The day of December 20 marks two important milestones. First, people realize there there are only 5 days left til Christmas and now they need to rush and swamp those shopping malls, looking for the perfect present that will get them out of there as quick as they can. Second, Oscar movies. All movies up for consideration must open by December 31 in Los Angeles to qualify for the Oscars, which makes now the best time to catch a movie, for during this period, quality usually stands out from the pack. This year, there's too much quality. So if anyone wants to come with me to catch any of these flicks, I'd be happy to go. Now the list, in no particular order.

Gangs of New York, The 25th Hour, Antwone Fisher, Chicago, The Hours, Catch Me If You Can, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Narc (the poster looks like Traffic, doesn't it?), About Schmidt, and Adaptation.