The Oscars have not been the same in a long time. Whether you blame it on the economy, the strike last year, bad or boring movies or lack of mainstream fame. The ratings last year were there lowest since 1974. Yeah - I was born that year - ouch. It peaked in 1998 when The Big Boat took home 11 awards. That movie made over 600 million, and even though it seemed a little artsy to some, it was a gigantic hit. It had mainstream appeal that went outside the box of critics like Oscar winners normally do not. Enter “The Dark Knight”. Now just hear me out. We can all agree since the turn of the century, superhero movies are iconic. From Box Office grosses to public appeal. It is what people want to see. What better way for the Oscars to return to form ? Dark Knight made 530 million domestically and over 1 billion internationally.  Hmmmm - sounds familiar. To break into the public eye, and appeal, through the artsy fartsy Oscar nominations, it HAS to be nominated for best picture. Supporting Actor and technical awards won’t cut it. There are 4 movies that are locks as far as I am concerned for nominations. Milk - Slumdog Millionaire (which will most likely win) - Benjamin Button - Frost/Nixon. None of which grossed very much. That is what the public can relate to - Money. Let’s be honest. Don’t get me wrong. Iron Man was excellent. And in another year it could have snuck in, just not this year. There is a time for firsts. And I believe 2009 is it for Super Hero flicks. So when the nominations come out later this week, don’t be suprised if “The Big Bad Bat” sneaks in and brings along Nolan as best director. It may be The Wrestler, it may be Gran Torino - both great movies. But I for one will be squeezing for the watchful protector to swoop in and save the day yet again …

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