Franco-Hathaway Paring Not So Cool After All

James Franco was asked about how was he was feeling in the buildup to his first time hosting the Academy Awards, one of the toughest gigs in all of entertainment. Franco didn't sound all that concerned. "It's fine, it's like one night," he said, practically laughing at the question. "So, it doesn't matter. Like, if I host the worst Oscar show in the history of the Oscars, like, what do I care, you know what I mean? I'll try my best, but I don't see any shame." The old I'll do his best, and whatever happens happens Attitude...I get it, BUT!



The evening started off relatively promising with a pre-taped segment in which he and Hathaway were digitally inserted into different Best Picture nominees...Well you were there you know what I'm talkin' about, we covered this in yesterdays overview. Franco was the dopey straight man to Hathaway's adorable, manic goofball, man she needs-a-tan self. But then the broadcast began ... and everything wasn't so funny for Franco.



During a brief opening monologue, the jokes may not have been particularly sharp, Franco hardly seemed excited in any of the material. This, "MAYBE" is his appeal: When he's in a comedy like "Pineapple Express" or hosting "Saturday Night Live," he plays the out-of-it dude who's off on his own little wavelength. But rather than underplaying, he seemed like he was hardly there.

These two people were meant to represent Hollywood's Bright New Stars, but the comedy seemed Dull. Then Billy Crystal makes an appearance an 8 time Host, and the room lit up like the forth of July.

Because they had become the poster children for the Oscar's official youth movement, Franco and Hathaway had allot of pressure put on them, but as pros, they should of been able to handle that.

The producers did a lot to trim down the shows usually marathon  running time -- no long opening monologue, no special segments devoted to the Best Picture nominees, presenters introducing multiple categories -- but if the broadcast wasn't long, it instead just felt deathly slow and meager. The energy that Franco was supposed to provide didn't happen So there goes another Award Show in the history books, and please lets not let history repeat itself