2019 Movie Rundown

I've had this in draft for a few weeks in the hope I could sneak in some more movies to increase my number (56, one shy of last year), but decided since I keep just watching Great British Bake Off, it's time to call it. What a wonderful year for movies! I saw many of these multiple times, and there are just so many of the below that I absolutely loved. So much, I've added a few notes but a few of my faves or by the movies that I couldn't just let make this list without some sort of comment. I've gone back and forth with placement, and should you ask me in another week or so, things may have moved around again, but for now, here's the rundown. I also have a best of the decade post in the works, so stand by for that. This list is mostly presented alphabetically by category except for the movies where I wrote notes, purely for format sake. 

Perfect
Apollo 11

The Irishman

Parasite

Little Women - "Women have minds and souls as well as just hearts, and they’ve got ambition and talent as well as just beauty. And I’m sick of people saying that love is all a woman is fit for. I’m so sick of it! But – I’m so lonely!" I can't stop thinking about this movie and this part. Hit me to my core. 

Marriage Story - Adam Driver is 2019's MVP, and I dare anyone to watch him read the letter at the end of this movie and say otherwise. 

Greatness

1917

Booksmart
The Farewell

Jojo Rabbit

Knives Out

Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Pain & Glory
Uncut Gems

Rocketman - As many of you probably know, this movie sent me into a temporary? Elton-induced madness. I saw it an embarrassing number of times in theaters, listened to only Elton John for months and traveled to Philly to see the man himself. What can I say? Sometimes you love something unabashedly that defies reason. 

Insanity
The Lighthouse

Midsommar

Very Good
Ad Astra

Dolomite Is My Name

Downton Abbey

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Toy Story 4
Us

Ford v Ferrari - I cried my face off at this movie, mostly because it's something my dad would have loved. The scene where Matt Damon takes Mr. Ford for a ride is so exhilarating, it still gives me chills thinking about it. 

Hustlers - I absolutely loved this movie. The scene at the end where J. Lo loses it on Constance Wu is one of my favorite of the year. "We were fucking hurricanes, weren't we?" Yes, you were J. Lo 😭

Solid
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Bombshell

Honey Boy

The Report

The Souvenir

Spider-Man: Far From Home

The Two Popes

Brittany Runs A Marathon - I'm not ashamed to admit that this movie inspired me to recommit to running. TBD if I'll go for just a half marathon. I will never do a full. 

Long Shot - This movie was delightful and I'm sad it came and went went with so little fanfare. Please watch, and enjoy.  

Just Fine
Judy

Late Night

The Laundromat

The Lion King
Joker - A great performance does make a great movie. In this case, it makes a movie that is getting praise that I'm annoyed by. Everyone calm down. It's a complete crib of Marty with a good actor. 

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker- Moments of greatness (THAT SMILE) sadly couldn't lift this out of this category. I was proud that I feel like I managed my expectations correctly and so I ended up having a lot of fun despite some story choices that I hated. 

Silly But Fine
Captain Marvel

Fighting With My Family

Good Boys

Isn’t It Romantic?

The LEGO Movie: The Second Part

Little
Hobbs & Shaw - Everything I wanted it to be. 

Last Christmas - Defies all logic but Henry Golding is charming, and London at Christmas is everything. 

Meh
Richard Jewel

Stuber

Yesterday - I wanted this to be so much better. Great premise, terribly executed. 

Not Good
Charlie’s Angels

The Hustle - Frank Oz, Michael Caine and Steve Martin should have somehow stopped this.

Terrible
Aladdin

A Christmas Prince: Royal Baby

Dumbo

2018 Movie Rundown

This year's rundown comes late and sadly feels incomplete. But with The Oscars next weekend, I need to call it. And though my number is up from last year (57, up from 45), I still feel as though I missed out on a lot. Alas, here is my annual ranking. What is too high? What is too low? What did I miss? Come at me.

