I don’t keep very good track of Hollywood and its stars. And I readily admit to being baffled by America’s obsession with personalities like Britney and Paris. Ye Gods, don’t we have anything better to do?

But onward … Did you see the list of Oscar nominations for best picture? I’ll put it here, in case you haven’t:
No Country for Old Men
There Will Be Blood
Atonement
Juno
Michael Clayton

I think this is the first time in my adult life that I haven’t seen any of the nominated movies. And most of them I don’t want to see. No Country for Old Men? Why would I want to watch some horrible, sadistic, relentless killer (even if it’s a new take on the old good vs evil theme) going after his victims? And in that hot, dry setting? Yeeech. Several of my friends have seen it and say it’s really great. But I’m not into that kind of violence, even if it is art.

Nothing about There Will Be Blood draws me. I’m quite sure Daniel Day Lewis gives a spectacular performance, but hey … Stories of corruption and deception? I am SO not there!

I might be persuaded to see Atonement, but only because it isn’t a “guy” movie with dirt, heat, sand and killings. But the storyline bothers me. Can there be a good resolution to it? Will I leave the theater happy and satisfied?

Michael Clayton looks compelling. I wouldn’t object to watching George Clooney for a couple of hours, and I think the question of good and evil, right and wrong, morality vs immorality can be done in this kind of movie, without a lot of horrific screen violence.

I do plan to see Juno. I’ve heard it’s really smart with sharp dialogue and excellent characters. My 20 year-old son said it sucks, which I take to be an excellent recommendation!

OK, I guess I’m a wuss. I want to feel good when I leave the theater. I want to have experienced excitement, romance, some conflict and a resolution. I don’t think it’s too much to ask.

But enough about me. Have you seen any of these? Do you plan to?

Scroll down to see Shana’s winner from yesterday’s blog.