Oscars 2005

I don't know what how I feel after this year's Oscars. I thought Chris Rock was funny but he wasn't as funny as he normally is. Maybe the criticism in the weeks leading up to the show and the time delayed telecast did affect him.

But, I was thrilled that Morgan Freeman won for Million Dollar Baby. I've not seen the movie yet but Freeman's a terrific actor and I am really happy that he won. So too with Kate Blanchett who was simply superb as Katherine Hepburn in The Aviator. I felt good that my prediction (okay it wasn't really a prediction) that Jamie Foxx would win also came true. You can't be nominated in two categories and not win an Oscar!

I felt bad for Martin Scorcese though. The Aviator is a stunning movie, a difficult story to tell, and he pulled it off with such panache that it left me marvelling at his genius. Plus, he seems like a genuinely good guy and everybody seems to like "Marty". You had to feel bad for Di Caprio too; he poured his heart and soul into The Aviator.

Maybe the next time around. The Academy has a way of making up for its past mistakes (see Renee Zelleweger and Nicole Kidman).

Foxx or Di Caprio?

I saw Ray on Friday and The Aviator on Saturday. I liked both the movies. Jamie Foxx (as Ray Charles) was outstanding in Ray and Leonardo Di Caprio (as Howard Hughes) was superb in The Aviator.

I've not seen any of the other nominated actors but from all the press and the hype, you've got to believe that it comes down to these two. If I had to pick (and I'd have a hard time picking) I'd pick Foxx, just because he sometimes made me forget that I was watching Foxx and not Ray Charles. But Di Caprio was phenomenal as well. It's a tough one to call.

PS: Is there a more uncomfortable theatre in Bangalore than Plaza? The seats are just terrible and the place looks even worse. But, they do play some good Hollywood movies. Still, get a makeover or something.

Hype and Valentine

There hasn't been much noise from the "moral police" this Valentine's day. I guess they're used to the show now. Hey, maybe they're celebrating--in the privacy of their own homes of course.

All that aside, are you not sick of the Valentine's day hype? Newspapers are filled with articles about what to do, what not to do, what to buy, where to buy it, where to go, what to eat, what toilet paper to use, and so on. There are "sales" and "deals" for Valentine's day. It wouldn't surprise me if three-year olds in schools are also caught up in the hype. Maybe even pre-school kids. Get 'em early baby.

For the record, I've no problem with Valentine's day, no problem with people celebrating it, doing whatever they want. Just stop this saccharine sweetness and the over-hype. It's just too sweet.

Happy Valentine's day anyway. May you and your loved ones be safe and happy.