Perfect
The Favourite
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse

Greatness
Black Panther
BlackkKlansman
If Beale Street Could Talk
First Man
Mary Poppins Returns
Mission Impossible: Fallout
RBG
Roma
A Star Is Born
Widows
Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Very Good
Annihilation
Blaze
Crazy Rich Asians
First Reformed
Isle of Dogs
Love, Simon
A Simple Favor
Tea With The Dames
A Quiet Place

Solid
Ben Is Back
Avengers: Infinity War
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Christopher Robin
Creed II
Deadpool 2
Eighth Grade
Game Night
Incredibles 2
On The Basis Of Sex

Sorry To Bother You

Three Identical Strangers
Vice

Just Fine
Mary Queen of Scots
Ready Player One
Tag
Throughbreds

Silly But Fun

Ant Man And The Wasp

Blockers

Juliet, Naked

Life Of The Party
Ocean's 8

A Wrinkle In Time

Meh
Chappaquiddick
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Green Book
Solo: A Star Wars Story
The Wife

Not Good
Book Club
I Feel Pretty
Overboard
The Spy Who Dumped Me

Terrible
Bohemian Rhapsody
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Super Troopers 2

2017 Movies: Movie Rundown

My birthday weekend has now concluded, therefore my annual list is due to the masses. What a year! Unlike last year there were several movies that I absolutely LOVED. And although my number is way down from last year (45, from 70 😭), I'll blame a bunch of repeat viewings of some of these. For full transparency, I noted which got a repeat viewing in the theater so all my crazy is out there in the open. I am the proud new owner of a Movie Pass card, which I am confident will get my numbers back up in the coming year. What did I miss? What's ranked too high? Too low? Let's hear it.

Perfect
Call Me By Your Name - 2
Dunkirk - 2
Lady Bird - 2
Logan - 5

Greatness
The Big Sick - 2
The Disaster Artist - 2
The Florida Project
Get Out - 2
Phantom Thread
Star Wars: Episode V111 The Last Jedi - 3
Thor: Ragnarok

Very Good
Baby Driver
Battle of the Sexes
Blade Runner 2049
It
The LEGO Batman Movie
Spiderman: Homecoming
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Wonder Woman

Solid
All The Money In The World
Darkest Hour
The Founder
Girls Trip
Good Time
Ingrid Goes West
I, Tonya
Logan Lucky
Molly’s Game
The Post
The Shape of Water

Just Fine
Gifted
Personal Shopper

Silly But Fun
Atomic Blonde
The Fate Of The Furious
Kong: Skull Island

Meh
Beauty And The Beast
The Beguiled
The Greatest Showman
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2
The Meyerowitz Stories
Murder On The Orient Express

Not Good
Home Again
The House
Justice League

Terrible
Baywatch

2017 Oscar Picks

I was looking over my post from last year, and how many big awards I actually got wrong. I pray for those kind of surprises from this year's show, but alas, I think we're in for show full of the expected. It seems like the major awards are already all decided, so before I join the masses in making those expected picks, I'll offer some predictions for the show itself. I predict lots of politics, hopefully some powerful and inspiring speeches, and annoying Jimmy Kimmel bits (probably with an assist from Matt Damon, if we're being honest). Also, check out my food picks for this year's nominees.

Best Picture
Arrival
Fences
Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
Hidden Figures
La La Land
Lion
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight

Will Win: La La Land
Should Win: Moonlight

I'm happy to say that I really liked a lot of the movies on this list. Besides Hacksaw Ridge (just nothing special), I would watch them all again (and have seen several of them more than once). Hidden Figures is an incredible story that deserved to be told, and the movie is completely entertaining and more than competently made, but also is traditional almost to a fault. I've seen La La Land four times. I totally fell for all of its charms and have defended it up and down against claims that it's purely superficial fun. It is pure, superficial fun, but the second half makes it something more. As this Variety article argues, it denies us the beats of the movie we thought we were watching to deliver something that is more real, and ultimately, heartbreaking. I won't begrudge it winning Best Picture, but if I had a real vote, I'd cast it for Moonlight. It's the movie I've thought about the most since seeing, and the one that left a more powerful impression on me through its combination of story, performances, editing and music.

Best Director
Denis Villeneuve, Arrival
Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge
Damien Chazelle, La La Land
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

Will Win: Damien Chazelle, La La Land
Should Win: Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

This is where I really wish Moonlight could pull out a surprise. Then all would feel right in the world. My two favorite movies would split the two big awards, and Barry Jenkins would get all the recognition that he deserves. Damien Chazelle is clearly a prodigy (the guy is younger than me!) and he did amazing work on La La Land, but Jenkins pulling three incredible performances from three very different actors that actually add up to a cohesive story is nothing short of a miracle.

