The Ingraham Angle Coronavirus Cold Open: This cold open was a little bit like Weekend Update in terms of its delivery of the latest political news. There was a little something for everyone, whether it was Cecily Strong's Jeanine Pirro, the "newest fox news analyst" Chris Matthews (Hammond), or a surprise appearance from Elizabeth Warren. You have to appreciate that Warren is still going after Bloomberg, that's a Klobuchar-Buttigieg level of dislike (although Warren's makes more sense, as Bloomberg represents everything she detests). Overall, you could have actually seen the monologue that Ingraham delivered in her actual show, which made this political cold open work as it didn't try and go completely over the top.
On The Couch: This music video short was a straight up bop (featuring The Weeknd). It could have been repetitive, but every break into "(now i'm sleeping on the couch)" just kept getting better and better. On top of that, it ended with a bit of a dark twist that further added to it.
Salad: A 10-to-1 sketch in all of its glory, this thing was pretty wild. I'm not even sure how to describe it, except it involved Aidy Bryant playing a woman who clearly has something wrong with her as she's building this "overnight salad".
This wasn't a strong episode. At times when that happens, its either the material or the host, and this seemed to be the latter. The material was there for a fairly standard episode but Craig seemed kind of stiff throughout. With all of that, there were still some bright moments, whether from a rare solid political cold open or "On The Couch". (7.20)
Monologue: A John Mulaney monologue is a sure-thing to be great. That was no different here. Mulaney went on about how no 60-75 year old dad has any friends, and "seamlessly" transitioned from that to the order of the amendments. It was a really clever stand-up routine from Mulaney.
Sound Of Music: - Rolf & Liesl: This Sound of Music sketch took a look at the awkward dynamics of Rolf & Liesl. Throughout the musical number, Rolf (Mulaney) kept on gradually increasing his age, putting Liesl (Cecily Strong) in unease. John and Cecily showed good chemistry in the number.
Airport Sushi: First there was "Diner Lobster", then "Bodega" and now "Airport Sushi". I actually found this version as an improvement off of the Bodega version. Starting off being about airport sushi, it quickly spun to be about LaGuardia Airport in general. These sketches act as a perfect ensemble number, giving everyone something to do. Maybe eventually they'll run out of ideas with these, but that hasn't happened yet.
Just like a John Mulaney monologue being a sure-thing, a John Mulaney hosted episode is a sure-thing. The political cold open was a bit all over the place (With Mulaney oddly playing Biden), but there were more hits than misses. Lets hope SNL can carry this momentum forward. (7.74)
Chad & Rupaul: The first time we started seeing these 'Chad' sketches with Pete Davidson, I was fairly indifferent to them. But as time has gone on, I've started to warm up to them. This time we see RuPaul trying to turn Chad into the next great drag queen, with hilarious results.
The Library: A lot of these sketches this week were based off of one theme trying to tailor to Rupaul's persona, but this was the best of them as it allowed rupaul to just be rupaul. He "reads" the titles and covers of children's books at a library event with kids.
Chloe Fineman on the 2020 Oscars (Weekend Update): This was a breakout moment for Chloe Fineman. She was able to roll out a number of solid impressions, from Saoirse Ronan in 'Little Woman", to ScarJo (teasing Colin Jost). Here's hoping this is the start of something more for Chloe.
Overall, this week was a slight improvement from J.J Watt, but it still felt like the writers were trying to narrowly tailor sketches to RuPaul. All the sketches more or less felt like they were following the same theme. RuPaul, nonetheless, was completely game to it all. Also, SNL has got to step up in terms of its political coverage. Their democratic debate cold open was really weak, basically nothing but a bunch of impersonations with nothing of substance. (7.32) Eddie Murphy: 8.08
Best Visual Effects: Avengers: Endgame The Irishman The Lion King 1917 Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
I could see 'The Lion King' being a contender here, but I'm going with Avengers:Endgame. Being such a momentous chapter in the MCU, it deserves recognition.
Best Costume Design: The Irishman Jojo Rabbit Joker Little Women Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood
We tend to see "costume design" go to period films, and I think Little Women fits that bill. The costume designing was just flawless.
Best Makeup And Hair: Bombshell Joker Judy Maleficent: Mistress of Evil 1917
With how Charlize Theron so seamlessly transformed into Megyn Kelly, I'm giving this to Bombshell.
