Fan111 Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 02:53 PM EST

Dark Knight should not be there and I question the addition of Frost/Nixon. My favorite by far is Slumdog Millionair

Chris Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 02:59 PM EST

Solid selections. Although I do feel Wall-E should be considered for Best Picture. And the Dark Knight should be in there. It was an excellent film from top to bottom.

Stephen Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:07 PM EST

Good picks overall, although I do also believe that Wall-E should also be in consideration for Best Picture.

Mike Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:15 PM EST

Hello--The Hottie and the Nottie???

Steve-O Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:25 PM EST

Where's The Wrestler????

Talli Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:26 PM EST

haha@ all the people that are going to be mad about Dark Knight getting recognition.

It was a brilliant film.

nunnya Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:26 PM EST

WALL-E????????????????!!!!!!!!!!

Mary Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:28 PM EST

I hope this list matches the oscar nominations. If Doubt sneaks in over Dark Knight, I will be very unhappy...

Kristopher Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:31 PM EST

I was under the impression from critics and reviewers alike that Benjamin Button was a film that would leave me breathless and under a cinematic spell. I enjoy artistic thought provoking films that stay with me when leaving the theatre but in my honest, humble opinion Benjamin Button was not one of these types of films. I feel that it's commercial success and appeal is due to Brad Pitt who although acted well in the film was not strong enough to carry it in its entirety. It doesn't deserve a best picture nod.

Alan Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:33 PM EST

What???? What about The House Bunny?? I am baffled.

mozz Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:38 PM EST

I agree, Wall-E! should be in there. I would put it in there over Frost/Nixon... but would not be upset if this five go on to really be nominated. They're an exceptional batch of films.

Wade Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:44 PM EST

I agree with Kristopher's viewpoint on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. A bloated, overwrought disappointment. And although I really enjoyed The Dark Knight and think its a great film, I would much rather see Rachel Getting Married get nominated, my favorite film of the year so far.

TJ Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:49 PM EST

The Dark Knight shouldn't be there. It was good, but it's a comic book movie: people are taking it WAAAAY too seriously.

Wade Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 03:58 PM EST

I agree with Kristopher's comments about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It's a bloated, overdone film. And even though I enjoyed The Dark Knight and think its a great film, I would rather see something like Rachel Getting Married nominated, my favorite film of the year so far.

Boll!!! Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:05 PM EST

Hey, what about Uwe Boll man???

steve-o Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:05 PM EST

i love all the arthouse, independent movies that get the critical acclaim. i love danny boyle, trainspotting is definitely in my top 10 movies, but only a select few have even seen his new film "slumdog."
as for "frost/nixon," could they have hired an actor who kind of resembled nixon - frank langella looks like ed "really big show" sullivan. & "the curious case of forrest gump" is another epic film mixing a debilitating condition with huge moments in history & historical figures (i.e., forrest gump meeting elvis).
where is "iron man" or "tropic thunder"?

Franco Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:10 PM EST

I don't know anyone who thought Frost/Nixon or "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" were great films, myself included, they were good, but a couple of other films deserve their slots.

Franco Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:10 PM EST

I don't know anyone who thought Frost/Nixon or "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" were great films, myself included, they were good, but a couple of other films deserve their slots.

Artsy Smarchsty Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:11 PM EST

Well I for one am relieved that actual mainstream releases were nominated for Oscars this year.

Dont get me wrong, I enjoyed the films like There Will Be Blood and No Country For Old Men last year, but they didn't perform at the box office. Does that judge their greatness? Goodness no. But its nice to see a heavy hitter like the Dark Knight back in the ring to take a swing at the Oscars. Besides, it has certainly earned it. That whole film was polished, brilliant and well written.
Kudos to that film!

No Wall-E? A shame, but no Animted film has been nominated for an Oscar since beauty and the beast. (And for good reason, although Wall-E certainly fits the bill) And where on Earth is the Wrestler?! If Mickey Rourke doesn't at least get an Oscar nod, I will be greatly disappointed.

Slum-dog Millionaire. Supposedly it was good. I dont know a single person who saw it.