Best Actress
Isabelle Huppert, Elle
Ruth Negga, Loving
Natalie Portman, Jackie
Emma Stone, La La Land
Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins

Will Win: Emma Stone, La La Land
Should Win: Emma Stone, La La Land

This used to be a neck-and-neck race between two of my favorite actresses: Natalie Portman and Emma Stone. Somehow, Jackie has faded fast from the conversation, even though Portman is stunning in the title role. In fact, had you asked me a month ago I would have said Portman should win in a landslide. But I get why Emma is poised for the win. La La Land's success is more tied to Stone's performance than Gosling's. If the movie is a success, it's because of her eyes. Any one moment that made me actually feel is because of her. Natalie has her Oscar, it's Emma's time to shine.

Best Actor
Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea
Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge
Ryan Gosling, La La Land
Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington, Fences

Will Win: Denzel Washington, Fences
Should Win: Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea

This is one of the tightest categories this year, which comes as a bit of surprise. All season Casey Affleck's quiet, intense performance was a virtual lock. Then his past came to haunt him. When Denzel won the Screen Actor's Guild Award it became clear that Affleck had lost favor with the largest branch of the Academy. Not that he's not deserving. He's a titanic force in Fences. It's the kind of role that usually wins Oscars, in fact it's not all that different from the role that won him his last Oscar — loud, brash and endlessly actor-y. I won't begrudge him a win, but I still wish Affleck's restrained performance would win the prize. It's the harder job sometimes to tell a story with just a look in the eyes and a grimace. Maybe he'll win an Emmy for this gem as a consolation prize.

Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis, Fences
Naomie Harris, Moonlight
Nicole Kidman, Lion
Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea

Will Win: Viola Davis, Fences
Should Win: Viola Davis, Fences

Do I even need to expend energy justifying this pick? I really don't think so. Viola Davis is going to win her (completely deserved) long overdue Oscar. These are facts. Can't wait to hear your speech, Vi!

Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water
Lucas Hedges, Manchester by the Sea
Dev Patel, Lion
Michael Shannon, Nocturnal Animals

Will Win: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Should Win: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight

Possibly my favorite performance in any category this year, Mahershala Ali deserves to win this, and I really believe he will. He's only in the first section of the movie, and yet his presence and influence is felt throughout. The scene where he teaches Little to swim is one of the most beautiful scenes of the year. I'm not alone, here. Everyone is crushing on him, so Oscar should follow suit.

And here are my predictions for the rest of the categories:

Best Animated Feature
Kubo and the Two Strings
Moana
My Life as a Zucchini
The Red Turtle
Zootopia

Best Adapted Screenplay
Arrival
Fences
Hidden Figures
Lion
Moonlight

Best Original Screenplay
Hell or High Water
La La Land
The Lobster
Manchester by the Sea
20th Century Women

Best Cinematography
Arrival
La La Land
Lion
Moonlight
Silence

Best Costume Design
Allied
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Florence Foster Jenkins
Jackie
La La Land

Best Documentary Feature
Fire at Sea
I Am Not Your Negro
Life, Animated
O.J.: Made in America
13th

Best Film Editing
Arrival
Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
La La Land
Moonlight

Best Foreign Language Film 
Land of Mine
A Man Called Ove
The Salesman
Tanna
Toni Erdmann

Best Makeup
A Man Called Ove
Star Trek Beyond
Suicide Squad

Best Original Score
Jackie
La La Land
Lion
Moonlight
Passengers

Best Original Song
"Audition (The Fools Who Dream)" from La La Land
"Can’t Stop The Feeling" from Trolls
"City Of Stars" from La La Land
"The Empty Chair" from Jim: The James Foley Story
"How Far I’ll Go" from Moana

Best Production Design
Arrival
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Hail, Caesar!
La La Land
Passengers

Best Sound Editing
Arrival
Deepwater Horizon
Hacksaw Ridge
La La Land
Sully

Best Sound Mixing
Arrival
Hacksaw Ridge
La La Land
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

Best Visual Effects
Deepwater Horizon
Doctor Strange
The Jungle Book
Kubo and the Two Strings
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

2016 Movies: Movie Rundown

Once again, I'm here using my birthday as the cutoff for the annual list of movies I saw in the past year. As garbage as 2016 felt to most of us, there were plenty of cinematic distractions to get us through it. This rundown includes all the 2016 releases that I saw, both in the theater and at home. I beat last year's total of 62 by 8 for a total of 70. Looking at the list, I'll attribute that to a weird run in the late fall where I went back and watched a bunch of terrible movies that I had skipped in the theater. So while I'm proud of myself that I killed last year's number, the quality of the movies that contributed to that number, as you can see, is definitely wanting. What did I miss? What am I ranking too high or too low? Let me have it.

