True dat. Listening to the original version of the song (by Tears for Fears, for those not in the know) will cure you of any belief that the song is deep or dramatic in any way.

But I do definitely have to second this f'ing trend. It's the very very worst of all the music montages employed in film and television. I mean, I appreciate that they have to show passage of time in such a way that it won't piss off the audience or leave out "pertinent" details...but dear lord can't we find something else to use?!

~ Amanda

"Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave..."

Oh jeez, sorry. It's still a beautiful melody, even if the lyrics aren't that deep. I'll try to remain reserved and cynical when I talk about pop music from now on.

The Jeff Buckley cover has been also been used in The West Wing, House M.D., and one of the handful of episodes of LAX. Yes, the airport drama that starred Heather Locklear.
But technically the song used in Shrek is the version recorded by Rufus Wainwright.

So yeah, we're in agreement that musical montages have sort of outlived their welcome. Need I even mention the name Zach Braff? (whited-out for the faint of heart)

Logic Hat Online- logichat.org

Oh I know. :) But it was still an evil abuse of a great song. EVIL! *insert Hecubus image here* And I THOUGHT I'd heard it on an ep of House! I almost mentioned that and was like "Wait...am I remembering right? Because America's most beloved medical show can't possibly have charmed so many people while being so UTTERLY CLICHE!" But hah! I was right in my thoughts. :) (not to mention the show has become a cliche of itself, but I won't get started on that)

And yes...the aforementioned whited-out name. If someone doesn't stop him soon, I will stop him myself. With a semi-automatic. Or a semi-truck. Whichever I can get ahold of first.
 

~ Amanda

"Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave..."

Logic Hat Online- logichat.org

Product placement anyone?

I see Casino Royale has whored itself in order to market everything from beer to flash cars. I actually wanted to see the film given the new direction taken with casting/storylines etc. but I think i'll pass now...

My pet annoyance is walking scenes...although usually the offenders are TV shows rather than movies.

People cannot stand and talk...or sit and talk...oh no - they must be power-walking through an office of some kind to be able to talk.

Worst offender - The West Wing!

"Every day holds a new beginning and every hour holds the promise of an Invitation to Love." 

That god damn trailer's more popular than Uncle's Day in a whorehouse!

That god damn trailer's more popular than Uncle's Day in a whorehouse!

That god damn trailer's more popular than Uncle's Day in a whorehouse!

Most annoying trend I would say is a general lack of originality - everything seems to either be a remake or inspired by a comic book.

Actually, the general trend of every comic book ever being made into films right now is probably the most annoying.

The "Having Fun" sequences in films are annoying though not a new trend.  They're a constant throughout time.  My least favorite of these montages has a couple frolicking on the beach, playing like children, while a cool song is playing.  They laugh. She throws sand on him teasingly.  He chases after her.  She splashes him.  He picks her up and the two of them get all wet from the surf.  They laugh.  I think I saw something like this on a Paris Hilton video for one of her hit songs.  Glistening sand on thighs and shoulders.  FEH! 

Ewwww, I so don't like having fun.

And yes, it's true.  Hallelujah should never never never have been sullied by Shrek.  It's criminal.  If it ends up in a Burger King or Nike commercial, it will be even worse. I hope Michael Jackson doesn't own it.

Susan 

     
“Half a truth is often a great lie.”

Ben Franklin