Best Original Song:
"I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away' - Toy Story 4 (Randy Newman)
"(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" - Rocketman (Elton John & Bernie Taupin)
"I'm Standing With You" - Breakthrough (Diane Warren)
"Into The Unknown" - Frozen II (Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez)
"Stand Up" - Harriet (Joshuah Brian Campbell & Cynthia Erivo)
You would think that "Into The Unknown" would be a leading contender, but I'm going with "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again". It's been the favorite throughout awards season.
Best Original Score: Joker, Hildur Guonadottir Little Women, Alexandre Desplat Marriage Story, Randy Newman 1917, Thomas Newman Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, John Williams
Thomas Newman should be a contender here for '1917', but I'm leaning towards Hildur Guonadottir. She's been in front of the pack during this season.
Best Production Design: The Irishman Jojo Rabbit 1917 Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood Parasite
This is where I think you see 1917 taking in some of the technical awards, potentially building momentum for its Best Picture chances.
Best Sound Mixing: Ad Astra Ford v. Ferrari Joker 1917 Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood
I'm going with 1917. The sound effects really immerse you into the experience.
Best Sound Editing: Ford v. Ferrari Joker 1917 Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Copy & paste from "Sound Mixing", 1917 sweeps the sound awards.
Best Film Editing: Ford v. Ferrari The Irishman Jojo Rabbit Joker Parasite
This could be a key award, with 1917 being left out,of someone else emerging as a potential Best Picture contender. And I see that being Parasite.
Best Foreign Language Film: Corpus Christi (Poland) Honeyland (North Macedonia) Les Miserables (France) Pain and Glory (Spain) Parasite (South Korea)
This is an absolute shoe-in, Parasite.
Best Live Action Short Film: Brotherhood Nefta Football Club The Neighbors' Window Saria A Sister
This is where I start flying a bit blind. Judging off of the trailers, and their various accolades, I decided to go to Brotherhood.
Best Documentary Short Feature: In The Absence Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) Life Overtakes Me St. Louis Superman Walk Run Cha-Cha
I'm going with Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone. It's a fascinating subject.
Best Documentary Feature: American Factory The Cave The Edge of Democracy For Sama Honeyland
With some surprising snubs, that opens the field for American Factory.
Best Cinematography: The Irishman, Rodrigo Prieto Joker, Lawrence Sher The Lighthouse, Jarin Blaschke 1917, Roger Deakins Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood, Robert Richardson
This seems to be a lock for Roger Deakins and 1917. "1917" is just a beautifully shot film.
Best Original Screenplay: Knives Out, Rian Johnson Marriage Story, Noah Baumbach 1917, Sam Mendes & Krysty Wilson-Cairns Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino Parasite, Bong Joon Ho & Han Jin Won
I can see an upset here with Parasite taking this home, furthering its Best Picture chances.
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Irishman, Steven Zaillian Jojo Rabbit, Taika Waititi Joker, Todd Phillips & Scott Silver Little Women, Greta Gerwig The Two Popes, Anthony McCarten
This is a tight race. I could see either "Little Women" or "Joker" potentially taking this, but I'm leaning slightly towards Jojo Rabbit.
Best Animated Short: Dcera (Daughter) Hair Love Kitbull Memorable Sister
"Kitbull" should be a contender, but I'm going with Hair Love. It tells an important story with some tremendous animation.
Best Animated Feature: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World I Lost My Body Klaus Missing Link Toy Story 4
Obviously "Toy Story 4" could take this, but with some key awards (Annie Awards & BAFTA's), I'm going with Klaus. It should be considered a Christmas classic for years to come.
Best Director:
Martin Scorsese, The Irishman
Todd Phillips, Joker
Sam Mendes, 1917
Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood
Bong Joon Ho, Parasite
Bong Joon Ho should be a contender, but I'm going with Sam Mendes. His "one-shot" aspect of "1917" really enhanced it and added an extra element.
Best Supporting Actress:
Kathy Bates, Richard Jewell
Laura Dern, Marriage Story
Scarlett Johansson, Jojo Rabbit
Florence Pugh, Little Women
Margot Robbie, Bombshell Laura Dern has been cleaning up throughout awards season, and she absolutely deserves this Oscar.
