I was surprised at myself that I guessed many of them correctly without having seen any of the films. Part of this is because I’ve seen the political pattern of voting…but I was surprised that Slumdog took so much. I might have to see that movie.
Thanks for the compliments on the storyline. It gives me confidence to do more of them more often!
I wish I was updating daily, too. At least then I wouldn’t feel like I was dragging people through a 3 month-long odyssey to get some resolution on these plot lines! 🙂
Slumdog swept more than I thought it would, so that threw off my card (which it should’ve it being an awesome movie). Ditto for Benjamin Button taking the technical awards (guess it was too much to ask for Hellboy II). Though WALL-E getting nothing beyond Best Animated (especially the snubbings in the sound categories) is absolutely ridiculous. Though my annoyance did subside for when Penn won, I was rooting for him.
The show itself was… interesting. Bit too much dancing and musical numbers for my tastes (and who did they get to sing Down to Earth? Not the right guy it seems), and the In Memorium part wasn’t well done at all. Jackman was alright, but he didn’t seem very memorable to me.
Now, as to your comic storyline, keep it up. Love these little stories from time to time, they really breath some extra life into the characters 🙂
Hellboy II’s makeup was certainly inventive and deserved to be recognized. But the makeup in BJ Button called less attention to itself, which good makeup should always do.
John Legend performed Down to Earth when Peter Gabriel protested the Academy’s decision to only allow 90 seconds to perform the song in a montage. I thought Legend botched it, too.
Totally with you on the In Memorium. It was a train wreck. They shouldn’t have someone performing a song during that. It’s distracting and disrespectful. Who are we supposed to be paying attention to: The artists who passed or Queen Latifah?
Something I really liked about the show but forgot to mention was how they had 5 previous winners come out and address each of the current acting nominees individually. I thought it was really classy, but I don’t see how they can duplicate the gimmick more than a few times. There aren’t enough of them still alive!
I was surprised by the Oscars last night. Hugh Jackman was a very good host. No lame jokes – except for that musical number with Beyonce and the two kids from “High School Musical”, gross! I LOVED it when Ben Stiller came out as Joaquin Phoenix. Classic! I just wish Christian Bale would’ve presented the Cinematography award instead. Now THAT would’ve scored some ratings, haha!
By the way, I’m not a fan of the storyline here. I’m not looking for a punchline or anything, but it just doesn’t seem to be paying off. It isn’t over so I could be wrong.
That’s a fair criticism on the story line. But I assure you — I do have an ending in mind! I’ll be curious to know your thoughts once everything has wrapped up. Would you say you’re more a fan of the gag-a-day comics? Have you ever read any of my other longer story lines? Just wanting to pick your brain a little! 😀
Steve,
Thanks for the compliments (and good to hear from a first-time commenter!). You got exactly what I was going for with that last panel! Whew! Load of my mind!
Long time reader, first time poster… heh.
Just wanted to say “hi” Tom, seeing how you started the comments section to hear from more of your readers. Also, I really wanted to compliment you on the last panel of today’s strip. It sets things up great, and automatically cues that low, ominous music in my mind.
I guess that’s understandable about BB, but still, didn’t feel right with me. I think it may be me wondering just how much of the makeup in it wasn’t digital (and my general feelings that Del Toro just just get the art awards every year, regardless of who’s nominated :P).
As to the 5 past winners thing, I actually didn’t think too highly of that. I’m much rather see a clip of the nominee’s performance that have someone (regardless of who) come out and explain it to the audience. Just seems really unnecessary (I mean, they can give a clip to Best Screenplay, complete with stilted reading of the lines).
And since I’m here, my Heath Ledger argument (should’ve put this in other posts, my apologies): I personally think he was just there (and won) because he was dead. He did a damn fine performance, there’s no denying that, but his death seemed to rally everyone at the Academy into realizing this. Had he been alive, he wouldn’t have come up, since they still tend to snub comic book movies. RDJ got some weird nom for Tropic Thunder but nothing for Iron Man, Hellboy II gets a solitary nomination, TDK in general gets nothing except that random bone for Sound Editing (and Heath). And that’s just this year.
I dunno, I could just be complaining for the sake of it (and I was also rooting for Brolin, since he needs his), but it just doesn’t seem right. But hey, he still got it, so more kudos to him.
