Finally "Frozen"

A couple of weeks ago, I felt like the last person in the civilized world who had not seen "Frozen". I was alone, living in the Cave of Uncoolness. When people would sing "Let it Go" at the top of their lungs on Youtube or in line at the grocery store, I would cringe and muse over the meh-ness of it Though, Eli McCann's niece's performance was probably the cutest cover I have ever seen. Even when Idina Menzel sang it at the Oscars, I was left thinking, "...and...?" I mean, it's a good song, but I wasn't sure what all the fuss was about.

Summer-to-Christmas Movie Season 2013

Can you feel it in the air? The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the blossoms are... blossoming, school is almost out... that can only mean one thing! Time to go to the movies!! Summer movie season seems to start earlier and earlier. And even though there is usually a cinematic lull in the fall, we have some wonderful shows to look forward to at Christmas this year, too!

Movie season 2013 kicked off last weekend with "Iron Man 3" (or, arguably with "Oblivion", back in April) and continues at top speed for a few weeks.There are an inordinate number of superhero sequels and dystopian worlds-end stories, along with a handful of unique, stand-alone features to look forward to. 

Here is just a sampling of what's coming up next:

Next weekend, on May 17th, the much-anticipated sequel to 2009's "Star Trek" opens: "Star Trek Into Darkness". I'm super-duper-geeking-out excited about this, as one of my favorite actors, Benedict Cumberbatch of BBC's Sherlock (which is my favorite TV show), is playing the villain. I really enjoyed the 2009 movie, too, so I'll be getting tickets to see this on opening weekend!

Will Smith's presence in summer seems like a tradition, hearkening all the way back to "Independence Day" from July of 1996, and including the "Men In Black" franchise and "I, Robot" and many others. So it comes as no surprise that he'll have a big sci-fi adventure this year with "After Earth" on May 31st. His son, Jayden, gets second billing, and it's directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Not sure what to think of that... Jayden gave a mediocre performance in 2010's "Karate Kid" re-imagining, and Shyamalan hasn't had a hit in many years, but maybe this will be a pleasant surprise. And I'll see almost anything with Will Smith...

"Now You See Me" is a heist thriller, where a group of illusionists commit heists during performances, giving the money to their audiences. This movie looks so good, I'm actually as excited about it as I am about any of the superhero films coming this year. If nothing else, it's one of the better trailers I've seen this year. And who doesn't love Michael Caine, Mark Ruffalo and Morgan Freeman? Plus Jesse Eisenberg, who is very good at the fast-talking smarter-than-everyone character rounds out a promising cast. This one comes out on May 31st.

On June 14, "Man of Steel" resets the Superman story, with a new version of the caped hero's origin story, starring Henry Cavill. The trailers look enticing-- hopefully this will be one the whole family can enjoy. Superman has always been such a great role model of truth, justice and doing the right thing.

June 21st has two movies opening, one for kids and one for... not kids: "Monsters University", the sequel to the beloved "Monsters, Inc." and the literal zombie-apocalypse horror/thriller "World War Z", starring Brad Pitt. You'll probably find me with the kiddos and not the zombies... Sorry, Brad.

In spite of concerns over racial insensitivity, Johnny Depp as Tonto in the July 5th's "The Lone Ranger" doesn't seem any more over the top than any other Depp character, and Armie Hammer appears to fit the big, white hat and the mask of the title character. I suppose the quality and potential offensiveness will remain to be seen, but it looks like a fun western adventure.


Also on July 5th, the sequel to 2010's "Despicable Me", simple titled "Despicable Me 2" hits theaters, and I'm sure it will be filled with more of Steve Carrel's signature shtick and the goofy minions that we all loved in the first movie.

Hugh Jackman returns as the title character on July 26th as "The Wolverine". Apparently a sequel to the 2009 film, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", it takes the title character to Japan to encounter an old enemy. So many superheros, so little time...

I wouldn't mention "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters" except that geek favorite Nathan Fillion surprised me by appearing in the trailer-- he's playing the god Hermes. I will probably see it just for him.

On November 1, I will be right there with all you other geeks, nerds and wanna-be's standing in line to see "Ender's Game". This is one of the most beloved sci-fi books of all time, and if you haven't read it, do so before you see the movie. I don't know whether they will slaughter the story or stay true to it, but the end is one of the best twists ever, and even if you see it coming, it's better to read it yourself than to have it spoiled online or onscreen. Seriously. Read it.