Frost-Nixon, glad thats there.

Benjamin Button. Meh, flip a coin. I'd say that has 50/50 reason to be there.

AG Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:12 PM EST

I saw the Dark Knight this weekend and it was so boring that I switched to regular TV. I really enjoyed Iron Man, it was great.

MindyM Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:12 PM EST

TJ -

As someone who has traditionally despised the superhero comic book genre of movies, I must take issue with your comments. The Dark Knight is not just another superficial comic book movie. It's a brilliant, thrilling, intelligent cinematic masterpiece with Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker as the icing on the cake. It should not be dismissed out of hand. It had a vision and presented moral dilemmas without giving any easy answers. It leaves you unsettled, disturbed and unnerved. It also leaves you even more devastated over the death of Heath Ledger. His Joker was a tour-de-force, a performance for the ages, an uncompromising portrait of evil genius with some wicked humor in the bargain.

This movie stands on its own merits and rightfully deserves a place among the top five movies of the year.

Kurt Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:13 PM EST

I'm all for the list except for "Dark Knight." But then I'm just part of the minority that saw it as just noise surrounding one awesome performance. As for Langella not looking like Nixon... He doesn't have to. The character is there.

Patrick Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:17 PM EST

Great predictions Dave, as always. Now how about YOUR choices on what "should" be nominated.

aj Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:17 PM EST

Mindy M. you use big words but the truth of the matter is Heath Ledger died of drugs and his performance was
so so. If he wins, it won't be because of acting but of pity. If he was a real man/person, he wouldn't have been doing drugs in the first place and he would still be alive. What's your excuse now, miz big words

dave Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:25 PM EST

The Dark Knight and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button both deserve the nomination. They were both brilliant films. Sorry TJ, but you talk as if just because The Dark Knight is a comic book movie, it should be taken as a joke. Yes it is a comic book movie, but one could also describe it as a crime epic. Why should it be taken any less seriously than the other films? Button is a fantasy. Who cares what genre a film fits into. Quality is quality. Don't belittle a film just because of the genre that it is placed into.
I think this 5 is good, but I'd rather see WALL-E in there over Frost/Nixon. Probably won't happen though. If nothing else besides Best Animated Picture, WALL-E should at least get a nod for Best Original Screenplay.

adam Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:38 PM EST

aj, you really like to judge people don't you. If Heath Ledger wins, I guarantee you, it is not out of pity. It's too bad you were so consumed with the fact that he died of a drug overdose that you couldn't appreciate what he did in that film. He was getting Oscar buzz for that role months before he died. How can you judge someone like that when you don't even know him? The fact that you devalue someone's humanity just for the sake of having used drugs is terrible. I don't have pity for Heath Ledger. I have pity for people like you.

Stephie Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:39 PM EST

Doubt over Dark Knight!

Peter Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:40 PM EST

WALL-E was 1/2 a great movie...will probably take the animated award.

graeme Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:40 PM EST

No Wall-E? Was it eligible or do they relegate it to just the Animated Feature category as well?

rjmacready Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:43 PM EST

Anyone who says that Dark Knight should not be there because it is a "comic book" movie should be kicked. Dark Knight was a great film period. All the critics didn't give it high praise because it was crap and it's on everyones top ten list of the year. If you want to continue to feel like an elitist outsider go ahead and root for the low budget oscar buzz drama. I for one am rooting for the film that didn't put me to sleep and I wanted to watch over and over.

rjmacready Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:46 PM EST

Furthermore! If foreign films can win Best Foreign Film and Best Picture then WallE should be able to do the same thing with Best Picture and Best Animated

aj Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:50 PM EST

Adam, Adam, Adam....
The only thing Heath Ledger got press about was drugs and Mary Kate Olson. The whole movie sucked. That aside, Mr. Ledger's performance was not that good. I could do it. Paint my face and talk deeply. You should go to more movies so you can learn about critiqueing. I am an expert. He won't win. Mark my Words. He won't win.

dude Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:51 PM EST

you are so gay

MisterPL Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:53 PM EST

"The Dark Knight shouldn't be there. It was good, but it's a comic book movie: people are taking it WAAAAY too seriously."

