I’ve been knee deep in preparation for the World Series of Pop Culture test tomorrow but thought I’d stick my head up for some quick thoughts on the weekend in pop culture.
•There seems to be a trend on SNL this year that when a non comedian such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker, or Dane Cook host, the show goes in the tank. Part of this can be blamed on the host but it’s almost as if the entire cast and writing team give up before the show even starts.
•Saw Pan’s Labyrinth this weekend and it left me dumbfounded. There is a fine line between violence and gore, and this film goes heavily over that line into gore. It’s the very definition of the word excess. Also, while it was visually stunning it certainly wasn’t the finest work I’ve seen all year or even by Director Guillermo Del Toro. It’s still a solid flick that I recommend as long as you realize it’s like a Brother’s Grimm fairy tale, but about a hundred times darker.
•Ended up catching a good chunk of the Grammy’s and was struck by a few things.
Let’s set a limit on how many performers can have orchestra’s backing them up on an awards show.
Performers should only perform once. I think the incomparable Mary J Blige was up there 3 times.
By featuring more performances then awards, the Grammy’s was more watchable then it has been in years.
My top performance might be Gnarls Barkley, despite the above mentioned orchestral overkill.
I’ve decided the Shakira’s hips should be registered as lethal weapons due to their hypnotic powers.
While I congratulate the Dixie Chicks, the fact that Gnarls got overlooked just goes to prove the Grammy’s still fail to recognize new and original artists.
•Looks like 24 is due for its annual bait and switch. Talking with a good friend of my mine who’s just now watching the previous seasons, I was reminded how every year we’re treated to a mid season switcheroo. Last night’s 2 hour ep was a bit slow but you began to see the gear turning for the next 12 hours.
I’ll be back tomorrow, despite it being my exam day, with the first of my Oscar Preview Columns. Here’s the schedule in case you can’t wait to steal my thoughts for your local Oscar pool:
Wednesday, 2/14- Music (both song and score)
Thursday, 2/15- Cinematography
Friday, 2/16- Screenplays
Monday, 2/19- Supporting Actor and Actress
Tuesday, 2/20- Actor
Wednesday, 2/21- Actress
Thursday, 2/22- Director
Friday, 2/23- Best Picture
Monday, 2/26- Show Recap and Fallout
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