Trying to get into the mindset of Oscar voters is ugly.  Try to imagine Uber Movie Snobs trying to one-up each other with their vast, endless movie knowledge.  Gimme a break. With that said, here are my thoughts.  Remember, I’m not a movie critic. I’m just a guy who likes movies.

I always have to check myself  & say ‘Oh yeah, it’s the Oscar Voters at work.’ I was blown away at the Animation category, which was hi-jacked. A nod went to a movie called, “Secret of the Kells.” What? Excuse Me? I checked on this. This movie is the epitome of obscurity. I am the Litmus Test. Like it or not, if I haven’t heard of it, living in LA doing movie reporting, who the hell has? Literally no record of box office sales. No one & I mean no one has seen this film. It’s a shame. “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” was really funny. “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” well done. What about Jim Carrey’s “A Christmas Carol?,” which grossed $137 million. It’s too bad.

(2) other Oscar Snubs….“Star Trek” & “The Hangover.” Oscar voters have zero sense of humor which is why The Hangover was omitted. Also, Sci-Fi movies are rarely nominated. Good job “District 9.” The Coen Brothers are often  so overrated. “Burn After Reading” blew. Now they garner another Oscar nod for “A Serious Man,” get it together Oscar voters. I’m sorry, but the bottom line is, it was a boring movie. “A Simple Man” was well acted, but grim & depressing. Why are movies that bring you down so popular? I know people will read this and say I’ve got no culture or appreciation for fine film. Please save it for the next sucker. I know funny. I know heartfelt. But I also know manipulative & disturbing. I want escapism, not the real life suicidal drama which is always creeping into your life. I won’t go around carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. Life’s too short people!

What did I like? I called it back in September 09, “The Cove.” I truly believe it’ll win Best Documentary. “Food Inc.” while packed with knowledge about where our food comes from was out & out boring. “The Cove” is a real life Eco- Thriller that’s a Must See Movie. Best Supporting Actor Nominee Christof Waltz as Col. Hans Landa in “Ingourious Basterds” is the only true lock for an Oscar. It’s hard to imagine that Leo DiCaprio was trying to land the role of Hans Landa. Sorry Leo, It’s Christoph’s time to shine.

Finally, Jeff Bridges. What a cool guy. He was Bad Blake in “Crazy Heart.” Beautiful job Sir. He actually played the music which adds a significant layer of talent to any acting role. Don’t be surprised when “The Dude” walks away with the gold.

Thanks for reading my blog. I appreciate it. You can friend me on facebook.com/leoquinones or Twitter @leoquinones

I want “Inglorious Basterds” to win Best Picture, but it’ll go to “Avatar.” Find out who’s right & who’s crazy March 7th!

One last thing, check out “The Film Freak Movie Talk Show” audio podcast now at www.filmfreak.com, thanks!