I must admit, I’ve been bitten by The Oscar bug myself. I’ve always loved the movies. Going to the cinema and watching some of the best actors performing at their best.

That’s what the Oscars are all about really, I mean, behind all the glitz and glamor, I think it’s an inspirational moment for all. Because I realize all the hard work that these actors and actresses put into their craft. All the years of hard work, often times are unnoticed by the public, and what we see is the result of that hard work.

This year, of course, is a bit different, because we see one girl stand out — Jennifer Hudson. We all saw her lose on American Idol, and this is why it’s a bit different this year. Her struggles were right in front of our eyes, and for her to have bounced back, and not only bounce back, but do it in a fashion that is worthy of an Oscar is nothing short of a real life inspiration.

I loved her in Dream Girls, it was a powerful performance, an inspirational performance, and a movie that was just a treat to watch.

Other notable movies that I’m also rooting for is Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima, two movies that by themselves are wonderful, but watching them both is where you truly see the whole picture. Clint Eastwood is marvelous in depicting the war in such clarity and understanding. You soon come to the realization, if you haven’t done so already, that in War, there really is no winner. And in war, sometimes, the good and bad, becomes subjective.

Let’s not forget Little Miss Sunshine, a real feel good movie, that is wonderfully done, so real and smart. I think it was done in a span of only 30 days, and yet it has made it into the Oscars. The lesson here is that it’s not the budget, but it’s the concept and the delivery of the movie as well. This cast has depth, great talents, and great chemistry.

In terms of fantasy, we’re going to have to go with Pan’s Labyrinth. This is a movie, that I’m definitely adding to the DVD collection, it’s going to be one of those movies that you reach for when you’re in the mood for a little out of this world and out of this realm kind of magic.

And last, but not least, the movie that really inspired me this year was “The Pursuit of Happyness“, which if you’ve read my earlier post on this, you would have already known. I’m in love with this movie, not just because it’s a story of perseverance, faith, and success. But, their are literally limitless aspects to this movie that are all going on at once. You have a story of love, a father and his boy, the deep love that the father has for his child. He would do anything for his son. Then, you have a story of self motivation, in which the lead character does everything and anything to succeed. And most of all you have a true story. You hear about bad fathers all the time, you hear about the demise of people all the time, but to have such an inspirational man stick by his son, and stick by his faith; I just don’t see how anyone could not love this movie as much as I did.

Pursuit of Happyness (Full Screen Edition) on Amazon
Flags of Our Fathers (Full Screen Edition) on Amazon
Letters from Iwo Jima on Amazon
Little Miss Sunshine on Amazon
Pan’s Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno) on Amazon
Dreamgirls on Amazon
Pursuit of Happyness (Full Screen Edition) on Amazon