Want to relax after finals? Take a break and take in one of these Oscar-worthy films.
It's certainly not yet time for the Academy Awards, but it's not too early to say which films are award worthy.
The films that are sure to be buzzing in four months will be in theaters over winter break. There will be epic tales by big time directors and small character pieces by respected amuteurs. The best films from the last few months will also hang around to make sure they get some Oscar consideration.
Instead of waiting for the Academy to tell you which is the Best Picture, take some time over break and find out for yourself.
"Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (Opens Dec. 17)
The Picture: Even though it's the most anticipated movie in history, "Return of the King" will not disappoint anyone. The book series was popular because it had a great beginning, middle and end. Unlike "The Matrix" fiasco, the new "Star Wars" fiasco and "The Godfather Part III" fiasco, this conclusion will only get better.
Award Worthy: Finally, the trilogy will get its reward (besides the billions of dollars). Peter Jackson will get a best director nod, the film will win best picture and Mortensen may even get a (Golden Globes) nomination for best actor.
"Big Fish" (Jan. 9)
The Picture: Tim Burton ("Batman") returns from his "Sleepy Hollow" with a grand tale of life. On his death bed, Edward Bloom (Albert Finney and Ewan McGreggor) relates the most extraordinary tales of his life to his son. With giants, witches and wars, they may be fantasy, but they're still remarkable.
Award Worthy: Burton is already a dark horse for best director. Ewan McGreggor and Albert Finney may be phenomenal, but it will be hard for either to grab a nomination since they split the screen time.
"21 Grams" (Dec. 26)
The Picture: The film explores fate and tragedy by showing three characters that are linked by a chain of events that will eventually affect everyone. It seems that directors are getting a little too excited about interlocking stories (a la "Pulp Fiction"), but I'm certainly not tired of it yet.
Award Worthy: It's an Oscar bonanza, folks! Sean Penn, Naomi Watts and Benicio del Toro are worthy of nominations. Penn may get his due in "Mystic River" - which will probably also steal the best picture nomination from "21 Grams." Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu ("Amores Perros") could end up with a best director award for his transition from Mexican cinema to the mainstream.
"Cold Mountain" (Dec. 25)
The Picture: Here's the love story of the year. Injured soldier (Jude Law) tries to return home to be with his girlfriend, but encounters some trouble along the way. Kings of Hollywood Harvey and Bob Weinstein serve as executive producers, which means "Cold Mountain" will probably be phenomenal.
Award Worthy: Expect Kidman to recover from "The Human Stain" and get a name recognition nomination. Renee Zellwegger will be pushed for her work in a supporting role.
"The Last Samurai"
The Picture: Shockingly, Tom Cruise battles against all odds to defeat the enemy and get laid, learning real life lessons along the way. This time, Cruise is supposed to train the Japanese army but begins to sympathize with the samurais he must defeat.
Award Worthy: Best Picture rumors are abounds, but the Hollywood ending has turned off critics. Cruise may get a nomination, but has little chance to win his first Oscar.
"Master and Commander: Far Side of the World"
The Picture: It may have looked like SnoozeFest 2003, but Peter Weir shows he's a great director and Russell Crowe, once again, shows he's an actor capable of carrying an epic. This time, Crowe is at sea pursuing the evil French.
Award Worthy: Crowe will surely compete for Best Actor and Weir will be the "other Peter" going for Best Director. And while it will get a nomination for Best Picture, it doesn't have the love story to carry it to a win.
"Mystic River"
The Picture: Ever since I trashed the movie's melodrama, people have been telling me it's the best film of the year. Oscar voters love melodrama, so this crime drama of three lost friends in Boston will have a good shot at the top honor.
Award Worthy: Clint Eastwood makes his best film in years, Penn is phenomenal as a former criminal and Tim Robbins is startlingly good in a very complex role.