Want to catch some of the Best Picture flicks but don’t have time for all nine? Sadaf’s reviews in 50 words or less will help you quickly decide which films are worth your time.

The Artist: A+
It’s most likely the picture to win the gold, so this is the movie to watch. A throwback Chaplin would be proud of, it’s silent, black-and-white, but funny and heartwarming.

The Descendants: B-
This fluffy drama would be a clearance section cast-off if it weren’t for the ever charming George Clooney playing a man with a wife in coma and two daughters to take care of. Emotional chaos understandably ensues.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close: D
How this needless tearjerker found its way to the Oscars, we will never know. Yet another take on how to find oneself in a post-9/11 world, a young boy goes looking for his father’s secret in NYC. Skip the movie, read the book.

The Help: B-
This year’s Oscar bait fares as an unimpressive tale as old as time. But with an incredible all female cast, it may be worth a watch. Just maybe.

Hugo: A-
Like Extremely Loud, Hugo follows a boy solving a mystery involving his late father. But Martin Scorsese’s first children’s feature does it right, with charm, humour and tears along the way.

Midnight in Paris: A+
The most unique nominee follows a writer and his anal-retentive fiancée travelling to Paris. Said endearing writer (Owen Wilson) finds inspiration when he travels back in time to meet his literary icons. Hemingway never looked so good.

Moneyball: A
In a nutshell, Jonah Hill plays a dude who has a mathematic formula to winning baseball games. With general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) the two bring the Oakland A’s back to life.

The Tree of Life: B+
Between scenes of Sean Penn, Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain looking lost and confused are montages of earth formations and dinosaurs making for quite a unique and ethereal watch, LSD or not.

War Horse: C+
Nothing can stand between a boy and his horse. But if you’re looking for some Spielberg this year, go for Tintin and leave the horse at home.

Click here to read about who The Underground picks for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and the other important awards for the night.