I wasn't a great moviegoer in 2007, and I have yet to catch up with many of the Oscar-nominated films.

In fact, I've seen only six. And, frankly, the two "biggest" left me feeling a little chilly.

Few very well-made movies have made less of a lasting impression on me than No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood.

I don't demand a happy ending, but I do like, y'know, character arcs and just a little more understanding of the human condition along with my popcorn. Rich cinematography, bravura acting, and the muted-if-epic presence of directors whose work I've absolutely loved before don't, for me, make up for a deficit of storytelling and meaning.

come on children, gather round
hold your heads unto the ground
feel the power underneath
fireworks and carbon wreaths

our arms are long, so far they reach
'cross the sea, upon a beach
pretty women on the sand
all that oil on their hands