This is going to be the last post for two weeks, in which time I’ll be seeing far too many movies to get into one post, so we’re gonna have a lot of catching up to do after the long Thanksgiving weekend. Let’s get down to it!

“Spectre”: https://www.seattlespectator.com/2015/11/11/critics-corner-spectre-falls-short/

Now, James Bond movies are never considered for the big awards, and for a 30 year period (you read that right) they weren’t even nominated, which isn’t entirely surprising due to how weird they got there in the 70s and 80s. Last year, “Skyfall” found itself nominated for 5 Oscars, and it deservedly won two (Best Song—Adele, and Best Sound Editing). Considering this, “Spectre” could be up for the same awards. For one, Sam Smith nails the intro song “Writing’s on the Wall,” so I’d say it wouldn’t be shocking if it got nominated.

As for the special effects, “Spectre” actually features the largest film stunt explosion ever, so that probably will give it some clout. It’s also an action movie full of fight scenes, shoot-outs, and car-chases—all things, that when done to the degree that “Spectre” features, usually garners some sort of Awards attention. I’m not saying it’s a guarantee what with “The Martian,” “Mad Max”, and all those other big movies out this year, but it’s certainly possible.

“Spotlight”: (find in the A&E Section)

You will read in a lot of reviews and pieces about “Spotlight” that it’s the best journalism movie since “All the President’s Men”, and they’re pretty correct. “Spotlight” is a deftly crafted movie that maintains its focus on the right things. It plays out like an investigative report, but also introduces us to some truly memorable characters. Tom McCarthy could see himself getting a directing nod, which would be great since he’s been a consistent director thus far with films like “The Station Agent,” “The Visitor.” I can also foresee its writing getting a nom because of how well it paces itself, but also because it handles the very delicate subject of the molestation of children by Catholic priests.

Mark Ruffalo, looking back on the film, is one of the standouts. Not that the movie really puts anybody center-stage, which really helps elevate it as a group effort, but Ruffalo is just a great, underrated actor who hasn’t ever really gotten the recognition he deserves.

Well, that about does it for 2 weeks. When we come back, we’ll have a whole lot of new movies to talk about including “Brooklyn,” “The Danish Girl,” “Trumbo,” “The Good Dinosaur,” “Creed,” and probably more. It’s going to be good.

Happy watching and an even happier Thanksgiving!