“Between you and I (please don’t publish my name with this): I’ve seen War Horse, and the Best Picture sentiments are spot on,” writes a big-city critic. “The only thing that could derail it is The Artist, and only if Weinstein pulls off his usual manipulation. Also, keep in mind that 90 percent of the cast and crew on The Artist came from Hollywood. The movie was also shot there. So we could another Crash situation here.” Wait…what? I’m not getting the analogy.

“But as far as traditional Best Picture winners go, you won’t find a better match than War Horse. And on its own terms the movie is sensational — really great, rousing, moving stuff. Think Saving Private Ryan minus the gore, and with a horse instead of Matt Damon. That horse can act!”