Gloomy Oscars = Gloomy Bush Years?

Gloomy Oscars = Gloomy Bush Years?

By Tim Graham (Bio | Archive)
February 25, 2008 - 09:11 ET

In their post-Oscar coverage on Monday, Washington Post writers suggested that Hollywood's celebration of dark movies with dark characters has a political genesis, that it came from moviemakers depressed over the Bush re-election, Iraq, and global warming. In his front-page piece, reporter Hank Stuever theorized:

But these were dark movies -- the feel-bad films of the year -- conjured up in what movie people seem to collectively sense as grave times, hatched in producers' offices and on writers' laptops not long after the 2004 election and amid increasing setbacks in the Iraq war and gloomy environmental warnings. Some of the filmmakers and actors wore orange ribbons or rubber bracelets to protest alleged incidents of torture by the United States at its prison in Guantanamo Bay, and in Afghanistan and Iraq -- the subject of "Taxi to the Dark Side," which won Best Documentary Feature.

When not offering a surfeit of death and gloom, Academy nominees this year focused, in at least some metaphorical way, on all the looming issues:

Lovers died in a time of war; the thirst for oil took precedence over humanity; greedy corporate types stooped lower than low; a killer roamed the desolate U.S.-Mexican borderland.

In the Style section, reporter William Booth touched on the "dollop of politics" in the Oscar festivities, noting documentary winner Alex Gibney's hope that America would lurch left: "Let's hope we can turn this country around and move from the dark side to the light." More Bush as Darth Vader. The hot fashion accessory was apparently orange ribbons and bracelets in solidarity with terrorist suspects in Guantanamo:

Out on the red carpet, Paul Haggis (the director whose "Crash" won Best Picture in 2006) said he didn't know what accounts for all these deeply dark, brooding, troubled films. But isn't it obvious, he asked, flashing an orange ribbon on his lapel. Orange, why orange? "It's Guantanamo," his Max Azria-clad wife, Deborah, said, showing off her orange bracelet, which read: "Silence + torture = complicity." Suddenly, we noticed -- orange ribbons and bracelets everywhere.

You'd have to guess there weren't too many "24" fans in that gathering.

—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.

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Last night

February 25, 2008 - 09:22 ET by jay_1975

So my wife and I were waiting for the race to start back up (delayed until today) and she flipped to the Oscars. I told her I couldn't stand Hollywoods bias and anti-military theme. She said that she just wanted to see what was going on. After two acceptance speecheds she flipped away. At least Hollywood seems to be pushing more of the average person away. Pretty pathetic when seasoned actors in their 40's and 50's can only inspire dimwits in their liberal schools or foreign dictators.

it's the holiest of weeks

February 25, 2008 - 10:39 ET by TruthMonger

it's the holiest of weeks every year for the church of hollywood

so just allow them to worship in their own strange ways

So long as it doesn't

February 25, 2008 - 11:50 ET by jay_1975

So long as it doesn't interrupt our regulary scheduled program.

Thank goodness for

February 25, 2008 - 09:30 ET by ArchConservative

Thank goodness for satellite TV. I really enjoyed not being verbally smacked in the face and kicked in the crotch by Hollywood. The last thing I needed to see last night was the industry masturbating itself as it smeared the President, the troops, and the mission.

You support the troops by supporting the mission! If you don't support the mission, have the guts to say you don't support the troops.

Well, you know

February 25, 2008 - 09:47 ET by JayTee

The MSM is trying to force a Recession, and Hollowoodies are doing their Best to 2nd the emotion.

Actors are not really to blame, as they do what ever the Movie Monguls swammi up for Pictures/Sceen plays.

Money eventually talks, and the biggest Grossing Film was sorta left out of the awards.....but we're told the Oscars are "Artistic" awards. But is a rubber band bracelet the best "Artistic" statement that can come out of Hollowood ? Guantanamo is still around, and the propaganda didn't bring it down.....but Berserkly and locals keep trying.

Rubber bands won't hurt the United States Marines, and there is a new Movie Star coming to town, and his name is Petraeus.

I don't know what more I can do.

February 25, 2008 - 09:48 ET by JWF

I am 45 years old and I am slowly turning into one of those people that don't watch TV. If it weren't for Fox News and the military channel, my dvr would be collecting dust.

18 years I faithfully recored Letterman. no more.
I was a fan of ER. no more. Two and a half men. no more.

I don't watch their movies. I don't watch their TV shows.

I am collecting Abbott & Costello. They made movies honoring our troops. The stopped making movies honoring our troops and went on a nationwide bond campaign. Then they made some more movies honoring our troops.

