DVD Box Series #1 Masters of Horror

This is the first in a long line of segments dedicated to really REALLY cool dvd/blu-ray releases of hits or even misses. You ever just walk by a release and say “wow” the release has you step back a moment and enjoy, this is even more true when you have and want to actively display this wonder. As I feel you have to have a release in order to properly enjoy it I will only Blog about releases that I own. I will also group some together unless the releases have an individual light that they can be enjoyed with.

My first target is a horror series called “Masters of Horror”. It is a nice horror series that is broken up into hour long episodes that are directed and written by masters in the field. The show itself is very fun overall as it is very likely you will at least enjoy and/or hate an episode or two with the variety of different styles of writing and direction available. This is one of those series that true horror fans need to rush too much like one would for “Tales of the Crypt”.

Well the series is a fun thing to talk about but this is not the main interest that brought it to this blog (shoot the release could be cool yet the actual movie or show could be crap). I will be following this with a rating on the case, the content and the quality of the show giving a final combined rating that will be the mean of the scores.

We already talked about how I enjoyed this particular products quality so I give it a 7/10 in that area.

Season 1 Set:

Season 2 Set:

The packaging is very cool and the main reason for my blog report. Season one is designed as a cardboard crypt. As you take off the roof you are greeted with each individual episode disc in a little paper slip. This makes it easy to access your content without too much effort. The downside for this and the second series is the clear plastic case the whole set comes in is very cheap and is only meant to be opened and closed a few times without breaking. The set itself is not solidly built and tends to not fit quite as well after a few times using. I am glad for the paper slips though leaving the discs in little hangers to be relatively safe. Season two is in a better built set resembling a human skull which looks very cool. As you take out the top you can see that the brains are actually the episode discs in cute little holders. I do feel this is more solid but do worry about the disc condition as there is no real protection in this set. Overall these are cool to look at yet the builder did not fully think things through when completing this for disc protection or sturdiness. I give this a 7/10 for the pure coolness of the visual.

The special features on this are nothing extra special. There is no bonus disc or cool little booklet to fill you in. It is simply the individual episode discs (previously sold separately) and the features included therein. With that said there are still a significant amount of extra content on these discs including featurettes and little fun facts that make the viewing of each episode more enjoyable. As this is nothing special to the set I feel the individual features stand well on their own I give this a 7/10 on extra content.

In the end here is the summary:

Case:                                        7/10

Content:                                   7/10

Quality of the Show:                 7/10

            Total Rating:              7/10

Now I am sure you are asking yourself “where can I get this and what will it cost me?” I love dealoz.com as it helps me check many many stores at one time for the best deal. I will give you the best used and new price as per that site*.

*Please note that these deals change day to day so the prices could get better or worse. The prices are for these specific editions so you may find the show for a better deal.  

Season 1:         New     $28.13 (Amazon.com)

                        Used    $25.79 (Amazon.com)

Season 2:         New     Not Available

                        Used    $246.27 (Amazon.com UK )

Notice of things to come

I had decided to stop political blogging after realizing what king of pain one inflicts when doing political blogging or facebook posting as I am not a professional political writer or candidate. Remember this before you like or repost or blog political: “you are only causing anger and agitation for others, dump your addiction and grow up.”

As a result I am changing the format of this blog to one that spans entertainment. I may not have a professional license to entertain but I am an avid movie collector who’s collection is over 3000 strong and holds a lot of variety. I enjoy movies and TV of most types and in my collection you can definitely find a little bit of everything.

I am of course not talking about entertainment buzz. I am not about who is going out with who or which celebrity decided to start a fight with a homeless person drunk in the back of a dump truck (though I might read that article). I do care mostly about what is upcoming in sequels adaptations or what is up and coming from certain directors or actors (I will admit I have almost all of Johnny Depp’s acting credits represented in my collection as well as having all of Quentin Tarantino’s full length director credits).