Okay then.

Benjamin Button shouldn't be there. It was good, but it's a Brad Pitt movie: people are taking it WAAAAY too seriously.

Frost/Nixon shouldn't be there. It was good, but it's a period movie: people are taking it WAAAAY too seriously.

Milk shouldn't be there. It was good, but it's a homosexual movie: people are taking it WAAAAY too seriously.

Slumdog Millionaire shouldn't be there. It was good, but it's a rags-to-riches movie: people are taking it WAAAAY too seriously.

See what I did there?

rjmacready Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 04:56 PM EST

Oh please aj, what constitutes "expert"?

andrew Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:01 PM EST

curious case of Benjamin Button was an absolute masterpiece. And franco, now you know someone who not only found it to be a great film, but a surefire oscar winner

Trav Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:10 PM EST

AJ, your ignorance is astounding. Lets get a few things clear- Heath ledger died from a drug overdose, but not from illegally using drugs. They were prescription drugs from a doctor. Next time you take a prescription medication, I'll be sure to come and tell you that you're not a real man/person. As far as the film is concerned, it deserves to be there. Well made film top to bottom, solid performances from the entire cast. Does it deserve to win? That's anybody's guess.

Marty McDoodle Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:11 PM EST

After seeing Benjamin Button this past weekend I am shocked at all the praise it is getting. It was flat and unemotional to me. No soul. I wouldnt fault the actors but definitely the script.

Matt Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:12 PM EST

This list looks good. I am happy to see the Dark Knight on it. However, nothing will stop Slumdog from taking home the hardware, the film is flawless.

Steph Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:14 PM EST

Thrilled to see The Dark Knight on there, and rightfully so! I am also happy that Wall-E is not on there, while it is my 2nd favorite movie of the year it belongs in the Best Animated Film category, not Best Picture.

Talli Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:39 PM EST

lmao@ the dude who said he can do the joker performance

what an idiot......you could maybe do a half ass impression of Heath Ledger doing the joker, like the rest of the youtube community

but you cannot do what Heath Ledger did....approach the character with creativity and originality

Heath didnt have anybody to copy.....that was a character he envisioned, and it came out brilliant

The joker was an evil twisted mind that in some sense made you feel like a part of him was right

rerunthegreat Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:50 PM EST

Outof the list, the only one I saw is The Dark Knight. Definitely deserves the nom, if not the award. Nothing wrong with a big budge picture making it to a nom, especially with a director like Nolan behind it. The rest of the movies I look forward to seeing with the possible exception of Frost/Nixon. Very much looking forward to The Wrestler and hope it sees some love.

adam Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:51 PM EST

aj , if you think the only thing he got press about was drugs and Mary-Kate Olsen, you must have been living in a hole. And believe me, I've seen enough movies to know what constitutes a good movie and good performances. What the hell makes you such an expert? Are you part of the Academy? Are you filling out your Oscar ballot now? And I never said he was a lock to win. Maybe he won't win. But he truly deserves the nod for his performance alone. And if you can't see that, then I know that you are no "expert." The fact you think the whole movie sucked clearly shows your "expertise." Your ignorance is laughable.

Nick Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:59 PM EST

DARK KNIGHT, CURIOUS CASE, AND WALL-E WHERE 3 BEST MOVIES OF THIS YEAR, TO ALL U CURIOUS HATERS, U NOW ITS GOING WIN BEST PICTURE. EVEN THOUGHT DARK KNIGHT DOES HAVE A DEPARTED,NO COUNTRY FEEL, THE ACADEMY SEEMS LIKE DARK CRIME THRILLERS LATELY AND DARK KNIGHT IS DEF. A BIG HIT AND IS NOT TO DIFFERENT FROM NO COUNTRY AND THE DEPARTED.

Jim Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:22 PM EST

These are all worthy choices but I would include "Doubt" over "The Dark Knight"

slick Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:23 PM EST

The Dark Knight was comic book movie because it had a comic book plot with comic book moral dilemmas. Oh no! Who should our hero save? The girl he loves? Or the man who might be able to save the city? Gosh, that's sooo original! I was big time BORED. Batman Begins had a much better story.

