Topic: THE BUSY WEEK (Read 26685 times)

Ron Pulliam · « **Reply #90 on:** February 23, 2009, 09:46:59 AM »

Jest a little jest?

Ron Pulliam · « **Reply #91 on:** February 23, 2009, 09:47:17 AM »

Page 4 "DAW's bottle of Scotch" Dance.

Ben · « **Reply #92 on:** February 23, 2009, 09:48:10 AM »

I have to say, having seen a clip of the "Musical is Back" number, I thought it was DREADFUL. Other words that come to mind, embarrassing, badly staged, like a train wreck. Beyonce, what's the matter, you can't sing live??? It was so obvious that she was lip-synching that I (for a millisecond) felt bad for her. If this shows the musical is back then put it out of it's misery, please!!!

I say this as a person who loves Hugh Jackman and thought he was wonderful in Boy From Oz.

In my humble opinion, Baz Luhrmann (no matter what others may think of him, here or in other forums/locations) has little, if any, discernable musical direction or creation talent. That's my opinion and I'm entitled to believe it. I've seen clips from La Boheme and Moulin Rouge and would rather have my eyes gouged out than sit through either movie.

I'm, frankly, not at all upset that I slept through the Oscars.

Jane · « **Reply #93 on:** February 23, 2009, 09:50:41 AM »

DR DRUXY,

Take a break from packing and enjoy the day.

bk · « **Reply #94 on:** February 23, 2009, 09:51:15 AM »

I know that the supporting awards were always early - however, none of the other major awards were given early - in fact, nor were they given mid-way. I think the LA Times person pretty much got it right. I'm all for changing things up, I just didn't happen to think they worked very well. And it's a shame they didn't leave the Oscars on Monday nights the first week of April. Tradition is tradition, and they just come too early in the year now.

Jane · « **Reply #95 on:** February 23, 2009, 09:52:48 AM »

Quote from: Ron Pulliam on February 23, 2009, 09:09:14 AM

Saturday night, I watched an HBO movie called "Taking Chance."

The film stars Kevin Bacon. It is a fantastic performance by Bacon.

I cannot recommend this HBO film highly enough to each of you. Check your HBO listings for an air time and check it out.

We don't get HBO so I put it on our NetFlix queue for the day it is released on DVD.

bk · « **Reply #96 on:** February 23, 2009, 09:52:49 AM »

My guess is that it had to do with cost - this moving of the Oscars. This way, they spend over a month's less advertising money and they piggy-back on the Golden Globe adverts. But it also makes them seem like a GG afterthought. And, for me, that opening number was one of the most embarrassing and unfunny things I've ever seen.

bk · « **Reply #97 on:** February 23, 2009, 09:53:47 AM »

Oh, and I'm up. It's very gray out, but I'm going to try and do the long jog in about fifteen minutes. It looks like lunch is getting pushed back to two now (one of the authors is coming in from NY and his plane left late).

bk · « **Reply #98 on:** February 23, 2009, 09:54:18 AM »

Which means this work session could conceivably go to ten or eleven tonight. I'll try to leave at ten.

Ron Pulliam · « **Reply #99 on:** February 23, 2009, 09:57:43 AM »

Here is E! Online's take on last night's Oscarcast:

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Oh, man, did you see that moment when that guy did that thing? Don't worry, we did. Read on and get the full story of Oscar's best, worst and otherest.

Best Performance: Even with the slightly forced "recession Oscars" conceit, host Hugh Jackman delivered a completely winning song and dance to open the show that totally made us forget they didn't hire a comedian. Showing off both talent and a sly sense of humor, Jackman nailed it.

Best Lyric From the Opening Song: "I would swim a sea of human excrement."—Jackman crooning sweet(?)ly to Kate Winslet

Worst Transition: From the goofily good opener—the techno Reader representation was more entertaining than the movie—the show bogged down with that somber bunch of Best Supporting Actresses intoning like they were going to banish the winner to the Forbidden Zone with General Zod.

Best Brangelina Quip: Jackman drew our attention to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie before saying, "I don't actually have a joke for them, I'm just contractually required to mention them five times during the show." (Not bad; it's 25 times for us.)

Best Present: Copresenters Steve Martin and Tina Fey, who've been funny together on TV and film, delivered a hilarious tribute to writers that made us want to see them make another movie together. Or, you know, read something.

Best Reaction: Jolie looking totally charmed by her Kung Fu Panda costar Jack Black, who was onstage presenting with that actress from Friends.