I hope that this will renew my Blog’s traffic and awareness as well as my activity. I hope many of you enjoyed my political rants and they are still present if you wish to enjoy them but those chapters are past and with hope this will be very a very enjoyable change.    

The Liberated America (An Idealized Poem)

Things about a Liberated America Good and the bad:

We can choose to hire protection or protect ourselves

We can choose what to pay for labor

We can choose weather to take a job for what is offered

We can choose to defend our neighborhood from foreign invaders (not really a country as

that in itself is the ultimate in big government)

We can choose to serve who we want to serve with our business

We can choose to pay for what we take or attempt to take it

We can choose to deliver what is paid for or to renege, if you can back yourself up

We can choose attempt to kill who or what we want 

We can choose how we worship

We can choose to attempt to punish those who worship wrongly

We can choose to provide or not to provide healthcare

We can choose how we treat the land

We can choose to honor our contracts

We can choose how we view others

We can choose what to do with our children

We can choose to deceive others on what we provide

We can choose to change the rules at any time (there are no rules)

We can choose to eat and drink what we will no matter the consequence

We can choose to use what substances we wish no matter the cost

We can choose to do with our bodies as we will

We can choose to attempt to do to others bodies as we will

We can choose to live in peace

We can choose to go to war 

We can choose to attempt to build what we want where we want

We can choose to attempt to build any business when we want where we want

We can choose to die

 

This is the liberated America where choice is king…

(Feel free to add to this list if you like, I am doing this to appear more neutral than usual as this can appear wonderful in some eyes and terrible in others J)

How I'd Save the World Part I: Guns and Voter Fraud

I am starting a series called “How I would Save the world” This is a series showing how I would run things in the United States if I could shape the country myself. I feel that after addressing these issues the world would be a better place.

I am for the most part a left leaning moderate. I believe that there should be a strong but not overreaching federal government mainly for consistency reasons. We need regulations in order to curb certain things such as monopolies and maintaining health and safety within the environment. We also need to decrease some of our stranglehold we have on small business and think before making decisions. Without a proper balance of free market and social programs we would not be the great country we are today.

I know this issue has been discussed in the past but I figure this whole Gun issue is needed to be addressed. I have shown in the past how the 2^nd amendment is thought of but not how I would deal with it. First I’d like to state how extremists on the left and right work on. The Second part here is going to be Voter fraud which I think we can solve both issues in one go.

The Right:       There should be no regulation on weapon access or use. It is your second amendment right to protect yourself from real and perceived threats (Castle Doctrine) and it is an affront to freedom think any other way. People who are gunned down aren’t really victims here as they would have been able to live had they either had a weapon of equal power on them or (provided they had a weapon on them) obviously were not trained well enough. This does not know age as a child does not bear protecting after they are born and can obviously fend for themselves.

The Left:         Only the military needs to have guns. Guns are responsible for all the shooting deaths in the country and the people who use the guns are just as much the victims as the people who are shot. We need to take away all those nasty guns and then there would be no more homicides in America. Remember violence is never the answer.

I know these are the extremes (though many of you will find at least one of these to be appropriate J ) I just wish to express a point and many of the people here are on one level of the spectrum in these directions.

My view: I believe that people should be able to have access to weapons in a limited form. I think that restrictions should be made as they are now (no explosives, no heavy rapid fire weapons, no nukes). So I am fine with the legal weapons that are currently available. No further bans no further weapons made legal.

Concealed Carry: The regulations for this are pretty good so I don’t feel that there are major issues. I believe that for the most part these are fine again no need to change in this regard. Matter of fact I will probably get rid of this status entirely and allow all that meet the qualifications to carry to conceal their weapon if they wish.

Places allowed to carry: Pretty Much anywhere. If you want to carry and work at a daycare or go to class I think this should be fine.

Age of Carry: I think that so long as the child is able to carry at nearly any age so long as they can handle the gun but up until age 18 I think that the child will need to be linked to the parent (who needs to be qualified to carry). If a child is found to commit a crime or to have killed someone or themselves with the gun then the parent will be charged with the crime as if they did so themselves.

