List of the 78th annual Oscar nominations
The Associated Press
The Oscar nominations were announced Tuesday in Beverly Hills, Calif., by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Here's a rundown of the nominees:

Best Picture:
Brokeback Mountain
Capote
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck
Munich

Actor:
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote
Terrence Howard, Hustle & Flow
Heath Ledger, Brokeback Mountain
Joaquin Phoenix, Walk the Line
David Strathairn, Good Night, and Good Luck

Actress:
Judi Dench, Mrs. Henderson Presents
Felicity Huffman, Transamerica
Keira Knightley, Pride & Prejudice
Charlize Theron, North Country
Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line

Supporting Actor:
George Clooney, Syriana
Matt Dillon, Crash
Paul Giamatti, Cinderella Man
Jake Gyllenhaal, Brokeback Mountain
William Hurt, A History of Violence

Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams, Junebug
Catherine Keener, Capote
Frances McDormand, North Country
Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener
Michelle Williams, Brokeback Mountain

Director:
Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain
Bennett Miller, Capote
Paul Haggis, Crash
George Clooney, Good Night, and Good Luck
Steven Spielberg, Munich

Foreign Film:
Don't Tell, Italy
Joyeux Noel, France
Paradise Now, Palestine
Sophie Scholl — The Final Days, Germany
Tsotsi, South Africa

Adapted Screenplay:
Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, Brokeback Mountain
Dan Futterman, Capote
Jeffrey Caine, The Constant Gardener
Josh Olson, A History of Violence
Tony Kushner and Eric Roth, Munich

Original Screenplay:
Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco, Crash
George Clooney and Grant Heslov, Good Night, and Good Luck
Woody Allen, Match Point
Noah Baumbach, The Squid and the Whale
Stephen Gaghan, Syriana

Animated Feature Film:
Howl's Moving Castle
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride
Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Art Direction:
Good Night, and Good Luck
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
King Kong
Memoirs of a Geisha
Pride & Prejudice

Cinematography:
Batman Begins
Brokeback Mountain
Good Night, and Good Luck
Memoirs of a Geisha
The New World

Sound Mixing:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
King Kong
Memoirs of a Geisha
Walk the Line
War of the Worlds

Sound Editing:
King Kong
Memoirs of a Geisha
War of the Worlds

Original Score:
Brokeback Mountain, Gustavo Santaolalla
The Constant Gardener, Alberto Iglesias
Memoirs of a Geisha, John Williams
Munich, John Williams
Pride & Prejudice, Dario Marianelli

Original Song:
In the Deep from Crash, Kathleen Bird York and Michael Becker
It's Hard out Here for a Pimp from Hustle & Flow, Jordan Houston, Cedric Coleman and Paul Beauregard
Travelin' Thru from Transamerica, Dolly Parton

Costume:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Memoirs of a Geisha
Mrs. Henderson Presents
Pride & Prejudice
Walk the Line

Documentary Feature:
Darwin's Nightmare
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
March of the Penguins
Murderball
Street Fight

Documentary (short subject):
The Death of Kevin Carter: Casualty of the Bang Bang Club
God Sleeps in Rwanda
The Mushroom Club
A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin

Film Editing:
Cinderella Man
The Constant Gardener
Crash
Munich
Walk the Line

Makeup:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Cinderella Man
Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith

Animated Short Film:
Badgered
The Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation
The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello
9
One Man Band

Live Action Short Film:
Ausreisser (The Runaway)
Cashback
The Last Farm
Our Time Is Up
Six Shooter

Visual Effects:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
King Kong
War of the Worlds

Academy Award winners previously announced this year:
Honorary Award (Oscar statuette): Robert Altman.
The Gordon E. Sawyer award (Oscar statuette): Gary Demos.

