Quick thoughts. . . .
. . . .Hugh Jackman as Host. Is the choice of a member of actor's club any surprise after Chris Rock taking shots at Jude Law (and Sean Penn's rebuttal)? Remember: Jackman is a Broadway certified dancing fool, so he should be able to knock this gig out of the park. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in this role for a few years.
. . . .The awards show should be better this year. There have been a few articles about the rumored minor shake-ups in the show. I think we'll see a better show. I especially like the show closing with peeks at the upcoming '09 films. Talk about an Elsa Schneider moment. They should've been doing this for years.
. . . .Moedred, sorry buddy, but you're smoking the funny stuff to think that Spalko deserved a nomination for her Benjamin Button performance. In any event, this is Ms. Winslet's year to shine.
. . . am I the only person that thought that Man on Wire was 2/3's too long. What a great start . . .that fizzled . . .and fizzled bad.
. . . with the world economy tanking, I would not bet against Slumdog in any race. Members of the Academy like to feel relevant and what this world needs is a feel good film. Especially since I bet a few members have been Madoffed. I think votes will pile on in all categories for which it is nominated.
. . . .Benjamin Button should get shut out. Apart from the obvious ones (makeup and visual effects) where it has a chance, the only category where I could make an argument for Button is Art Direction. The sets -- especially the ones at the end (the apartment and dance studio) -- were perfect in a subtle way that really added to the film (which overall misfired on multiple levels).
. . . .anyone who thinks that The Dark Knight was a great film, should watch Heat and then Batman Begins and then The Dark Knight. A great film it was not. Dark Knight was very derivative and boring apart from the dearly departed Mr. Ledger's performance.
