Oscars are coming up in just a matter of days. Who will win? Who doesn't stand a chance? What's over-rated? Is the Academy ever on the right track? LMI hosts Lee Tistaert and Jason Kaplan, with special guest Jeremy discuss such issues and more...

Lee: TTT should get sound, but I think Signs deserved it.

Jason: AOTC had that incredible explosion sounds.

Lee: I think the Academy totally ignored Signs; they took it as more of an average alien invasion movie (more of a blockbuster than an award winner).

Jason: Signs - the cornfields are scary, but hearing the stalks of corn wave by your head in full surround. Now that is Oscar caliber. No matter what people thought of the script or story.

Lee: Signs was one of the only movies of 2002 that could benefit with theater sound.

Jason: Couldn't agree more. I didn't like the end, but I loved the sound. The Alien attack was just sound; that was very original.

Lee: I didn't think the sound in Minority Report was that special; it was good, but not groundbreaking.

Jason: It had some interesting futuristic things.

Lee: The movie as a whole I thought was a bit overrated. I think Ebert claimed it as best film of the year.

Jason: I find he says some unbelievable things.

Lee: He gave Hunted 3.5 stars; I don't know where he got that.

Jason: For sound, why is Chicago nominated? Is that just to add to its total?

Lee: Because it's Miramax.

Jason: Two Towers seems to be my favorite for sound and editing.

Lee: I agree.

Jason: Visual Effects…this is actually a decent yet small category.

Lee: Since TTT isn't going to win picture (most likely), it could win for visuals.

Jason: AOTC was impressive also, but very computer game-like.

Lee: Either that or AOTC, but I sense that the Academy doesn't want to give Lucas anything.

Jason: And I think you know how I feel about Spider-Man. Some of the visuals were impressive, but jeez, some of it looks so fake in the action scenes.

Lee: SM didn't have a grand amount of FX from what I remember. And some of the moments were a little cheesy in that division.

Jeremy: Lord of the rings is a definite on this one.

Jason: Looks like TTT is leading so far, but not for long. Soundtracks and Scores – Best Song…I haven't listened to any of these.

Jeremy: Road to Perdition for score; there is no denying that film had the best score of the year.

Lee: I say Perdition or Catch Me.

Jason: I have a good feeling Chicago wins song.

Jeremy: Catch Me is great, but Road is so atmospheric; it perfectly captures the tone of the films.

Lee: Perdition's score is so subtle most of the time, which is what makes it so good.

Jason: Perdition had a great score.

Jeremy: Actually, U2 will probably win best song.

Jason: Frida and The Hours don't really stand out.

Jeremy: Agreed

Jason: How can a musical lose Song?

Lee: I thought some of Williams' music for Catch Me was jazzy, but I don't know of its chances.

Jason: If U2 wins against Chicago, that will make no sense.

Lee: I thought U2's song was really out of place, for Gangs.

Jeremy: Catch me was very upbeat, but I still think the Academy will award Road to Perdition. Every critic commented on the incredible score of the film.

Jason: For song, do they just listen to the song and say this is the best of the five or do they say: this song worked really well with the movie?

Lee: If I had it my way, 8 Mile would get it, but Chicago may steal it. 8 Mile was the catchiest of songs for me of the year - more than anything in Chicago.

Jeremy: It really doesn't make much sense except for the Academy would seem more hip and more relevant for choosing U2.

Jason: It worked really well with the trailer (8 Mile). How bout screenplay - Adapted & Original…

Lee: If there is a God, Adaptation will win adapted. If there is no god, Greek Wedding will take original.

Oscar Chat Continued >>
Supporting, Cinematography, Costume Design