Let me start with District 9. I had no intention of ever watching that movie from the first preview I saw. I am proud to say that I still have not seen it. So, I can not make a recommendation for this movie.
Up - sweetest damn movie, I swear! Everyone said this movie is sad but I think they may be missing the point of the montage. It was sweet and loving and tender and it makes me seriously reconsider the whole mating for life thing. The animation is phenomenal (although I didn't see it in 3D I can only imagine how much better it would be), but what really carries this movie is the storyline. There are too many themes to list here, but they are all valuable. Don't let anyone tell you it's a kids movie only or that it's sad. Don't think it should have been an Oscar contender, but still a magnificent movie.
The Hurt Locker - powerful and strong. This movie was not quite what I expected, except the part where I was basically on the edge of my seat the whole time. There were few stereotypes of the Iraqi people, which can I get a holla for that one Kathryn - and thank you! They did a great job with character development, though there were only a few main people so that shouldn't have been difficult. This movie was made even better to me when I read somewhere that Kathryn Bigelow (the director) wanted to explore the idea that men can get addicted to going to war. Wha? It's true! Anyway, great movie. Not sure I would have put it in the running of all the movies I've seen this past year, but it should have been in the top 5 of the nominated movies.
A Serious Man - I tried hard to go in with an open mind. It's a Cohen Brothers movie. I get along with Co-Bro movies about as much as Quentin Tarantino movies. I didn't dread it as much as I thought I would, but I was totally unimpressed by it. Nothing of significance to say about it. Should not have gotten any nominations and certainly didn't deserve and Oscar.
An Education - Peter Sarsgaard managing to be creepy AND sweet. Wha? I know! A very creepy-looking 30-something year old seduces a know-it-all 16 year old. It was sweet and the performances were good. Overall it's a good movie. Not sure it should have been in the running, but of all the movies nominated I can see where it fits.
So here is a breakdown of how I would have voted:
10: District 9
9: Inglorious Basterds
8: A Serious Man
7: Avatar
6: Up
5: The Blind Side
4: Precious
3: An Education
2: The Hurt Locker
1: Up in the Air