Adult Carry: Many people for no restrictions on guns uphold that people are allowed to drive cars without any restrictions and they are just as dangerous. This is of course a lie as there are many restrictions on driving. I think we need to handle guns at a similar rate requiring a license to carry. This will be a picture ID so you can utilize this to vote. YAY!!!

First off as this is a right to American Citizens you will be required to be one in order to have the license to carry. You will need to provide proof of citizenship much like you would if you were to obtain an American drivers license and the regulations for determining this and for the DMV photo ID cards can be used for this purpose.

Much like with a driver’s license you will be required to pass a test of your skill and knowledge of firearms such as how to properly care for your guns how to shoot the guns and how to store the guns. This will be a practical and a written exam followed by a renewal minor test that is not as hard but shows you still are keeping up your skill level a bit. This will reduce the level of accidents. Renewal will be every 2 years.  

Background checks will be required for the gun license but will no longer be required by the gun seller as all you’ll need to do is present your license. Much like with a drivers license there will be stiff penalties for forging them with jail time and revocation of any future right to this license. Felony history should only be limited to violent felonies (a person committing check fraud should not be a risk). People with Violent felonies should be allowed to have this right again after 10 years of no further crimes but if there is a second violation there will be no forgiveness.

Mental Health will be evaluated on a case by case basis and a license can be obtained if a written note is provided by a psychiatrist and a licensed therapist/case manager that is currently seeing the individual for a minimum of 6 months and deems them stable. This must be repeated again at renewal. The licensing board can revoke this at any time if the psychiatrist or case manager contacts the board with reported increased instability. This will allow for more fairness as most people with mental illness do not harm anyone but will keep weapons out of the hands of people who are dangerous to themselves or others.

Laws will become more stringent on those who own weapons. Like with a car weapons are not to be utilized while under the influence so if you intend to drink you don’t drive and you don’t wear your piece its quite simple. If a cop sees you stumbling and your shotgun is strapped to your back they have the ability to give you a breath test much like they would if they saw you swerving around in the car. If you get a charged you can get your license yanked and of course have to pay a fine to get it back and of course if you get three of these then you lose your license for good. I think DUI laws can be similar. If anyone gets shot and killed while under the influence this will be treated as 1^st degree murder as you should know better.

Of course self defense does come into play but I don’t believe in this perceived threat crap. Drawing on someone is one thing but if you fire then you will need to answer for it regardless of the circumstance. You may not be charged with anything but I do not sanction killing unless there is a darn good reason.

Voter Fraud

The Left: There is no such thing as voter fraud you should just be able to walk up to any polling place and vote, call the voting place and vote or hey vote online. If you want to place any restrictions on this you are a racist and an evil evil person. Our troops can’t be trusted as they may be brainwashed so we should restrict their ability to vote so as to make sure they fight as hard for this right as they do in battle oversea.

The Right: There is a ton of voter fraud. Almost every American citizen is republican so any democrat that wins has to be by voter fraud. I mean in the last two elections democrats carted in millions of Mexicans to illegally vote which is the only reason the guy won. We need to restrict the vote as heavily as possible denying the right to any felon and any legal voter should just as easily be able to stand in line on just one day of the year with their birth certificate and picture id in hand. In the case of our troops we can trust them all the way and they should be able to vote at whatever pace and however they are able.

Of course again I am talking in extremes I think that there is an easy way to handle this. It will take some time but again I think that it will work just as well. I think that there is an easy identity source: fingerprinting. Every citizen has the option of getting finger printed and they can have the DMV use a scanner which will then be all that is needed to print out an ID. If you are home bound they can simply have a little kit where you simply send your thumb print with your vote and the deal is done. This system can also be used for the guns as well allowing for easy id and less likely forgery.

For those of you who are not happy with the idea of tracking. You are probably not a big fan of the government anyway so you are not as likely to vote. If you are stocking up on guns for the big uprising you are also not likely to be purchasing guns legally anyway as the weaponry needed for a full takeover isn’t likely to be at your local gun shop so you have the option of keeping off of the radar and being free of the system. 

