Very good, but Mystic River was better

Rating: 6/10 (5 March 2005)

I really liked Million Dollar Baby, but what bothers me is that Mystic River was way better in every way but because of LORD OF THE RINGS, it didn't get the recognition it deserved at the Oscars last year. OK, Million Dollar is a beautifully written, somber, dark, drama but I don't think it was the best film of the year (AVIATOR). I found it a bit predictable with too many hints and foreshadowing in the film for the ending. The cinematography was perfect, but Morgan Freeman has been way better in other roles (Driving Miss Daisy, Glory and Shawshank). His quiet, expressionless janitor role won him an Oscar for obvious political reasons (he never won before). I think I'm just bitter that Million Dollar won the top awards such as best actress, director and picture. Sorry but how hard can it be to direct two other people and a few extras compared to Scorsese's work in the Aviator? Also Kate Winslet's performance in ETERNAL SUNSHINE was much more Oscar-worthy than the boyish-playing Hillary Swank which seems to be the only thing she's good at.. (Boys Don't Cry). WOW, she gained muscle, give her the Oscar!!! Million Dollar Baby is a great film but in all fairness, Eastwood's Mystic River was way better and I'm just bummed that Million Dollar has gotten more of the credit.