The Academy Awards

I didn't watch the Oscars (tm). I watched Chris Rock's opening, and then tuned in periodically throughout the night - usually just in time to see some "insignificant" Oscar (tm) be handed out but missing all the big ones. Anyways, here are my thoughts:

- Chris Rock was very funny. The imagery of some pimply-faced high schooler closing out his drawer at the Gap and being at minus-$73 trillion is hilarious.
- Let's limit it to 1 song per performer.
- Also, let's try and nominate some good songs. That Antonio Benderas and Santana song was just dreadful. I may regret saying this, but I missed the crappy Sting and Phil Collins songs.
- I'm glad The Aviator didn't win. I love Martin Scorsese, but this just wasn't a great movie. I hate when awards degenerate to a lifetime achievement thing (Ray Charles' recent Grammys. Friends hadn't been good for years when it won it's Emmy).
- I didn't see Million Dollar Baby, so I can't comment on it's merits.
- Settle down, Spicoli.
- The clapping for dead people still creeps me out. Even in death, movies are a popularity contest.
- Paul Giamatti really should have been nominated. Virginia Madsen, not so much (she was very good, but it wasn't substantial enough).

That is all I have. Every time I watch the Oscars (tm) I get so frustrated at the back-slapping and self-congratulatory orgy that it really is I end up seriously contemplating leaving Los Angeles and heading back to Buffalo to teach English.

But then I realize high school kids are just as bratty.