Perfect
N/A - 😕

Greatness
20th Century Women
The Biggest Splash
Captain Fantastic
Deadpool
Everybody Wants Some!
Fences
Hell of High Water
Jackie
La La Land
Lion
The Lobster
Manchester By The Sea
Moonlight
The Nice Guys

Very Good
Arrival
The Edge of Seventeen
Hail, Caesar!
Midnight Special
A Monster Calls
Nocturnal Animals
Other People
Popstar: Never Stop Stopping
Southside With You
Sing Street
War Dogs

Solid
Cafe Society
Captain America: Civil War
Don't Think Twice
Equals
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them
Finding Dory
Hello, My Name Is Doris
Hidden Figures
The Light Between The Oceans
Loving
The Magnificent Seven
Me Before You
Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Sully
Zootopia

Just Fine
Allied
The Birth of a Nation
Florence Foster Jenkins
Ghostbusters
The Secret Life of Pets
Star Trek Beyond
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Silly But Fun
Bridget Jones Baby
Doctor Strange
The Jungle Book
Keanu
Swiss Army Man

Meh
The Girl On The Train
How To Be Single
Jason Bourne

Not Good
Bad Moms
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
The Boss
Central Intelligence
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
Now You See Me 2
Passengers
X-Men: Apocalypse

Terrible
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Independence Day: Resurgence
Sausage Party
Suicide Squad
Zoolander 2

2016 Oscar Picks

In a year where The Oscars seem more irrelevant then ever #oscarssowhite, it's interesting that this is a field where I have absolutely no confidence in my Best Picture pick. It's as if the controversy has been so distracting that no one is really all that passionate about the nominees we were left with. But as they say, the show must go on, so let's see if I can keep up my three year streak of nearly perfect ballots. (I really doubt it). Also, please enjoy the gallery I put together at work to find out what to eat to match all the nominees.

Best Picture
The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Room
Spotlight

Will Win: The Revenant
Should Win: Spotlight

My actual favorite movie of the year has been regulated to the animated feature category, leaving several of my other top picks to choose from. However, this category is really anyone's to win this year—anyone if you're The Revenant, Spotlight or The Big Short. Those three have split the major guild awards, and while Spotlight won the best picture equivalent from the actor's (the Academy's largest voting branch), I have a sinking feeling that The Revenant is surging at the right moment. Love for Leo and its director will probably lead to its victory. It's not the Best Picture I want, but apparently it's the Best Picture we deserve.

Best Director
Tom McCarthy, Spotlight
George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
Adam McKay, The Big Short
Lenny Abrahamson, Room
Alejandro González Iñárritu, The Revenant

Will Win: Alejandro González Iñárritu, The Revenant
Should Win: George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road

It seems Best Director this year really just means MOST directing. George Miller and Alejandro González Iñárritu physically toiled to being their stories to the screen. Then you have Tom McCarthy and Adam McKay—these men made movies about MORTGAGES and RESEARCH actually compelling and exciting to watch.  I could make a case for all of them to win, but I think The Revenant's momentum and his DGA win spell a repeat award for Iñárritu. Though, my vote would go to the 70 year-old Miller who directed Mad Max with the energy and gumption of a man half his age.

Best Actor
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
Matt Damon, The Martian
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Bryan Cranston, Trumbo

Will Win: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Should Win: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant

Leo, Leo, Leo .. I've already waxed on and on about your virtues once this week, but here we are. I thought you deserved your Oscar for The Aviator. I wouldn't have begrudged a win for The Wolf of Wall Street. But I can't fathom how you will lose with your  performance in The Revenant. I've read the case against you: We shouldn't only be rewarding hardship during filming, you barely say a word, Tom Hardy has the tougher role to play, etc. Against these other actors, none of those arguments matter. You frightened me, enthralled me and devastated me in equal measure. It's your year Leo. Enjoy your award, at last.