Talk Radio

I have a nasty dirty habit. Its been a guilty pleasure over the last 2-3 years as my job has up and down road and paperwork time. This is Talk Radio. I am slightly political in my interest as my grandfather was very involved in politics when growing up. I got to meet such people as Mark Warner, Creigh Deeds and Chuck Robb among others when I was a child growing up in a small town. Talk radio is a major source of political information as well as misinformation and propaganda. One of the things my grandfather used to tell me was that you need to listen to all sides and you will usually find the truth in between. Though Most talk radio is right wing it is possible to find left leaning as well as very liberal hosts as well if you look hard enough. I have decided to give a nice little summary of the programs I have been listening too on and off and list where you can find them in case you want to be better informed about the world. 

Glenn Beck

Political Leaning:        Conservative/Libertarian

Easy Access Hours:    9:00-12:00AM Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://www.glennbeck.com/content/radio/

Glenn Beck is insanely popular with a lot of the right especially the tea party crowd. He embodies the new republican party and the direction they are hoping to head. His show uses humor at times recalling his roots in standup along with sources of information to support his belief system. This is an excellent source of information from a conservative perspective with a laugh now and again. There are few callers on the show as he tends to soap box so if you are a person that likes to call in and say your two cents I wish you the best of luck as he takes maybe 1-2 calls per show.

Opinion: I respect Glenn Beck for his dedication to what he believes. I do think that what you hear is what you get from him. I have no doubt that he believes fully in his rhetoric and does not simply follow a candidate if they have an R next to their name. He calls it as he sees it and I am certain if there was a democrat that held more similar beliefs to him than the republican running he would reluctantly support the democrat. At the same time Glenn tends to fear monger a lot and as a mental health worker I have plenty of Beck Listeners that are stocking up their guns and preparing for the mobs to rise up and take the country back or for the g-men to come to take your guns. His humor is a bit biting and a bit insulting if you are left leaning so you may be offended if you are not ready for it but if you are prepared you should be able to roll with the punches just fine. In the end I think this is worth listening to but please make sure you listen to what he says and just don’t just take his word for it. If you are left leaning this show is not a good one to cut your teeth on as it goes pretty far right field. I would consider Glenn as listening for those who have cut their teeth on right wing talk radio for a little while or you will just end up flustered. If you are right leaning you will be upset a little of the time but for the most part you will love this show.

Leland Conway

Political Leaning:        Conservative/Libertarian

Easy Access Hours:    3:00-6:00PM Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://www.1140wrva.com/pages/lelandconway.html

Leland is a “common sense” type right leaning host that took over the similar Doc Thompson slot at 1140 AM. He covers local issues that effect the Richmond/Virginia area and gives his opinions from the above perspective. Leland offers an unapologetic view to the day’s issues. His callers are all over the board and he takes them relatively frequently without a lengthy screening process he will even talk with you if your beliefs are not his and will be mostly polite about it. This is a show you can call and have a chance of speaking with the host. Leland also addresses his email often and will bring them up on the air if they are of interest.

Opinion: Leland is a bit abrasive at first, especially to liberal or progressive leaning individuals. He is more on the Libertarian end of things valuing personal freedom over most things and doesn’t always let religion trump it as with most republican hosts that include Mr. Beck. He is a straight talker and though I will admit it was difficult listening to him at first and I do not believe him quite as fun as his predecessor he is still one that attracts attention and respect for the way he handles things. He does not appear to be fake and is very approachable. If you can handle the glut of commercials and interruptions that take place during his time slot this is a good right leaning show to listen to.  Leland is a fairly good show for the middle ground listener left leaning people may be mildly annoyed and right leaning individuals will be mildly pleased.