Torture? give me a friggin break. waterboarding? 3 guys, 5 years ago, for a grand total of less than 5 minutes.

Shut up and ACT like you are proud of you country.

JWF, that's why the Food

February 25, 2008 - 10:18 ET by motherbelt

JWF, that's why the Food Network is on a lot in our house LOL!

I'd rather watch "Extreme Cake Challenge" and "Dinner Impossible" than 99% of the garbage that's on regular TV.

That being said, it's no surprise that the Bush haters would claim that the dark and dreary movies reflect the depression of the Bush years.

Oh, good grief! Is there anything negative that this President isn't responsible for?

The winner for Best Picture in 2000 went to "American Beauty." What does that say about the Clinton years?

→ motherbelt

February 25, 2008 - 10:18 ET by Cool Arrow

My moment of enlightenment came when I found myself watching "Parking Wars"

And I live out here in the middle of nowhere.

♣ a seal

OMG Cool....wasn't that just

February 25, 2008 - 10:20 ET by motherbelt

OMG Cool....wasn't that just the other day? My husband was watching that!! LOL!

I find myself drawn to

February 25, 2008 - 13:39 ET by ConservativeRex

I find myself drawn to watch Andrew Zimmern and the weird food he eats around the world. It's at once nauseating and fascinating and can't take my eyes off of it.

I can't even watch ESPN any longer since they are owned by ABC/Disney. Even they are too left leaning and political. Sports for God's sake, everything, and I mean everything is political to these libs.

Our House Too

February 25, 2008 - 10:29 ET by Oscar Goldman

Unless a good game show is on, it's Food Network and Fox News Channel. What do we have? 200 channels and there's nothing to watch!

Even the cartoons today are garbage. What to do when my son's old enough to watch cartoons.

Nothing on TV

February 25, 2008 - 14:05 ET by Chaitealover

About a week ago, I watched a documentary [I think it was on Animal Channel or Discovery] about Charlie Russell; a Canadian who spends his life protecting bears in a northern part of Russia. Aside from the storyline about man and bears, it had wonderful cinematography of a beautiful area I had never seen before. It made me realize how many places I’ve seen only through my TV screen.

Health and finances have made it impossible for me to travel very much. However, I have seen many beautiful and interesting parts of the world, not only in travelogues, but also as backdrops to TV shows, that I would never have seen otherwise. I don’t mean only world famous places, like Paris or London, but small communities throughout the US, back country vistas, mountain tops, tropical islands, rivers, and so forth. I remember a John Denver concert program a few years back, not because of the singer’s musical performance [which I enjoyed], but because he took the cameraman to a wilderness area in Colorado that I otherwise never would have known existed. Travel Channel's Samantha Brown visits many out-of-the-way places during her various series.

So, may I suggest to those of you who find nothing worth watching on TV: take a closer look at what’s there. Turn off the network and premium cable trash and see what’s out there. You might be pleasantly surprised.

I certainly don't recommend turning off your life to watch TV, only that there are some things worth watching.

Chai

I couldn't agree

February 25, 2008 - 14:14 ET by balboa

I couldn't agree more.

From Mythbusters, to The Universe, there are a number of quality programs.

Personnally, Good Eats with

February 25, 2008 - 15:20 ET by BD

Personnally, Good Eats with Alton Brown is my favorite. Definately must see TV as well as his Feasting on Asphault series.

Makes one wonder why we pay for PBS when private channels such as the Food Network, Military Channel, History Channel etc do SOOO much better.

Maybe they should try

February 25, 2008 - 10:32 ET by Hunter12

Maybe they should try making movies and TV shows that people want to see. The best picture ("No Country for Old Men") is an extremely violent movie with a strange end that few people went to see. It did $64 million in domestic gross. The film with the best actor ("There Will Be Blood") is also extremely violent. It cost $15 million to make and has made back $5 million (as of January) at the box office so far. The take on both of these pictures is after Oscar buzz inflated their ticket sales. In the mean time, movies you can take your family to are ignored by Oscar on the non-technical side, but continue to drag in the dough.

"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill

mb -

February 25, 2008 - 10:46 ET by drillanwr

Since September I have dropped 50 pounds ...

Now, to do that "one" must sacrifice many things "one" enjoys ...

I STOPPED watching the Food Channel ... and STOPPED my subscription to two women's magazines with all those professional pictures of finished recipies spread out in them. I don't even make a quick stop on the Food Channel anymore.