Alan Smithee Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:24 PM EST

You know what's being taken way too seriously? poster AJ. I believe he is the sort that likes to post the most inflammatory thing he can think of to say. The Dark Knight is a crime drama. Yes, it stems from a comic book but the film is a crime drama. I prefer it over Slumdog. It stayed with me for weeks while Slumdog didn't make it past the next day. Sorry Mr. Boyles. I usually love you films.

Brian Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:26 PM EST

Everyone who puts down Slumdog Millionaire because nobody has seen it should be ashamed! Go see the freaking thing then! It is an absolutely great movie! If you predict that any other movie will win the award for Best Picture, you will be wrong! It has too much momentum to be stopped at this point.

Also, it's not like the film has made less than $5 million at the box office. There is a good chance that by the time the Oscars are voted on it will have made over $40 million.

shirley Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:27 PM EST

i'm so happy the dark knight got nominated.thank god wall e didn't. i didn't like the movie.

Suzanne Rego Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:32 PM EST

Slumdog Millionaire was amazing and full of vibrant talent. These are all great picks!

Luke Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:39 PM EST

Not sure if this has been posted already, but for everyone who is supporting The Dark Knight in the 81st Academy Awards: http://www.darkcampaign.com/

Brady Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:46 PM EST

I was hoping that Doubt could edge in a Best Picture nomination over Milk or Frost/Nixon, but that's not looking very likely now.

Sam Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:50 PM EST

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button does NOT deserve a Best Picture nomination, it's all HYPE I tell you...all hype! That movie was NOT that great and I am horribly disappointed that it will be getting a nomination while Wall-E is snubbed for being an ANIMATED masterpiece. I wouldn't even be so mad if they would nominate Wall-E over Frost/Nixon but it's looking like that most definitely isn't happening now.

TJ Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:50 PM EST

Ugh! Revolutionary Road deserves a nomination! (Not a win, but a nomination! The Dark Knight is too big of a movie to get nominated, plus it's a sequel to an unnominated film, plus it's a comic book movie!!!!!)

Alex Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:56 PM EST

i agree with all the nominees that the PGA announced today...for once the dark knight is finally getting the recognition that it deserves

TorontoTom Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:58 PM EST

Perfect five choices! Hope they all make the cut for Oscar Vest Pic and set us up for a very exciting Oscar season!

Michael Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 06:59 PM EST

Having finally seen all of the movies nominated here, I would have to put Slumdog Millionaire as the best of the bunch. Liked all 5 listed by the Producers Guild, but I will be disappointed if any other movie wins.

kim in kentucky Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:03 PM EST

I would have picked Doubt over Curious, I too appreciated Curious as a movie - great production, etc, but I also felt it was emotionally detached. And while watching it, I felt it was a tad "Forrest Gumpish" - and this was before I found out that the same writer wrote both films.

Talli Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:08 PM EST

The Dark Knight is more serious than most of the films nominated, or buzzed about

its about terrorism, corruption, walking a fine line between good and evil where each side isnt always as clear as night and day, sacrifice, devotion

N Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:11 PM EST

LOVE the list!

I agree with everyone who said Slumdog Millionaire should take the award. I don't remember the last time I couldn't stop talking about, thinking about, and raving about a movie.

It is amazing. PLEASE see it if you haven't. It is worth your time, and money.

WM Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:13 PM EST

I feel Doubt should be in there. It was powerful. The last scene *SPOILER ALERT* where she confesses her doubts about the existence of God were a shocker and made you reflect on the problem of evil as seen in the film. It should probably take the place of Benjamin Button from what I am hearing. I think Slumdog Millionaire is the shoo-in winner.

