It seemed as though Saturday Night Live was determined to up the energy-quotient this week, perhaps under the impression that if everyone looked as though Read the full post.
Nov 22
2009
07:55 AM ET
'Saturday Night Live': Joseph Gordon-Levitt climbs the walls with energy
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Why do people still watch this show? It’s horrible. The only parts I watch are weekend update and the musical guest. In the off chance that they actually have a funny skit (which is really rare nowadays) I just watch it on Youtube or on entertainment blogs because they post them. I watch Wanda Sykes on Fox because (believe it or not) it actually makes me laugh. I hope it lasts though.
While I agree with you that SNL wasn’t very funny, I found the Singin’ in the Rain opener pretty amusing. Did it occur to you that Gordon-Levitt may not have had as much time to rehearse the scene as the guy from the movie? Also, the movie’s scene had cuts, which means the actor could very well have been taking a breather between takes. Considering these facts, I think Gordon-Levitt made it look pretty darn effortless.
Good point, Bill. But I did look at the final moments of the O’Connor clip: only one cut during the climbing-the-walls moment… but as I say, I appreciate your point. Thanks.
The other thing to remember is that O’Connor wasn’t actually singing live in the movie, and if Gordon-Levitt wasn’t huffing and puffing trying to sing DURING all the acrobatics I don’t think you would have noticed it…at least not as much
It doesn’t seem to me like “effortlessness” is the accurate word to describe the O’Connor clip. The whole point of the routine is that it takes hard work to make people laugh.
I count at least 9 edits in the Donald O’Connor scene from the point at which he leaps off the piano through the end. (Maybe a 10th edit after he falls behind the green sofa.) OK, Ken, only one edit for DO’C in the climbing-the-walls moment. But that’s still one more than JGL got. No, actually, it’s NINE or TEN breaks more than JGL got. You need to offer a more serious mea culpa than that weak effort above. That was a pretty uninformed opinion you offered in your review.
And find someone else to do Obama! Please!!!!!!
I think it’s a sad comment on our society that it’s just EXPECTED that younger people wouldn’t know or like Singing in the Rain. I’m 31, and it’s one of my favorite movies. I’ve shown it to students who’ve loved it. The problem is pop culture is inundated with garbage like Twilight and poorly written SNL skits. Standards have been lowered too much.
I’m 15 and I have never seen Singing in the Rain. I had no idea that the monologue was supposed to be a recreation of the scene in the movie. But I don’t think that is because of pop culture garbage. There have just been a lot of movies made between then and now. I’m sure I’d like the movie if I saw it but I don’t really want to go out of my way to see it when there our other movies I might like and identify with more. Oh, and FYI, I hate Twilight.
I’m 13 and I love movies like Singing in the Rain. I’m sick of the crap that Hollywood keeps cranking out. Have people become so unintelligent that now we have to enjoy uncreative movies and TV shows to feed our empty minds?
That isn’t what I’m saying. There are a lot of good movies that are more modern. That’s all I’m saying.
JGL sang in EVERY sketch except the last one in which the song did the talking for him. His voice is alright but not his strength, so why rely on it for the entire episode? Also there was something a bit off about his energy, it reminded me of someone on speed. All in all at least this week was an improvement on last.
Why do people still read this blog? It’s horrible. Sure, this show has its rough patches, but I still enjoy it. I’m not expecting a laugh out loud riot fest. I’m just asking to be entertained and this helps a lot. I agree everybody has a right to their opinion and I don’t mind if people hate things I like, but why is it that that I will watch a show and say “Wow I thought that was good” and then I’ll come on here or another site and everyone will pick every little thing bit by bit and say “that was horrible” It’s a bit unfair. I’m not saying this to be mean or weird but I’m sick of reading continuous negative comments about shows like SNL. Maybe January Jones episode was a bit down but I really enjoyed Levitt’s ep. I thought he was a bit loud but full of energy and a great host. Disagree all you want but I think this show is in no danger of cancellation yet!
JGL sang in EVERY sketch except the last one in which the song did the talking for him. His voice is alright but why rely on it for the entire episode? Also there was something a bit off about his energy, it reminded me of someone on speed. All in all at least this week was an improvement on last week.
He did that opening number live. Live. Just in case you didn’t get it Ken, he did it live. Not sure he can criticize him for being out of breath, because you can bet they did more than one take when they were filming Singing in the Rain. Not sure what makes you so crabby, Ken.
I thought JGL was trying too hard the make em laugh song was hard to watch. I laughed my butt off during the digital short w/ Kennan as Reba! I also thought the Thanksgiving table scene with the angry family was pretty funny too.
this show has not been funny for the last 10 years. i don’t understand how people can sit in a room, pitch these storylines and crack themselves up. maybe it is not my type of humour but the same schtick, different day characters, voices, faces – get old really fast. time to wrap this show up and do something new.
Did they miss an opportunity for a Third Rock From the Sun skit?
Good grief !! The SNL short with Sandberg and Thompson was the single funniest thing since the Palin skits of last year, and Ken Tucker sh*ts all over it. Ken, you suck at this.
Tucker you idiot. Did it occur to you that Gordon-Levitt’s performance was live and the “effortless” scene you refer to in the movie was undoubtedly the product of many takes, editing, probably lip-synced studio recorded vocals and God knows what other movie magic? JGL had one take to manage those moves and sing relatively in tune and he pulled it off. This is easy – writing and bitching (See? I can do it too!). That routine took REAL talent. But I guess that’s why you ended up a television critic. You’re changin’ the world baby!
Joel McHale
Mindy Kaling
Ed Helms
Chevy Chase
Aziz Ansari
Ken Jeong
Chris Pratt
Just some of the people who would be great hosts, have already proven to be funny and have work on NBC to promote. Sounds like a win win win. NBC should start pulling from its own stable.
But I did think JGL did well with what he was given. He’s such a great actor.
Please not Ken Jeong…I don’t know how this guy became a star to begin with…he does the same character in every single thing he’s in.
I don’t understand how SNL can have someone as funny as Mindy Kaling on their show and NOT use her.
AGREED!