I thought Hugh Jackman did a good job. He can only do so much with what he is given. I liked the genre “yearbook” idea they did this year. It highlighted movies that didn’t get nominated and that is nice. I also liked how they had the stage set up during the award presentations.
The song and dance in the middle was tiresome. Thank god for DVR! Beyonce just needs to stop. She doesn’t need to be everywhere….she is not Visa.
Tom – digging the arc. Take your time and tell your story my friend. I think the wait will pay off.
I watched the Oscars last night. I was tired of seeing Brad Pitt every 10 minutes. The award had to go to Ledger. It had been snowballing since his death and it was too much to stop, even for the academy. They did flex their muscle and pick Penn over Rourke. I loved The Wrestler and thought Rourke should have won . I didn’t even listen to Penn. It was the only time I muted the broadcast. I also liked the 5 winners hyping up the nominees. Except for that Google reference by Brody. Lastly, I thought Hugh Jackman was great. One of the best hosts in years. That man performed last night and he deserves a ton of credit.
Ok, really lately…I’m enjoying the storyline so far but I do agree that it seems like it’s taking a while where as it would fit right in with a daily comic. Perhaps it’s just because I’m not used to the long format storylines. I expect them from Multiplex where the one-off comic is pushed to the back in favor of a story. Every time you do attempt a story though you knock it out of the park so I’m interested to see how far into the stands this one lands.
I was generally confused by the Oscar’s this year… Was it trying to bring back Hollywood glam or give an inside peak at the guts of doing a production (seeing the “raw” backdrop with the crystal curtain… Huh?) Anyway, Jackman was forgettable, the audience seemed really small and on top of the stage, DK was trully snubbed, and I was motion sick after the In Memorium fiasco.
Like you Tom, my correct predictions were very low, 14, because the Academy was all over Slumdog and BB. Someone at the Oscar party I attended actually got 20 right.
All in all it was a banner year for India though with Slumdog almost sweeping and the Best Documentary Short going to Smile Pinki.
I tryed watching the oscars as much as possible but i was working so made it difficult.
I will say tho what i liked from watching live and on youtube:
Hugh i enjoyed as the host hopefully they will bring him back in later years
Im a sucker for montages and i enjoyed most of them. The pineapple express one was my fav. And i would have to agree with queen latifah singing during In Memoradium. it just seemed awkward.
What i didn’t like tho:
I wasn’t a fan of the previous winners announcing the nominees that also seemed very awkward. and some of the winners have turned into b-list celebs in my mind (whoopi) so i found the quality of the show to go down. Im not watching hollywood squares here.
other then that i wasn’t really surprised by the winners expect Penn.
as for the strip: Can’t wait for the finale!!
but i must admit i was kinda hoping for an oscar comic strip today. o well. I was hoping you would rehash the one from a couple a years ago about Tom flipping out over Crash beating out Brokeback for best picture.
can’t wait for wednesday!
Yeah, I was kind of bummed that I didn’t do an Oscar strip this year, too. But honestly? There have been less and less upsets as the years go on. Hard to be outraged over any of the winners last night. Well, except Iron Man losing Best Visual Effects.
But at this point who wants another Iron Man comic from me? 😉
Im enjoying the storyline.
Now excuse me as I show off a little…ha told about Ledger winning.
Now that Im done with that I surprisingly enjoyed the opening, with Jackman sticking up for comic book movies and the line Ill always remember “I’m Wolverine!”
I would like to say that I liked almost all of the Oscar show this year, with one exception. How are they going to put two TEEN stars from twilight up there talking about eternal endless love in the movies. Those two are not old enough to have a clue what love is about. I considered this to be the huge miss of the night, followed by the Jackman/Beoncye #.
Mickey Rourke losing REALLY bothered me. I didn’t see Milk, so perhaps Sean Penn was absolutely incredible, but the Wrestler really was quite incredible as art, and Rourke took that thing completely on his shoulders. I was actually mad that it didn’t get a nomination beyond the two acting ones.
I’m not really sure why you’re questioning whether Ledger would of been nominated had he still been alive. It’s not like he hasn’t been nominated for an oscar before and he’s an acclaimed actor. And as far as being a comic book movie, his performance outshined anything of the norm. So maybe you’re right and the Oscar picks are insane, but he certainly deserved it.