Capote ****
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins Jr., Chris Cooper, Bruce Greenwood, Bob Balaban, Amy Ryan, Mark Pellegrino
Director: Bennett Miller
Running Length: 1:50
MPAA Classification: R

In 1959, Truman Capote (Hoffman), an author at the time best known for "Breakfast at Tiffany's", read about the murder of the Clutter family in Kansas. He decided to investigate the four murders for a non-fiction article, having grown tired of writing fiction. He takes his good friend, Nell Harper Lee (Keener), and heads to Kansas. The police chief reluctantly cooperates with themandsoon Capote is interviewing Perry Smith (Collins) and Richard Hickock (Pellingrino). Capote and Perry form a bond of sorts, both using the other to their own benefit. Capote even observes, "It's as if Perry and I grew up in the same house. One day, I went out the front door and he went out the back." Their bond becomes torment for Capote, and he soon finds himself wishing for it all to be over.

"Capote" is an absolutely fascinating film about one of America's most well known authors, and gives an in-depth look in to the writing of his masterwork, "In Cold Blood". Philip Seymour Hoffman is outstanding as the title character, throwing all of himself into the role. This movie is his, and he owns every scene. If he does not win an Oscar for his performance, it will be a crime. Supporting actors Catherine Keener and Chris Cooper, as well ast Clifton Collins, Jr. also give solid performances that make this film gripping. I cannot recommend this movie enough. It is only in limited release, and has been since September 2005, but I highly recommend searching it out.

Underworld: Evolution ***
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy
Director: Len Wiseman
Running Length: 1:45
MPAA Classification: R

Picking up where "Underworld" left off, Selena (Beckinsale) and Michael (Speedman) are on the run. They have just killed Viktor (Nighy), and now Marcus (Curran) is after them. He is even older than Viktor, and a twin brother who is the original werewolf. And, while all this is going on, someone else (Jacobi) is plotting something mysterious.

Fans of the original will not be disappointed with the sequel. In addition to the continuing story, some backstory is also given, setting up the action that takes place in the present. Beckinsale and Speedman seem comfortable returning to their roles, and the new cast members do good jobs as well. The special effects are on par with the original, and the action is intense. Fans of the first definately want to check this out, and newcomers will find this movie accessable as well.

Tristan & Isolde ***
Cast: James Franco, Sophia Myles, Rufus Sewell, David O'Hara, Henry Cavill, JB Blanc Jamie King, Bronagh Gallagher
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Running Length: 2:05
MPAA Classification: PG-13

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Ireland has conquered Britain. It seems that they are too busy fighting among themselves to band together and fight the Irish. Lord Marke (Sewell)is the man who may be able to change that. When the Irish arrive there, Marke's men, led by Tristan (Franco) leads the charge against them. After he is apparently killed in battle, his body is sent out to sea on a funeral boat that ends up coming ashore in Ireland. There he is found by the daughter of the king, Isolde (Myles). He is not dead, and she nurses him back to health. They do not know who each other really are, and soon fall in love. Given the situation between their people, they realize that they really have no future. Tristan heads home, but the two will meet again.

"Tristan & Isolde" is based on an old British legend, and may even be the inspiration for Lancelot and Guinevere. The film is well made, and Franco and Myles do good jobs as the star-crossed leads. The action sequences are done well, and the story is interesting. Yes, this is a period romance, but there is plenty of action and story to entertain those who want more than just a love story. This was a pleasant surprise, and I recommend it for all.

Hoodwinked **1/2
Cast (voices): Anne Hathaway, Clenn Close, Patrick Warburton, James Belushi, Xzbit, Anthony Anderson, David Ogden Stiers, Andy Dick
Director: Cory Edwards
Running Length: 1:20
MPAA Classification: PG

You think you know the story of Little Red Riding Hood? Well, forget everything you think you know, because "Hoodwinked" sets the story straight. "Hoodwinked" is the true story of Little Red Riding Hood, told from the points of view of Red Riding Hood (Hathaway), the Big Bad Wolf (Warburton), the Woodsman (Belushi), and Granny (Close). While being questioned by Nicky Flippers (Stiers), the four tell their side of the story, and none are what you will expect. It seems that there is more going on than meets the eye here, and Mr. Flippers is going to get to the bottom of it.