Max Jennings Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:15 PM EST

"But then I'm just part of the minority that saw it as just noise surrounding one awesome performance."
That is a very insightful quote, I completely agree. The Dark Knight (other than Heath Ledger) was actually kind of a disappointment. I felt like Christopher Nolen mistook visual darkness as a theme instead of an aesthetic. I had thought that he was a better film maker than that. I guess we should have seen it coming after the supremely overrated The Prestige.

bah Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:22 PM EST

So strange to see The Wrestler left off majority of Best Picture lists with all the praise it's getting across the board. It's overall reviews seem to have been slightly stronger than some of the other nominees.

TK Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:30 PM EST

The Dark Knight? Ledger was the only great thing about that movie. I especially liked Bale's growling his dialouge, very professional. Very boring movie without the Joker. The D.K. wasn't even the best superhero movie of the year. Ironman was.

MultiPass Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:30 PM EST

Dark Knight? I think not, people. You are mesmerized by the hype. It was good but wayyyy to long, a bit convoluted and irksomely overacted by Bale (in suit) and Eckhart (as 2 Face). A genre leader for sure, but no better than Spider Man. I fail to see how it even made that much money, much less got on some folks' Oscar list. Ledger was good, but it is a cartoon character. By the same token, Christopher Lloyd should have won for Roger Rabbit.

If you want to see breathtaking acting go see Milk. It was extremely good and Sean Penn literally disappeared into that role.

I think Wall E would be an interesting out of the box pick. It was very very good... a cautionary tale, a wry poke at our culture, a sweet love story, superb rendering. but wasn't Lion King better?

I question the inclusion of Frost/Nixon. perhaps it's just me but that seems like the token.

Ashley Griffith Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:31 PM EST

i think that the movies should be Mamma Mia and The Duchess they were really good Dominic Cooper can sing in mamma mia and is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hot in the duchess and keira knightley can act really good in that movie.

alex Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:37 PM EST

Frost/Nixon does not deserve all the buzz it has received. I think Frank Langella deserves a nod for the film, but that's about it. It may possibly be one of the top 10 movies of the year, but not the top 5. I would much rather see either Doubt, WALL-E, or The Reader take its place. Or possibly Revolutionary Road, although I have not yet seen it, so I can't really say whether I think it is worthy or not.

Eve Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:42 PM EST

Where's Wall-E?????!!!!!

Mark Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:48 PM EST

I am baffled by all of the love being shown here for Doubt. Even critics complained it was four great performances stuck in a mediocre movie and I couldn't agree with that assessment more. Doubt is the worst directed movie I've ever seen (the bench scene: enough said) and the ending (again with the bench) was horrific.

Lisa Simpson Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:51 PM EST

I wasn't "unsettled, disturbed, and unnerved" by "The Dark Knight"; I was bored, underwhelmed, and disappointed. It was so predictable that I was sitting there telling myself exactly what was going to happen next - and it did. A waste of time, money, and some otherwise very good actors.

XSE Drake Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:55 PM EST

Doubt has its merits, but it worked so much better as a stage play. How can something be a best picture if its original incarnation is far superior?

I do hope this is the list of Oscar noms. Would be cool with Frost/Nixon getting jilted in favor of Wall-E or The Wrestler.

Mark in Orlando Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:55 PM EST

Anyone else getting the feeling all of these anti-Dark Knight posts are being made by the same couple of people over and over again? It's the fourth higest rated movie on IMBD OF ALL-TIME. It has a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert said to call it a comic book movies is an insult. It's the second highest grossing film of all-time. Yet somehow, half of the people who have posted comments here just HAPPEN to have not liked it or even hated it? Yeah, that's believable.

Harry Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:55 PM EST

No "Wall.E"? No credibility.

Expect "Dark Knight" to score a lot of Oscar noms, including the big ones. The Oscars clearly realize it's their best chance to get the ratings back up this year, and will honor it for that alone.

Rahul Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 07:59 PM EST

I'm really happy that 'The Dark Knight' made the cut. C'mon DGA! Follow suit!

Andrew Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:06 PM EST

Wall-E.
I fear that the introduction of the "Best Animated Feature" award will forever limit an animated features potential to be nominated for "Best Picture". This is unfortunate because a few select animated features (Wall-E included) possess artistic merit that is on par or exceeds the merit found in live-action nominations. I believe Wall-E was definetely one of the 5 overall best films of the year and should be recognized as such.