Best Supporting Actor:
Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Anthony Hopkins, The Two Popes
Al Pacino, The Irishman
Joe Pesci, The Irishman
Brad Pitt, Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood
Early on it seemed like Joe Pesci was going to emerge as a favorite, but it's been all Brad Pitt this season, and that continues here.
Best Actress:
Cynthia Erivo, Harriet
Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story
Saoirse Ronan, Little Women
Charlize Theron, Bombshell
Renee Zellweger, Judy
Perhaps the biggest lock of them all, Renee Zellweger is taking this home.
Best Actor:
Antonio Banderas, Pain and Glory
Leonardo DiCaprio, Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood
Adam Driver, Marriage Story
Joaquin Phoenix, Joker
Jonathan Pryce, The Two Popes
Possibly the award that some are dreading, but this is going to Joaquin Phoenix. Awards season has been full of hot-takes on "Joker". Personally I haven't gotten around to seeing it, so I'll reserve my take (or not, because quite frankly, its gotten exhausting. Not every movie needs dozens of hot-take articles and essays. Okay, getting off my soap-box now).
Best Picture: Ford v. Ferrari The Irishman Jojo Rabbit Joker Little Women Marriage Story 1917 Once Upon a Time In...Hollywood Parasite
I think this is a two-horse race between "1917" and "Parasite". I've been going back and forth. Literally 24 hours ago I was certain on one winner, but then I switched. Either of those two would be a perfect winner (considering "Green Book" last year...blech). Ultimately, I'm leaning towards Parasite. You just don't expect where "Parasite" takes you mid-way through, switching things up.
I'll also make a case for "1917". Its more than just a "war-move". It doesn't glorify war in the least. Its "one-take" nature gives you the full experience and horrors of war as you feel like you're on their journey. It fully enraptures the audience.
Robbie: This was a more rational take on a "Rudy" - like film, with the player in question (Chris Redd) not being remotely ready to play in an actual game. From Redd constantly getting bodied, to Watt's bewilderment that the coach would even consider playing him, this was pretty good.
Madden 21: A bit of a theme here, with another featured football-themed sketch. You pretty knew where this was going from the start, with Watt reading dialogue for his madden player.....increasingly negative dialogue.
Pizza Place: For a sec I thought we were going to get that recurring Aidy Bryant sketch, but this was based around Watt serving up pizzas in an adult-movie kind of way. This ultimately gets him fired, followed by Kenan getting increasingly denied by phone orders wanting a specific delivery man.
This week's SNL was fairly rough. It improved in its 2nd half, but it was a lackluster showing overall. A troubling trend was seeing SNL largely abandon politics and the impeachment. When they did take on the impeachment, it was a "resistance twitter" fantasy trial which didn't we provide any sort of intelligent analysis or take on it. Here's hoping they can get it together as we head into the 2020 election season. (7.26) Eddie Murphy: 8.08
With the Super Bowl comes the halftime show, and unlike the last couple of years, this year's should be pure fire with JLO and Shakira. Like I've done in the past, I decided to rank their top 10 singles each, so of course this list is subjective.
Jennifer Lopez
10) "Papi" - from "Love?" (2011)
9) "Do It Well" - from "Brave"(2007)
8) "If You Had My Love" - from "On The 6" (1999)
7) "On The Floor" ft/ Pitbull - from "Love?" (2011)
6) "Love Don't Cost A Thing" - from "J.Lo" (2001)
5) "Waiting For Tonight" - from "On The 6" (1999)
4) "Dinero" ft/ DJ Khaled & Cardi B - (2018)
3) "Get Right" - from "Rebirth" (2005)
2) "Jenny From The Block" ft/ Jadakiss & Styles P - from "This Is Me... Then" (2002)
1) "Let's Get Loud" - from "On The 6" (1999)
Shakira
10) "Can't Remember To Forget You" ft/ Rihanna - from "Shakira" (2014)
9) "Empire" - from "Shakira" (2014)
8) "She Wolf" - from "She Wolf" (2009)
7) "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" - (2010)
6) "La Tortura" ft/ Alejandro Sanz - from "Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1" (2005)
5) "Chantaje" ft/ Maluma - from "El Dorado" (2017)
4) "Whenever, Wherever" - from "Laundry Service" (2001)
