That’s how I would describe the 87th annual Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards aka The Oscars was Founded in 1927. The notion of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) began with Louis B. Mayer, head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). He wanted to create an organization that would mediate labor disputes and improve the industry’s image. So, on a Sunday evening, Mayer and three other studio big-wigs – actor Conrad Nagel, director Fred Niblo, and the head of the Association of Motion Picture Producers, Fred Beetson – sat down and discussed these matters. The idea of this elite club having an annual banquet was tossed around, but there was no mention of awards just yet. They also established that membership into the organization would only be open to people involved in one of the five branches of the industry: actors, directors, writers, technicians, and producers. (from Wikipedia)
The Oscars are something that I look forward to every year. A friend mentioned that it’d be fun to have a party to watch it at, I’m sure that I’d like to either attend or hold one myself. We’ll see next year. But I have been watching over the years and wasn’t exactly thrilled with the overall performance. While there were some humorous moments, some of the WTF moments just didn’t sit right with me. The moment that Neil Patrick Harris walked out in his underwear was pretty funny. I thought immediately of “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston but it was also a tribute to Micheal Keaton in Birdman. 
The balls it took to do that! No pun intended. Not sure I could do it at my age, if I were in a bit better shape, hell ya, I’d be happy to show off my… okay you get the picture… Speaking of Birdman, I enjoyed the movie. And its not a Superhero movie either. As dark comedies go, it was pretty damn good. It’s also a bit ironic that former Batman star Michael Keaton played the titular role of a washed up former veteran of superhero movies vying to find acceptance as a true artist. The editing that made it look as one long take was a pretty amazing accomplishment. If you’ve not seen it, I highly recommend it from the technical standpoint as well as the story. It most definitely deserved the accolades and awards. Too bad Keaton didn’t win. Apparently he had started to take the speech out of his pocket when they announced the winner and then looked down as it went to Eddy Redmayne for “The Theory of Everything” which is one I’ve not seen either but will do so as it comes out on video.
I understand why Sean Penn said what he said because he and Director Alejandro González Iñárritu did the movie 21 Grams, so they have history. Iñárritu said the comment was hilarious. It was just a bit jarring so perhaps I’m losing my sense of humor? lol But I thought it fell flat. Some of the jokes like the one NPH said about “American Sniper” and Oprah made no sense. I was surprised that Clint Eastwood didn’t get any awards for his film. But I did post this on Facebook about Bradley Cooper: “The more I think about it, the more upset I am that Bradley Cooper was snubbed at The Oscars on Sunday. Hear me out. I know Cooper did not portray the kind of character or take on the kind of role that the snobs in Hollywood typically care for–it didn’t fit the traditional “Best Actor” mold. There was lots of violence in the film; he spent most of the movie brandishing a gun, and yes, the character was portrayed as something of a superhero in a situation with much bigger political issues at play that the movie only grazed. But his sensitive portrayal of the scars his character endured–both physical and emotional–brought an unexpected pathos to a character who could otherwise have easily just been a cartoon character. Yes, he used a firearm. Yes, his partner was a little wooden. Yes, the accent was a little distracting at times. But none of those things should have disqualified Cooper from gaining the well-deserved recognition for breathing such life into a character that enthralled us all. You know it. I know it. Deep down in their hearts, the Oscar voters know it. This year’s best performance was Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon.”
Yes, I’m being funny and I really loved “Guardians of the Galaxy” as it was space opera at it’s best. The Marvel Studios juggernaut continues unabated, even though it’s not considered award worthy (maybe for Special VFX) but the film was fun to watch. I’m looking forward to then sequel and all the movies that are coming in 2015. Hopefully the Oscars will be a better show next year. You know, if they had Jack Black host? But I’m not sure I’d want to see him in his tighty whities.
Casualty Films 