Lisa Simpson Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:08 PM EST

Mark in Orlando -

So you can't accept that more than one or two people would not like "The Dark Knight"? If you look at the posts you will see that the writing style on each is very diffferent. My problem with the movie isn't that it's a comic book movie; it's that it was boring and predictable. The supposed substance that everyone keeps fawning over just wasn't there.

Damion Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:38 PM EST

Those are about right, and anyone who thinks "Dark Knight" isn't one of the most obvious and crystal clear choices for Best Picture should not bother to ever open their mouth with any opinion on anything entertainment from here on out.

Lisa Simpson Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:41 PM EST

How very open-minded of you, Damion.

Mark in Orlando Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:43 PM EST

Lisa,

In your opinion it wasn't there. While I happen to disagree with you my point is the odds that this many people out of everyone who saw the movie would post a negative comment here is highly unlikely. As for their writing style being different, that's easily changeable. Watch: Dark Knight was AWESOME! Doubt sucked! People who don't like DK are STUPID! You're right, there's no way someone could alter that.

As for it being predictable, so was Frost/Nixon, Benjamin Button, Milk and Slumdog Millionaire and 99% of the movies released every year, even the good ones. Only people who think far too highly of themselves and are looking for something to complain about think that a story has to be unpredictable to be good. I'm sorry you didn't like the movie, but you really need to stop acting as though your opinion is absolute. YOU didn't like it. YOU thought it was boring and predictable. YOU need to accept you're in a very small minority (again, one disproportionately represented by the negative comments here which is why I question their legitimacy).

Lisa Simpson Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:51 PM EST

Mark,

You call me stupid for disagreeing with you while inflating the relatively few number of posts that express dislike of "The Dark Knight" to half of all posts. Maybe you should take a course in statistics. Or even basic math.

I haven't expressed any opinion of the other movies (which I have not been able to see yet), only that the one nominated that I had seen was a great disappointment. And yes, a good story shouldn't be predictable. That's a basic tenent of good writing.

dave Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:54 PM EST

Andrew, I totally agree with you on your thoughts about WALL-E. I wish the Best Animated Picture category was never created.
Oh and whoever said The Dark Knight is no better than Spiderman really is lacking in critical taste. Ledger's Joker is the furthest thing from a cartoon character.

john Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:54 PM EST

slumdog millionaire is by far the most surprisingly entertaining epics ive seen. pleeeeease watch it, you'll be blown away.

MickeyRRR Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:58 PM EST

Am I the only one that thinks that The Wrestler has the best shot at stealing a Best/Picture nomination from Frost/Nixon?

Mark in Orlando Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:01 PM EST

Lisa,

I didn't call you stupid, but I will know because only a moron doesn't get that there is a huge difference between "that movie sucked" and "I think that movie sucked."

As for basic math, clearly you're the one who needs a refresher course since anything more than about 5% of the comments being negative makes it disproportionate in comparison to the general reaction to the film. Learn to count.

And the basic tenent of writing is know your audience, not don't be predictable. Your lack of intelligence is really starting to annoy me. Say whatever you want in response. I refuse to deal with witless idiots.

bob H Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:04 PM EST

Agreed; The Wrestler should boot Frost/Nixon out. Maybe it's just because I'm not a Ron Howard fan, but that movie just didn't do it for me.

MickeyRRR Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:04 PM EST

Clearly it will be a tight race for Best Picture this year, no matter what the nominees are. Suppose Milk gets nominated. Could the Crash/Brokeback Mountain controversy several years ago go in the films favor. The academy often times awards actors/actresses for the wrong performance, why not honor Brokeback Mountain 3 years too late.

John Kelly Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:07 PM EST

To anyone who complains about Batman's growling voice, please stop watching movies, or any entertainment form. Why would Batman talk the same way Bruce Wayne does? Do you think the people who wrote, directed and produced the movie to be as real and grounded as possible (this includes Batman Begins) would have Batman talk like his alter ego, like that idiot Spiderman does? Seriously, how stupid can people be? It's part of the god damn mystique.

alex Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:08 PM EST

TJ posted: "The Dark Knight is too big of a movie to get nominated, plus it's a sequel to an unnominated film, plus it's a comic book movie!!!!!"