One week later, on November 8th, the hunky Chris Hemsworth returns as the title character in "Thor: Dark World". 'Nuff said.

And on the 22nd of November, Chris' brother, Liam Hemsworth, returns with the great Jennifer Lawrence and the adorable Josh Hutcherson in the second "Hunger Games" movie "Catching Fire". Fans of the books will show up in droves. Others? Maybe not so much. 

Probably THE most anticipated film of the year arrives on December 13th, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" starring the great Martin Freeman (I also love him-- he plays John Watson on the aforementioned "Sherlock"). You and I both will be in line for this one, right? 

It's looking like one of the best years in superhero and sequel history. Hopefully there will be more great films than duds this year.

What did I miss? This is a VERY condensed list of films I'm excited about, but what would you have included on this list? 

All images used are from IMDB.com.

Skyfall

James Bond hasn't looked so good since Sean Connery. Truly. Daniel Craig returns for his third Bond film, continuing from about where "Quantum of Solace" left off- moving the story forward from where it began (again) in "Casino Royale".

The opening credits of "Skyfall", which opened last weekend, have a distinct "Bond-esque" feel, including the mirror images melding together in the center (psychedelic!) and nude silhouetted women and some very cool sequences under water. However... they went on very long for a modern movie, and I'm not terribly sold on Adele's theme song. I'm not a big Adele fan anyway, and the simplistic lyrics of this song didn't win me over, though the haunting music did seem to fit the footage. Here, judge for yourself:

You'll Fall in Love With Timothy Green

"The Odd Life of Timothy Green" is a sweet, unassuming story about a couple who cannot conceive, but who desperately want to be parents, and Timothy Green magically enters their lives, touching and changing them and everyone around them for the better.

The parents, played by the always lovely Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton, whom I had not seen before, jump into parenting Timothy, fumbling and over-thinking and making all the mistakes we real-life parents try to avoid, but often make ourselves. Garner and Edgerton gave solid performances, had good chemistry together, and seemed to genuinely care for Timothy. He may not have had top billing, but the real star of the show is definitely CJ Adams, who plays the precocious, smarter-than-his-age, funny, adventurous, sweet and loving Timothy. Maybe it's the mom-of-sons in me, but I couldn't take my eyes off him. He's adorable and his performance was excellent. He has a real presence onscreen and he rightfully stole the show.

As for the story, it's fantastical, light-weight, sugar-sweet and fun. There are moments of humor and heartache and a lot of suspending reality, but that's what good fantastical fiction is all about. The story is told in a flashback style by Garner and Edgerton's characters, and although there is the standard Disney live-action film kids-who-are-smarter-than-the-adults feel, it's still a very enjoyable show. Except for the reminder that children only stay with us (as children) for a short time. As mine are nearing adulthood, I'm reminded of this bittersweet life truth all too often. I should have taken more tissues. :)

So go see it! I found it appropriate for nearly all ages, except maybe the preschoolers and toddlers, who just ran around the theater (ahem...) in front of us. There is nothing offensive, but the subject matter is a bit grown up for small children. 

The Amazing Amazing Spider-Man

Yesterday, to escape the heat and boredom, Kriss and I went to see "The Amazing Spider-Man", along with many, many other people. In fact, I think the matinee we attended was completely sold out. I'm very thankful for online ticketed seating at the Megaplex. One day I should write up a comparison of various local theaters' pros and cons. The Megaplex has many good things going for it, but I was disappointed once again, to have ads pop up after the coming-soon trailers. Oh well.

I went into this movie with pretty high expectations. My three teenage sons saw it the day before and came home raving about it, so I knew it would at least be good, if not great. I also read a couple of reviews online that prepared me for a very enjoyable afternoon at the movies. I was not disappointed.

