Quick Oscar-nite musings

A big pat on the back of those who actually stayed awake to watch the entire Oscar’s night live; I had recorded it and even with the benefit of fast-forwarding through really boring bits and the commercial breaks, I wish I could even say ‘meh’ !

This was undoubtedly one of the most uninspiring, insipid and boring Oscar ceremonies I have witnessed. Allright, so Hugh Jackman can sing, he can dance, he can self-reference during his song and dance routines, and yeah, yeah…he is the sexiest man alive, or something. But he did not bring anything extra as a host – the best one could say is that he was not as irritating as Ellen Degeneress two years ago. But that’s not really saying much.

And, that was the best choreography they could come up with for O saaya and Jai Ho: A bunch of dancers in ethnically confusing pink dresses !? Jai Ho was slightly better, but only just. they should have left it to the professionals in Mumbai ?

The moments barely enjoyable included bits of the opening routine, Tina Fey and Steve Martin’s banter, and Jerry Lewis’ acceptance. Of course,  Jai Ho to ARR and Gulzar for winning Oscars.

Finally, Kate Winslet: For fugs sake – stop the crying already and show some dignity. Meryl Streep was sitting not very far – she has won the award three times and nominated a zillion times, learn something from her.

Mamma Mia !

The musical is fluffy, predictable and borderline chick-flick. The cynical view would be to dismiss it a silly exercise in stringing  together hits of ABBA around the barest of plots.

However, once you get past the initial 20-30 minutes dominated by cheesy teeny-bopper exuberance and  awkward chemistry among the three leading men, the movie lifts itself and there is much fun to be had. Especially with the appearance of Meryl Streep and her two friends, it is tough not to catch the infectious energy of foot-tapping, shoulder swinging numbers like Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Voulez-Vous etc.

A word about Meryl Streep: whether dancing around in tight-fitting spandex or  soulfully crooning ‘The winner takes it all….‘ on the backdrop of the Aegean, her performance alone (not surprisingly) is worth the price of admission. Julie Walters and Christine Baranski as her friends are delightfully funny.  P ierce Brosnan can’t sing to save his life, but made it up by a put-on goofiness that indicated he was aware of the lack of singing talent. The most irritating bits were the parts played by the teenagers, but that could just be ageism catching up with me.

So overall, in spite of the occasional tackiness, watching Mamma Mia is not an altogether unpleasant way to spend a Friday evening; especially if you are a  bit liquored up and ready for a relaxing time (and if you happen to be a closet ABBA fan).

However, the best movie to be strung around ABBA songs still remains Muriel’s Wedding.