I check the news throughout the day on FNC, and the forcast of TWC ... and indulge, and cringe (the plot lines are tepid, at best, and the liberal message is so stereotypical, obvious, unrealistic and tacky I get most of my neck exercise shaking my head for nearly an hour), while watching ONLY "Cold Case" on network and in syndicated reruns on TNT.

I will check for a classic movie on one of the cable movie channels, and see if HBO (VOD) is playing anything worth the monthly fee I send them to justify my keeping them around ...

When you men get home and face an anti-war protestor, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy… ~ Attributed to General Tommy Franks

Wow, drill, congrats!!

February 25, 2008 - 10:52 ET by motherbelt

Wow, drill, congrats!! That takes a lot of will power!

Maybe I should quit the Food Network too, I need to lose....I have to admit, all that stuff does look yummy, even if I don't cook it all. But my hubby watches TV a lot, and I'd rather he have that on than the daytime shows and the "People's Court" junk. That stuff just drives me up a wall!

mb -

February 25, 2008 - 12:06 ET by drillanwr

My diet tips:

Cut exposure to anything with the "food subject" I actually "fasted" for a couple days ... just a tall coffee (1 Splenda and a double shot 2% milk) first thing in the a.m., and ice water the rest of the day ... to get my appetite down. My stomach did something it hadn't done in nearly 8 years ... grumbled. I still take a day out of a week and fast.

Absolutely NO sugar, sweets, junk snacks or "take out" that was "obviously" NOT sensible, or ANYTHING fried, and VERY measured carbs (potatoes, pastas, breads, cereals)

A diet of:

A cup low or no fat, sugar free vanilla yogurt with fresh (or frozen) fruits in it

Water, water, water, vitamins

Salads, fruits, vegetables ...

and MEAT/fish/poultry

With me it was about taking control back. NOW I think before I chose something to eat ... Food doesn't choose me anymore. I'm not maniacal about it (I'll nibble on a French fry out of my daughter's Happy Meal ... had a slim slice of cake and one scoop of ice cream for her birthday yesterday) ... I've just changed my mental approach to my daily nourishment.

My reward? Since September, I went from a size 14 to a size 8 ... and I'm not done. I got my eye on a guilty pair of Levi's button fly 501s (just like my high school days!) by spring ... and they ain't cheap! And, my hubby, who has been hunting for a new (used) car for me went from looking at SUVs and "mom-type" cars, to "sportier" models.

I am 45 years old and I

February 25, 2008 - 10:29 ET by dvdaughtry

I am 45 years old and I am slowly turning into one of those people that don't watch TV. If it weren't for Fox News and the military channel, my dvr would be collecting dust.

I am 28 and have turned into that. We just turned on (5 years with out cable) basic cable so we didn't have to use the rabbit ears to watch the networks for our (wife and I) favorite weekly shows (House, 24, I know, I know, Prison Break, American Idol). But our cable company mistakenly gave us standard, so we get the whole gamut.

I will watch more when the MLB season starts, but thats about all I watch. FOX game of the week, TBS, WGN, and ESPN are just about all I watch--and thats from only April thru October.

"I ain't got an arm like yours. I gotta put anything on I can find--and someday, you will too."

How About They Take Responsibility

February 25, 2008 - 10:17 ET by Pam

Responsibility for their own failures. They thought the American people were as enamored with them as they are with themselves. We aren't. We don't care to waste money on garbage. Where is the talent that used to be Hollywood? In rehab? Getting botox? Getting those swag bags, the only reason to show up at the awards show btw..How many people saw these movies? The mouths in Hollywood ruined it, not the viewing public, and certainly not George Bush.

I agreed to watch the awards with my wife....

February 25, 2008 - 10:29 ET by NavyBuckeye

My wife is full blow lib and loves the Hollywood fiascos that are deemed news worthy. I on the other hand find them very elementary and ridiculous.

I did though watch the Oscars with her(makes up for her endless hours of football watching during the fall), and for the most part the presenters and speeches did not really attack Bush or the war or the economy....which was to my suprise. But good ol lib air bag John Stewart(the host) managed to get his Obama backing in when ever he had the chance. He also made remarks about McCain and Hillary....but the messiah Obama was just praised. I was hoping they ran a skit were he was sniped out, but then realized some one put real bullets in the gun instead of blanks(and if that comment hurts the easily offended.....deal with it.)

“Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter” - Thomas Jefferson

Shall we talk about the documentary portion?

February 25, 2008 - 12:31 ET by Pam

Our troops presented the "short documentary" category, only to be followed by the "documentary" category when a movie made about Abu Gahrib won.