Best Actress
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
Cate Blanchett, Carol
Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
Brie Larson, Room
Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years

Will Win: Brie Larson, Room
Should Win: Brie Larson, Room

Brie Larson has been the front-runner all season long, and for good reason. I've loved her since The Spectacular Now, and couldn't be happier for her continued success. Her performance in Room is powerful and without a peer this year. It hers and she deserves it.

Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale, The Big Short
Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies
Sylvester Stallone, Creed
Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight
Tom Hardy, The Revenant

Will Win: Sylvester Stallone, Creed
Should Win: Sylvester Stallone, Creed

I was about to make an argument that Christian Bale and Tom Hardy both have a better claim to this award than Sly. Then I remembered his big scene in Creed and teared up. No memory of Bale or Hardy's performance can do that. Sly FTW!

Best Supporting Actress
Rooney Mara, Carol
Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight
Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs
Rachel McAdams, Spotlight

Will Win: Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
Should Win: Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs

This is a tough one. Alicia Vikander has had a remarkable year. She's was incredible in no less than three films—Ex Machina (my favorite), The Danish Girl and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Plus, she looks completely different in all of them, helping to create mystique about her. Her performance in The Danish Girl is absolutely beautiful. But then there's Kate Winslet, an actress I've loved for 20+ years, playing a role that renders her unrecognizable. So what is the great feat? I predict the Academy will go for the lady who is shiny and new to them, but I can't help but wish Winslet was taking home the gold, especially since I felt Steve Jobs was unfairly pushed out of the Oscar race by a fickle public.

And now, some quick picks for the remaining categories:

Best Original Screenplay
Bridge of Spies
Ex Machina
Inside Out
Spotlight
Straight Outta Compton

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Big Short
Brooklyn
Carol
The Martian
Room

Best Animated Feature
Anomalisa
Boy & The World
Inside Out
Shaun the Sheep: The Movie
When Marnie Was There

Best Foreign Language Film
A War
Embrace of the Serpent
Mustang
Son of Saul
Theeb

Best Original Score
Bridge of Spies
Carol
The Hateful Eight
Sicario
Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Original Song
“Earned It,” Fifty Shades of Grey
“Manta Ray,” Racing Extinction
“Simple Song #3,” Youth
“Til It Happens To You,” The Hunting Ground
“Writing’s On The Wall,” Spectre

Best Cinematography
Carol
The Hateful  Eight
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Sicario

Best Visual Effects
Ex Machina
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Documentary Feature
Amy
Cartel Land
The Look of Silence
What Happened, Miss Simone?
Winter of Fire: Ukraine's Fight For Freedom

Best Production Design
Bridge of Spies
The Danish Girl
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant

Best Film Editing
The Big Short
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Spotlight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Makeup & Hairstyling
Mad Max: Fury Road
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out
The Window and Disappeared
The Revenant

Best Costume Design
Carol
Cinderella
The Danish Girl
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant

Best Sound Editing
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Sicario
Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Sound Mixing
Bridge of Spies
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Animated Short
Bear Story
Prologue
Sanjay’s Super Team
We Can’t Live without Cosmos
World of Tomorrow

Best Live Action Short
Ave Maria
Day One
Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut)
Shok
Stutterer

Best Documentary Short
Body Team 12
Chau, Beyond the Lines
Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah
A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness
Last Day of Freedom

2015 Movies: Movie Rundown

My birthday is the cutoff for 2015 movies, therefore the time has come to reveal my annual movie rundown. This rundown includes all the 2015 releases that I saw, both in the theater and at home. I beat last year's total of 60 by two, which is a personal best for me. So this + a new job—2015 wasn't so bad after all.

