FLICKS FILM AND VIDEO FILE : Everybody’s a Critic : It’s Academy Award time, and here’s what some local film buffs think about the films nominated for best picture.

It’s only just begun folks. The claims of being “the best candidate” will only intensify. Money will continue to flow toward campaigns. Advertisements will bombard the public.

Yes, it’s Academy Award season.

We asked local film aficionados what they thought about candidates for best picture.

Mike Janover, of the Ojai Film Society:

* “Bugsy”: “I think it is overrated. I think it’s the best thing (Warren) Beatty has done since ‘Bonnie and Clyde,’ but it’s not that terrific. If you’re going for a gangster movie, ‘Goodfellas’ is so much better.”

* “JFK”: “I loved it. I think it is great filmmaking and a very significant movie. It has already shown that it has the power to change real life and may (result in the) release of those documents that have been held secret for, what, 30 years now? I respect Oliver Stone for what he’s done.”

* “The Silence of the Lambs”: “I read the book and thought it was a yawner. Thought the movie was terrific. If it had been released closer to the awards it would have had a lot more nominations . . . a terrific piece of work.”

* “Beauty and the Beast”: “It’s a fabulous work, but it’s like pitting peaches against oranges, when you have real actors and real camera work against animation. I thought it is the best thing that has come out of Disney animation in a long, long time, but it doesn’t quite have that overall--I don’t know--even as animation it isn’t astounding.”

* “Prince of Tides”: “Although it is a nice story, it didn’t knock me out. I think (Nick) Nolte deserves best actor. I didn’t think it was that well-directed. I don’t want to say it was mediocre, but it was yeoman, it was OK. And Barbra Streisand’s acting was OK.”

A final comment from Janover: “How come ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ isn’t up there?”

Amani Fliers of Thousand Oaks Library’s Classic Cinema series:

* “The Silence of the Lambs”: “I like ‘Silence of the Lambs’ for Anthony Hopkins. He was outstanding. I usually don’t see violent movies, but I saw this twice. It’s fascinating.”

* “Prince of Tides”: “It is nice. I like him (Nolte). But I couldn’t get over her (Streisand), I keep seeing Barbra. I don’t see an actress.”

* “JFK”: “JFK is wonderful. I think it is excellent. It has a lot of political controversy and I like that. It would be second choice.” (Flier’s first choice is “Silence of the Lambs.”)

Shane Doyle, general manager of the Video Super Shops in Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara and Lancaster:

* “Bugsy”: “Beatty’s at his best there. He perfectly portrays Bugsy Siegel and basically it was the best movie I’ve seen in probably five years.”

* “JFK”: “It was controversial but well-depicted. I think it is a good story basically and very believable.”

* “The Silence of the Lambs”: “It was all right, but it wasn’t one of my favorites, that’s for sure.”