Andrew Garfield is Spiderman. He's so good, I feel sorry for Toby McGuire. The inevitable comparisons won't come out in Toby's favor, and I'm sure he gave it his all, but Garfield is just better. Maybe some of that has to do with the writing, as well as directing, but Garfield has a more accurate look, more believable emotion, and at 29, he may be too old to be playing a teenager, but he is built small enough to pull it off, especially since he seems to remember very well what it feels like to be the sulky, moody, funny, goofy teenage boy. There were moments in the movie when he reminded me so much of my two older sons, who are close to the age Peter Parker is in this movie. He's cute, he's funny, he's brave and stupid and emotional and angry and resistant to anyone's help or comfort-- just like a teenage boy. It was very believable. I forgot I was watching Andrew Garfield, which is the hallmark of great acting. I loved seeing Spidey in full costume, talking on his cell phone and carrying a backpack-- excellent, subtle visual tidbits that enhance the realism of the story.

Emma Stone as Gwen Stacey does a fine job, she has an onscreen radiance, and she's cute in a normal girl kind of way. I think, though, that they overdid the short skirt and long socks look, personally. Whoever designed her costumes must have thought she was a very fashionable nerd-girl, which was a tad distracting. I doubt she could wear something bearing any of her legs in the laboratory atmosphere of Oscorp (where the character works) in the real world-- even with the lab coat. She is very good, though, and their chemistry works. And she's much better than Kirsten Dunst was as Mary Jane in the first three movies. (I apologize for continually bringing those up, but it's hard not to...)

I loved Dennis Leary as Gwen's father and the police captain, too. He's always solid. And The Lizard is a great "first" nemesis for Spidey, and I appreciated that the bulk of the film was spent with Peter's story, and the fights and drama with The Lizard neither took too long nor took over the movie.

The best scene stealing moment had to be Stan Lee's cameo-- easily the best one he's ever done. I laughed aloud, and normally I roll my eyes a bit when he does his thing. Hilarious and underplayed. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how perfect Martin Sheen was as Uncle Ben and Sally Field is always good, and her Aunt Mae was loving, stern and spot-on. I enjoyed C. Thomas Howell in a bit part, as well.

The special effects are truly AMAZING! I got lost in the movie as much because of the seamless CGI as for the story and acting. It really is nothing short of astounding that movies have come this far in just 10 years since the release of the first "Spider-Man"

It's a very clean film, which is great-- it makes it so much more accessible to people with standards. There's some kissing, and Garfield has his shirt off here and there, but it isn't gratuitous or sexual. There's no language and even the violence is comic-book style and at a level such that I think even my 10-year-old daughter could see the movie. (Not that that should set the standard for other parents, but in my mind, it's all good, clean fun.) It may feel too soon for this "reboot", but I'm glad the filmmakers didn't listen to detractors, and went ahead with the project. It's well worth your summer spending money to go check it out.

For some really fantastic photos from both the set and the film, as well as some of the publicity stuff, click this link to go to a blog with a whole bunch all in one place. Enjoy!

O Usher, Where Art Thou?

My dad's latest column is about a subject that is very important to me: movie theater etiquette (and the modern lack thereof). I have taken to sitting on the back row of the theater every time I go to the movies. Not just because of the dizziness and nausea I experience if I'm close to the screen. The primary reason is that I have absolutely no tolerance for people's children and tweens and teens kicking and bumping the back of my chair throughout the film-- it's extremely distracting and aggravating.

And there are the issues of late arrivers, and the compulsive talkers who like to either narrate the action or provide constant commentary about the film. (Okay, I must confess, I have been guilty of this, once and only once. I couldn't help myself. It was my third time seeing "Twilight" and that movie is just SO bad. I was stuck in MST3K mode. But I humbly apologize. Also, the theater was nearly empty and I was mostly quiet about it... just... ugh... but I promise never, ever to do it again.)

Oh, and don't forget cell phone users. Really? In a darkened theater? Like no one is going to hear/see/be-driven-to-a-murderous-rage by your can't-wait-another-hour text or call?

Aside from the etiquette topic, the column also discusses the current barrage of advertising at the movies. I hadn't been to the Megaplex in a long time, but my husband and I went to see "The Avengers" for our second time at a Megaplex last weekend, and I was appalled at the number of ads before the lights went down, before the trailers and, horrifyingly, after the trailers! Talk about breaking the spell! I love the tingle of anticipation as the last trailer fades and the movie begins. The jolt of yet another two or three ads was disgusting. Captive audience, indeed. 

Anyway, feel free to comment here about what you read in this great column.

Avengers Review Take II

I woke up remembering something I wanted to say. Continued from the first entry about this movie... Sleep does wonders for the brain!


