2.27.2009

TV Review – 81st Oscar Awards


Sunday February 22nd on ABC aired the 81st annual Oscars – the awards for the very best in the film industry. The show’s producers promised a new take on the old ceremony and they delivered in what was, in my opinion, one of the finest Oscars in years. Some of the highlights – Hugh Jackman, past winners honoring new winners, and quality films winning the awards they deserve.

The night started with one of the greatest opening performances I can remember. Hugh Jackman as the host brought life, energy and a genuine sense of “I’m honored to be doing this” to the stage. He made a few jokes but then began to do one of the things he does best – musical theater. His routine incorporated a “slimmed down” set due to the recession complete with cardboard recreations of some of the evening’s movies. His song summed up a few of the nominated films but also brought up questions such as “why wasn’t "The Dark Knight" nominated for Best Film? Everyone saw the movie, so why wasn’t it receiving more nominations?”

Another new tactic of the awards was to have previous winners of the major acting awards honor the current nominees. The 4 times this occurred during the night it was elegant and emotional. It was obvious that the kind words spoken by previous winners were genuine and that the nominees were touched by their compliments and praises.

The Oscar’s momentum carried through the hours complete with a Bollywood routine. The singers and dancers performed to the 3 songs nominated for Best Original Song – two from the night’s biggest winner “Slumdog Millionaire.” However, momentum slowed when it came time to honor those who have passed away. Queen Latifah sang beautifully as the traditional montage of photographs of our dearly departed showed on the screen. What broke the momentum was that the cameras had to pan between the screen and Latifah instead of what they usually do which is play the montage as the video feed with no cameras involved. This made it difficult to read the names and their jobs which is a personal favorite "things to do” for me.

One endearing moment came when the award for Best Supporting Actor was announced. As most speculated, Heath Ledger won (the most deserving I must say, not because of his sad passing but because his version of the Joker is an amazing character and surely would have sky rocked Ledger’s career). The endearing part occurred when his parents and sister accepted the award on his behalf and on behalf of his daughter. It wasn’t a stuffy old actor who accepted the award it was the people who knew him best and miss him the most. It was very moving and a great testament to how Ledger was revered within the movie biz and within society and his family.

The funniest moment was Sean Penn’s acceptance speech for Best Actor for his portrayal in "Milk." Quote, “You Commie, homo-loving sons of guns.” What I loved most was the actor’s admission to being difficult is all senses of the word. He confessed, “that I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me often.” Could this be a revelation that maybe the actor needs to calm his outspoken, controversial ways? Naaaaaah, I think it’s just him, making it clear, that he’s aware he’s controversial.

In the end, the right people and movies received the right awards (although I think "The Dark Knight" should have been a contender for Best Picture because it truly was an amazing movie). Hugh Jackman won us over with his charm and musical theater capabilities. There were more people on the Best Dressed list than the other one this year and one of America’s most expensive and money hungry businesses accepted the fact that the world is changing and that money may not make the theater-goer’s world go ‘round – Slumdogs make theater-goer’s worlds go ‘round. Congratulations to all the night’s winners and to the movie industry.



“Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/

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2.21.2009

Theater Review - Excalibur Hotel's Tournament of Kings in Las Vegas

If the name of the show doesn’t sound familiar, that’s alright. Most people might remember it from the movie “The Cable Guy.” But trust me, if you saw the poster you’d know exactly what I’m talking about. The show at the Excalibur hotel in Las Vegas, “The Tournament of Kings” is a live action show and sit down dinner recreating the times of jousting and Knights. It’s a great way to spend an evening in Sin City.




When you first arrive you are seated in a specific section. Pay attention to where you sit as this will come into play later in the show. You get a full dinner that’s delicious (start out with drinks [yes they serve alcohol]), then the first course is a warm and tasty tomato soup. Personally I don’t like tomato soup, but this concoction from the kitchen of the Excalibur is just too appetizing to pass up. Next is a Cornish hen, twice-baked potatoes, broccoli, and a roll. I’ve never had a Cornish hen before but it’s mouth-watering and tastes better than chicken. The Excalibur’s chef covers the hen in his or her own mixture of spices and you soon won’t forget this yummy meal. But the final course, dessert, is a let down.


Lets talk about the show. It’s corny and cheesy, but oh so much fun. And if you’ve even been in a play you’ll appreciate the sheer amount of choreography and blocking that’s taking place. The actors (mostly men – and terrific eye candy for the ladies) enter and introduce themselves and you become familiar with the King of the section you are sitting in. There’s a lot of crowd cheering, chanting and booing that’ll keep kids and adults engaged throughout the whole show. The actual tournament is very physical and exciting. It’s a great piece of entertainment that no one should pass up while in Las Vegas.

What did you think of the show? Would you say this is a good family show? Is it a fun event to do while in Vegas?



Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/



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Movie Review – Reservation Road


Have you heard of this movie? I hadn’t. I don’t even remember why I put it on my Netflix list, but I did. And after watching it I think more people should be adding it their Netflix lists. Reservation Road is one of the best movies I’ve seen since The Dark Knight and way better than a lot of movies nominated for the 2009 Oscars. So, why don’t I even remember this movie being in theaters? I’m afraid we’ll never know, but what we do know is that this film starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino, Elle Fanning and Eddie Alderson is intense and moving and deserving of more buzz than it received.


Reservation Road is a twisting, dark road that is the scene of a tragic accident. Josh the son of Ethan (Joaquin Phoenix) and Grace (Jennifer Connelly) is struck by an SUV and dies. The SUV’s driver (Mark Ruffalo) leaves the scene with his own son in the car. The movie shows us both sides of the tragedy – how the parent’s of the deceased boy deal with this terrible loss to their family and how the killer deals with the guilt of knowing he’s to blame. In a surprise twist, Ethan seeks legal help from the SUV driver’s law firm and the driver is assigned to the case adding an extra layer of complexity to his feelings on the situation. The acting is wonderful. It’s very intense for a lot of the film, but the situation calls for it. The pacing of the film is appropriate too. We start out with the accident, then funeral, then grieving and it’s many phases. As well as the building guilt Ruffalo’s character experiences as time goes on and as his connections to the family increase. The most compelling part of the film I thought was the end. It ties the two storylines together. Both Phoenix and Ruffalo’s characters are fathers and where one is left without a son – once Ruffalo’s secret is revealed his son is left without a father.

From the scenic New England landscape to the thorough roller coaster of emotions and actions expressed through the script and through the acting – Reservation Road is definitely worth a rental, just make sure you have some tissues near by.


“Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/

Read more!