Fortunately...

February 25, 2008 - 14:48 ET by NavyBuckeye

I missed that portion. I was switching over to the NFL channel to watch the Combine during the commercials. I was never quick to go back to the Oscars...but of course my wife would chime in with her "hmm, hmmm" to remind me. I read the article on NB'ers and this is just BS and a complete and utter slap in the face to those GI's. I am Navy and feel for the grunts over there. I have had numerous friends due tours(even as Navy guys) over there and they all come back saying how the regular Iraqi(muslim) are very good people and love the Americans for freeing them. But they also say the extreme sect over there is always trying to stir the pot.

“Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter” - Thomas Jefferson

we could do what they do in

February 25, 2008 - 10:36 ET by TruthMonger

we could do what they do in the middle east...

and just retort that Bush was only fixing the global terror mess that the libs created under clintoon and co

to which the libs could claim they were just "fixing" all the prosperity and progress of the Reagan/Bush era...

to which we could claim was just an attempt to restore America from the absolutely astounding carter malaise...

but then they could just say that carter was only trying to fix the Kennedy and Johnson cold-war/viet nam mess that Nixon and Ford inherited...as well as throw in some good ol billy-beer double-digit inflation for good measure...

Dark Clouds over Hollywood

February 25, 2008 - 10:24 ET by Oscar Goldman

The dark clouds in Hollywood symbolize the fall of entertainment. The actors, producers and writers today fail to see their own hands in dimming the lights. Hollywood of yesteryear was about entertainment allowing Americans to step away from reality for a few hours. Today, Hollywood as a collective industry sees itself as an instrument for social, economic, and political thought. What qualifies these self-annointed "experts?"

While we are all free (for the moment) to have our own beliefs and opinions, Hollywood has a unique and privileged place. They have access and a podium. It is clear that today's entertainers abuse their influence and inhibit free thought. Hollywood indoctrinates -- only one view is shown.

They are hypocrites living in a private world secluded from reality that few Americans will ever see -- private jets, guarded homes, personal assistants catering to every need, etc. Hollywood is also a brutal world for employees. Look at disparities in wages between those "above the line" and "below the line." Talk about eating their own. Hollywood shows itself as a glamourous, over-the-top affair. Most actors starve and wait tables. Why would anyone who must work so hard to succeed want higher taxes and more government interference? Without Leftist indoctrination, their beliefs in high taxes and government programs are illogical.

Remember the "bruha" when the IRS told Hollywood that the $100,000 "gift" baskets were taxable? The hypocrites shouted "foul" from the rooftops. I wonder how much celebrities receive in free stuff just because they are how the are while the rest of us working saps pay full price? And, how much are they over-charged when someone else -- studio, production company, etc. -- is picking up the tab?

I would agree except for

February 25, 2008 - 11:05 ET by balboa

I would agree except for what Shawn pointed out: Spider-Man 3, Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Transformers. These weren't made as an instrument of political thought. They were made to entertain and make a butt-load of money.

Hi, bal -

February 25, 2008 - 11:30 ET by drillanwr

I also found myself quite enjoying "Cloverfield" ... I'd like to see more smaller studio products like that.

Cloverfield was great fun!

February 25, 2008 - 11:39 ET by balboa

Cloverfield was great fun! I like the smaller movies, and I enjoy a good blockbuster. I thought the Good Shepherd was great stuff.

I'm not above it ...

February 25, 2008 - 11:56 ET by drillanwr

I have guilty pleasures too ... "Beerfest" is a current junk movie fave of mine ...

"These weren't made as an

February 25, 2008 - 13:10 ET by Indiana Joe

"These weren't made as an instrument of political thought. They were made to entertain and make a butt-load of money."

Gee, silly me. I thought Hollywood's job WAS to "entertain and make a butt-load of money."

Why don't these inspired "savers-of-mankind" make careers out of politics, or op-ed journalism, if they want to "make a difference?" Could it be because it doesn't pay as well, and lacks the adulation of "the biz?"

They're just a bunch of hypocrites, IMO.

politics of

February 25, 2008 - 13:18 ET by TruthMonger

Spider-Man 3: anti-Bush/Iraq (stoking rage to achieve a result that ultimately hurts the people you've enraged)

Pirates of the Caribbean 3: criminals are great, businessmen are bad

Transformers: President Bush brings evil transformers into the world by cheating on his wife

every Hollywood film must include leftard politics by law now

PLEASE tell me you're

February 25, 2008 - 14:21 ET by balboa

PLEASE tell me you're joking.

who is that president at

February 25, 2008 - 15:37 ET by TruthMonger

who is that president at the beginning of transformers bal?

are pirates good law-abiding citizens? are large corporations evil?

what is the moral of SP3 in your humble opinion?