Best Twilight Crossover: Rob Pattinson brought that undead charm of his to the Oscars, where it was familiar to Twihards and everyone who's ever had lunch with a Hollywood agent.

Best On-Air Design: Whoever thought to put Daniel Craig and Sarah Jessica Parker on stage together.

Best Reaction: Seth Rogen and James Franco's half-baked response to the comedies of 2008. Dude, cinematographer Jadocs Kaminsky was so high!

Joke Least Likely to Reach the Billion People Around the World: Ben Stiller's crazy, bearded Joaquin Phoenix impersonation was funny, but a little inside considering how few people recognize Stiller anyway.

Assault With a Medley Weapon: The top-hat-and-tails number with Beyoncé, Zac Efron and the rest totally summed up the year in movies. And that year was 1936.

Most Likely to Spawn a "Who's in Your Five?" Commercial: The Best Supporting actor nomination five-way was like a presidential debate without all the humor.

Most Heartbreaking: Heath Ledger's family accepting his award.

Biggest Showstopper: Wirewalker Philippe Petit, the absolutely entertaining subject of documentary Man on Wire, balancing an Oscar on his chin while a billion people watched and wondered if it would fall. But for a man who once spent 45 minutes walking between the Twin Towers, well, that's probably no big deal.

Best Commercial: Coming in just ahead of the one for the website that helps you earn $5K a month working at home, the Tom Cruise-Jimmy Kimmel bit was funny like a house on fire.

Best Make-Good Decision: The loud and fast medley crammed full of action and comic book movies, because let's be honest: These were the best things that Hollywood had to offer last year, and The Dark Knight (not to mention Iron Man) got robbed. Take that, Reader.

Worst Make-Good Decision: After that whole medley thing, the movie about the wrinkly old baby beat Dark Knight and Iron Man. Obviously, there is no justice…except that meted out by costumed heroes.

Ron Pulliam · « **Reply #100 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:00:51 AM »

Quote from: Ben on February 23, 2009, 09:48:10 AM

I have to say, having seen a clip of the "Musical is Back" number, I thought it was DREADFUL. Other words that come to mind, embarrassing, badly staged, like a train wreck. Beyonce, what's the matter, you can't sing live??? It was so obvious that she was lip-synching that I (for a millisecond) felt bad for her. If this shows the musical is back then put it out of it's misery, please!!!

I say this as a person who loves Hugh Jackman and thought he was wonderful in Boy From Oz.

In my humble opinion, Baz Luhrmann (no matter what others may think of him, here or in other forums/locations) has little, if any, discernable musical direction or creation talent. That's my opinion and I'm entitled to believe it. I've seen clips from La Boheme and Moulin Rouge and would rather have my eyes gouged out than sit through either movie.

I'm, frankly, not at all upset that I slept through the Oscars.

In the FWIW category (I know it's not worth much), Luhrmann's "Strictly Ballroom" is a superb film and quite imaginative and creative and great fun. The video of his Australian opera house version of "La Boheme" is a little bit of magic for me. I loved his Broadway mounting of the show with three casts, but the original from 1992 is sung much better.

DERBRUCER · « **Reply #101 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:00:56 AM »

Quote from: Ron Pulliam on February 23, 2009, 09:09:14 AM

...the mortuary in Dover, New Jersey,

A nit - Dover is in Delaware. (And the planes returning the dead have been known to pass over head where we live.)

der Brucer

DERBRUCER · « **Reply #102 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:02:19 AM »

Quote from: Kerry on February 23, 2009, 09:14:55 AM

Quote from: DERBRUCER on February 23, 2009, 12:36:08 AM
And what WERE they thinking:

Since Sugar and I missed the broadcast, we only had your various posts to go by. Are these for real?

Yup - hot off the press!

der Brucer

elmore3003 · « **Reply #103 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:05:24 AM »

For all the slepp I got last night, I sure feel groggy tday! I wish to hell Fed Ex would get here with my package so I can go out for my walk.

DR Ben, I agree with you completely about last night. I loathed the opening, I dislke Penelope Cruz, and I thought, it's over for me. I don't give a damn.

Happy birthday to DR Druxy!

DR Jose, have a great trip!

I still need to figure out a date to see BILLY ELLIOT. I've been waiting for my BLITHE SPIRIT tickets to arrive since I don't know what evening TDF deigned to give me.

Also, Peter Filichia's comments Theatremania today about THE STORY OF MY LIFE are quite sane and intelligent.

DERBRUCER · « **Reply #104 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:06:13 AM »

Quote from: bk on February 23, 2009, 09:51:15 AM

Tradition is tradition, and they just come too early in the year now.