When it comes to Superhero movies, there are some very formulaic elements which have become cliche and almost ruefully expected by moviegoers. Whedon managed to avoid them all, I think. 

From This Site

For example, many movies suffer from "damsel in distress" syndrome, where the hero's love interest or elderly aunt is grabbed/captured/endangered directly by the bad guy. In "The Avengers", all the love interests are conveniently unavailable for perilous life-threatening. And it isn't done in an overly dramatic way, it's just the way things are. My son mentioned that he would have liked to see the men reunited with their ladies at the end, but I liked the fact that they weren't. It kept the movie feeling fresh, genuine and not syrupy.


Another thing we didn't have was outer-space alien goo. Most alien and sci-fi movies have an unbelilevable amount of goop, slime, and schloky-sounding muck. But our heroes fight aliens that are mercifully slime-free. 


In fact the only thing I can think of that is remotely cliche about this movie is that the bit battle/attack scene happens in New York City. Though, with 9-11 for evidence, maybe that's realistic enough to not really be a cliche. There was one moment, when a woman runs to look out the cafe window after being saved by one of our heroes, her hair is disheveled and her face is dirty, and she looks up and out with a look of awe on her face. I felt like I had seen it before in Superman, Spiderman and maybe even Batman movies before. But it also almost felt like a tiny homage that any comic fan would appreciate. It was short and sweet and over before I had time to process the feeling of familiarity.


Most importantly, Whedon never stops surprising the audience (or at least me) by doing the unexpected. The characters say and do things that are both natural and real and completely surprising. That makes a movie move so much faster and keeps you riveted, waiting to see what will happen next. I don't want to give anything away, so I can't say much about this, but more than once Loki has confrontations that end in completely unexpected ways. Brilliant.

From This Site

If I didn't say it last night, let me say it now, "The Avengers" is the best movie I've seen in a very long time and I think Joss Whedon is a genius. Fa-bu-lous. 

Pre-Avengers Plans

T-minus one week and counting!! "The Avengers" opens next week, on May 4th, with much happy anticipation on the part of me and my family. To prepare, and as an excuse for some cheap fun, my brother suggested a "Marvel Movie Marathon", which I offered to host, since I have the day off this Saturday and we also have a giant TV. Also, all my children are old enough to watch the movies, so I'm not going to have the problem of little ones with nothing to do. We're watching them in release date order, rather than by chronological order (as some die-hard geeks might prefer), starting with  "Iron Man" and ending with "Captain America". I know some local movie theaters had the same idea, but I'm really happy with doing it at my house, where it will be free. Plus I made homemade Snickers candy... so win-win-win!

I only hope I'm not getting my hopes up just to be disappointed... I mean, with "The Avengers". Fingers crossed...

How It Should Have Ended

Have you come across How it Should Have Ended or HISHE on Youtube yet? I can't remember how we discovered it, but we've really enjoyed some of their cartoons, especially those that include superheros sitting together at a cafe. They've created send-ups of most of the most popular films of our modern time, including the Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Titanic, new releases like The Hunger Games, and all of the latest superhero films. They're creative, and usually quite funny. Here are a couple of samples to whet your appetite. (Yep, I used the word "whet" in a sentence. 5 points for me.) Go check them out!

The Hunger Games

Believe it or not, I actually saw a movie in the theater yesterday! My two teenage sons were going to an afternoon show of "The Hunger Games", so I tagged along. It was a "spur of the moment" decision, which is also rare for me, and I'm so glad I went!


It's been a couple of years since I read the books, so my memory wasn't clear on many details. I think that made the movie more enjoyable because I wasn't comparing the two versions. I do think the movie was very true to the emotions and the heart of the book, and the few changes they made story-wise were necessary for the flow of the film. I also thought it was perfectly cast. I was nervous, as the last YA book-to-film I was excited about was woefully miscast and horribly directed and had some jaw-droppingly stupid moments added in. Yep, you know what I'm talking about. It's inevitable that we fans would draw some comparisons between "The Hunger Games" and "Twilight". After all, both books are YA with a leading heroine; both books feature gore and death, though "Hunger Games" is decidedly deathier; and both books have a heart-tugging love triangle. To compare Kristen Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence is terribly unfair. But I'm going to anyway. Stewart looks like a cardboard cutout onscreen, and Lawrence shines. Stewart's attempts at subtle emotional expressions look like she's sulking or simply deadpan, while Lawrence's subtlety is perfect and her face is so expressive, even when it isn't spelled out for the audience, we can tell what she's feeling.


