Michael Clayton is also showing up often; c'mon folks, the film was solid but not amazing. The Kite Runner meanwhile is getting hit by some pretty tough reviews, but it also has its share of hardcore supporters (including a four-star Ebert review) that might help it through the rough times.

My beloved Into the Wild is doing well among the critics groups but took a hit from the Golden Globes, which only nominated it for Song and Score. Ultimately, I doubt it will get a Best Picture nomination - it seems like the type of movie that will get the seventh or eighth most votes - but I still have plenty of hope for Hirsch, Holbrook, and Penn. If gut feelings are any indications, however (and they're not), right now I'm feeling that the Academy might snub Holbrook like they snubbed Steve Buscemi for Ghost World. Don't ask me what the connection is. It's a gut feeling, darn it.

Of course Into the Wild's failure at the Globes leads to the question: how much do the Globes mean? It really is the awards season equivalent of a popularity contest; that's why Charlie Wilson's War did so well there but isn't appearing on any of the critics' lists - because they want Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts to come to their party. And that's why a critically-bashed film like Bobby was nominated for Best Picture - Drama last year: because there were a whole lot of famous people in it.

I'm not saying this to bash the Globes; it's big and fun and entertaining (even though it may not be this year if they strike is still going on and nobody shows up).