Mystic River is up for six Academy Awards this year: Best Actor in a Leading Role (Sean Penn), Best Actor is a Supporting Role (Tim Robbins), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Marcia Gay Harden), Best Directing (Clint Eastwood), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture. After seeing it last night I can understand why.

I was a big proponent of Johnny Depp for Best Actor and Return of the King for Best Picture but now I am not so sure. I had originally counted Mystic River out. I think I was mistaken. Sean Penn delivers an amazing role, one of the best I have seen him do. The story is gripping with nice twists. Kevin Bacon delivers his usual performance and Tim Robbins really steps up, his performance award worthy as well.

Usually I am fairly clear cut on who I want to win the Academy Awards but this year is a little bit harder. I could care less about Seabiscuit and Master and Commander, but Mystic River, Return of the King and Lost in Translation are all three amazing films. I guess it really says something about the quality of movies released this past year when you have such a hard time making your selection.

I am sure the members of the academy are having a hard time as well. Unlike the lackluster music scene last year, Hollywood was really on the ball. As is usually the case I am sure that Seabiscuit will win Best Picture just to spite me, but I figure a three in five chance is not bad. Whether Mystic River takes the top honors or not, it is still a very fine, moving film. It was what I expect from such a big name cast and crew.

However, I must say that I am a little disturbed that I keep seeing Kevin Bacon turn up in movies with pedophilia themes. I guess it is ok, the guy is in everything. Definitely check out this film before it hits Blockbusters shelves. The big screen really does it justice. In the mean time come visit me In The Congo. B.