I suspect the litmus test for last night’s Oscars really boils down to this: if you like big, gaudy production numbers, you had a good Read the full post.
Feb 23
2009
06:26 AM ET
The Oscars: Congrats to the winners! The TV show is finally over!
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With all due respect, Mr. Tucker, I think you have watched too many of these with a jaded eye. I thought from top to bottom this telecast was far superior to many of the more recent shows. The Kodak theatre was designed gorgeously, from the crystal curtain, to the band on the stage, to the audience feeling closer to the action without seeming claustrophic. I thought the opening number was inspired, I thought Hugh Jackman did a wonderful job as host also. Unless I’m forgetting something, there were only 2 more big production numbers and one of those incorporated all three nominated songs. How much shorter do you want the song nominations to be? Music *is* a part of the movies, whether it is your cup of tea or not. The only thing I did not like was the panning in & out and all around during the memorial – I prefer to be able to see the pictures and names clearly from home, and if they choose to have a singer, pick one who will not mind NOT being shown during the montage. (cont)
I *loved* the major award presenting format. I found it very moving & IMO it seemed the actors found it moving as well. I particularly liked that even though the telecast was running late, they did not change their plan for the later acting awards. How many times have we seen the movie clips skipped for the major awards because time ran short? While not perfect (& never will be) I found most of the speeches to be enjoyable to listen to & not overlong. The show ran just about a half hour long & I will take that length not to feel like anyone got unduly rushed off. I liked how they chose to present the technical awards as if we were following the making of a movie-it felt fresh. I also liked the review of movies via their genres, with the exception of the comedic one. Yes, Franco & Rogen were funny, but they made fun OF all the movies. They didn’t showcase the comedies of the year which I would have preferred. Music, speeches, they are a part of award shows. You are just way too cynical.
Jackman is talented, but his opening song was lackluster. Highpoints for me were Ben Stiller’s bit, James Franco/Seth Rogan and Ledger’s family. I loved Latifah’s singing but would like to have been able to actually see the tribute footage. Worst moment by far: Beyonce. I can’t believe anyone thinks she has talent.
Jay-ded! But I know your ouevre, Ken, and I know you prefer heavy irony because you’re uncomfortable with sincerity.
oh I do agree about James Franco, yummy since Freaks and Geeks, his portrayal of James Dean, his movie with Robert DeNiro, tonight’s bit with Seth Rogen,making out with Sean Penn, man what does this guy have to do to get some respect in hollywood? He can do no wrong in my book ever! And the bit with Jimmy Kimmel, genius as well.
Best Oscars ever! Sorry Ken, you are way off the mark.
BEST. OSCARS. EVER.
We were obviously watching a different oscar telecast! I thought this year was great! The only complaint I had was the blatant cuts to Angelina during Jennifer Aniston’s presentation. Other than that, I found the whole thing extremely entertaining! Even a few of your examples (whoopi was great!) were way off based.
I feel that whatever oscar show that they put on you would hate. I did enjoy very much the past oscar winners honoring the nominees,I just didn’t like that they didn’t show the scenes that showed why they were nominated in the first place. Biggest revelation is that Anne Hathaway can sing really well and the Queen latifah idea was superb. hugh was great, musical numbers were great and the set was amazing.
You do have a right to your opinion, Mr. Critic, but your comments sound bitter and narrow-minded. The producers tried to do something different this year. I commend their efforts because they strived to keep the focus on cinema as an art form. Let’s face it, the Academy is looking for ratings, but the Awards are about the nominees and their contributions to the movies, not about us. As for Hugh Jackman, no host can ever be perfect. He was elegant, charming, gracious, and used his considerable talents to entertain his audience. It was obvious that his peers admire him and – by the looks of their reaction – they certainly seemed to have fun. These people don’t give a standing ovation to just anybody. I could have done without Beyonce, and Ben Stiller’s tasteless sarcasm, but I didn’t fall asleep, and was moved to tears more than once. I give it an A.
This show needs to move to March so that more people can see the nominees before the telecast. It would be then be more meaningful for people if they saw the films.
Good show. Tucker is a moron. Jackman was terrific.
How incredibly sad that you are so cynical. My feelings about the telecast are the exact opposite of yours. In a year where I would say there was really only one upset (in Foreign Language Film), I enjoyed the show a lot more than usual. I thought Queen Latifah singing during the In Memroium was fantastic although I will admit they should have not jumped around so it was at times difficult to see the pictures or read the names for those of us not in the industry. I absolutely loved having previous winners for the acting awards too. Hugh Jackman was great. Penelope Cruz, Sean Penn, and Heath Ledger’s Family were among the best acceptance speeches. One quibble I did have was that they should have gone to commercial after the Supporting Actor’s Award, regardless of who won. Good job, I hope the same people are back next year including Hugh Jackman.
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Did someone step on your bunion before the show started? I’ve watched more than 50 Oscar shows, and this was one of the best ever, other than those hosted by Billy Crystal. The tributes from previous winners were thrilling. The production numbers were great. Bring back the creative team behind this show again next year. And I enjoyed Queen Latifah’s song.
I’m sorry, Kenny Boy, but I too found this year’s telecast way more entertaining than in years’ past, and I especially enjoyed the way past winners honored this year’s nominees. I agree the program was a little long this year, but that’s kind of expected from the Oscars. And since when is it “awful” to pay tribute to those who have gone over the past year regardless of whether someone gets applause or not? And finally, Hugh Jackman was a gracious host. You continue to prove yourself as a horrible critic.