For a movie fan, nothing beats Oscar time. Which films will be nominated? Which actors? Actresses? Costumes? Composers? And once we do know for whom the envelope opens, we begin the great debate. Did the winners deserve the nods?

Fortunately, the Sunrise Theater offers a wonderful opportunity to examine three of this year's big Oscar winners. Over two weeks, the theater will show "There Will be Blood," "Atonement" and "No Country for Old Men."

The first, showing July 14-17, "There Will be Blood," follows the rise of the magnetic -- if not entirely ruthless -- Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), who takes his prospecting show to California. He wants cheap land to search for oil, but first he has to sweet-talk the locals. Promising schools and culture, Plainview tells people exactly what they want to hear. But as he begins to achieve his goals, he also begins to forget the promises made.

This film won two Oscars, one for Daniel Day-Lewis' virtuoso performance, and also for Robert Elswit's cinematography. "There Will be Blood" may not be a light-hearted comedy, but it certainly is a film viewers will not forget. Paul Thomas Anderson, who previously directed "Boogie Nights" and "Magnolia," knows how to craft a film.

Up next, July 1823, is "Atonement," the richly photographed, brilliantly acted adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel. We meet the Tallis family, and follow youngest daughter, Briony, as she suffers the consequences of making assumptions about her sister's lover that turn out to be untrue. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy play the lovers, and they are filmed in stunning fashion. Briony is played by three actresses, including no less a thoroughbred than Vanessa Redgrave. The film spans many years, and, unlike a lot of its novel-adapted peers, is faithful to the book.

"Atonement" was nominated for seven Oscars and won one, for its original music score. Director Joe Wright, who previously made "Pride and Prejudice," tells his story slowly and gracefully. This is a thoughtful, bittersweet movie that is not to be missed.

Lastly, showing July 2428, is "No Country for Old Men." Set in rural Texas, the story introduces us to Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), who stumbles across what appears to be a drug deal gone bad. Rather than report his findings to the police, Llewelyn decides to take the $2 million he discovers and keep it for himself. Unfortunately for Llewelyn, he can't quite make a clean getaway. Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), a psychopathic murderer, is hot on Llewelyn's heels and determined to recapture the money and dispose of Llewelyn.

The Coen brothers, responsible for dark comedies such as "Fargo" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou," wrote and directed the film, based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy.

Nominated for eight Oscars, the movie won four: Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor for Bardem. Expect to laugh at unexpected moments, and expect to be challenged. This is not a movie for those looking for a two-hour mental break.

SunFlix at the Sunrise is offering movie fans the chance to enjoy "Movies You Missed or Might Want to See Again."

"If you want to enjoy three wonderful, award-winning films, this is your chance," says a spokesman.

Showtimes are Monday through Friday at 7:30 p.m., plus 2:30 p.m. showings on Saturdays and Sundays.