The Cinefile: 2006 Wrap Up

What a year, what a year! I somehow feel that 2006 will go down as a good year in the short, short history of cinema; there were so many good movies this year it seemed almost anything had a shot to be nominated for Best Picture. Unfortunately, I didn't get to watch the Oscars for the third year running (no TV this time) but believe me when I tell you that I followed them as closely as I could via oscar.com. I probably refreshed that page 1000 times last night.

And before I go any further I just want to say: Marty, Marty, Marty...I am so happy for you! I can only imagine what it must have been like to finally hear your name called and to raise that golden statue after such a long and amazing career in the "pictures". Maybe winning an Oscar doesn't necessarily reflect what you have given us for so many years; for God's sake I hope you know you were beyond Oscars before the Eighties, but know how important is was to you and to us fans of yours. You have made kids like me realize that working in film is not only a viable way to make a living, but that it's possible to be GREAT at it. You help build dreams and that is a beautiful thing; if I had my way, you would have 5 or 6 Oscars. Please don't ever stop, don't Ever STOP.

I have to say that Oscar night left me pretty happy. I wish that Peter O'Toole would have finally won that acting award he so deserves, but Forrest Whitaker is a phenomenal alternative. Seeing Scorcese win made me eternally happy and Alan Arkin coming out of nowhere to win over Eddie Murphy was a huge bonus. Some other Oscar thoughts:

- I'm sorry, maybe it makes me weird or perverted, but Helen Mirren is a beautiful, beautiful woman. If I reach the age of 60 (God be good) and my wife looks that good I will be more than thankful.

- Hey Reese...congratulations on making my power rankings.

- I don't really understand why everyone was making such a big deal about the black actors and actresses nominated. I could see why it was big when Denzel and Halle won a few years ago, but all I see now is great performers being rewarded for their achievements. Between this and the Super Bowl, I think the media needs to give the American populace a little credit.

- I somehow get the feeling that Leo is going to be the new Peter O'Toole. A lot of nominations, but for some reason no one feels fit to give him the win.

- I hate to say it, but I guess American Idol works.

- These are my guys. MY GUYS! Well, actually go ahead and take out Coppola and put in Jim Cameron and then we'll be good. Still, what a great picture. The best of their generation.

2006 was a good movie year. I hope it continues and we have a good one coming for 2007 (even though I doubt that with shit like Ghost Rider and The Number 23). No matter that a lot of critics have decried that this will be the worst movie year in ages, I think we have a lot of promise. For God's sake, you have to optimistic about a year that includes a new 'Spider-Man' movie! These were my favorites from last year, Academy Awards or not:

My favorites from 2006:

• The Departed
• Pan's Labyrinth
• Little Miss Sunshine
• Casino Royale
• The Prestige
• United 93
• Dead Man's Shoes (2004)
• The Proposition (2005)
• Brick (2005)