I’m not saying that it’s not completely outside the realm of possibility that Ledge would have been nominated were he alive and for all the same reasons you citied. He’s been nominated before, he was an acclaimed actor and his performance as the Joker was thoroughly transformative and riviting. There was a lot of things he did right with the role — changing everything about himself from the way he walked and talked to even that slightly perverted Midwestern accent he put on. It’s a powerhouse performance. Believe me when I say I was thrilled to see his work recognized in such a way. I don’t mean to subtract from that.
BUT! There was certainly a lot of hype surrounding Ledger’s death and Warner Bros. took advantage of that, pouring money into a campaign to get him nominated. Would they have made that investment were he alive or would his performance as the Joker be a very prominent feather in his cap – one that the Academy might look at later down the line when they nominated him for a more “legitimate” performance? Or, since he’s no longer here and has no future opportunities to be nominated, Warner Bros. made a push while public support was behind them.
So there’s no confusion, I don’t mean to label comic book movies as an “illegitimate” genre. I’m just approaching this politically — like the Academy would.
And if you don’t think they don’t hand out “gold watch” awards, look at Kate Winslet. She’s been turning in bravura performances for years and she wins for The Reader? If that award wasn’t for cumulative effort, I don’t know what was.
To quote a comical genius, Mr. Billy Crystal… from a not so comically genius movie America’s Sweethearts (i personally loved it, but no one else really seemed to appreciate as much…)
-Survival rule number three:
You’re not here to love. You’re here to promote.
That’s it. Period.
Say you get word your mother died, hit by a bus or something…
You go downstairs, shed a tear and say:
”lt’s a shame. She would’ve loved this movie…”
LMAO i really love this line. However i’ve seen through reading your posts that it couldn’t ring more true, especially in this case of how the Heath’s death being used to advertise Dark Knight. Guess that’s the way Hollywood works. They’ll scape together any and all of what they can find to promote. i remember the hype behind the movie The Crow. All of a sudden everyone wants to see the movie Brandon Lee actually was shot dead in. ya know? I still believe that Heath’s talent definitely would’ve promoted itself had he still been alive, however i don’t think it would’ve even touched close to the magnitude that his death promoted. Like Picaso, some artists aren’t awarded their true worth until it’s their last.
“no no no… i kill the bus driver….”
~Heath Ledger~
Can’t say I’m all that upset about the Best Original Song nominees and their brief running time. I love each song and the movies they come from but live they were weak. John Legend butchered Down to Earth and he only made matters worse interrupting Rahman singing ‘Jai Ho’. Trying to finish up your song in the middle of somebody else’s already-ongoing performance just sounds uneven.
I saw Milk and I thought that Sean Penn actually deserved this win (not so much for Mystic River, we’ve seen him play that kind of role before, but anyway), though I did think Mickey Rourke would get it. But you’re right Tom, everyone wins in that situation. I too had doubts about Heath winning, just because you’re dead, doesn’t mean you’ll get an award (James Dean anyone?).
My biggest thrill of the night was Kate Winslet winning best actress. True the role was more of a supporting one, and she should have gotten the best actress for Revolutionary Road, but nevertheless. Kate is so unappreciated, that I don’t care what she won it for; it could have been a film about a crossing guard with a normal life, no conflict or anything, and I would think she should have won. But here I go rambling.
I don’t think Heath would have been nominated for his role had he lived. I think it’s like paintings that increase in value after the artist dies. There will never be anymore output from that artist thus making his existing work rare. In Heath’s case I think they gave it to him for his body of work. His parts in Monster’s Ball and Lords of Dogtown were pretty great examples of his acting chops(Joker was genius of course). I think it was almost inevitable that he was going to get an Oscar at some point, I’m ok that they gave it to him in his last chance at the apple.
I agree Legend did a horrible job trying to cover Peter Gabriel and trying to mesh the songs was a bad idea.
I was surprised at myself that I guessed many of them correctly without having seen any of the films. Part of this is because I’ve seen the political pattern of voting…but I was surprised that Slumdog took so much. I might have to see that movie.
Whoops! Forgot to comment on the comic. I wish you updated daily! I’m really getting into this storyline.
