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Title: Best Picture? -- No Way
Review: This TV-like drama on racism in LA is saved from banality by some fine performances by some of the actors. The problem lies in the contrivances of the plot that makes not entirely credible connections between characters who might not otherwise meet. Another weakness is the way the characters spell everything out--no mystery here about how they feel because what they say out loud is all there is--no underlying mystery or nuance. By supposedly offering a take on the racist tendencies in all of us, the film manages to offer a number of racial stereotypes. A disappointing choice for best picture, a way for Hollywood to congratulate itself. I originally rated this film with 2 stars but now that it was awarded the Oscar, I have given it 1 star for being ludicrously overrated by the Academy. It didn't even deserve screenplay--Good Night and Good Luck, Syriana, The Squid and the Whale were all better films. And editing? The Constant Gardener and Munich were more deserving.
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