Pro: Of all his performances this year (also seen in "Argo" and "Trouble with the Curve"), this is the one that sparks the most. He's funny, charismatic and just bubbly in a way it seems we haven't really seen in some time. He's playing a few of the notes he played in the Coen brothers' "The Big Lebowski" and is just a delight when he's on screen in this otherwise very sincere film. It also seems like a tide is forging ahead for him as he's been so prolific lately and, to date, has received zero Oscar nominations.

Con: But the movie is all about Denzel Washington's tortured portrayal and that could marginalize all other elements. Also, like other actors in the hunt this year, Goodman could split his votes and end up with a wash.

- Kristopher Tapley