Rotten Tomatoes is a site that compiles reviews from actual critics. Kenneth Turan from the LA Times, Robert Ebert from the Chicago Sun Times, Lisa Schwarzbaum from Entertainment Weekly, etc. The site isn't 100% precise, but it does closely mirror what a lot of critic groups are thinking. Wall.E and Dark Knight both have their share of Best Picture awards given to them by specific critics groups (Boston Society of Film Critics, Los Angeles Film Critics, etc). The Producers Guild nominated Dark Knight for Best Picture and the Directors Guild nominated Christopher Nolan for Best Director.
Critics generally gave The Reader a lukewarm (at best) reception. So the fact that it got in OVER two of the most critically acclaimed and top grossing films of the year is insane.
And Wall.E is proof that never again will an animated feature get into the Best Picture category. Not with the existence of the Best Animated Film category.
Slumdog Millionaire has earned its place in my Best Movies EVER list. It was better than both Wall.E and Dark Knight, and every other nominated film this year. I wouldn't say it's a lock for Best Picture, but the chances are good.





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