So bear with me a moment as I repeat what everyone is saying: that Jennifer Lawrence is brilliantly well cast as Katniss- authentic, powerful, strong, but still a teenage girl, whose heart doesn't know what it wants. She's pretty, but not distractingly so-- she looks real. Believeable. And compelling-- you can't take her eyes off her.

Liam and his hunky-Thor brother, Chris and Chris' eyes. Yum.

Both the men in her life are also perfectly cast: Liam Hemsworth as Gale (I wanted to see more of him, especially since I have a bit of a crush on his brother. Hopefully we'll get more Gale in the next two films. I don't remember the books well enough to say... 


I especially loved Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. He absolutely broke my heart in Bridge to Terabithia 5 years ago. I could tell he was one to watch. Good looking, talented, and has that elusive presence all screen actors try to capture. He was so good as Peeta-- emotive, adorable, smiling at the crowd, heart-breaking when he talked to Katniss, just wonderful. Exactly what I pictured as I read the books. I do have to say, though, that his hair color doesn't look natural to me. Most likely that's because I know he's really not a blond... but it looked fakey-bad... and they left it dark in the flashback scene where he throws the bread out to Katniss in the rain. Um... poor editing? Just confusing? Yes. But maybe only to me. My boys didn't even notice, or care.

The casting is the biggest difference between HG and Twilight. The Edward of my imagination was good looking, Adonis-like, beautiful and muscular. The Edward of the film looks like a British misfit, bad teeth, worse hair (in the first film, especially), skinny and sick-looking. Not what was in my head at all... but with the casting of HG, they have managed to cast people who look exactly like their fictional counterparts, and who lo-and-behold are actually rather talented actors! 


For the first time in a long time, I'm excited to see the sequel next year... or whenever they release it. I can't remember the last time I was excited for a sequel. Unless you count the Avengers... don't get me started...


UPDATE 3/29/12: My friend Diane brought to my attention that I neglected to mention Woody Harrelson, who is absolutely spot-on as Haymitch. I wasn't sure I would like him; I haven't seen him in anything in so long, but I can't imagine Haymitch being played by anyone else! She also reminded me that I forgot to comment on what I call the "Bourne School of Camera Work" shooting of the fight scenes-- especially the one set on the large, metallic cornucopia. I despise scenes shot up close and with the cameraman doing the disco as he rolls film. There weren't a lot of them in this movie, thank goodness, but it was distracting when they shot like that. Thanks, Diane, for helping my forgetful-prone brain on this one! :)

Doubly Curious

Two curiosities with regard to the 2011 hit movie "The Help". 

1. First is a library mystery: I'm a librarian and we have DVDs at the library. I put myself on hold for the DVD of "The Help" about two months ago (it's been extremely popular) and I was about 8th in line. Last week, I checked the queue. I was 11th in line. Wha??? I think there's been a hiccup in our system, and not wanting to cheat, I've decided to remove myself from the waiting list and rent it at the Redbox. By the time I get the library copy it will probably be scuffed and scratchy to the point of rendering it impossible to enjoy, anyway. SO we rented it at the Redbox this weekend and watched it, which brings me to curiosity #2:
2. Oddly, I think I enjoyed the movie version of "The Help" better than I did the book! This is nearly unprecedented. Generally, I enjoy the book versions better. Probably better than 90% of the time. Harry Potter? Books. Lord of the Rings? Books. Twilight? Seriously, don't get me started on the poor casting, acting, direction... ugh... let's just leave it at: books.

But "The Help" surprised me. I read the book a while ago, and though I liked it, the "terrible awful" that Minnie does to Hilly was just the one thing I couldn't get over. Maybe I'm a snob, maybe I'm a prude, maybe I'm just disgusted by poo being used in ANY way in a story, but I was unable to move past that. Here's my review on Goodreads if you want to know what I thought of the book.

I think the reason I'm leaning toward the movie being superior is just that it was a great example of when "less is more". The order of a few plot elements were rearranged, and I would have enjoyed more stories by the "help" ladies, and less story about the getting of the stories, but the script was tight, the acting superb, and the performances of the leading women were authentic and genuine. I especially loved these two: 

I wholeheartedly agree with the Academy Award nominations for both Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis. (Octavia won, Viola did not.) I don't know if I agree with the Best Picture nod, but that could be because I didn't see all the films nominated and I don't really trust old Oscar...

