The LBJ Awards are something I've done personally for the past three years. LBJ are my initials (Lucas Bradley Johnson) Every year, I nominate five films for Best Picture, then chose the best one. All of my friends and relatives take this seriously, you all can make your own opinons.
I make my decision after I've seen most films twice. This year has a lot of possible nominees.
PAST NOMINEES AND WINNERS: (*LBJ Best Picture Winner)
1998:
The Truman Show
Saving Private Ryan
At First Sight
Life Is Beautiful*
Shakespeare In Love
1999:
American Beauty*
The Blair Witch Project
The Insider
Election
The Green Mile
2000:
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Cast Away
Almost Famous
Traffic*
Chocolat
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Now, these are films that I've been thinking of of nominating:
A BEAUTIFUL MIND:
This is the best movie I've seen this year. It has everything a movie go-er could want. It's perfectly acted, and perfectly directed. I think this movie will win the Oscar for Best Picture and hopefully, for longtime holdout director Ron Howard.
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING:
Despite it's unsatisfying ending, it is still a very good movie. It's blend of action and heart, makes this a definate contender for the LBJ.
A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELEGENCE:
Speilbergs vision of Kubricks ideas is very well done. This is a very underatted movie. The ending was unsatifying to some people, then there are those like me, who really liked the film.
RIDING IN CARS WITH BOYS:
I don't think any of you have seen this movie. Please, take my word for it and rent this when it comes out. It is a very solid story, with very convincing performances, especially by Steven Zahn, who should get an Oscar Nomination. I left this movie wanting to get in touch with my family, so it was effective in moving me verymuch so.
PEARL HARBOR:
Many hated this film, and I also think that it was really the sequel to Titanic; However the action scenes in the picture had me glued to the screen. And the love story only drew me in further. This is a good movie, which should be seen by all.
SHREK:
A computer animated film, which is both charming and touching. There were a few things I would change about it, but it's funny, and it can be seen by people of all ages. This movie is much better than Monsters Inc.
GOSFORD PARK:
A VERRRRRYYYYY dry film about a Brittish get-together which goes horribly wrong. But this movie really draws me in because it never tries to be anything but a dry film. The performances were very well done, and the story was interesting enough to keep my attention, even though nothing happened for two hours. This is a good movie.
BRIDGET JONES DIARY:
If I understand it correctly, this was a popular TV series in England. I think it was a perfect blend of comedy and heart. Zellwigger will almost certianly get an Oscar Nomination.
BLACK HAWK DOWN:
Almost a perfect action film. It doesn't have the qualities to be an Oscar contender, but it never tries to be anything more than it is; a re-telling of a horrific event. Ridley Scott did a good job directing, but the film is far from flawless. Still, it's good entertainment.
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So, what do you all think? Which of these movies would you say is the best? Anyone disagree with my past winners, or nominations?
I haven't seen them all. But definately NOT Bridget Jones or Pearl Harbor. I still don't know how to value AI, and I really want to see Gosford Park... so as for YOUR list, I pick LOTR. But where's Moulin Rouge???????
It's a coming of age movie. It's got Thora Birch (American Beauty) and Steve Buscemi. I don't know what the plot is about, but it got four stars out of four.