If this hadn't won best picture...

I'd agree more or less. I think this film would simply be regarded as a good movie. While it's not one of my personal favorites I think a 7.5 or higher would be fair here. What I take issue with is that Gwyneth Paltrow won for her "acting". That is what bothers me so much about this film. What has she been in before or since that wowed us? Gwyneth Paltrow, a pioneer of "just another face", bland personality, and almost no talent that has now plagued Hollywood actresses, and to a lesser extend male actors, for over 30 years. It's so commonplace now that I fully expect every single new actress to be an empty vessel with looks. I need more..

I think the metascore of 87 is much more appropriate. It is much more a 8.7 than a 7.3. Time will tell. This was a well deserving Oscar winner.