Thanks for the compliments on the storyline. It gives me confidence to do more of them more often!
I wish I was updating daily, too. At least then I wouldn’t feel like I was dragging people through a 3 month-long odyssey to get some resolution on these plot lines! 🙂
I don’t think you can do better than 12 for 12…
Slumdog swept more than I thought it would, so that threw off my card (which it should’ve it being an awesome movie). Ditto for Benjamin Button taking the technical awards (guess it was too much to ask for Hellboy II). Though WALL-E getting nothing beyond Best Animated (especially the snubbings in the sound categories) is absolutely ridiculous. Though my annoyance did subside for when Penn won, I was rooting for him.
The show itself was… interesting. Bit too much dancing and musical numbers for my tastes (and who did they get to sing Down to Earth? Not the right guy it seems), and the In Memorium part wasn’t well done at all. Jackman was alright, but he didn’t seem very memorable to me.
Now, as to your comic storyline, keep it up. Love these little stories from time to time, they really breath some extra life into the characters 🙂
Hellboy II’s makeup was certainly inventive and deserved to be recognized. But the makeup in BJ Button called less attention to itself, which good makeup should always do.
John Legend performed Down to Earth when Peter Gabriel protested the Academy’s decision to only allow 90 seconds to perform the song in a montage. I thought Legend botched it, too.
Totally with you on the In Memorium. It was a train wreck. They shouldn’t have someone performing a song during that. It’s distracting and disrespectful. Who are we supposed to be paying attention to: The artists who passed or Queen Latifah?
Something I really liked about the show but forgot to mention was how they had 5 previous winners come out and address each of the current acting nominees individually. I thought it was really classy, but I don’t see how they can duplicate the gimmick more than a few times. There aren’t enough of them still alive!
I was surprised by the Oscars last night. Hugh Jackman was a very good host. No lame jokes – except for that musical number with Beyonce and the two kids from “High School Musical”, gross! I LOVED it when Ben Stiller came out as Joaquin Phoenix. Classic! I just wish Christian Bale would’ve presented the Cinematography award instead. Now THAT would’ve scored some ratings, haha!
By the way, I’m not a fan of the storyline here. I’m not looking for a punchline or anything, but it just doesn’t seem to be paying off. It isn’t over so I could be wrong.
Tibbar,
That’s a fair criticism on the story line. But I assure you — I do have an ending in mind! I’ll be curious to know your thoughts once everything has wrapped up. Would you say you’re more a fan of the gag-a-day comics? Have you ever read any of my other longer story lines? Just wanting to pick your brain a little! 😀
Steve,
Thanks for the compliments (and good to hear from a first-time commenter!). You got exactly what I was going for with that last panel! Whew! Load of my mind!
Long time reader, first time poster… heh.
Just wanted to say “hi” Tom, seeing how you started the comments section to hear from more of your readers. Also, I really wanted to compliment you on the last panel of today’s strip. It sets things up great, and automatically cues that low, ominous music in my mind.
I guess that’s understandable about BB, but still, didn’t feel right with me. I think it may be me wondering just how much of the makeup in it wasn’t digital (and my general feelings that Del Toro just just get the art awards every year, regardless of who’s nominated :P).
As to the 5 past winners thing, I actually didn’t think too highly of that. I’m much rather see a clip of the nominee’s performance that have someone (regardless of who) come out and explain it to the audience. Just seems really unnecessary (I mean, they can give a clip to Best Screenplay, complete with stilted reading of the lines).
And since I’m here, my Heath Ledger argument (should’ve put this in other posts, my apologies): I personally think he was just there (and won) because he was dead. He did a damn fine performance, there’s no denying that, but his death seemed to rally everyone at the Academy into realizing this. Had he been alive, he wouldn’t have come up, since they still tend to snub comic book movies. RDJ got some weird nom for Tropic Thunder but nothing for Iron Man, Hellboy II gets a solitary nomination, TDK in general gets nothing except that random bone for Sound Editing (and Heath). And that’s just this year.
I dunno, I could just be complaining for the sake of it (and I was also rooting for Brolin, since he needs his), but it just doesn’t seem right. But hey, he still got it, so more kudos to him.
