completely random
by Hank Brockett
The 2003 Academy Award nominations came out last Tuesday. Ever since, countless people have come up to me on the streets and said, “Hey kid, stop loitering!”
Then we get talking about the nominees and tempers really start flaring. I just saw Chicago last week, just before it shot up the charts (with a bullet) in terms of nominations. After weeks of hype, the musical numbers thrilled and each main actor just reveled in the pulpy nature of it all.
And just like the best adaptations from the stage, the screenwriters and directors masterfully cut between the fantasy song-and-dance numbers and the “real-life” dreary Chicago doldrums. Expect hearing plenty of that score come Oscar night, as a soundtrack to plenty of tearful acceptance speeches.
As for other nominees, I’m pulling for Christopher Walken in the Best Supporting Actor category and the great Daniel Day-Lewis for Best Actor. Julianne Moore and I aren’t on speaking terms right now, so thus far I’ve avoided her movies and consequently missed out on most of the nominated actresses.
And biggest snubs? Those include About a Boy and its perfectly cast Hugh Grant, Adaptation director Spike Jonze and Punch-Drunk Love director Paul Thomas Anderson. In the Word of Mouth Awards (held in my bedroom because it actually has red carpet), each oversight has been corrected.
Big fat Greek thoughts
By now, most of us have experienced the phenomenon of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and if not turn down the Captain and Tenille and listen up. The $238 million box office phenomenon satisfied a movie-going public eager for simple stories filled with crazy families and a little love.
But does the film truly represent the Greek-American perspective? For that answer we turn to Nicholas Alajakis, the Word of Mouth Greek affairs expert. The Northern Illinois University student, in addition to having taken my former job, is Greek. To prove it, just tell him there’s a Turk around the corner and watch his Mediterranean blood boil.
Alajakis may be the only Greek-American not to have seen the movie. After his sister said the film reinforces some Greek stereotypes, he hasn’t slapped down the drachmas to view Nia Vardalos’ turn as a drab-to-delicious bride.
“If I wanted to see Greek stereotypes reaffirmed, I’d just go home,” he said.
Like the fictional family based on Vardalos’ experiences, the Alajakis family also owns a restaurant. But Papa Alajakis isn’t necessarily a stubborn dad spraying Windex on every ailment.
What is true, though, shines through as the glowing heart of the movie. Alajakis said most of his extended family lives within 20 miles of each other. That togetherness extends to the rest of the Greek community, which creates an instant bond and the hope that a Greek cop could go easy on an innocent Greek speeder.
Despite some of the generalities, Alajakis said his family went to the theaters multiple times upon release and probably snatched up the DVD as well.
“My parents love it because that’s the way it was when they were growing up,” he added, specifically referencing the idea that Greek parents frown on marrying outside the nationality (even if it’s the ruggedly handsome John Corbett).
With such overriding themes of family and togetherness, most of the Greek community has ignored those telltale and groan-inducing references to “Opa!,” fetta cheese and a certain reviled catchphrase.
It’s Greek to me? “I hate it,” said Alajakis.
A slight retraction
Since publishing the column “’Kimmel Live’ walks the night with a strut,” the Word of Mouth has had somewhat of a change of heart.
A dangerous combination has developed, which includes sub-par guest hosts and entertainment personalities boycotting the show like they were rappers at a Pepsi convention. We’re left with a lot of effort and nothing to work with, like an accomplished sculptor asked to create masterpieces out of dried-up Play-Doh.
The fear is that the show will have to change into a more conventional format to attract even B-list celebrities. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen and publicists realize there’s more to life than softball questions.
And finally
This one’s for all the kids out there listening to loud rock and roll music. The band The Coral will be coming out with its debut album in a few weeks, which combines the best of current British rock and the psychedelic sounds of late-’60s music. Each song is like an island nation, with its own charm and aesthetics. When compiled, it’s an enriching debut that jumps around topics but never falters - something the “Bite-sized Mouth Morsels” wishes it could say.
This column is dedicated to the memory of wrestler Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig and Brandy, the best dog in the world.