Oscar Compulsions and the sad decline of Billy Crystal's career

Every year I know I'll be bored, annoyed, confused and irritated. Yet, every year I compulsively watch the Academy Awards.

I was bored, as was most of the celebrity audience, judging by their painted-on, tolerant half-smiles at the antics of the sadly over-used Billy Crystal. He was terrible. Way back on "Soap", he was quite talented, and brought many amusing comical roles to life over the years. And I understand he was the favorite host for a long time, but he is WAY past his prime and seemed to be recycling all the bits that worked 10+ years ago, and they just didn't work. It was sad, his face looked odd, extremely made-up, and he just sort of embarrassed himself. Or should have...

I was annoyed by the opening montage featuring Crystal superimposed into scenes from some of 2011's big films. It wasn't nearly as good as it ought to have been.

I was confused by a few of Crystal's "jokes" and even moreso by Angelina Jolie's awkward, forced, thigh-baring pose, both onstage and (as I found in a photo online) on the red carpet. Weird. I guess it's gone all viral and her leg keeps showing up in all kinds of places now. What a strange world we live in.

And I was irritated by Crystal's phoned-in, obnoxious and unfunny performance.

But, as I've done nearly every year since I was a girl, I watched the whole thing... As my husband said, "that's three hours I'll never get back".

It wasn't all bad. I laughed at Will Farrell and Chris Rock, and I found Robert Downey, Jr.'s antics amusing. The acceptance speeches were mercifully short and non-political. Oh, and Tom Cruise? Looking good! He hasn't looked that good in years-- I almost thought I was back in Jr. High... well, not really, but he did look great. What else was positive... Oh! Meryl Streep! She was classy, poised, witty, and lovely. I was glad she won. I was equally glad that Glen Close didn't win... because I hate her. But I was looking for positive, wasn't I? Okay, let's see... the only presenter in a painfully horrible dress was Jennifer Lopez... most of them were actually rather lovely this year. Lopez was by far the worst dressed. Need I say more? Hideous. And it made her look 40 pounds heavier than she probably is. Ugh.

I have to say, the women's movement took a rather large side-step into the gutter last night. Really, we don't have to have women prove on international TV that we can be just as dirty, nasty, trashy and disgusting as men, do we?? The bits with Melissa McCarthy from "Bridesmaids" were tacky and unfunny. And I loved her on "Gilmore Girls". Bah. The six women from that movie presenting was fine, except that they became idiot caricatures discussing male genitalia, playing a drinking game (a gag that fell flat on its moronic face) and basically just acting like college-age men!

Wrapping up, there were ups, like (most of) the gang from "A Mighty Wind" and other films doing a focus group sketch of old timey folks watching "The Wizard of Oz". It was amusing.

And Christian Bale ignoring Crystal's tacky jab at his f-bomb-laden-rant a while back was nice. He looked good, he just did his presenting job and walked away, no reaction whatsoever. I would have wanted to roll my eyes and say "get over it", but I'm glad he didn't. As terrible as his behavior on that audio recording was, (remember, he screamed and cussed at a crew member for walking into a scene and ruining it? Yeah, that was major bad form, but it was also 3 years ago and everyone has off days, even the famous...) I hate it when one mistake forever labels or pigeon-holes a person, whether in Hollywood or real life. Zingers are zingers, but Crystal wasn't even funny, so his jabs (not just at Bale, there were others) were poorly-timed attempts at humiliating his peers rather than friendly all-in-good-fun jabs. Anyway, Bale looked good and sounded good and I wished he had had more to do on Oscar night and that Crystal had had less. Lots less.

Another great moment was when Christopher Plummer won. He said (to the statue), "You're only two years older than me. Where've you been all my life?" And that he would share it with Ewan McGregor "If I had any decency, but I don't". He was witty and I was glad he won.

And there were many, many downs. I'm not sure where Cirque du Soliel falls. Some of their performance was amazing, but it didn't really belong, and I missed having the nominated songs played, even though I often don't care for them...

And here we are again, the Oscars are over, I have a short list of movies to watch and another list to avoid...