I thought Hugh Jackman did a good job. He can only do so much with what he is given. I liked the genre “yearbook” idea they did this year. It highlighted movies that didn’t get nominated and that is nice. I also liked how they had the stage set up during the award presentations.
The song and dance in the middle was tiresome. Thank god for DVR! Beyonce just needs to stop. She doesn’t need to be everywhere….she is not Visa.
Tom – digging the arc. Take your time and tell your story my friend. I think the wait will pay off.
I watched the Oscars last night. I was tired of seeing Brad Pitt every 10 minutes. The award had to go to Ledger. It had been snowballing since his death and it was too much to stop, even for the academy. They did flex their muscle and pick Penn over Rourke. I loved The Wrestler and thought Rourke should have won . I didn’t even listen to Penn. It was the only time I muted the broadcast. I also liked the 5 winners hyping up the nominees. Except for that Google reference by Brody. Lastly, I thought Hugh Jackman was great. One of the best hosts in years. That man performed last night and he deserves a ton of credit.
Ok, really lately…I’m enjoying the storyline so far but I do agree that it seems like it’s taking a while where as it would fit right in with a daily comic. Perhaps it’s just because I’m not used to the long format storylines. I expect them from Multiplex where the one-off comic is pushed to the back in favor of a story. Every time you do attempt a story though you knock it out of the park so I’m interested to see how far into the stands this one lands.
I was generally confused by the Oscar’s this year… Was it trying to bring back Hollywood glam or give an inside peak at the guts of doing a production (seeing the “raw” backdrop with the crystal curtain… Huh?) Anyway, Jackman was forgettable, the audience seemed really small and on top of the stage, DK was trully snubbed, and I was motion sick after the In Memorium fiasco.
Like you Tom, my correct predictions were very low, 14, because the Academy was all over Slumdog and BB. Someone at the Oscar party I attended actually got 20 right.
All in all it was a banner year for India though with Slumdog almost sweeping and the Best Documentary Short going to Smile Pinki.
As always, looking forward to next year…
I tryed watching the oscars as much as possible but i was working so made it difficult.
I will say tho what i liked from watching live and on youtube:
Hugh i enjoyed as the host hopefully they will bring him back in later years
Im a sucker for montages and i enjoyed most of them. The pineapple express one was my fav. And i would have to agree with queen latifah singing during In Memoradium. it just seemed awkward.
What i didn’t like tho:
I wasn’t a fan of the previous winners announcing the nominees that also seemed very awkward. and some of the winners have turned into b-list celebs in my mind (whoopi) so i found the quality of the show to go down. Im not watching hollywood squares here.
other then that i wasn’t really surprised by the winners expect Penn.
as for the strip: Can’t wait for the finale!!
but i must admit i was kinda hoping for an oscar comic strip today. o well. I was hoping you would rehash the one from a couple a years ago about Tom flipping out over Crash beating out Brokeback for best picture.
can’t wait for wednesday!
Yeah, I was kind of bummed that I didn’t do an Oscar strip this year, too. But honestly? There have been less and less upsets as the years go on. Hard to be outraged over any of the winners last night. Well, except Iron Man losing Best Visual Effects.
But at this point who wants another Iron Man comic from me? 😉
Im enjoying the storyline.
Now excuse me as I show off a little…ha told about Ledger winning.
Now that Im done with that I surprisingly enjoyed the opening, with Jackman sticking up for comic book movies and the line Ill always remember “I’m Wolverine!”
I would like to say that I liked almost all of the Oscar show this year, with one exception. How are they going to put two TEEN stars from twilight up there talking about eternal endless love in the movies. Those two are not old enough to have a clue what love is about. I considered this to be the huge miss of the night, followed by the Jackman/Beoncye #.
I liked you observation about the Dark Knight and wether Heath would have been even considered if he were alive.
I’m glad to hear I was not the only person to predict Viola Davis! I like a good underdog.
Mickey Rourke losing REALLY bothered me. I didn’t see Milk, so perhaps Sean Penn was absolutely incredible, but the Wrestler really was quite incredible as art, and Rourke took that thing completely on his shoulders. I was actually mad that it didn’t get a nomination beyond the two acting ones.
