And the Oscar goes to… Who?

The Academy Awards were given out last night. I know this because I have been reading about it all morning on TV.

Is it just me or does anyone care anymore? I could blame it on the pandemic, but I think it’s more than that. Hollywood just doesn’t seem big anymore.

To quote Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, “I am big! It’s the pictures that got small.”

Hollywood seems small these days. Yes, the movies have become more socially relevant. The industry has become more inclusive. All that is good.

With that said, I just haven’t had the desire to see any movies lately. It’s weird. I’m a movie person. I love going to the movies. I always thought, though, how great it would be to see a new movie on my TV. What would I be willing to pay? $19.95 seems about right.

But… I’m not doing it. I haven’t seen “Nomadland.” I haven’t seen “The Father.” I started “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” but paused it. I told myself I would finish it later. I never did.

Here’s the thing: I think they have made it too easy to watch a movie. When a new movie is released, you can watch it in the theatre or watch it at home. I thought, that’s a no brainer. I’ll watch in the comfort of my home.

Now, I’m not so sure. By going to a movie theatre, you are committing. You’ve gotta buy a ticket. Even if the movie is bad, you usually stay. I mean, you’re there. It might get better.

If you are watching at home, you can pause and come back later… if you ever do.

I’m rambling a bit here, but it’s kinda like having a Kindle. I download so many books. I never read most of them. It turns out I like to hold a physical book in my hand rather than a device.

Okay, back on topic. The movies.

I think I should see some of these movies. Just commit and watch “Minori,” “Sound of Metal“ and “Judas and the Black Messiah.”

I probably won’t. I still haven’t seen “Parasite.” It won best picture last year. It’s on my list. I’m still getting through all nine seasons of the original “Perry Mason.” I’m almost there.

Now that the theatres are open again, I do have hopes for my movie-viewing future. I’ve seen a couple of trailers that have me pretty excited. Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.” Both big movies that I think I will have to see in a theatre.

There’s a new Marvel movie, too. “Thor: Love and Thunder.” I don’t generally get too excited about those superhero movies. I usually wait until I can watch them at home.

With that said, my television just doesn’t do justice to Chris Hemsworth’s biceps. Have you seen him lately? Good Lord! I need popcorn!