I'm getting the feeling from what I've been reading, that a lot of people enjoyed last night's Academy Awards show...
WHY?
It was boring to the max, and almost completely without surprises or standout memorable moments. But what's not surprising, is that a year lacking in great jaw dropping cinema, produced a less than amazing Oscar night. After all the glorified talk of making drastic changes and reinventing the very broken wheel that is the Academy Awards, all that was left were a few awkward musical numbers, one kind of funny video directed by Judd Apatow, and a failed stab at reviving "old hollywood." Maybe there is a generational gap in enjoyment level? I have found that people a little older really enjoyed the ceremony, and found it classier and more entertaining than it's been in years. But with younger people (like me) it felt was more boring and lacking in originality than ever. You can check out SpoutBlog Oscar's Twittered here, which is pretty hilarious. I won't go into too much more detail about the winners or the ceremony, cause it's been done ad-nausea already, but I will say that, 1. I got 12 out of my 15 predictions right (woot!), and 2. Despite my general upset with the show, below are a few of my fav moments. As you can see, there aren't many.
Anne Hathaway Singing with Hugh Jackman
I appreciated the opening musical number for what it tried to accomplish, and for the true earnestness of Jackman's (who was clearly nervous) performance, but that doesn't change the fact that the musical numbers felt awkward and a little uncomfortable. However, when Jackman literally swept Anne Hathaway off her chair and brought her up to sing, that was a great moment. Who'd have thought she'd get her big singing break as Richard Nixon?
Tina Fey and Steve Martin
Tina Fey and Steve Martin have already proven their hilarity to the world, but if there was anyone still out there questioning their comedic chops, the Oscars proved their humor once again. Check out some of their dialogue below:
Tina Fey: "It has been said that to write is to live forever."
Steve Martin: "The man who said that is dead."
TF: "Yet, we all know the importance of writing, because every great movie begins with a great screenplay."
SM: "Or, a very good idea for the poster. But usually, with a screenplay."
TF: "And every writer starts with a blank page."
SM: "And every blank page was once a tree."
TF: "And every tree was once a tiny seed."
SM: "And every tiny seed on Earth was placed here by the alien king Rondelay, to foster our titrates and fuel our positive transfers!"
TF: "But no one wants to hear about our religion Steve."
SM: "Don't fall in love with me."
Ben Stiller (as Joaquin Phoenix) and Natalie Portman
While it's not hard to do a Joaquin Phoenix impression these days, Ben Stiller still excelled at the task. From sticking his gum on the podium, to walking aimlessly around stage (reminiscent of John McCain), he got big laughs and it worked. Definitely one of the few memorable moments of the night.
Marion Cottilard Introducing Kate Winslet
I wasn't a fan of the whole "5 actors introducing the 5 nominees" thing. Not only did I miss seeing clips of the actor's performances, but it took them forever to give out the damn award! However, seeing Marion Cotillard's heartfelt introduction of Kate Winslet was sweet, and it melted some of my bitterness away. Plus I loved her dress! lots of sparkle this year.
Seth Rogen and James Franco reprising Pineapple Express
As they sit on the couch, watching this year's list of contenders, I'm reminded why I love these guys so much, and am saddened that their movie will never get more critical props. Whether they're chuckling manically at Kate Winslet's accent in The Reader, or stapling dollar bills to each other's heads, they're having a good time. I guess I just wish there had been more of that feeling throughout the show. But bringing in the Pineapple boys showed some growth on Oscar's part.
So there you have it, my 5 fav moments from this year's Academy Awards. It was a bummer year, there's a whole new year ahead of us, full of possibility and recession-ized movies, so who knows what the future will bring. Maybe next year we'll see Joaquin performing "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp."