If the films are to get some Oscar bounce at the box-office (or DVD sales) I would think the earlier time would be better.

der Brucer

elmore3003 · « **Reply #105 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:08:22 AM »

Quote from: Ron Pulliam on February 23, 2009, 10:00:51 AM

Quote from: Ben on February 23, 2009, 09:48:10 AM
I have to say, having seen a clip of the "Musical is Back" number, I thought it was DREADFUL. Other words that come to mind, embarrassing, badly staged, like a train wreck. Beyonce, what's the matter, you can't sing live??? It was so obvious that she was lip-synching that I (for a millisecond) felt bad for her. If this shows the musical is back then put it out of it's misery, please!!!

I say this as a person who loves Hugh Jackman and thought he was wonderful in Boy From Oz.

In my humble opinion, Baz Luhrmann (no matter what others may think of him, here or in other forums/locations) has little, if any, discernable musical direction or creation talent. That's my opinion and I'm entitled to believe it. I've seen clips from La Boheme and Moulin Rouge and would rather have my eyes gouged out than sit through either movie.

I'm, frankly, not at all upset that I slept through the Oscars.

In the FWIW category (I know it's not worth much), Luhrmann's "Strictly Ballroom" is a superb film and quite imaginative and creative and great fun. The video of his Australian opera house version of "La Boheme" is a little bit of magic for me. I loved his Broadway mounting of the show with three casts, but the original from 1992 is sung much better.

I agree with you about STRICTLY BALLROOM, but I've been lucky to see a lot of productions of LA BOHEME and, while I like the Australian Opera production he did, I don't always think it translates well to the 1950s from its original 1830s milieu. I agree with DR Ben about MOULIN ROUGE, and I'm staying far away from his latest.

Dan (the Man) · « **Reply #106 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:12:23 AM »

Quote from: Ron Pulliam on February 23, 2009, 09:09:14 AM

Saturday night, I watched an HBO movie called "Taking Chance."

The film stars Kevin Bacon. It is a fantastic performance by Bacon.

He portrays Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl who works a desk job in Quantico VA. He is a "Desert Storm" veteran but he has not put in for duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. He's content returning home each day to his wife and children.

And yet...he feelss a sense of missing his "moment" as a Marine. And it is this sense of loss that compels him to request an assignment that is becoming more and more frequent -- escort duty for a fallen Marine.

PFC Chance Phelps is the fallen Marine and Mike Strobl is assigned to get Phelps from the mortuary in Dover, New Jersey, to Phelps' final resting place in Dubois, Wyoming.

Bacon is the film's central figure -- stoic and a bit taken aback at what he encounters at every turn. The emotional guts of this film come from the supporting players: The woman who cleans Phelps' body, the Marines who prepare Phelps' uniform and ribbons before the man is placed in his casket. At every turn, Strobl is there watching over Chance Phelps...and so, too, are everyday Americans, doing their regular jobs, including this one task -- transporting the remains of a fallen Marine and trying to express, in the best way they can, their grief over this young man and their gratitude to the officer serving as escort. It is the many layers of reaction Bacon has to them that makes his portrayal real...and great.

Bacon is the real deal as a Marine throughout this film, IMO. He does great credit to the uniform. It is what people say to him, how they say it and his genuinely "real" reactions to their words and actions that move the viewer. And, of course, it's Bacon who, bit by bit, begins to let us inside his head and feel what he is feeling. In effect, "taking Chance" to his final duty station is as cathartic for the viewer as it is for his escort.

The supporting cast is wonderful and filled with recognizable faces, such as Tom Wopat (as Phelps' father) and Gordon Clapp, et.al. Most of their names were unknown to me. I'll not forget their performances, though.

I cannot recommend this HBO film highly enough to each of you. Check your HBO listings for an air time and check it out.

I had been hearing hints that HBO was going to air this film on a free night so everyone could see it but that turned out to be untrue. A friend is recording it for me.

Laura · « **Reply #107 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:14:22 AM »

Quote from: Druxy on February 23, 2009, 09:36:31 AM

When I get depressed about how old I'm getting, my wife reminds me of the alternative.

Thanks again to everybody for the kind wishes.

Having lost my best friend to cancer when she was 45, I have come to realize that the lucky ones get to be old. She never had the chance to experience some of the things I want to complain about -- but would have done anything to be able to so.