John Fredericks Show

Political Leaning:        Conservative/Republican

Easy Access Hours:    6:00-9:00AM Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://thejohnfredericksshow.com/

John is another “Common Sense” host covering political information throughout the nation with high powered guests working to better lend a hand to the republican party in their work. John tends to have guests from both sides of the isle on his show and is very willing to allow other points of view to be told without censure.  He takes multiple callers with little screening and does not kick you off if you do not agree with him being civil. His show is a good one to call if you are up and listening this early.

Opinion: I really liked this show when it first came on the air. It is good to see a host that is willing to admit if he is wrong and willing to consider other points of view. This is a very rare thing for most radio hosts no matter their leanings. He has drawn flack from many of his right leaning listeners for being too soft on the left and for disagreeing with republicans from time to time. I respect the man and unlike Beck I consider him less dangerous to the mental health community. I feel this is one of the best starting points for a left leaning listener to hear the right wing agenda as it is presented in a fair low propaganda way. The Right may have some annoyance at his mildness but if you are easy going this could be the show for you.

Jack Gravely Show

Political Leaning:        Liberal/Democrat

Easy Access Hours:    9:00-12:00AM Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://www.thejackgravelyshow.com/

Jack is a “Common Sense” show covering the nation’s events from a left leaning perspective. Jack has multiple guests and experts during the week seeking individuals from both sides of the isle and has had multiple left and right organizations represented. Jack has a variety of callers and pretty much no screening process so his show is easy to access and he is very approachable. Jack is usually willing to listen and hear out any caller so long as it doesn’t come across as a soap box issue. Jack’s show is almost as much about the callers as it is about him or his guests and calling in is very much recommended.

Opinion: Jack is probably one of the fairest talk radio hosts on the left with his closest right wing counterpart being John Fredericks as listed above. Jack is mostly civil to his callers usually allowing most people to air their information and is not afraid to apologize if his facts are wrong. I consider him a man to respect in the talk radio world and highly recommend the show. Those listening from the left will agree with most of his information and can usually listen wish ease. Those on the right can usually delight in the fact that they can call in and that he will even occasionally concede a point. I would recommend Jack to any right leaning person cutting their teeth on left leaning talk radio.

Sean Hannity

Political Leaning:        Conservative/Republican

Easy Access Hours:    6:00-9:00PM Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://www.hannity.com/

Sean presents himself as a mostly neutral newscaster with conservative opinions trying to present the facts and let his listeners decide for themselves. Sean has on multiple guests from both sides of the isle and tends to enjoy setting up debates between the two. His show has a fairly complex screening process and is moderately difficult to reach, especially if you are left leaning. This is a show mostly meant for listening.

Opinion: Sean’s show is anything but neutral in my opinion. He pretty much does the fox news thing making sure he has weak democrats cutting off any left leaning individual that might make a legitimate point and belittling them later. Sean is a show that is very difficulty for any left leaning individual to listen to and his rants can even near a level of insult. Right leaning individuals will be pleased with this show as all of your opinions will be supported and those on the left will be made to look stupid in a “fair” debate.

Rush Limbaugh

Political Leaning:        Conservative/Republican

Easy Access Hours:    12:00-3:00PM Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/

Rush is the big man on the Right the professor of conservative studies and the expert of all things that are “right” in the world. Rush has been in the business longer than the majority of the individuals here and has a very well deserved reputation. His opinions are very much respected by the right and gives probably the best insight into the minds of the republican party to date. His show is incredibly hard to reach with a very VERY extensive screening process so if you have a belief opposing his and the ability to intelligently articulate it you will either not make it through the process or be cut off so don’t bother calling unless you want to compliment or support his point of view.

Opinion: I, like many used to really dislike Rush before I got to listen to him. After doing so I have managed to build respect for the man. He does not appear to be a bad person and usually will give his callers a decent amount of time if they talk about something he is interested in. Rush is a follower of the right and though he may express negative thoughts when there is another right wing alternative you can bet that if the individual has an R next to his name Rush will be in support of them as the “right” is always right. Rush does not apologize often and will never admit he is wrong. I would recommend a little wading into the right wing pool to left leaning individuals before listening to Rush but I do highly recommend this show as you will be getting the best Idea as to how the right thinks. If you are a right leaner you will love this show and it will support all your beliefs. It may actually get boring as with Hannity as there is little challenge to your beliefs.