"Hoodwinked" is an interesting twist on a classic story. That classic story is just a jumping point for all that is going on behind the scenes, and that will all come together to give the story that we all know. The voice talents are all good, but not outstanding. The animation is sub-par though, looking like something made for TV. That is the film's biggest downfall. In an age where Pixar has spoiled moviegoing audiences, the animation in this film is at times painful. Kids will probably love it though, and that is all that really matters I suppose, since they are the target audience.

Casanova ***
Cast: Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller, Oliver Platt, Jeremy Irons, Stephen Greif, Natalie Dormer, Lena Olin
Director: Lasse Hallström
Running Length: 1:48
MPAA Classification: R

Casanova (Ledger) is searching for a wife. It seems that, if he cannot show he is living a more respectable life, he will be kicked out of Venice. You see, Casanova is a womanizer with many conquests, and his actions have upset the Church. He is quickly engaged to Victoria (Dormer), a woman with a pure reputation. Of course, as soon as that is arranged, he meets Francesca (Miller), a feminist who hates all he stands for. He pretends to be someone else to get into her good graces, and soon finds out she is engaged to Papprizzio (Platt), a man whom she has never met. Meanwhile, arriving in Venice to find Casanova, is Pucci (Irons), one of the Vatican's most known and feared inquisitors.

"Casanova" is more entertaining than the average romantic comedy, if that is what you would call this movie. Part comedy, part historical piece, "Casanova" has an odd tone that somehow earns is an undeserved R rating. This movie is PG-13 at worst, and the MPAA rating handed down is stupifying. Ledger and Miller are adequate as the leads, getting the job done, but not amazing. The scene stealer in this film is Oliver Platt as the rotund Papprizzio. He is funny every time he is on screen. The story is entertaining, and will be tolerable for men as well as the women who drag them to see it.

Wolf Creek ***
Cast: John Jarratt, Cassandra Magrath, Kestie Morassi, Nathan Phillips
Director: Greg McLean
Running Length: 1:39
MPAA Classification: R

Liz (Magrath), Kristy (Morassi), and Ben (Phillips) are travelling across the Australian outback, on their way to the east coast. Along the way, they stop and do some sightseeing at a crater in Wolf Creek. When they return to their car, it will not start. They are in the middle of nowhere, with no one around for miles. Fortunately for them, one night Mick (Jarratt), a local, comes across them and offers to fix their car and take them back to his place for the night. Unfortunately, Mick has other plans for the three of them as well.

"Wolf Creek" is a genuinely creepy movie. The kids' aloneness is very evident and eerie, and it is easy to believe that this could really happen. (Indeed, the movie is inspired by true events). Jarratt is about as disturbing as you could want in a killer in this type of movie. "Wolf Creek" was a surprise for me, as I enjoyed it more than I anticipated (if "enjoy" is actually the correct word to use for a movie of this type). I recommend this for horror fans only.

The 12 Best Movies I Saw in 2005
Once again...the list is 12 movies long because two of the twelve are actually from 2004. 2005 was a very good year for movies quality-wise, and I hope 2006 is at least as good.

1. Munich ****
2. Crash ****
3. Batman Begins ****
4. Million Dollar Baby **** (from 2004)
5. Hotel Rwanda **** (from 2004)
6. The 40 Year Old Virgin ****
7. Jarhead ****
8. A History of Violence ****
9. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ****
10. Sin City ***1/2
11. Syriana ***1/2
12. March of the Penguins ***1/2

Memoirs of a Geisha **1/2
Cast: Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, Michelle Yeoh, Kôji Yakusho, Kaori Momoi, Youki Kudoh, Gong Li, Kenneth Tsang, Suzuka Ohgo
Director: Rob Marshall
Running Length: 2:25
MPAA Classification: PG-13

As a child, Chiyo (Zhang) is sold by her father to the owner of a geisha house. A geisha is a "moving work of art" who sells her skills. Her new plans to become one are ended when Hatsumomo (Li) decides she does not like her. She is instead forced to perform chores for the house. After the Chairman (Watanabe) is kind to her, Chiyo decides she will find a way to become a geisha and make him her patron. Mameha (Yeoh), a famous geisha, decides to take Chiyo under her wing, and when she is introduced into society she must compete with Harsumomo for clients.

