#6 Rescue Dawn (which I often call Red Dawn - this links to my review almost two years ago!) This film was nearly flawless until the final final scene, which didn't quite ring true for me. Still, the rest is a lovely story of camaraderie and hope. Much more literary than prison break suspense, which is always nice. Much of the buzz was surrounding Christian Bale's performance, but for me Best Supporting Actor should be duked out between Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies. Academy, are you listening?!#5 The Simpsons (I sang that like in the opening credits). This was a poignant non-stop giggle/guffaw fest. This was just the extended perfect Simpsons episode: great satire, awesome visuals, silliness, touching. Hilarious and genuinely heart-felt, Marge and Homer continue to be America's greatest couple. The movie tried to include every cast member, which is not going un-noticed....albeit some were left out. The trippy Homer spiritual journey is amazing, once again.
#4 The Savages A good simple, real story. Is that too much to ask for? And an actor's film. 
Quiet, touching, at moments heartbreaking, at moments hilarious, and at the best moments, inappropriately hilarious. Linney and Hoffman are superb as the tragically flawed brother-sister tandem. They spend a good half of this movie simply walking to where they are supposed to go, or have been told to go, both of them looking entirely lost. For some reason that got to me. I have seen most of the other contenders for Best Actress. Linney, yet to score a major nom, has 'em beat.
#3 Juno Or as I like to call it: JUNOOOOOOOOO!!!!! From its comic book opening credits this movie is just delightful. At times I wondered if it was too aware of its quirkiness, which sadly I think any quirky movie these days is going to be, but who cares. And isn't it interesting how the pregnant teen is a positive role model for kids? Mindblowing. So fun and touching. Ellen Page is whimsically captivating, so unassuming at first. I swore I would never like Allison Janney, but I have to break that swear. Michael Cera is a hoot, although is he now officially type-cast as sweet, naive, awkward teen? Some awesome one-liners, but more importantly, a perfect little film. Juno for President. Jennifer Garner for a nom!#2 Zodiac
It is kinda surprising I liked this movie as much as I did. I am not the biggest fan of David Fincher, nor do I really love real-life events, cop dramas, and Jake Gyllenhaal as an actor. I normally will respond to a well done epic, which this is, and a period piece, which I guess we can call this, is also something I enjoy. At times Zodiac is downright reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs, and if you know me, you know you can't go wrong there. You also can't get go wrong with Mr. Mark Ruffalo, who really must be my favorite actor, right? After three hours or so, I was still ready for part 2!
#1 No Country For Old Men Can we call it jumping on the bandwagon when it absolutely fits? I am realizing now that I just said I don't care for cop dramas, No Country is not even close to simply being a cop drama; it is just too epic and grandiose (i.e. magnificent). And even though I truly cherish a good old-fashioned Coen brothers' comedy, I am loving their venturing into other terrain: the western, minimalist drama, horror even, and here they are even adapting someone else's story. Javier Bardem is reaping every award known to man, which is fine I suppose, but I feel he is too overshadowing Josh Brolin and Kelly Macdonald, most notably for me. Maybe if Josh Brolin didn't beat up Diane Lane, but who knows. Kelly Macdonald broke my heart in every frame. NO COUNTRY!This is getting too long. My Honorable Mention (Plus 2!)in a few days.
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