Dennis Miller Show

Political Leaning:        Conservative/Republican

Easy Access Hours:    12:00-3:00PM Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://www.dennismillerradio.com/

Dennis is a comedy icon and deserve respect for his years in the media. Dennis offers laid back comedy and a right leaning prospective on the world affairs. If you are to call in here it may be difficult due to call volume but he is willing to listen to you no matter your point of view and is typically polite even if you are belligerent. If you call in to this show with a differing opinion be respectful and you will be heard.

Opinion: It is hard not to like Dennis Miller as he is very mild and relaxed. He tends to enjoy the peaceful approach to talk radio and is a good first listen to many left leaning people. Dennis is not really one of the hard hitters politically and is more for entertainment than information purposes. Many on the right can enjoy this show and get a laugh or two but will probably end up switching to Rush in the end.

Stephanie Miller

Political Leaning:        Liberal/Progressive

Easy Access Hours:    9:00-12:00PM Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://www.stephaniemiller.com/

Who doesn’t love a nice political comedy show in the morning. This show resembles much of what Glenn Beck used to be when he was leaning more towards the humor. This biting unapologetic style of humor is a fun way for most liberals to start the day. The call system is not heavily screened and is moderately difficult to reach. Beware though if you are calling with a differing view as you will likely be made fun of.

Opinion: I feel a little guilty in enjoying this show as I know I would be offended but as I listen to Glenn Beck I feel it is good to have a balance. She is a fun host to listen to but does not appear heavily informed mainly confident her belief’s are right. She does have facts at times to back her up but tends not to get bogged down in political debate trying to keep the show light. If you are left leaning you will find this show a guilty pleasure and very humorous. If you are right leaning you will want to cut your teeth on something different as you will find this show very insulting.

Randi Rhodes

Political Leaning:        Liberal/Progressive

Easy Access Hours:    3:00-6:00PM Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://www.randirhodes.com/main.html

Randi is a “Common Sense” Type radio host for the left calling things as she sees it offering no apologies and a little bite. She handles issues as a strong figure and will not back down from a debate. She tends to take most callers on her show but will cut you off if you are unwilling to give her any slack as she will not take any pummeling. Both sides of the isle if they are civil can manage calls here.

Opinion: I really don’t know what to think of this show much yet. She seems angry and a little intimidating most of the time. She does not appear to be a follower and tends to speak what she believes even if it tramples some people. Left leaning people should be a little weary as she calls it as she sees it and not always along the party lines. Right wingers will need to also be weary as she will come across as quite abrasive.

Ed Shultz

Political Leaning:        Liberal/Progressive

Easy Access:               12:00-3:00PM Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://www.bigeddieradio.com/

Ed is probably one of the most similar hosts to Glenn Beck on the left though not quite as powerful. He covers things from the Progressive prospective and is not afraid to call it as he sees it even if it does not favor a democrat. Calls into his show are an unknown to me but he appears to be willing to take calls from both sides and will not cut you off so long as you are willing to allow discussion (respect the host and you have a much better chance of staying). He knows his facts and is willing to take a stand for his views.

Opinion: I used to see him as a left leaning Rush Limbaugh but after listening to him for a while I see him more as a Glenn Beck type willing to fight for his beliefs and not for the R or the D next to a politician name. He even was willing to call out the president several times during the last few weeks. He has had a segment on some Fridays that allows for small business to call in and advertise on the air for free and this was something I greatly respect. If you are a Left leaning individual you will likely like this show unless you blindly follow the D.  If you are a right leaning individual you may have a hard time at first but if you have an open mind you can enjoy the show and get a pretty good view of the progressive though process (not necessarily the democrat though process).