Ron Pulliam · « **Reply #108 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:14:26 AM »

Quote from: DERBRUCER on February 23, 2009, 10:00:56 AM

Quote from: Ron Pulliam on February 23, 2009, 09:09:14 AM
...the mortuary in Dover, New Jersey,

A nit - Dover is in Delaware. (And the planes returning the dead have been known to pass over head where we live.)

der Brucer

It IS Dover, Del., where the mortuary for the military fallen is located (and not Dover, NJ). I drew a conclusion from a line in the movie in which Bacon was telling the family that he joined their son's remains in New Jersey. I only remembered him being at the mortuary at the beginning, but he apparently met the plane that transported the remains to to the U.S. before it went to Dover. I've corrected my original post.

Dan (the Man) · « **Reply #109 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:15:03 AM »

Quote from: Kerry on February 23, 2009, 09:31:53 AM

The Oscars were always the first Monday in April. Why is that not still so? They postponed it the following day when Reagan was shot (you just know that 100's of bikini waxers, hairdressers, florists, limousine drivers, and ice carvers had nervous breakdowns that year). It was a good award show though!

I would assume that changing the telecast to a Sunday evening means more people would watch and more advertising dollars.

I can remember when it was on a Tuesday night.

Ron Pulliam · « **Reply #110 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:17:17 AM »

Quote from: Dan (the Man) on February 23, 2009, 10:15:03 AM

Quote from: Kerry on February 23, 2009, 09:31:53 AM
The Oscars were always the first Monday in April. Why is that not still so? They postponed it the following day when Reagan was shot (you just know that 100's of bikini waxers, hairdressers, florists, limousine drivers, and ice carvers had nervous breakdowns that year). It was a good award show though!

I would assume that changing the telecast to a Sunday evening means more people would watch and more advertising dollars.

I can remember when it was on a Tuesday night.

Wasn't that because of the aforementioned attempt on Reagan's life?

JoseSPiano · « **Reply #111 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:18:57 AM »

Good Afternoon!

Well... I guess I should pack my bag sometime within the next two hours. But before I do...

bk · « **Reply #112 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:19:53 AM »

The E Online assessment is typically E. I think that about says it all re E.

Ben · « **Reply #113 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:19:53 AM »

Quote from: elmore3003 on February 23, 2009, 10:05:24 AM

I've been waiting for my BLITHE SPIRIT tickets to arrive since I don't know what evening TDF deigned to give me.

Also, Peter Filichia's comments Theatremania today about THE STORY OF MY LIFE are quite sane and intelligent.

I'm seeing Blithe Spirit this Thursday. And yes, Mr. Filichia's comments are cogent and well put.

Laura · « **Reply #114 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:19:57 AM »

So.... this really bad musical number -- sounds like something I'd enjoy. Is it on youtube yet?

Ron Pulliam · « **Reply #115 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:21:06 AM »

Quote from: Laura on February 23, 2009, 10:19:57 AM

So.... this really bad musical number -- sounds like something I'd enjoy. Is it on youtube yet?

It MUST be.

JoseSPiano · « **Reply #116 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:21:14 AM »

Quote from: bk on February 23, 2009, 09:52:49 AM

My guess is that it had to do with cost - this moving of the Oscars. This way, they spend over a month's less advertising money and they piggy-back on the Golden Globe adverts. But it also makes them seem like a GG afterthought. And, for me, that opening number was one of the most embarrassing and unfunny things I've ever seen.

Didn't part of the decision to move the ceremony calendar-wise have to do with cutting down on the amount of campaigning post-GGs and the other awards ceremonies?

Laura · « **Reply #117 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:22:24 AM »

Who is this guy? Didn't the Oscars used to be a formal occasion?

JoseSPiano · « **Reply #118 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:23:48 AM »

Quote from: bk on February 23, 2009, 09:51:15 AM

I know that the supporting awards were always early - however, none of the other major awards were given early - in fact, nor were they given mid-way. I think the LA Times person pretty much got it right. I'm all for changing things up, I just didn't happen to think they worked very well. And it's a shame they didn't leave the Oscars on Monday nights the first week of April. Tradition is tradition, and they just come too early in the year now.

The order of the awards last night did not seem that out of the ordinary to me. Don't they normally cluster the Big Four toward the end of the evening? Which other "big awards" were normally given out earlier in the broadcast?

JoseSPiano · « **Reply #119 on:** February 23, 2009, 10:24:48 AM »

Quote from: Laura on February 23, 2009, 10:22:24 AM

Who is this guy? Didn't the Oscars used to be a formal occasion?

That's Ben Stiller à la Joaquin Phoenix. -You had to be there, and had watched Letterman.

News:

Author Topic: THE BUSY WEEK (Read 26685 times)

Ben

Ben