In the end, the

February 25, 2008 - 16:08 ET by balboa

In the end, the Transformers was about defeating evil robots.

Pirates was about defeating Davy Jones.

The moral of SP3 has nothing to do with Iraq. It's about defeating the Sandman and Venom.

the evil robots were the

February 25, 2008 - 17:29 ET by TruthMonger

the evil robots were the result of the horny republican president

pirates 3 was about pirate criminals defeating the east india trading COMPANY

SP3...ah, never mind...

You're trying too hard. Just

February 25, 2008 - 17:33 ET by balboa

You're trying too hard. Just enjoy the movies.

True

February 25, 2008 - 12:58 ET by Oscar Goldman

Hollywood does occassionally produce a pure entertainment movie with almost no political overtones. What else would finance all the loser productions? Even some of the blockbusters have a line or two taking subtle jabs at the President.

When Ronald Reagan was President, the enterainment industry would often poke fun at him. There was irony and sarcasm that made Reagan himself laugh. Today, poking fun and the President and Vice-President is not funny at all. The jokes are tired and old and beat the same drum over and over.

Favorite SNL Reagan Skit

February 25, 2008 - 14:18 ET by JWF

My favorite SNL skit was where they made Reagan out to be a supergenious. He was laying out all the plans for Iran/Contra, none of his aides could follow him, he was talking so fast. Finally he said never mind, I will do it all myself. He got on the phone and could talk a couple different languages, including Farsi. He had no time for his good friend Jimmy Stewart, and rushed through a picture opportunity with a boy scout or something.

It was funny becuase it ran against type at the time.

Great skit, with early Phil

February 25, 2008 - 15:35 ET by Hero Squad

Great skit, with early Phil Hartman as Reagan. He was in complete control of everything, then turned into the more simplified persona when meeting with a Girl Scout who sold the most cookies. As soon as she leaves, his smile vanishes, claps his hands and "Back to work!"

Pro- or anti-Reagan, it made you laugh.

*****

"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will

That's all you got, Hollywood?!?!?

February 25, 2008 - 10:35 ET by drillanwr

What a weak and lame sub-subculture of narcissistic, overpaid, overly self-important, UNIMPORTANT slobs. Orange ribbons for Gitmo? Exactly what did they wear in support of those prisoners who were tortured under Castro that were just released and told their stories last week?

FYI, Hollywood ... NOBODY saw your "flicks" ... Nobody gives a flying leap at the Moon about your sophomoric political or war angst tantrums put to film or video. They made no MONEY!

We can only hope YOU go the same route as the former USSR went ... You will hopefully run out of funding/money for your useless "weapons" against this country and her people.

You have become the "Edsel" of all the industries in this country ...

drillanwr

February 25, 2008 - 10:46 ET by shawn228

I would have to disagree, even though Hollywood is not making as much money as last yr, they are still putting seats in the theaters

Speaking of last yr. Do you remember the year of the sequals. Spiderman 3, Pirates of the Caribbeon 3 and Shrek 3? I believe that year was record gross.

Are you just talking about anti war flicks?

Real Freedom

even though Hollywood is

February 25, 2008 - 10:54 ET by motherbelt

even though Hollywood is not making as much money as last yr, they are still putting seats in the theaters

shawn, that's because especially among the younger crowd, that's "what they do" on the weekends...they go out to see whatever the newest release is. Not because they have heard it's great, but just because it's "what they do" and they haven't seen it.

Untrue motherbelt

February 25, 2008 - 10:59 ET by shawn228

Kids these days are a lot smarter than you give them credit for. Take the new movie Jumper for example. Lots of business the first weekend, but nada the next weekend because word of mouth and internet reviews killed it.

Hollywood was not a record gross last year for no reason.

Last year was a record year

February 25, 2008 - 11:42 ET by Roger the Shrubber

Last year was a record year because of TICKET PRICES, nothing more, Shawn.

Roger re: Spiderman 3

February 25, 2008 - 22:14 ET by shawn228

Yes, you have a point. I mean Titanic, ET and Star Wars would not be the number 1 money makers of all time. I bet Gone With the Wind would be the number 1 movie If we are talking about attendance alone.

