I sure have to agree with you on the most recent winner, “No Country For Old Men.” I was forced to watch this recently, and thought it had about as much redeeming value as “Saw II” .. i.e., none.
On the other hand, I thought “American Gangster” was one of the best films I’ve seen in years.
On the third hand (if I had one), I do have to disagree with the premise of the article. Note how many times the author says things like: “Fanboys rule!” or “This film was voted #2 by The Oswego Men’s Choir!”.... as if the Academy Awards should be ruled by popular opinion, because (by this guy’s definition) the best films can only be those that people like the most. Well... news at 11... that ain’t true.
As for the rest of the list... I can sure see the downward spiral from ‘94 on.
Here’s my humble opinions...
Braveheart - violent, depressing downer of a film.
The English Patient - Chick flick with a budget. Ick.
Titanic - Chick flick with an even bigger budget, but I love it anyway.
Shakespeare In Love - Would have made a mediocre PBS special.
American Beauty - Walked out of it.
Gladiator - Ooh, another violent, depressing downer of a film.
A Beautiful Mind - Very good film. Not great... but very good.
Chicago - What little I saw of it bored me.
The Return Of The King - I liked LOTR, but thought #1 was a better film.
Million Dollar Baby - Didn’t see, since I know the ending.
Crash - Didn’t see, even though I don’t know the end. Yes, I’m giving up.
The Departed - Overlong. Watch “Infernal Affairs” (the original) instead.
No Country For Old Men - Wow! Depressing... and a downer! What skill!
The English Patient and Titanic automatically make your opinion invalid. Both were like wathcing paint dry.!!!!!! :-)
Regarding your list, I thought Shakespeare in love was pretty good.
I did see L.A.Confidential at the movies and I was certain that it would win Best Picture. I think that it lost to Titanic, but perhaps it was some other film that beat it.
Other favorites of mine include...
Casablanca
Citizen Kane
Midway....(That movie had some very cool images in it.)
Unforgiven
Godfather
I'll have to think about it a little more.