TV critic Mary McNamara and Big Picture columnist Patrick Goldstein panned Sunday's Oscars show, but many readers didn't agree -- and that's putting it lightly. A selection of responses from e-mails and blog comments:
Mary McNamara's snarky review of Hugh Jackman's hosting of the 81st Academy Awards show was way off. I attended an Oscar party with a diverse group of people from ages 14 to 60-plus, and everyone thought this was one of the best Academy Awards shows they'd seen. Jackman's opening number with the hilarious made-to-look-homemade sets ("Frost/Nixon" debate in lawn chairs -- bloody brilliant) and his middle number with the lovely Beyonce were especially well received.
I was moved, not chagrined, by the dialogue in which the past winners gave interpretations of what made each current nominee's performance special. What was hated by all at the party were the way too frequent commercial breaks.
Sometimes I think critics forget that the average viewer does not eat, sleep and breathe movies and television.
Adreana Langston
Long Beach
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With critics like Mary McNamara and Patrick Goldstein offering not much more than carping, who needs them?
It was one of, if not the best, Academy Awards shows ever! It had style. It honored the history of Hollywood in a most entertaining fashion, blending the past with the present. It had more emotion in the first supporting actress awards than most Academy Awards shows have in the entire four hours of drivel, forcing us to endure long-winded thank-yous and comics pushing late-night jokes in lieu of entertainment. It had people with real talent (try Hugh Jackman) performing wonderfully, keeping the show alive and seemingly spontaneous. And miracle of miracles, even the commercials seemed brief.
What more do you want?
Sylvia Lewis
Thousand Oaks
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Patrick, you are just wrong. Jackman was the best host in ages. He had talent, charisma and nice comic timing, and he's just want AMPAS needed.
Jonathan
Via Internet
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When Danny Boyle offered kudos to the Oscar telecast during his acceptance speech, those of us in the living room went wild. What a classy thing to say. And how true.
Jan Percival
San Diego
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Our entire family watched the Academy Awards show, and we all concurred that Mr. Jackman's two numbers were definite highlights.
