I'd like to thank...

So why was the Oscar telecast so dull? Doesn't it seem smaller than it used to be? Or is it because I am getting older?

There were no memorable speeches. The songs, as usual, were an embarrassment. Chris Rock's opening had some punch, but then, as always, the host seems to disappear behind brief scripted intros.

I think there should be some changes and here are a few of my suggestions: Only three producers are allowed to be winners for the Best Picture statuette - maybe they could limit the interminable thanks from winners to a list of five people plus God and your mom. Or they could have everyone submit a list of folks to thank that would run like a CNN-ticker on the bottom of the screen leaving people with enough time to actually give a brief speech instead of a laundry list. They could all tell a story about making the film for which they won the award or explain the reason they went into movies.

Anytime they bring out the guys over 70, I breathe a sigh of relief. These guys know how to stand in front of a microphone and say something. (See Sidney Lumet, Roger Mayer and Clint Eastwood). I don't know if it is because they have the wisdom of age or because they come from a time that valued the ability to speak in front of an audience. Now we only value the ability to quip in front of an audience.

Finally, get rid of the songs. Please. We are past the age of the musical.

My favorite moment from last night was Morgan Freeman's thank you speech. He didn't feel the insecure need to list every handler, agent, manager or studio executive who ever worked with him. If only every celebrity was so confident.

What do you think could save the Oscar telecast?

Technical Awards. Sure it is great that the Academy is awarding live action short film, but take both short subject awards off the air.

Maybe even move stuff like Art Direction and Costume Design to B-Program and just list the winners like they do on the Grammys.

This way we can trim the show to have the Acting categories, Picture, Director, Foreign Film, Documentary, and maybe Cinematography (spelled that wrong). It's a much leaner show even if you keep the songs (or do a medley of the songs).

The Independent Spirit Awards does something interesting. After showing a clip of each best picture nominee they roll out somebody to do a funny, silly song about the movie. Megan Mullaley was great on her song for Maria Full of Grace.

I thought having all the contestants for certain awards stand in a line on stage was silly. You notice they didn't do that with those up for the acting or directing awards. They didn't even introduce or show who went with which picture.
I missed the showing of scenes from each best picture nominee. The short clips at the end didn't do justice to the movies or tell what they were about.
I do like the best song award, as the performances provided a bit of relief from the talking. I agree with you about removing the short subject awards, but keep the art direction, costuming, etc., perhaps with a word or two about how they actually relate to the film. I have come to appreciate how a film is truly an ensemble effot, like a play, and that the producer is the manager who gets it organized.
I really love the feature on Weekend Sunday with the fellow who talks about the best film score. It has given the music much more meaning and I appreciate it more.
Chris Rock just doesn't have it. They really ought to get Billy Crystal back.

I'm putting out a call to anyone who has seen SIDEWAYS--Please explain what makes this such a great--or atleast critically acclaimed--picture.

After reading glowing reviews I still don't understand what in particular makes critics' hearts flutter about this movie. A story about two golf-playing wine snobs semms almost as interesting as watching snow melt. I've twice seen Virginia Madsen's speech when she talks about wine being "alive" and evolving: Her performance got my attention, but I felt that her character needed a good book to read or something.

Why should a beer-drinking baseball-loving reverse snob like me see this movie?

In retrospect, it does seem that Sideways is pretty much Swingers in Wine Country. I enjoyed Swingers because I cheered to see the sad sack main character rise above his arrogant friend. The same is true for Sideways.

I don't know if it was worth a Nomination, much less a Best Picture but I thought the odd couple pairing was fun and the redemption of Paul Giamatti's character evened out the low points.

Instead of listening to Beyonce sing three songs, (this isn't the Grammy's right?)why wasn't there a tribute to Marlon Brando? This year we lost an amazing actor. Brando was the driving force behind "Streetcar Named Desire," "On the Waterfront," and this little movie called "The Godfather." He single-handedly revolutionized acting, and is perhaps the greatest film actor who ever lived! It would have been nice to see a tribute to him instead of a flash of his photo while a pop singer enjoyed at least 20 minutes of the stage. Doesn't this seem backwards to anyone else?

Missed Chris Rock's intro, but what I did see wasn't too funny. Wasn't as bad as Letterman, though.

The songs were forgettable.

The format seemed unorganized. Some awardees never went to the stage to receive their Oscar, whole groups of nominees went on stage, or just the winner(s) of one award. Yeah, maybe it helped speed things up, but they can cut time other ways, like getting rid of the songs!

Sad The Aviator didn't win, but I haven't seen Million Dollar Baby. Overall, not the best Oscar night.

To Kirk re: Sideways. I enjoyed the film, but don't understand the hype.The writing is good, and the characters are interesting, but it's not this team's best work. If you haven't seen Election, also by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, it might be more to your liking than Sideways. General comment about the broadcast - what happened to all of the clips from films we've enjoyed throughout the year? There were very few this time around. The Golden Globe presentation is much more fun to watch than the Oscars. I think they should try a new producer for the show, and put Gil Cates on the sidelines.

Kirk: You aren't much of a beer-drinking baseball-loving reverse snob if you're taking the time to post on a public radio bulletin board are you? :)

As a baseball fan I don't just like to watch Guy "A" hit ball from Pitcher "B." When you think of baseball like that it's just a stick hitting a ball, and that's boring.

I enjoy taking the time to learn all about my favorite players. I've followed them since they were rookies. I know their histories, their successes, and failures. They aren't just strangers on the screen, they're people to me. I’m not just watching a ball fly back and forth, baseball I’m rooting for people I care about, and that is very entertaining. Will they succeed at what they’re trying to do, or will they fail?

Sideways is about character and it’s about story. Like baseball I enjoy films where I learn about these characters, their histories, their successes, and failures. After a couple of hours they aren’t just strangers on the screen, they’re people to me. I’m not just watching Will Smith fly around the Wild Wild West (cringe), I’m rooting for people I care about and that is very entertaining. I’d think if you truly enjoy baseball like I do, you’d like any film where the characters are worth rooting for and there is something at stake. If not, there’s always a game on TV.

Cheers.