"Memoirs" is an interesting movie that gives a window into the world of the geisha. Unfortunately, it is not fascinating enough to sustain the movie's 145 minute running time. Zhang and Yeoh give good performances and are likeable in their roles. Li is suitably dislikeable in hers. The film is beautiful to look at and evokes the time frame of the movie very well. This is not a bad movie, but like I said, it runs way too long. Because of this, I cannot recommend it for most theater-goers. Those really interested in the story material and the time, however, may just find a gem of a film.

Munich ****
Cast: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Ciaran Hinds, Mathieu Kassovitz, Hanns Zischler, Geoffrey Rush, Ayelet Zurer, Michael Lonsdale, Mathiew Amalric
Director: Steven Spielberg
Running Length: 2:42
MPAA Classification: R

At the 1972 Olympics in Munich, the terrorist group Black September kidnapped and murdered some Israeli atheletes. This is the story of Isreal's response to this horrific event. Avner (Bana) is chosen to lead a five-man team of ex-Mossad agents that are to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians responsible for the attack. They are working unofficially for the government, through their handler, Ephraim (Rush), who provides them money and information. For Avner, this is patriotism, and a chance to serve his country.

The team travels the world locating and eliminating their targets. He becomes focused and begins to lose himself with each passing murder. Also, the hunters become the hunted, and soon they are guarding their own lives as well as trying to finish the job. Plus, Black September begins retaliating, forcing Avner to question their actions and if those actions are actually making things better or worse.

"Munich" is an excellent movie, showing a story that is very relevant today. It is thought provoking and engaging. Eric Bana is amazing as the conscience-tortured Avner who just wants to do the right thing. His team (especially the new James Bond, Daniel Craig) are all excellent in their roles. The story is fast paced, and full of action. Director Stephen Speilberg has crafted another masterpiece. "Munich" is an important film that I highly recommend be seen by all.

Fun with Dick and Jane **
Cast: Jim Carrey, Téa Leoni, Alec Baldwin, Richard Jenkins
Director: Dean Parisot
Running Length: 1:30
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Dick Harper (Carrey) has just been named VP of Communications at a corporation that is about to go under. The CEO, Jack McCallister (Baldwin), is leaving with all the money and leaving Frank Bascom (Jenkins), his CFO to take all the blame. Dick has gone from being on top of the world to being jobless. Jane (Leoni) has quit her job after learning Dick had received a promotion, and now the two are unemployed.

Unable to find jobs, the two begin selling off their posessions in order to retain their house. Eventually, when the bank comes for the house, they are forced to take matters into their own hands, becoming criminals and stealing to get by.

"Fun With Dick and Jane" is a disappointment. It is not very funny. Jim Carrey gives his usual over-the-top performance, but that act is going old. Téa Leoni is unremarkable as Jane and adds little to the film. While being far from awful, "Fun With Dick and Jane" is not a movie that I can recommend.

Pride & Prejudice **1/2
Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen, Donald Sutherland, Brenda Blethyn, Rosamund Pike, Simon Woods, Jena Malone, Judi Dench
Director: Joe Wright
Running Length: 2:10
MPAA Classification: PG

Elizabeth Bennett (Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (MacFadyen) do not impress each other in their first meeting. In fact, they seem alltogether unimpressed with each other. Circumstances continually force their paths to cross, and soon their opinions of each other begin to change. Things are not happily ever after though, as marriage proposals interfere with their possible relationship, but if you know the story, you know how it ends.

Yet another adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice", and I am told that this is a pretty good one. The story, however, did not hold my interest. I am not a Jane Austen fan, and was probably doomed from the start to be disappointed. Keira Knightley does a good job as Lizzie though, being both playful and vulnerable. MacFayden, as Mr. Darcy, is uninspiring, but Darcy himself is kind of a jerk at times and I found him unlikeable. This is a movie I would recommend for Jane Austen fans only. I think they will enjoy the film, but others will not.