I’m not really sure why you’re questioning whether Ledger would of been nominated had he still been alive. It’s not like he hasn’t been nominated for an oscar before and he’s an acclaimed actor. And as far as being a comic book movie, his performance outshined anything of the norm. So maybe you’re right and the Oscar picks are insane, but he certainly deserved it.
I’m not saying that it’s not completely outside the realm of possibility that Ledge would have been nominated were he alive and for all the same reasons you citied. He’s been nominated before, he was an acclaimed actor and his performance as the Joker was thoroughly transformative and riviting. There was a lot of things he did right with the role — changing everything about himself from the way he walked and talked to even that slightly perverted Midwestern accent he put on. It’s a powerhouse performance. Believe me when I say I was thrilled to see his work recognized in such a way. I don’t mean to subtract from that.
BUT! There was certainly a lot of hype surrounding Ledger’s death and Warner Bros. took advantage of that, pouring money into a campaign to get him nominated. Would they have made that investment were he alive or would his performance as the Joker be a very prominent feather in his cap – one that the Academy might look at later down the line when they nominated him for a more “legitimate” performance? Or, since he’s no longer here and has no future opportunities to be nominated, Warner Bros. made a push while public support was behind them.
So there’s no confusion, I don’t mean to label comic book movies as an “illegitimate” genre. I’m just approaching this politically — like the Academy would.
And if you don’t think they don’t hand out “gold watch” awards, look at Kate Winslet. She’s been turning in bravura performances for years and she wins for The Reader? If that award wasn’t for cumulative effort, I don’t know what was.
To quote a comical genius, Mr. Billy Crystal… from a not so comically genius movie America’s Sweethearts (i personally loved it, but no one else really seemed to appreciate as much…)
-Survival rule number three:
You’re not here to love. You’re here to promote.
That’s it. Period.
Say you get word your mother died, hit by a bus or something…
You go downstairs, shed a tear and say:
”lt’s a shame. She would’ve loved this movie…”
LMAO i really love this line. However i’ve seen through reading your posts that it couldn’t ring more true, especially in this case of how the Heath’s death being used to advertise Dark Knight. Guess that’s the way Hollywood works. They’ll scape together any and all of what they can find to promote. i remember the hype behind the movie The Crow. All of a sudden everyone wants to see the movie Brandon Lee actually was shot dead in. ya know? I still believe that Heath’s talent definitely would’ve promoted itself had he still been alive, however i don’t think it would’ve even touched close to the magnitude that his death promoted. Like Picaso, some artists aren’t awarded their true worth until it’s their last.
“no no no… i kill the bus driver….”
~Heath Ledger~
I hear ya Tom and I don’t pretend to know jack about the Oscars – just sounds too speculative for a strong opinion
Can’t say I’m all that upset about the Best Original Song nominees and their brief running time. I love each song and the movies they come from but live they were weak. John Legend butchered Down to Earth and he only made matters worse interrupting Rahman singing ‘Jai Ho’. Trying to finish up your song in the middle of somebody else’s already-ongoing performance just sounds uneven.
I saw Milk and I thought that Sean Penn actually deserved this win (not so much for Mystic River, we’ve seen him play that kind of role before, but anyway), though I did think Mickey Rourke would get it. But you’re right Tom, everyone wins in that situation. I too had doubts about Heath winning, just because you’re dead, doesn’t mean you’ll get an award (James Dean anyone?).
My biggest thrill of the night was Kate Winslet winning best actress. True the role was more of a supporting one, and she should have gotten the best actress for Revolutionary Road, but nevertheless. Kate is so unappreciated, that I don’t care what she won it for; it could have been a film about a crossing guard with a normal life, no conflict or anything, and I would think she should have won. But here I go rambling.
I don’t think Heath would have been nominated for his role had he lived. I think it’s like paintings that increase in value after the artist dies. There will never be anymore output from that artist thus making his existing work rare. In Heath’s case I think they gave it to him for his body of work. His parts in Monster’s Ball and Lords of Dogtown were pretty great examples of his acting chops(Joker was genius of course). I think it was almost inevitable that he was going to get an Oscar at some point, I’m ok that they gave it to him in his last chance at the apple.
I agree Legend did a horrible job trying to cover Peter Gabriel and trying to mesh the songs was a bad idea.
Good stuff in the strip Tom…