Apparently, we watched a different Oscars than all the critics and reviewers did, because we actually really enjoyed the show. Sure, James Franco looked half asleep, and Anne Hathaway had to overcompensate as a result, but compared to last year's show it was a freaking entertain-a-thon. And Roger Ebert, who called it "the worst Oscar telecast I've ever endured" needs to get a job, because he clearly didn't watch last year's horrible mess.
The opening pre-recorded section was really entertaining (and allowed Alec Baldwin to be funny at the Oscars, something that didn't happen last year)
and Anne Hathaway's "On My Own" spoof was a short little reminder of how awesome the year Hugh Jackman hosted was:
(by the way, rewatch that Hugh Jackman opening number again (yes, for the 38th time) and note James Franco among those giving a standing ovation- which was more effort than he put into this year's show)
And, remember, last year they did a weird 4 minute horror movie tribute as their veiled attempt to put something related to Twilight in the show (I still maintain that Twilight does not count as a horror movie). This year's pandering to the masses was far more entertaining with the auto-tuning of the year in film:
What this year was lacking was any level of suspense or surprise- everyone you thought was going to win ended up winning. And we didn't even get to find out what would happen if Banksy won an Oscar. le sigh. Overall, I was pretty happy with the awards- Christian Bale won a well-earned statue and was appropriately self-deprecating, Natalie Portman was classy and charming (which she hadn't quite pulled off at previous awards shows), and Colin Firth continued his string of humble and incredibly likable speeches. Of course, I didn't get the upset I was hoping for- Hailee Steinfeld over Melissa Leo- so I had to put up with another Melissa Leo speech, but at least I got to look at Hailee- she won my best dressed of the night:
and, on that note, the fashion was significantly better than it had been at past awards shows this year. We'll get favorites up soon!