Perfect
Inside Out

Greatness
Amy
The Big Short
Creed
Ex Machina
The Martian
Mad Max: Fury Road
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Room
Spotlight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Sicario
Steve Jobs

Straight Outta Compton

Very Good
Black Mass
Clouds of Sils Maria
The Danish Girl
The End of the Tour
He Named Me Malala
Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation
The Revenant

Sleeping With Other People

Spy
What We Do In The Shadows

Solid
Brooklyn
Carol
The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Love & Mercy
The Overnight

Just Fine

Bridge of Spies

Everest
The Hateful Eight
The Last Five Years
Spectre

Trainwreck
Trumbo

Silly But Fun

Ant-Man
Cinderella
The Intern
Jurassic World
Kingman: The Secret Service
Magic Mike XXL
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Sisters

Meh
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Before We Go
The Hunger Games: Mockingly - Part 2
Mistress America
Joy
A Walk in the Woods
While We’re Young
The Wolfpack

Not Good
The Age of Adeline
American Ultra
Crimson Peak
Danny Collins
The Divergent Series - Insurgent
Fifty Shades of Grey
Pitch Perfect 2

Terrible
The Longest Ride
Ricky and the Flash

Just Too Upsetting
Beasts of No Nation

2015 Movies: Trailers

Wow, this year was a particularly bad showing for the blog, but alas, here I am, attempting to right this wrong with my end-of-the-year roundups. I'll start off easy with trailers, as I still have a fair few movies to see before I call it for the year. And so we begin ...

Best Trailer
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Funny to look back at last year's post and see I just had the teaser under Nerd Alert. What a difference a year makes. After that teaser, we had "Chewie, we're home" to recover from, and then came this. The official full trailer that officially made me revert to my fan girl core. This is the girl who saw Titanic an ungodly amount of times. Some of you may remember her, she is insane. She had been dormant since the end of Harry Potter. I wasn't certain anything could get her to come out full force (pun, definitely intended) again. But then this trailer hit, and I burst into tears. I love how the first shot makes you jump in your seat. I've been in theaters when this trailer played and people actually gasped with excitement at that first look at Rey scavenging through debris. Then it moves confidently from scene to scene, giving us glimpses of both old friends (Han, Darth Vader mask) and new (the great Oscar Issac/John Boyega bro down by an X-Wing). But it's really the music that tugs at the heart strings and the tear ducts. I especially love the moment the traditional music takes a turn around the shot of Rey firing her blaster that just gives you a hint that it's not all business as usual. This trailer didn't just awaken the force, it brought back the crazy, movie-obsessive within.

Also, never forget:

THE TRAILER IS JUST EEEEPPPPPPPIIIIICCCCCCC! Star Wars is back! gaaaaaad laaaaard! You know what! Let me just relax because this kind God oooo! Lmao! Seriously congrats to everyone ! December 18th!

A video posted by @john_boyega on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:02am PDT

Most Intense
The Revenant

This one starts strong with the drums and by the time you see director Alejandro González Iñárritu's name, the echoes of Birdman's trailer mean you are in good hands. Then a bear is savagely attacking (NOT RAPING) Leo while bathed in oddly beautiful natural light and you are transfixed. By the time the rhythmic sound of exhaling takes over, you can't take your eyes off the images that are flashing before you. The trailer makes it clear that this is not going to be a pleasant movie-going experience. But if you're anything like me, you can't wait.

Most Comprehensive
Steve Jobs

I will never understand how this movie came and went so quickly. I remember watching this trailer and thinking the following things (in order):

1. Michael Fassbender looks nothing like Steve Jobs.
2. Nice of someone to throw Seth Rogen a Jonah Hill prestige picture-style bone.
3. Great orchestral music cue/quote mash up.
4. Man, Steve Jobs was an asshole.
5. OH MY GOD, IS THAT KATE WINSLET?!
6. Whoa! Long-haired Fassbender is attractive.
7. Ooooh, a slow clap montage, I'm getting into this.
8. Oh man, round-glasses, short-haired Fassbender is convincing me.
9. Will a Sorkin walk-and-talk ever fail to excite?
10. I'm sold. Opening weekend sold. Where were the rest of you?!

Hasn't Gotten Old Yet
Hail, Caesar!

Doesn't it seems like this movie should be out by now? But maybe it's just my love for the trailer making me impatient for the Coen brothers latest. That opening song is awesome; the parade of stars (Clooney! Scarjo! Tatum! Voldemort!) that goes along with it is too, but my favorite moment is an odd little cut toward the end of the trailer when Tilda Swinton's gossip columnist yells, "20 million readers want the truth Eddie! Eddie!" The cut after that second Eddie makes me so weirdly happy, and I can't explain why. It just feels very Cohen brothers, I guess, and I can't think of a higher compliment.