Doc Thompson

Political Leaning:        Conservative/Libertarian

Easy Access:               6:00-9:00AM  Monday-Friday

Website:                      http://www.docthompson.com/

Doc used to be on 1140 AM and was another “common sense” right leaning host. He gave his views on local issues and tried to add a sense of humor. Doc is currently on the Blaze and I have not managed to listen to his show so this is all I can comment on.

Opinion: I used to love listening to Doc on the radio as he was right leaning but fair and his humor was not abrasive to those listening on the left. He was also willing to admit that he is wrong from time to time which many hosts will not do. I cannot say if things have changed under his new boss Glenn Beck but I wish him the best and will give his show a nod of respect with the intent to listen when I can.

Academy Award Predictions

Can't be a movie geek without making Last Minute Predictions. I am proud to say that I have seen almost all the films this year round missing only the following: Chasing Iceflows, No, Kon Tiki(Will be seeing it before the event) and the Gatekeepers. Of course pretty certain to not see most of the short films but did manage to see three of them this year.

Of the nominees I will start at the bottom and work my way at the top. Other than Animated Short film I will leave those out as I haven't seen any of them.

Orginial Screenplay:

I will admit that this may not win this year and is more of a hopeful but I have seen the films and this is by far in my opinion the best one. Wes Anderson is considered a favorite by the oscars and will be a very good way into the hearts of oscar goers. I do think that the others have a good shot but I still am plugging for Wes to make the plunge

Adapted Screenplay:

Argo in my opinion will be the big winner this year. It is sad that Ben Affleck kind of got snubbed at at the oscars. At the other awards ceramonies the film managed to pick up quite a bit of praise and is still one of the favored to win. I think that Lincoln has a good shot along with Life of Pi. Silver linings playbook and Beasts of the Southern Wild are in the rear in this catigory.

Visual Effects:

This is a hard one for me as all of the nominees are pretty spectacular. I think that the movie itself pulls about even with Avengers and the Hobbit but I think that it will get ahead as the academy will probably feel bad about it not winning a lot of the awards that it is up for. Please don't get me wrong the mix of colors and effects make this a wonderful film to keep in mind.

Sound Mixing:

I must admit I am not very good with this category. I am placing Argo in this slot as I feel it has a lot of action and events where sound mixing is a very important part of the process. This could still be anyone's game.

Sound Editing

Another Category I am unsure of but I do believe this will pull the win. I don't think this film will get much love this year and this award is the academy's opportunity to present it with some. There are multiple sound issues to consider with explosions and gun fire to try and balance it with the voices of the actors this is a struggle and I believe this is how it will go.

Animated Short Film:

I admit I still have not seen Head over Heels or Adam and Dog but this is still a very strong contender. This is probably one of the best short films Disney has produced on it's own without the Pixar Name. If you haven't seen this I recommend you do.

Production Design:

Well if I am correct this has to do more with the sets than anything else. Though many of the nominees are very good at this Les Miserables is in my opinion the best. They managed to capture the feeling of the broadway musical to the point where at times I almost felt I was watching it again in the theater. This is again one of my favorite films.

Original Song: 

This one is a no brainer. Skyfall has been built up and built up for this song and it has won nearly every award. The song does bring back a lot of the old feel I used to have when I was watching a bond film as the movie itself kind of fell back off of the Bourne Identity phase the series was going through during the last two installments.

Original Score:

The very fact that this film was nominated for original score when it should never have been even close to the award is the reason that I feel it will win. Someone really wants this film to succeed and I have a feeling that there are plenty of people pushing to have this variation of the original bond score to finally give the series its due. I don't pull for this one personally hoping for Anna Karenina but this is my predictions of what will will not what should win (That's coming later).

Makeup and Hairstyling:

I know Les Miserables is one of the favored to win in this category but I cannot do so. The Main character in that movie went through the entire movie looking younger instead of older and tired this is a failure as far as makeup is concerned. Peter Jackson does wonders finding makeup and effects staff and this film is no slouch in that department. The different beard styles of each dwarf the makeup on some of the various creatures to the birds nest in the brown wizard's hair this is a needed boost for this movie series.

