Oscar un-worthy films can be more fun to talk about than the best flicks

Lifestyle cover feature for The Commercial Appeal

March 4, 2010

“You don’t understand. I coulda’ had class. I coulda’ been a contender. I coulda’ been somebody …”

The line is from “On the Waterfront,” and the film was certainly more than a contender. One of the greats, it garnered eight Academy Awards for 1954, including best picture, director, actor and actress.

But what of the others? In a year that saw 1,870 films released, according to the Internet Movie Database (imdb.com), they couldn’t have all been great, they couldn’t all be contenders.

Sure, there was “The Caine Mutiny,” “Rear Window,” “Dial M For Murder” and “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea,” but not every movie would go on to become mainstays in popular culture. Some had to be bums.

In just a few days, film buffs will be abuzz with the winners from the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, where the best of the best will be honored.

While it is an honor just to be nominated, what of those that aren’t? “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” isn’t nominated for Best Picture. Neither is “Crank: High Voltage,” “G-Force” nor “2012.” Are these the worst films of last year, or will they one day be included on someone’s list of the worst of all time? … (read more)