JoeClarke.Net

Hurt Locker which was a sort of, kind of pro Iraq War movie beat Avatar, a conspicuously anti American, anti soldier cartoon designed by the virulently liberal, self-admitted anti war guy, James Cameron.

Hurt Locker did have to portray a heroic soldier in the mandatory Hollywood style - as a crazy cowboy. But then again, as a Vietnam veteran who returned from that infamous "police action" as a certified psychotic, I can identify with the Hurt Locker director's intentions. Conservatives are varied in their opinions of the patriocity of the movie.

George Clooney, it is reported, looked devastated as he was passed over by the Academy denying all of his six nominations for his flick Up In The Air, which is a hackneyed bashing of corporate/capitalistic Americanism. Clooney has been a zealous anti war activist, having used movies such as Three Kings and (maybe) The Challenge to embarass President Bush as well as the military.

Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart showed the power of redemption for a washed out alcoholic Country Western singer who beats his addiction. Sounds like there's a CW song there, somewhere. Very upbeat and unusual for Hollywood.

Is there anything more traditional Americana than Sandra Bullock winning for her great work in Blindside?

Monique won for Precious, the token Hollywood movie which portrays a girl victimized by a man (father) who inseminates her twice . . .

Come to think of it, all of the above movies feature crazy, weakened, and wimpy men of some sort or another. However, there were no awards to Michael Moore or Al Gore, so for Hollywood, let's consider this progress (not Progressive!).

If I have anything wrong in this review, please, advise, as I have not been in a movie theater for years because the typical in-house movie goer is as annoying as the Hollywood types who produce the movies.

I was somewhat amazed, while admittedly only watching some of the Academy Awards, how more family friendly, formal and, and distinguished the presentation was this year. The only thing missing, and gladly so, was that there were no Brokeback Mountain tributes. Could Hollywood be turning around?