The thing is drillanwar eluded to no one wanting to see anything Hollywood make. I will only bring up 1 of those movies I mentioned. Spiderman 3. That movie grossed around 337 million dollars in the United States. Average price for a ticket at is 10 bucks for adult and 6.50 for a child and everyone pays less for a matinee, so to be fair I used the number 8 as the average movie ticket price.

That means over over 42 million people watched Spiderman 3 alone. That does not sound like a small #, high prices or not.

shawn -

February 25, 2008 - 22:50 ET by drillanwr

If you scroll back up you just might see I clarified my first remark.

MY intention was Redacted ... Rendition ... Lions For Lambs ... In The Valley Of Elah ...etc. ... the political/antiwar/antiAmerica tripe that is churned out with great regularity these days, and then waved around under our noses as self-righteous indignation and honored at the awards shows, even though they bombed big time at the B.O. ... In other words, they are the proverbial "money pits" ... What business can survive on such non-logic? IF the public really felt the way Hollywood did about the war and politics the theaters would be sold out for this crap every night ... but they aren't.

YES! I know the "entertaining" movies still draw them in and make the money ... MOST especially kid and family movies ... and the silly young adult fare ... YOU'D THINK HOLLYWOOD WOULD GET A FRIGGIN' CLUE! ... but how many of THOSE were REALLY honored front and center last night?

I certainly HOPE I have gotten through to you about this after 12 hours ...

I think there are people who

February 25, 2008 - 22:58 ET by balboa

I think there are people who love to make blockbusters in Hollywood. Michael Bay, "action" heroes, etc. Then there are actors and directors who will do a money-maker in order to try something different, something challenging. Sometimes those movies are huge hits (Juno, other independent hits), sometimes they're not.

I tend to believe that people don't go to war movies during the conflict because they don't want to be reminded of what they've been avoiding / having to watch on the news.

FWIW, out the movies you mentioned, only one -- Valley of Elah -- was represented last night.

drillanwr

February 25, 2008 - 23:02 ET by shawn228

Yes I saw you clarify your remark, I was simply explaining to roger that Spiderman 3 put lots of butts in seats and was using your original post as reference

It is just frustrating because I see lots of comments on here like, I did not care about the writers strike, no one watches that stuff anymore, or no one pays attention to Hollywood anymore.

I am just saying that they still makes lots of money and lots of people are still willing to pay for cable/sattellite or admission to the movies, because I would say the boycott of Hollywood is very much the minority

btw

Congratulations on your weight loss, I have been trying to get healthy and lose weight for the past few months. I have lost 8 lbs and feel healther, but I still got 15 to go. I would not want Leon to hate me would I? :-)

It is just frustrating

February 25, 2008 - 23:05 ET by balboa

It is just frustrating because I see lots of comments on here like, I did not care about the writers strike, no one watches that stuff anymore, or no one pays attention to Hollywood anymore.

Yeah, I love that. It's such hogwash.

Hey, guys -

February 25, 2008 - 23:17 ET by drillanwr

I (sort of) like Hollywood ... when they do their primary job ... entertaining ... NOT preaching.

Sometimes they get it right.

And Shawn, thanks ... besides the "process" I listed above for my weight-loss I drank/drink a lot of green tea ... and steamed foods when possible. Most Chinese rest. offer steamed dishes, with the sauce on the side ... that I refuse ... Oh, and start off NOT getting mustard, mayo, ketsup, or related "sauces" on your take-out sammies ... IT IS amazing how after a short time of doing this you actually TASTE the individual food(s) in the sandwich.

drillanwr

February 25, 2008 - 23:31 ET by shawn228

Its weird, that I just found out you were a woman today, same with bigtimer, I did not know until much later as well

I have been drinking lots of green tea as well and cutting the sodium because the doc said the choleseral and tryglicerides were high.

I have been eating the Burger King every day for lunch for a while now. I order the tendergrill with no mayo and dump a whole bunch of tobasco on it. Cutting carbs is hard for me because I live bread, potatoes and rice and don't get me started on the KFC's Thigh and wing bucket.

How about oranges, i am addicted to those little tangerines. Since it is fruit does the vitamin c counteract the sugur?

Well, to me fruit is fruit

February 25, 2008 - 23:46 ET by drillanwr

Well, to me fruit is fruit ... It just IS.

I figure if I'm cutting breads, spuds and the like (I do eat pita bread with Middle Eastern food, and to make sammies at home with), and sweets and snacks ... then I can and will eat whatever fruit I darn well please.

I didn't consult anything as a guide ... just went with my gut ... literally and figuratively ... And I AM a steak maniac. I just watch the fat on any meat I'm eating ...

