Griffin Speaks
CHRIS ROCK
I
was surprised when Chris Rock the 39-year-old acclaimed stand up comic was
selected to host the 77th Academy Awards. In my humble opinion
the Oscars represent the Hollywood establishment, and Chris Rock represents
the stuffy show business anti-establishment. The big question in my mind
was; whether Chris Rock’s humor would work at the Oscars? It did not. I
was embarrassed for him.
Chris
Rock’s brand of comedy, which is aggressive and raw, would have been a bit
much for the Hollywood crowd. He had to eliminate his hallmark profanity. He
had to tone it down and it just was not the real Chris Rock! I have always
thought Chris Rock’s comic acts were profane, but hilarious. Chris Rock
appeals to the younger blacker audience. He hasn’t crossed over yet.
It
was a huge risk for producer Gil Cates to cast Chris Rock as host of the
show. This was clearly revealed when Chris began to make certain comments
over the past few weeks prior to the show. He commented that “it was
idiotic to give awards for art.” He further stated that he didn’t care
for the Academy Awards, which he compared to a “fashion show”. He said
that the only time he watched was when black actors were nominated. He said,
“what straight black man sits there and watches the Oscars? Show me
one.” He said, “only gays watch the Oscars.”
Sean
Penn did not like Chris Rock’s joke about Jude Law. I did not like it
either. I prefer Chris Rock on his turf not the Hollywood turf. Chris Rock
is one of the funniest men alive, but he bombed at the Oscars. If I were the
producer of the Oscars I would replace him before he tarnished the
reputation of the Academy. I suggest that next year they cast Cedric the
Entertainer. Chris Rock’s comedy has won him 2 Grammys and 3 Emmys.
I
was pleased with the winners of the 77th Annual Academy Awards:
Best Picture: Million Dollar Baby;
Best Director: Clint Eastwood for
Million Dollar Baby; Best Actor: Jamie
Foxx for Ray; Best Actress: Hilary
Swank for Million Dollar Baby; Best Supporting Actor: Morgan Freeman for Million Dollar Baby; Best Supporting Actress:
Cate Blanchett for the Aviator.
Greg
Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by
visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com