Obligatory Superhero Trailer
Suicide Squad

Taking a cue from last year's Age of Ultron trailer, this preview has the year's best use of a creepy version of a classic song. I liked how the trailer didn't give Will Smith all the airtime, and instead chose to go all in on Margot Robbie. But smart people knew this was just a diversion technique until Jared Leto's Joker shows up at the end. I was waiting for him the entire trailer, and I wasn't disappointed. I still have reservations that the movie won't be able to deliver, but for now, this is a tentatively good start.

Best OMG Moment
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Man, these movies are very underrated. After seeing this trailer, I was inspired to go back and re-watch all of them and with the exception of Jon Woo, Woo-ing all over MI:2, this franchise has always been so fun to watch. The latest installment is no exception, and it sealed the deal first with the great combination of The Fugees and then the classic Mission Impossible theme music, and then finally, with the great Ethan Hunt airplane hold-on-for-dear-life stunt that closes the trailer, but smartly, opens the movie. Proving once again, that Tom Cruise will go to any length to entertain you. Are you not entertained?

Most Sexy/Fun
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Heavy on the wink-wink charm of old James Bond movies, Guy Ritchie's take on the swinging 60s was actually a lot of fun, which I think, despite Armie Hammer's ridiculous Russian accent, comes across well in this trailer. The funky music, beautiful costumes are all well and good, but it's the welcome sight of Alicia Vikander continuing her stellar year, Superman actually showing some personality and OH MY GOD IS THAT HUGH GRANT?! that makes this trailer a winner for me. Plus, the classic quick cuts of a Guy Ritchie movie make a gal wistful for the days when movies like Snatch were huge hits. This deserved more attention, in my humble opinion.

2015 Oscar Picks

Last year I only missed two categories. TWO. Those damn shorts get me every time. I don't have near the confidence I did last year in this year's picks, but take them for what you will.

Best Picture

'American Sniper'
'Birdman'
'Boyhood'
'The Grand Budapest Hotel'
'The Imitation Game'
'Selma'
'The Theory of Everything'
'Whiplash'

This is really a two-horse race at this point, and I would really be happy either way. This was 'Boyhood's' statue to win until 'Birdman' pulled off Triple Crown from the PGA, SAG and DGA. That feat should spell a victory if precedence is to be observed. But I just have a feeling that the Academy's older demographic will be as enchanted by 'Boyhood,' as I was. While I love 'Birdman,' it doesn't evoke all the feelings like 'Boyhood' does, and I think those feelings will put it over the top. This year should be fun though, I have really no confidence in this pick. Finally, a little actual drama that should make all four hours of the show worth watching.

Will Win: 'Boyhood'

Should Win: 'Boyhood' or 'Birdman' -- I won't pick

Overlooked: 'Gone Girl'

Best Director

Wes Anderson, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel'

Alejandro G. Iñárritu, 'Birdman'

Richard Linklater, 'Boyhood'

Bennett Miller, 'Foxcatcher'

Morten Tyldum, 'The Imitation Game'

HOW did Bennett Miller sneak into this category? People, 'Foxcatcher' was way too long and slow. There were two WAY more deserving directors that should be in his place: 'Whiplash's' Damien Chazelle and, the more egregiously snubbed, Ava DuVernay for 'Selma.' But let us not dwell on snubs — this is where I predict a Best Picture/Director split, which has been more common as recently as last year with '12 Years a Slave' splitting with 'Gravity.' As much as it pains me to admit, the gonzo ambition, craft, patience and creativity of Alejandro Iñárritu deserves a win over Linklater's equally impressive and ambitious, but decidedly non-showy, work in 'Boyhood.' 

Will Win: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, 'Birdman'

Should Win: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, 'Birdman'

Overlooked: Ava DuVernay, 'Selma'

Best Actress

Marion Cotillard, 'Two Days, One Night'

Felicity Jones, 'The Theory of Everything'

Julianne Moore, 'Still Alice'

Rosamund Pike, 'Gone Girl'

Reese Witherspoon, 'Wild'

This category has been locked up for months, sometimes it feels like years. Julianne Moore will no longer be just an Academy Award-nominated actress in movie trailers. However, I can’t help for but mourn for Rosamund Pike. She gave my favorite performance by an actress this year and I fear she won’t get a chance to play such a wonderfully wackadoo character ever again. Probably because those characters are so few and far between. But congratulations Julianne. Your performance (and movie) devastated me so much I audibly thanked god when credits started rolling. Everything you want in an Oscar winner.