Oh, and down-size portions ... Try using a small dish instead of a regular-sized dinner plate ... Even IF you decide to take a seconds of something, and limit it to just that, it's still smaller than a regular portion ... then get up from the table when finished. (Which I don't even have to do anymore)

Good luck.

True Dat

February 25, 2008 - 11:44 ET by V the K

<i>that's because especially among the younger crowd, that's "what they
do" on the weekends...they go out to see whatever the newest release
is. Not because they have heard it's great, but just because it's "what
they do" and they haven't seen it.</i>

I have two teenagers, and I can verify that.

shawn

February 25, 2008 - 11:03 ET by drillanwr

Let me clarify my remark ...

I agree with you about the movies that keep Hollywood afloat ... So they can fund the crap that they worshiped and honored last night. But that, to me at least, is shaky business practice, at best.

While I'm always satisfied

February 25, 2008 - 11:24 ET by Hero Squad

While I'm always satisfied when the Coen brothers win awards (they made "Raising Arizona," for which I am eternally grateful), looking at the list of winners makes you wonder if this is what the year will truly be remembered for in film.

Hollywood used to get it right more often than not, honoring movies that celebrate both artistic and commercial achievement. These days, it's been more miss than hit.

The Bourne Ultimatum and Ratatouille were the only movies to win Oscars that were in the top 10 of gross for 2007.

I think they got it right with giving Juno a writing award, though.

Hollywood does make it tough to take a young kid to the movies these days. Only movie I saw in the theater in the past year was "Alvin and the Chipmunks." Not a cinematic achievement by any stretch, but funny and entertaining enough for my soon-to-be 7-year-old daughter. But there was really no choice in the matter, with nothing else playing at the time that was appropriate or of interest to her.

Result? It's a movie that grosses $212 million in the U.S. The Best Picture nominees combined earned $325 million... nearly half of which was "Juno", the brightest of the bunch.

*****

"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will

HS -

February 25, 2008 - 12:02 ET by drillanwr

"Fargo" ... a classic!

"Norm made eggs ... Oh, yaaa ..."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TF3z-j8o39I

Actually, Holloywood

February 25, 2008 - 11:29 ET by Roger the Shrubber

Actually, Holloywood grossed more money in 2007 than in 2006, but put the same amount of butts into the seats.

You have it right, kinda, Shawn:

Summer saved Hollywood this year because attendance was disastrous in the Fall thanks to an avalanche of so-called “serious” movies the American people rejected out of hand. Hollywood’s inability to make serious-fare appealing to the public is a growing problem that only promises to get worse.

Any thoughts on the Oscars

February 25, 2008 - 10:49 ET by Hero Squad

Any thoughts on the Oscars using video of U.S. military personnel to announce the nominees for Best Short Subject Documentary? Was this an attempt to "balance" the otherwise anti-war (anti-military) sentiment of Hollywood?

(Incidentally, that Oscar went to a film about same sex marriage.)

*****

"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will

Message received.

February 25, 2008 - 11:42 ET by V the K

All the acting awards went to foreigners. The picture award and nominations were tilted toward grim, anti-American films. We get it, Hollywood. You hate America.

No Country for Old Men

February 25, 2008 - 11:54 ET by steveba4

No Country for Old Men wasn't a lefty propaganda movie. If anything, it's "message" scews to the right. I'm actually surprised it beat There Will be Blood which is a typical left wing anti capitalism affair. I highly recommend No Country for Old Men.

I sorta thought "No Country"

February 25, 2008 - 13:16 ET by Indiana Joe

I sorta thought "No Country" was going to be trashed as anti-immigrant. I did enjoy it, but was sorely disappointed at the "nothing" ending.

→ No Country for Old Men

February 25, 2008 - 13:20 ET by Cool Arrow

You mean that movie wasn't about John McCain?

♣ a seal

CA -

February 25, 2008 - 14:39 ET by drillanwr

LMAO!

Yes, IJ! I thought the

February 25, 2008 - 13:42 ET by balboa

Yes, IJ! I thought the exact same thing.

Yes, IJ! I thought the

February 25, 2008 - 13:45 ET by balboa

Yes, IJ! I thought the exact same thing.

Rambo Should win best Action Movie in 2008

February 25, 2008 - 11:42 ET by PopularTech

I doubt it will but I can only hope...

Rambo: Trailer (Video) (4min)

Rambo Kill Chart

I could not believe how good this movie was, it has been a long time since I've seen a real action movie.

The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource

Really? Rambo?

February 25, 2008 - 11:53 ET by balboa

Really? Rambo?

