Local movie buffs offer Oscar picks

Predictions for the 83rd Academy Awards are in and expectations are high.Whether it’s to see the celebrities, judge their fashions or to cheer on the nominees, millions are expected to tune in to Sunday night’s show.This year’s most nominated films include “The King’s Speech,” “True Grit,” “Black Swan,” “The Fighter,” “Inception” and “The Social Network.”Locals who shopped at Square One Mall in Saugus on Friday offered their opinions about which movies they think will win.”The Social Network” – a film about the founders of the social networking site Facebook – seems to be a big hit among young adults.Dan Shepard and Ashley Marifioti said they saw “The Social Network” just days ago and think it has a chance of winning for Best Picture.”It was really interesting because I didn’t know Facebook was made that way,” Marifioti said. “The beginning was confusing, but it was a nice movie.”Others felt that the award for best film should go to “Black Swan,” a psychological thriller that revolves around a New York City ballet company’s production of Tchaikosky’s “Swan Lake.””It deserves an award; it was a really good movie,” Danilo Barbiero said. “The special effects were great.”Likewise, friends Diandra Pezzano, Ediouinie Philippe and Casey Fern praised “Black Swan.””It was absolutely amazing and it’s definitely worth an award,” Fern explained. “Best movie I’ve seen yet.”Those who saw “Black Swan” praised leading actress Natalie Portman for her performance, stating that she was critical to the movie’s success. Portman – who has already taken home the Golden Globe and Screen Actor’s Guild award for best actress – is favored to take the Oscar as well.”I think it’s because of the dedication of this particular actress (Portman) to play this role,” Karl Vaters of Revere said. “She trained for dancing for a long time and that’s pretty impressive.”Vaters also mentioned the dedication of Christian Bale, who is a favorite to win the award for best supporting actor for his role in “The Fighter,” which tells the true story of local boxer Micky Ward and his trainer brother Dick Eklund.”It really broadened my opinion of him (Bale). His past roles have been so typical but he took on this role so well and it really seemed like he was from Lowell,” Vaters explained. “Kind of like how Heath Ledger lost himself in the role, Bale lost himself in his role but bounced back from it.”Kelly Ferretti of Georgetown also praised “The Fighter” and stated, “It should definitely get an award for something.” Ferretti also added that she has heard good things about “The King’s Speech” and mixed reviews of “Black Swan.”Other Oscar nominated films that Square One Mall shoppers praised included “127 Hours” and “Toy Story 3.””Toy Story 3 was so cute,” Fern said. “I cried my heart out!”