I'd like to thank the Academy....

...for putting on a GREAT show last night.

The whole show was classic glamour Hollywood.  This was evident from the beautiful crystal curtain to the charismatic host.  

There was also a very charming opening number (go Anne Hathaway!!!) 

On this video, the musical number starts at 1:45.

Hugh did a wonderful job.  I thought Laurence Marks and Bill Condon (the producers) put together a fantastic show.   

I absolutely loved the way they presented the acting nominees with 5 past winners each paying tribute to the nominees this year.  Very touching.

Also loved the way they presented the categories such as set design or makeup with the flatscreen tv's... very theatrical.  It made the whole night interesting to watch.

I even liked the MUSICALS ARE BACK medley.  It got a little random when they put in bits of HSM and MAMMA MIA at the end.  Although this medley wasn't as smooth as the opening number, it still had some nice moments.

I was very happy with all the winners especially DUSTIN LANCE BLACK for his Original Screenplay MILK.  

His powerful acceptance speech was the best moment of the night.  Much more about him in the next post.

Here is a brief list of upcoming DVD/BLU-RAY releases of last night's winners.  These, of course, are subject to change. 

March 10

MILK

RACHEL GETTING MARRIED

April 7

DOUBT

April 21

FROST/NIXON

Already out

FROZEN RIVER

CHANGELING

THE VISITOR

No release date YET... (will probably be announced soon)

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

THE READER

THE WRESTLER

You can find a full list of last night's winners here.

Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

The BAD BOYS of Summer 2008

1. THE JOKER - Heath Ledger gave an absolutely brilliant performance in The Dark Knight.  A very different take from Jack Nicholson's iconic turn in 1988.  Loved that this incarnation didn't have a back story... he was just crazy.  Also loved that his makeup was described as "War Paint."

(Did NOT love Christian Bales "Batman Voice.")

2. DR. HORRIBLE - Joss Whedon (Buffy/Firefly) has created a brilliant Sci-Fi web musical called "Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog."  It stars Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Waitress), Felicia Day, and the brilliant Neil Patrick Harris.  I have loved Neil's voice since hearing him in the concert version of "Sweeney Todd" a few years back, but he outdoes himself here as the lovable  Super-Villian-In-Training Dr. Horrible.  (He also was on Broadway "Assassins" and was in "Rent.") You can purchase the 3 part mini-musical on i-tunes.  Each section is about 15 minutes.  It will be the best $3.99 you spend this summer.

 

Check it out HERE.

Here's a the official preview.



Here's my favorite number.

They are releasing a soundtrack and a dvd with a musical commentary later this year!

and finally...

3. The SINGING of Pierce Brosnan - SORRY!  Mamma Mia was a slight disappointment.  It meant well, but I really think it should have been adapted by someone other than the stage director.  Meryl Streep was very likable and really gave her all, but the staging and overall tone of the movie needed to be more campy in my mind.  It's a hard balance because there also is the  story of a mother and daughter that should be very touching.  THAT worked for me because of the performances of Meryl and Amanda Seyfried, but Pierce should NOT have been singing... when he started warbling the audience I was with burst into laughter.  That totally takes you away from the movie.  Besides some of Meryl's numbers, I thought the film REALLY worked when the cast was messing around over the credits in their Abba-esque outfits.

I know a lot of people are loving the movie.  It was fun, but I just wanted much more.