Is there an award for

February 25, 2008 - 12:14 ET by Hero Squad

Is there an award for that?

*****

"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will

Gloomy Clinton years - Oscars of Suicide, Pedophilia, Abortion

February 25, 2008 - 11:53 ET by Dee Bunk

Dead people and people on Death Row

1999 Best Picture Oscar Noms

American Beauty - depression,suicide,pedophilia and sick disturbed disconnected families

Cider House Rules - Abortions and Orphans and more and more Abortion

Sixth Sense - Dead People Dead People Dead People

Green Mile - Torture and People on death row

Don't forget the nod for

February 25, 2008 - 12:19 ET by Hero Squad

Don't forget the nod for "The Insider" - heroic media takes on the bad guys.

My goodness, how was there not a 5-way tie in '99?

*****

"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will

Oh Yeah - thanks Hero - I left that one off

February 25, 2008 - 13:13 ET by Dee Bunk

The Insider - very dark corporate greed story

Orange ribbons, eh?

February 25, 2008 - 12:21 ET by drillanwr

I guess the "red" ribbons were successful at curing AIDS ...

Where?

February 26, 2008 - 01:12 ET by Chaitealover

I admit to watching the program last night; but for the fashions only. I don't go to movies any more and have seen none of the nominees [I changed the channel whenever Jon Stewart started to blather]. I noticed one ribbon on a male winner, but it seemed to be gold [metal]. Perhaps it had some colored stones like a breast cancer one I have that's gold with pink stones, but I couldn't tell.

After reading about the orange ribbons here, I made a point of watching a couple of the re-hash programs this evening. I couldn't spot one orange ribbon or bracelet, either on someone being interviewed or in the crowd. They couldn't have been all that prominent. I did see a ribbon on Julie Christie's dress, but it looked more red than orange.

The bracelets I saw weren't rubber, they were diamonds.

Chai

“...Bury me on my face,” said Diogenes; and when he was asked why, he replied, “Because in a little while everything will be turned upside down.”

I watched even less than

February 26, 2008 - 02:36 ET by drillanwr

I watched even less than you did ... And I read about the orange ribbons here.

Same here. I never noticed

February 26, 2008 - 09:54 ET by balboa

Same here. I never noticed ribbons of any kind.

Idiot Hollywood morons. Here

February 25, 2008 - 12:37 ET by rbosque

Idiot Hollywood morons. Here in LA, they are worshiped at every turn by the local and MSM. I refuse to bow down.

Dr. Strangelove

February 25, 2008 - 13:54 ET by V the K

During the Oscars, I was watching a DVD of Dr. Strangelove. There are still some drop-dead hilarious lines in it, like Peter Sellars speech at the end. But overall, it looks a bit infantile after all these years. I'm sure giving all of the characters names that were sexual innuendoes seemed like the height of cheek back in 1963. But now, it just comes across as juvenile. And apparently, juvenile sexual innuendo is still seen as cutting edge by the left. So, Dr Strangelove may mark the precise moment the left reached its highest state of maturity.

21 % less audience was watching Oscar

February 25, 2008 - 14:37 ET by JayTee

Preliminary ratings for the 80th annual Academy Awards telecast were 14 percent lower than the least-watched ceremony ever, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Nielsen said Monday that overnight ratings were also 21 percent lower than last year, when "The Departed" was named best picture.

JT -

February 25, 2008 - 14:42 ET by drillanwr

Gee ... guess the Academy should think about just letting it go directly to DVD, and not releasing it to TV screens, eh?

Burn, Hollywood, burn

February 25, 2008 - 15:01 ET by greenfairie

Why don't they go to Guantanamo and entertain the inmates, bring a little cheer to their waterboarded lives? I'm sure the jihadists would love it. In fact the guards can tell you about all of the bodily fluids slung at them to show the inmates' appreciation for the three hots and a cot, prayer times, and even Harry Potter books.

Wear that on your Max Azaria gown!

How appalling to award a film portraying our soldiers as a bunch of crazed, evil murderers right after having a group of them present an award.

You all keep enjoying that declining Oscar viewership and box office.

Personnally,

February 25, 2008 - 15:18 ET by BD

Oscars

February 25, 2008 - 16:22 ET by lhbarnes

When movies become the stage for political agendas, people no longer like the movies unless they are of the same mind as those that produced, directed, and acted in those movies. Want to have higher ratings for the Oscar show? Get politics out! And, of course, the Oscars are only the entertainment industry giving themselves awards. From the poll results, the only people that care anything about them are those in the industry and the media that has fallen into the cesspool.