Is it just me, or is Neil Patrick Harris really blowing it as Oscar host? [View all]

[liberalhistorian]

I'm fifty years old and have never missed an Oscar program since I was a child, even if I've hardly seen any of the movies (which is the case this year, as I live on a remote rural Indian reservation hours from a decent movie theater). It was also something I always shared with my mother and stepfather; it's especially poignant this year since my stepdad died four weeks ago tonight after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. We were both wannabe writers and actors (never making it past the local stage, though) .

So I've seen some great hosts, some mediocre hosts, some cringing, what-the-hell-were-they-thinking hosts. To me, the best, so far, has been Billy Crystal. His unique creativity regarding the nominated movies and quick-thinking wit that was able to respond with ease to what was happening throughout the evening kept things moving and interesting.

So, I'm sorry, I love Neil Patrick Harris, but he's really sucking and falling flat so far, and it is boring, boring, boing. I realize what a tough, thankless job it is, so I'm cutting him some slack, but shit. I'm almost ready to turn it off, which I usually don't do. And why does everyone sound so stiff and wooden? Or am I just being an elitist Oscar snob?