Since giving up television in 1998, movies have become a pretty big part of my life. It bothers me that TV supplies a never-ending stream of ... entertainment, and so I much prefer the fact that movies only take so long. At least, that's what I thought until I ended up sitting in a theater for a showing of Avatar in 3-D. I haven't seen any of the other movies up for best picture this year, but I surely hope that Cameron's epic snooze fest doesn't end up with the big Oscar. If you haven't, watch Lawerence of Arabia and prepare to be amazed at how much more interesting the same plot can be without all the special effects.
I feel a little better now, but I should also mention that my favorite movie of the year is nominated for best picture against Avatar. "Up" has about as much chance of winning as I have of floating to Wisconsin with a bunch of helium balloons tied to an armchair, but I'll still have my fingers crossed.