So I have been gradually noticing that I am becoming more and more a movie snob. Normally I disdain most forms of snobbery -- being a wine/food snob, fashion snob, class snob etc. But, I find no such feelings for being a movie snob. I guess I only have Netflix to blame. Though, saying that is like saying drug addicts only have heroine to blame. So I'll say it once again Netflix is like crack. Addictive as hell and warps your mind.

Part of the reason for my Netflix changeover lies with the overall crapiness of television programs and the shallow drivel from Hollywood. Therefore, I'm watching more international and independent movies.I have always considered watching international movies partly educational. It allows one to view how other people from other cultures and different geographies live their lives. In place of actually going to these places, watching foreign flicks provides the best alternative. Watching these films always reminds me that my current living situation is mostly not representative of the world situation.

One side-effect of having Netflix is that it really warps your criteria for what is a "good" movie. Partially, the pure number of movies takes up more memory in the brain. So, it takes an exceptionally good movie to actually break through all those neurons. Another aspect is that you begin noticing all the different techniques, plot devices, cinematic angles etc. that normal viewers only unconsciously process. However, when you actually know what tools directors use to make a "good" movie, you begin criticizing how movies are actually made. I guess once the bar is set high, like when a person begins liking good wine or find cigars, you can't go back. But anyways, I won't babble any longer.

Here's my predictions on who should win:

Best Actor: Now this is a hard one. Forrest Whitiker vs. Leo vs. Peter O'Toole..... All good showings. But I think I'll have to give it Forrest. The character of Idi Amin was filled with dry humor despite portraying a horrible dictator. It's a shame it won't go to O'Tool since he HAS NOT WON AN OSCAR. Leo will have many chances in the future as will Will Smith.

Supporting Actor: Don't give it to Wahlber for the Departed please don't. Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine-- just the right amount of "dirty old man".

Lead Acress: Not much comment here... probably Helen Mirren for the Queen Elizabeth II role.

Supporting Acress: This is another complicated one. Two from "Babel" fighting it out. Actually people have mentioned that this nomination round is the most ethnically diverse of any Oscar. Just look at the nominations in this round Mexican-Black-Japanese. I think it will go to Jennifer Hudson as a gesture to Dreamgirls being shut out from best picture(as it should be). It was a token nomination to include the girl from Little Miss Sunshine.

Cinematography: Please oh please give it Children of Men. I can't believe it wasn't nominated for more things. The filming of the urban battle sequence was some of the best action shots I have ever seen. Makes me redefine my perspective of how you hold a camera.

Best Picture: So many choices. I thought Babel was way TOO over-rated. It was good, but not best picture good. Shot beautifully, I don't think the story clicked together well enough. It's one of those ensemble movies with no prominent stand-out. Sorry Brad. I'm the big fan of war movies and Letters from Iwo Jima is by far the best war movie in a while. Much better than Flags of our Fathers. Flags is worthy of best picture. Little Miss Sunshine is won of these audience favorites because the film makers has no bigger aspirations than to make a good movie. The word-d-of-mouth buzz is what has driven the attention. My heart wants Letters to win, but I think it will go to the Departed. It was a good movie, but as with most things, the original is still better. I won't spoil the ending for those who have not seen it. Let's just say they had to make it "right" for American audiences. Closure is over-rated.

Best Director: Give it Scorsese. He's about due. But you never know though. He was shut out in 2002 by the Pianist. That was a shocker. And I have a feeling Babel might be the same situation. And you can never count out Clint.... But I think Scorsese will get it.

Anyways, that's my thoughts.