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Awards movie checklist 10 films to watch and where to find them By James A. Molnar, The Gold Knight Early awards are being doled out and nominations announced. Critics’ circles have named their best films of the year, Top 10 lists and other kudos. The Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations were announced. It’s the perfect time to gather with family and friends and watch some of the best movies of the year that could win Oscar gold. To that end, here is an alphabetized checklist of possible Best Picture nominees for the Academy Awards and where to find them: Oscar nominations will be announced Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011. Expect most of these films to be recognized. O Toledo Free Press Star Lead Designer James A. Molnar blogs about all things Oscar at thegoldknight.blogspot.com. His column will appear online and in print periodically. *All information regarding movie theater listings were accurate as of press time. + Movie not yet reviewed. 1. “127 Hours” From Danny Boyle, the Academy Award-winning director of “Slumdog Millionaire,” the gut- wrenching thriller follows the true-life adventure of Aron Ralston (James Franco). The mountain climber’s arm was trapped by a boulder for more than five days before he cut himself loose. (The Gold Knight’s rating: 5/5 stars) Where to find: In limited release, the closest viewing is at the State Theater in Ann Arbor.* 5. “The Kids Are All Right” Annette Bening and Julianne Moore star as a lesbian couple whose two teenagers — conceived via artificial insemination — seek out their biological father (Mark Ruffalo). Adding the new dynamic to the family creates tension and change and a story worth seeing. (No rating + ) Where to find: On DVD, Blu-ray and Netflix. 9. “True Grit” The latest film from Joel and Ethan Coen — Academy Award-winning directors of “No Country for Old Men” — finds a U.S. marshal with “true grit” (Jeff Bridges) and another lawman (Matt Damon) helping a young girl track her father’s killer into hostile Indian territory. The Western-style movie is an adaptation of Charles Portis’ original novel. (No rating + ) Where to find: Rave Franklin Park, Levis Commons and Fallen Timbers.* 4. “Inception” Christopher Nolan’s meticulously-designed world is stunning at first glance and provocative on further viewings. The director of “The Dark Knight” creates a world where a highly skilled thief (Leonardo DiCaprio) can enter the human mind via dreams and steal secrets. His next task is the impossible — “inception.” (5/5 stars) Where to find: On DVD and Blu-ray. On Netflix Jan. 4. 8. “Toy Story 3” Ohio native Lee Unkrich directs the third installment following the iconic talking toys. Their owner Andy is leaving for college and his toys go on an almost existential journey which introduces them to the illustrious pink, strawberry-scented Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear (Ned Beatty). The Pixar film packs a punch right to the emotional core. (5/5 stars) Where to find: On DVD, Blu-ray and Netflix. 2. “Black Swan” Natalie Portman stars in the psychological thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky (“The Wrestler”) and set in the world of New York City ballet. Portman plays a featured dancer with a new rival (Mila Kunis) at the company. (No rating + ) Where to find: Rave Franklin Park and Levis Commons.* 6. “The King’s Speech” The much-talked-about British royalty drama chronicles George VI (Colin Firth), who struggles to overcome a severe stutter as he claims the throne. A speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) helps the new king find his voice to rally his nation for war. (No rating + ) Where to find: Rave Levis Commons beginning Dec. 25.* 10. “Winter’s Bone” Seventeen-year-old Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) sets out to find her drug- dealing father, who put her family’s house up for his bail bond and then disappeared. She meanders through tricky social terrain in the Ozark Mountains. She cannot fail. Based on the novel by Daniel Woodrell. (4/5 stars) Where to find: On DVD, Blu-ray and Netflix. 3. “The Fighter” The biographical film follows former boxing hero Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), who trains his half-brother, a journeyman boxer, “Irish” Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg). Against all odds, they will reunite their family and make their town proud. (No rating + ) Where to find: Rave Franklin Park, Levis Commons and Fallen Timbers; Phoenix Theatres, Monroe; and Cinemark Woodland, Bowling Green.* 7. “The Social Network” The movie, about Facebook and its creation by Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), is jam-packed with impeccable, smart dialogue thanks to screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. It is hard to watch passively and is an atypical moviegoing experience. (5/5 stars) Where to find: The closest viewing is at Uptown Theaters, Birmingham, Mich.* On DVD and Blu-ray Jan. 11. CUT OUT!
