Oscar Buzz

It's still a few months away, but I'm looking forward to watch this years Academy Awards as I do every year. I love watching the Oscars because it's an opportunity to see films at their best. Audiences get to see the best in the industry from Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Score, Best Original Screenplay, etc. I also love seeing the celebrities and how they come to support fellow actors/actresses and to watch the show. It's always a spectacular show to watch. 

This year, comedian actor Seth MacFarlane (creator of Family Guy, American Dad, The Cleveland Show, and the motion picture Ted) will be hosting the 85th annual Academy Awards and I predict it will be a great show as usual.

The first Academy Awards were given in 1929 at the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood, California. The awards have changed for the decades and the awards currently are given to over a dozen categories and include various types of films. Annually, the Academy awards is televised in more than 100 countries, and is the oldest award ceremony in media.

Douglas Fairbanks

Wings

Again the first Academy Award ceremony took place on Thursday May 16, 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The First host was actor Douglas Fairbanks. Fairbanks was known in Hollywood for his roles in The Thief of Bagdad, Robin Hood, and The Mask of Zorro.  

The First Motion Picture to win the award for best picture was the film Wings. Wings was a silent film about World War 1 fighter pilots.The first Academy Award ceremony I remember seeing as a kid was in 2004 when Million Dollar Baby took home the Best Picture award. I loved the experience of it especially watching Chris Rock host the show. Some awards that were given that night were Jamie Foxx for Best Actor for his role in Ray, Hilary Swank for Best Actress in Million Dollar Baby, Morgan Freeman for Best Supporting Actor in the film Million Dollar Baby, Cate Blanchett in The Aviator, Clint Eastwood for Best Director of Million Dollar Baby, The Incredibles received Best Animated Film, and Robert Richardson for Best Cinematography in the film The Aviator.

A lot of great awards have been given over the years and I look forward to seeing which movies take home the awards this upcoming year in February. Some films predicted to be in the Best Picture Category include: Lincoln, Life of Pi, Les Miserables, Argo, The Master, Anna Karenina, and Flight.                                                                                                                                                                      

Family Guy

One of my favorite shows ever is Family Guy. Now I know that this show definitely isn't for everybody but I absolutely love it. It's the kind of show that I can watch at any time and always enjoy it. It's funny, enjoyable and easy to watch.

The show is about the Griffin family. You have Peter, who is the father of the family. He is the big oaf that's usually getting the family into some sort of crazy situation. There's Lois, his wife who is usually the voice of reason and understanding. Meg who is the daughter, is the typical teenage girl that the family happens to hate. Chris who is the son, who is basically just a teenage boy that has some funny moments. Brian who is also sometimes the voice of reason, but he's also the most political of the family. Then of course there's Stewie, the evil one year old with plans of world domination who also happens to absolutely despise his mother. There is also a huge array of side characters that all add to the humor of the show.

As I said before, the show isn't for everybody however. Many people will find it offensive, distasteful or just plain stupid. The show definitely isn't a satire like in the vain of South Park. It's more of a shut your brain off and laugh for half an hour type of show. Now don't get me wrong, there are some heartfelt moments and there are episodes that touch on touchy subjects such as abortion and religion and honestly I feel like they do those episodes pretty well. But for the most part, it's just a lot of fun.

Seth McFarlene is a man who has gotten very lucky in the television world. This show has been cancelled not once, but twice and brought back each time. He now has three syndicated shows, all of which are still releasing new episodes to this day and he just released a feature length film that did pretty well in the box office. He is a man that owes a lot to the fans and I think he does a pretty good job of showing it

Although the show has changed pretty dramatically in its over ten year run time, I still continue to love it. The newer episodes are definitely not as "smart" or "witty" as the older ones but I still think they do a pretty good job. It's a show that I think everyone should watch at least once, you never know, you just might like it.

Here is a little compilation of moments from the show. If you find these funny, chances are you'll enjoy the show.

Ted

Last week I watched the comedy film "Ted" starring Seth McFarlene, Mark Whalberg, and Mila Kunis. It was also written and directed by Seth McFarlene. I thought the movie was incredibly funny and unique; the protagonist is an animated talking stuffed teddy bear and it worked. And because the movie was from the mind of the same mans behind projects like "American Dad," "The Cleveland Show," and "Family Guy," many of the voice actors in these television show appeared as in the movie as the supporting cast. As a fan, it was something that I appreciated very much. Even though it bordered on the verge of absurdity, it was able to hold my attention throughout, while at the same time keeping me on my toes with unpredictable plot twists. In the end, Ted was overall an entertaining movie and I recommend it to anyone wishing to enjoy themselves at the movie.
-Kofi