TJ, If you're going to give reasons why a film should not be nominated, at least give reasons that have some credibility. You don't have to like The Dark Knight, but your argument against it makes you seem closed-minded. Not every good movie is a small indie movie. It shouldn't matter that it's a sequel or that Batman Begins was not nominated. And a movie's genre should never hinder it from being considered an Oscar contender.
If you want to argue against a movie, give an actual reason and stop being so ignorant.

Danny Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:13 PM EST

Relieved that Wall-E Best Pic momentum is dying. It was a cute, entertaining movie, but landed well below my expectations given that half the people on every EW Oscar message board are pushing for a Best Pic nomination. Please, please, don't.
Here's hoping Doubt makes the cut...not necessarily over the Dark Knight, either. I found Benjamin Button pretty disappointing, too. It was definitely a good movie...but not great...

john t. Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:13 PM EST

it'll be between milk and slumdog millionaire. i've watched 4 of the 5 listed and thought they were great.

my rankings:
1. slumdog millionaire
2. milk
3. the dark knight
4. benjamin button
---
5. frost/nixon :haven't watched this yet:

Ryan Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:13 PM EST

I loved Wall-E, but don't believe it deserves a Best Pic nom. It is groundbreaking for 40 mins or so and then becomes a great animated film at its conclusion.

Slumdog Millionaire is an instant classic in my opinion. From top to bottom the most complete film of the year.

Dark Knight - Great movie. However, I feel if you include this in the Best Pic category Iron Man should be there as well.

Milk - Sean Penn was phenomenal. This movie deserves to be here for that reason.

Benjamin Button - Love it or hate it its there, deal with it.

Frost/Nixon - No comment hasn't opened in my area yet.

In closing I would like to say everybody feels differently about certain movies, you can discuss and debate all you want but different opinions will stay just that different. I am excited to see The Wrestler, Gran-Torino and Frost/Nixon and hope they live up to the hype.

mark Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:14 PM EST

I just saved on my car insurance by switching to Geico.

Lisa Simpson Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:17 PM EST

Mark,
There is a big difference between more than 5% and 50% (the half you mentioned). That makes your math prowess very suspect.

I also said that not being predictable was A tenet (which I admittedly made a typo on earlier), not THE tenet of good writing. A dictionary will help in clarifying the distinction between the definite and indefinite aricle.

And you did call me stupid when you said that "people who don't like DK are STUPID!" Name calling does not constitute an argument.

And yes, I am expressing my opinion. So are all critics and everyone who is posting their opinion here. My opinion is valid, and I will express it.

Clayton Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 09:56 PM EST

WALL-E

xsv1nrg Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:10 PM EST

i cant believe u people,for one wall-e was a cartoon and does not conduct the full acting to be BP.And benjamin button has been the best film in years my good people.Please learn about movies before u comment nubs

aaron Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:30 PM EST

Does anyone else on here think that Mark and Lisa need to get a frickin life. They're on here bickering like two old people about meaningless crap. Maybe they should just have sex and get it over with already. Seriously though, Mark and Lisa, go get a friend or two and debate with them, not some unknown person on a blog.

Nickolas Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:37 PM EST

I loved Benjamin Button. I knew it was going to be long, so I sat back and enjoyed the long, lyrical lines. I soaked in the side trips and detours of the plot line, and I found its overall meditative stance a refreshing turn from the loud "morning-show-quality" films that people think you have to produce to get noticed.

Todd Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:51 PM EST

I find it funny reading all these Benjamin Button haters. I would pick it over Slumdog Millionaire anyday. I liked Slumdog don't get me wrong, but after a day or so I stopped thinking about it. (Kind of like Crash a couple years ago)
I loved Benjamin Button. It may have moved too slow for some people with A.D.D. but it kept me emotionally invested. I still can't get it off my mind over a week later. I still really look forward to seeing Milk and Frost/Nixon.