These are the movies.

The movies I got sent over the last few weeks as part of the run-up to Oscar nominations.

These are the films that need to be watched. Last night. Today. Tomorrow.

We will attempt to tackle the movies.

Along with lots of lovely food.

And a deep fat fryer.

Viewed thus far: "Does Your Soul Have a Cold?" (documentary) and "The Counterfeiters" (German entry for this year's Oscar).

Below, a section of the  edibles, and their beloved cooking container.

Stay tuned….

SUNDAY UPDATE

So, Saturday's films were:

"Atonement"
"Juno"
"Once"
"Lust, Caution"

Consumed:

Much, including:

Gingerbread cookies (some the victims of an avalanche, some zombies, pictured)
Pizza bagels (pictured)
Cheesecake
Egg salad
Licorice

In attendance:

Mike (the master chef, aka Pope Awesome), Jen & Tim (who provided the cookie feast), Cameron (who did some last minute shopping for us)

We also formed a band, after seeing "Once." We're deciding on a name right now, but "The Bad Poets" may be in the offing.

Overall opinion on the movies: A lot of WWII-related drama going on. We're very focused on that as a society. That said, there's apparently lots of romance and sex to be had in WWII. And "Juno" was quite funny and charming but suffers from the "there are no 16 year olds who are like that in the universe" effect.

Overall opinion on the food: Awesome, way too much, a little too rich for some of us's digestive system.

That said, we are undeterred and will be moving into Sunday with fresh vittles and even fresher movies.

Sorry everyone can't be here!

UPDATE LATE SUNDAY

Well, we got through some more movies, and some more food.

Today's films were:

"The Savages"
"Ben X"
"Dan In Real Life"
"Reservation Road"

Food consumed included:
Pastry-wrapped brie with peppers (pictured)
Fries con queso (and without) (pictured)
Onion rings
Strawberries (with and with Nutella)

And now we are full.

Roundup: Too many movies with precious/precocious children, or set in WWII or both. Too many movies with situations that are unrealistic, even for the advancement of plot's sake. But a few movies with some moving and unexpected twists ("Atonement" and "Ben X"). If I had to make a guess I'd say "Atonement" has it down for script but not acting. "Reservation Road" might get scripting but not acting nominations. "The Savages" should get an acting nomination for Philip Seymour Hoffman. And "The Counterfeiters" will definitely get nominated for the Oscar in the foreign category.

No developments on our band, however.

Happy New Year to all!