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In the digital era, a movie exists far beyond its initial release. Master manipulators (i.e. The Weinsteins) have an easier time than ever reminding the Academy how much they should enjoy releases that are more than a few weeks old. This is exactly why The Hunger Locker attained renewed interest during a timeframe wherein its primary competitor, Avatar, was still making ALL THE MONEY AND THEN SOME. It's not like voters look at the ballot and go, "Hmm, was this released after Halloween? Ooh no. Then I can't vote for it."

Why don't you reboot and offer me your specific thought process on why Exotic Avenger Kingdom (now there's an amusement park I would frequent) doesn't have a chance at Oscar glory? And can you tell me which summer blockbusters other than the afore-mentioned Prometheus you believe have a legitimate chance at joining the very long list mentioned above?

Until then, I guess I'll name my Tennessee Straw Man Sir Factsalot.Text 1-900-Facts-A-Lot to kick your nasty reply. Thus far, baby lack facts. (Ask Papa Google to explain this joke to you.)

Dear David,

I'm going to take the high road (I don't know if they have paved roads in Tennessee) and stay respectful during this conversation. I'd like to first mention that I have thoroughly enjoyed your recent pieces about the cloud, which is not, as I initially assumed, about your impending battle with dementia... because you're really old.

If you had put on your bifocals this morning you might have noticed that I am not making the claim that no movie from the first half of the year ever gets nominated for Best Picture. However, I do think it's interesting that of the movies you mentioned, Inception and The Kids are All Right were released in July, and Toy Story 3, Winter's Bone, and The Hurt Locker were released in mid-June. I hope your ignorance of these facts isn't a sign that you mixed up your medication again.

But yes, there are exceptions to the rule that films released before June have difficulty getting nominated for Best Picture, just as there are probably exceptions to the rule that everyone who lives in Tennessee is a product of incest. Films like The Hurt Locker and Winter's Bone managed to rebuild momentum at just the right time to score with the Academy, but they overcame the odds. I find it extremely difficult to believe that The Moonrise Avenging Hotel (which is what I am going to call my bed & breakfast) is going to be able to accomplish the same feat.

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