The Award Season Has Begun
Well, in the last week the lists of "Best of 2006 have begun. At first two films seemed to be dominating the top spots:

• Letters from Iwo Jima, Clint Eastwood's second film about that battle of WW II shown from the Japanese point of view and
• The Queen which shows "behind-the-scenes" of the royal family at the time of the death of Princess Diana.

Iwo Jima hasn't even been released yet. It's original release wasn't to be until after January 1, but when Flags of our Fathers didn't do much at the box office, an earlier release was set.

Then today the New York Film Critics came out with their winners and now we have

• United 93 about the Sept. 11 plane brought down by the passengers in an act of incredible bravery. (And no sign of Clint Eastwood on this one.)
  

So what will be this year's dark horse like Crash last year? If United 93 hadn't received this award that might have been it. Maybe one we haven't even seen on the lists yet.

I know this isn't BIG news that will affect the lives of millions, but it is fun. More will be coming, but it looks like it's time to get back out to the multi-plex and start watching some movies.