Will Win: Julianne Moore, 'Still Alice'

Should Win: Rosamund Pike, 'Gone Girl'

Overlooked: Jenny Slate, 'Obvious Child'

Best Actor

Steve Carell, 'Foxcatcher'

Bradley Cooper, 'American Sniper'

Benedict Cumberbatch, 'The Imitation Game'

Michael Keaton, 'Birdman'

Eddie Redmayne, 'The Theory of Everything'

Now here's some more of that Oscar night drama. I have gone back and forth with this category for days and still am not confident about what will happen — except to say that I'm almost certain this comes down to Michael Keaton versus Eddie Redmayne, both of which are excellent choices. Bradley Cooper is a quiet dark horse, and I'll join the bandwagon in saying that David Oyelowo was flat out robbed of a nomination. However, even if he was in this mix, I don't think he could overcome Keaton and Redmayne. Most of what I've read seems to be coalescing around Redmayne, and with good reason. Yes, his physical transformation is astonishing, but it's really that twinkle in his eye that pushes his Stephen Hawking over the edge into greatness. But then there's Keaton. The movies have missed him and to get him back in such rarefied form is a gift we should not ignore. Redmayne won the SAG, which is supposed to count for a lot, but with 'Birdman' surging in the Best Picture and Director categories, will the rest of the non-actor Academy give him enough votes to pull out a victory? I really don't know, but I'm giving him the shot.

Will Win: Michael Keaton, 'Birdman'

Should Win: Michael Keaton, 'Birdman' or Eddie Redmayne, 'The Theory of Everything'

Overlooked: Jake Gyllenhall 'Nightcrawler'

Best Supporting Actress

Patricia Arquette, 'Boyhood'

Laura Dern, 'Wild'

Keira Knightley, 'The Imitation Game'

Emma Stone, 'Birdman'

Meryl Streep, 'Into the Woods'

Patricia Arquette, here is your Oscar. The scene where Mason leaves the nest should be your Oscar clip. Please don't read your speech off a piece of paper. Enjoy CSI: Cyber!

Will Win: Patricia Arquette, 'Boyhood'

Should Win: Patricia Arquette, 'Boyhood'

Overlooked: Jessica Chastain, 'A Most Violent Year'

Best Supporting Actor

Robert Duvall, 'The Judge'

Ethan Hawke, 'Boyhood'

Edward Norton, 'Birdman'

Mark Ruffalo, 'Foxcatcher'

J.K. Simmons, 'Whiplash'

Another race that's been over for more than a year now, J.K. Simmons will be crowned Oscar winner for his terrifying, drill-sergeant-like performance in 'Whiplash.' I won't quibble, the man is wonderful in the role; but I can't help but wish Edward Norton was getting more love for his incredibly hilarious and real performance in 'Birdman.' It takes guts to play a parody of the public's perception of yourself, and he does so beautifully and with such gumption, I'd cheer if he pulled an upset. Also, I must give props to my man Ethan Hawke. Another year, and this could have been yours. I'll cross my fingers he gets the kudos you deserve for the next "Before" movie instead.

Will Win: J.K. Simmons, 'Whiplash'

Should Win: Edward Norton, 'Birdman'

Overlooked: Tom Wilkinson, 'Selma'

Other Category Predictions

Best Original Screenplay: 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'

Best Adapted Screenplay: 'Whiplash'

Animated Feature: 'Big Hero 6'

Foreign Language Film: 'Ida'

Production Design: 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'

Makeup: 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'

Sound Editing: 'American Sniper'

Sound Mixing: 'Whiplash'

Visual Effects: 'Interstellar'

Cinematography: 'Birdman'

Documentary Feature: 'Citizenfour'

Documentary Short Subject: 'Crisis Hotline'

Film Editing: 'Whiplash'

Short Film, Animated: 'Feast'

Short Film, Live Action: 'The Phone Call'

Costume Design: 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'

Original Score: 'The Theory of Everything'

Original Song: "Glory'" (But if "Everything is Awesome" wins, it will be ... you know)