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Oscar season can often be a problem for the non-crazy movie people out there: Those Oscar lovers are such elitists, after all. “Coco Before Chanel,” a film about fashion (and nominated for costume design)? No, you didn’t see it– we know. “An Education,” a 1960′s-coming-of-age story that’s grossed less than $9 million in the U.S.? We know you haven’t caught that one either– yet it’s earned top praise as a best picture nominee. And how about “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”? Despite being Heath Ledger’s true last film, we’re pretty sure you haven’t seen it. And yet it was nominated for not one, but two Academy Awards this year. Who do these movie snobs think they are? You don’t know anything about these Oscar movies, and neither does any other normal person. Makes it feel like the award show isn’t even worth watching.
Don’t worry– The Take Three has come to your rescue. You’ll be surprised to realize that you have in fact seen some of this year’s Oscar nominees. Hmm…makes you think maybe you should tune in on March 7 after all… In the meantime, check out our list of five of this year’s Oscar nominees we’re sure are regular-Joe slam dunks.
Star Trek (released May 8). Four Oscar nominations, for sound editing, sound mixing, visual effects and makeup; #7 highest grossing film of 2009. It was a kitschy idea, making a movie out of a 1960′s television show that only ran for three seasons. But with Trekkies the world over, it worked. Hotties Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Eric Bana, along with a pre- “Avatar” Zoe Saldana, turned nerdy sci fi into one of the summer’s first blockbusters.
Up (released May 29). Five Oscar nominations, for animated feature film, music (original score), best picture, sound editing and writing (original screenplay); #4 highest grossing film of 2009. With a U.S. gross of $293 million, Pixar won big last year with “Up”– second only in the studio’s history to “Finding Nemo.” But box office success aside, it’s truly a sweet film that adults and kids alike will enjoy. And believe it or not, it stands a chance of winning the coveted best picture Oscar this year.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (released June 24). One Oscar nomination, for sound mixing; #1 highest grossing film of 2009. Yes, the highest grossing film of 2009, but guess what else? The “Transformers” sequel is the tenth highest grossing movie in all of U.S. box office history. Clearly Megan Fox draws a crowd, and most likely during the summer of 2009, she drew you, right to the theater.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (released July 15). One Oscar nomination, for cinematography; #3 highest grossing film of 2009. This is number six in the beloved HP franchise, and some even think it might be the best one yet. We’ve got one more book to go, which will be made into two films, so you have time to see Harry on the big screen if you haven’t yet…but we’re pretty sure you have.
The Blind Side (released November 20). Two Oscar nominations, for best picture and actress in a leading role; #8 highest grossing film of 2009. Who doesn’t love a touching sports drama? Not only did “The Blind Side” give Sandra Bullock the biggest opening weekend of her career, it’s the highest grossing sports movie of all time (we’re not counting “Forrest Gump” because frankly, it shouldn’t count). This one’s also up for best picture this year, and better yet, it’s still in theaters. So just in case you haven’t seen any of the movies on our list, you’ve got time to hit up at least this one before March’s Academy Awards…now get watching!
I suck! I still haven’t seen any of those.
Robbie’s seen 2 – bet you can guess which 2.