Foreign Language Film:

This is hands down the front runner. I have not seen Kon Tiki or No yet so I cannot fully be an expert in this category but I do believe this will make it. It is a depressing film but very well acted and directed bringing attention and depth without any score and this takes doing. If you haven't seen it yet you definitely need to check this one out.

Film Editing:

I feel this film will get in on the editing basis improving hand over foot upon the Hurt Locker. The various scenes are spliced together quite well making it easy to follow and not making you sick too the stomach when seeing it.

Documentary Feature:

I have managed to watch all but one of the films this year and sadly I do think that the Gatekeepers has a shot of taking the top spot but I have not seen it so I can not declare for or against it. Searching for Sugar Man leads the pack that I have seen this year as excellent music and for an uplifting story that keeps you interested and informed for the entirety  This is a film that actually had me get up and buy this guy's two studio albums right after finishing it and this is a powerful move in its favor.

Best Director:

I believe that Spielberg is going to win this year. He hasn't won in a while and I believe that this is partially political and partially deserved. This film has been his baby for a while now and it is done very very well making it a must see. The Political reason is that I believe Argo was purposefully snubbed so that Lincoln could have a clear path to victory and if the academy promises they try to deliver.

Costume Design:

 There is no doubt in my mind that this will take home the design award. The other nominees are very good and Mirror Mirror is extremely imaginative but this film flows every well on the eyes and this is partly for the costumes involved. This movie was made for this award and I believe it will get what it was made for.

Cinematography:

I want to give this film some due. It is a well rounded cast and they work together exceptionally well. I am not an expert in this category so i could very well be wrong but I am hoping for it to win in this as I don't see it anywhere else.

Animated Feature:

There are others that I will be rooting for but I still feel this will take the win. I like Pixar and I think this is a great film but I feel it has fallen under their standard. I have believed that Pixar had a lock on this category for years and has a pull with the academy. I feel it took them taking with Cars 2 to get them out of the category giving them a chance to do something fun and giving other features a chance. Will the Pixar hold of the academy still stand strong? We shall find out tonight.

Supporting Actress:

I believe that Anne Hathaway is doing to take this home. It is too easy to call as the buzz around her is astounding. I do not necessarily agree with this as I believe that Samantha Barks did a much better job in the role both in acting and in singing. I also feel that Sally Field more deserved this award. I feel that the buzz factor is too strong with this one for it to go anywhere else. Don't get me wrong she did a good job with the role I just don't feel it is the best of the best.

Leading Actress:

Jennifer Lawrence is going to win this award. She did a great job with it and is a way better than the competition. The only think I can see happening is a political move to have Quvenzhane Wallis placed up for her age amongst other things to become a one of many firsts for the award. This is a far field but if it doesn't go to Jennifer you will see it going to Miss Wallis.

Supporting Actor:

Philip Seymour Hoffman did an excellent job in this film. I was bored by it and it was waaaay too long but still very good never the less. His character came across as believable and likable and it holds strong in this category. I would probably but either Robert De Niroo or Tommy Lee Jones as the next likely ones to take home this award should he flounder. I kind of hope this is the case as I really don't want to see this movie again.

Leading Actor:

No doubt in my mind that Daniel Day Lewis will take this home. He does an excellent job in the role and on top of that he has a ton of buzz and awards already in this category. At a long shot I will give the second possible to Denzel Washington for his wonderful performance in Flight but politically this time the cards are not in his favor.

Best Picture:

This film has too much momentum and buzz to be ignored (though the academy has tried). It has won best picture at many other award events including the globes and stands to be a contender for many more. Argo is excellent in almost every way and though it is not something that I consider the best picture overall it is still one of the best ones in the lineup. Lincoln and Zero Dark Thirty also have a chance as the academy loves the director of Zero Dark Thirty and Lincoln is a spectacular film in its own right but I feel this will be the number one.


Well there you have it. I hope you all are ready to watch and enjoy the upcoming show before us. We shall see which way the die falls.