Movies

I love movies.
I love Oscar season. For me, it's always a case of too many movies, and not enough time. So I enjoy having a way to prioritize my viewing. I don't always agree with the nominations or winners, but also, I usually I don't put that much thought into that part. I just get the list and head out to the theatre.
I try to at least see all the Best Picture nominees, though I reserve the right to pass on movie that just seem like I won't like them. For instance, I don't really like Russell Crowe and wouldn't see a movie with him even if it was nominated. I did that once (Gladiator) and I won't do it again. Unless Keanu Reeves is also starring, because that trumps all - but only Keanu. [Speaking of "trump," Donnell & Jenn saw the Donald at last night's fight in Vegas.]
So here is my question - are the Oscar movies always violent or is this a particularly violent year? And each movie so far has a scene in which I must hide my eyes and cover my ears. From chickens and goats in Babel to a headless stag in The Queen, animals certainly aren't coming out the winners. And in Pan's Labyrinth it was the human animal that was tortured and killed in ways I couldn't watch. I loved all of these movies, but really, I was only okay with the violence in The Departed. I can handle a good ole' gangster shoot out movie, and enjoy it.
So what happened to movies like The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music getting best picture nods? Do they all have to be so dramatic? Can't a light-hearted movie provide as much of an acting or directing challenge? [Yes, I know Little Miss Sunshine is nominated - and I appreciate that.]
So I still have a few more to view. I'm debating on whether or not to see Letters from Iwo Jima. Let me know if you've seen it and what you think. That's the only best picture nominee I haven't seen yet. As for best actor, director, etc - I'm getting through some of them. While I will probably pass on The Pursuit of Happyness and The Good Shepard, I do hope to see The Last King of Scotland, Dreamgirls, Notes on a Scandal. I also need to learn more about some of the nominees and figure out if they are in theatres or on-Demand. If you know anything about Half Nelson, or Little Children let me know.
Still so many movies to see and only two weekends left!