Billy Crystal is Off the Grid in Oscars Teaser Trailer!
Well, they had to do something…
In all fairness, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences always puts out a teaser trailer to generate interest in the show. This year’s trailer just feels a little desperate, given all of the drama surrounding first the choice of Brett Ratner as one of the producers of the show, then Ratner’s choice of Eddie Murphy as host (an idea I was actually starting to warm to) then Ratner’s ouster for an (inevitable) ridiculous comment and Murphy then following him out the door.
Actually, I like the idea of Billy Crystal coming back for his ninth outing as host of the Academy Awards. I also think that all things considered, this trailer is funny. But I have to wonder if it’s going to appeal to anyone not already looking forward to Crystal’s return.
While some are calling this thing hilarious and even “side-splitting”, both of which I think go too far, it is amusing. Produced in conjunction with Will Ferrell’s “Funny or Die” team, the trailer features Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel on the trail of someone known only as “The Host”. Charged with tracking him down by William Fichtner, who is a pretty good ringer for telecast producer Brian Grazer, the duo encounter in their quest a bartender played by Vinnie Jones, Robin Williams’ Mongolian ferryman and references films like Indiana Jones and Kiss Me Deadly (the glowing briefcase-no Pulp Fiction did not do it first.)
I’d be watching on February 26 even if Uggie the dog (from The Artist) was hosting, as I’ve said, it’s my High Holy Day, but I am looking forward to Crystal’s opening song.
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