On the Lot: Cut!

"You need at least one Simon Cowell or Michael Kors type, who is willing to be blunt with the contestants and able to articulate what's right or wrong with their work."

I think that was one of the major reasons I liked Dancing With The Stars so much when I started watching it this year. The judges did the usual "wow, that was great" or "that was awful" comments, but they also followed up with had very precise and specific critiqes of the dancers. It wasn't like AI, where Randy and Paula are as incoherantly enthusiastic as possible, and Simon grimly tries to counterbalance them no matter how deserved the praise may be.

On DWTS, all three judges (even the "nice" Carrie Ann and Bruno) would talk about the footwork, posture, use of space, style choices, steps, and other technical aspects of the contestants' performances. So and so had poor posture, this person was off beat, that person did a great fill-in-the-blank step that made his Foxtrot particularly difficult. As a result, the show became vastly more interesting for me. Commenting on the way a dancer "led with his heel" gives the contestant a useful bit of feedback on what to improve, and it also educates the viewer. If more reality shows did their contests like that, I'd watch.

"(Speaking of challenges, what happened to the make-a-movie-in-one-hour challenge at the end of the second episode? Were the results that bad?)"

I was conviced I missed a show, it seems like every one I watch are a new format, a new verison on the show.

1) mark burnett is an idiot, i thought that was common knowledge...
2) quit comparing it to "project runway." i cant believe people actually watch that

Burnett sure does make a lot of money with some popular shows for an idiot.

it is to be sure a big dissapointment...but i still think the premise could have worked big time...c'mon a reality show with aspiring directors--that'd have to be more interesting then ones about aspiring singers or fashion designers...however the format is definitely not good to say the least. so basically i wish it was better...but i still love the idea.

Stop calling the panel "judges" and what they offer "scores." Everything else is film-themed. They aren't scoring anything. Call them "critics," and their advice "reviews."

Lose this host, asap. She can't ad-lib, she can't improvise, she's a trainwreck.

I have never agreed with every word in a review. Though I think a "Roast" is more appropriate for this garbage.

How could Steven Spielberg ever have allowed himself
to be associated with such drivel?

I know it's repetitive, but I strongly think Ryan Seacrest ascension into the Hollywood heights is criminal, and wish he would be replaced.

If not for the reputations of Burnett and Spielberg you'd know this host got her job on a couch or with knee pads.

With the hurrah, I truly looked forward to this show, it's already deleted from my Tivo.

Great job.

Your review was completely on the mark. You managed to include pretty much everything I was thinking about it. However I think you went a little easy on the host. She is horrendous. I found her irritating last night, but tonight in the elimination show, where it was mostly her, I couldn't stand her. I came very close, several times, to changing the channel. Only the fact that I was genuinely interested in seeing who got cut kept me tuned in. I agree with Michael, who did she sleep with to get this job. Her performance also has given me a completely new found respect for Ryan Seacrest. He does a fantastic job that he really doesn't get credit for, and I have never particularly been a Seacrest fan.

It's actually too bad that they've messed this show up so much. It really has potential. If you look at the auditions (which were in the Project Runway style) they were far more entertaining than what appeared this week. Also, does anyone know why people outside of the US can't vote for this, especially considering this was touted as an international show? Maybe that's why 2 of the 3 kicked off tonight were foreigners.

I totally agree with your comments regarding the host. She's terrible. With the judges (over)emphasizing how important women directors are, you'd think they would try to get a decent female host. She sets us back! I too almost turned off the show because I can't stand her. I haven't made up my mind as to whether I'll watch the next show. It's a pity too -- it's a great concept, but "poorly executed" (isn't that ironic given the subject matter of the show?).

I found this page by googling "Adrianna Costa you guys" for the simple fact that everytime she says it (i.e "you guys") it makes me puke up a bit. She nearly ruined an otherwise perfectly wonderful dinner.

As others have mentioned this article pretty much hit the nail on the head - although I'm sure I'll continue to watch as it still has some entertainment potential. It would have a lot more potential if they got a different host and went back to a less "American Idol" - like format.

You gotta hand it to Seacrest - he's a pro with relative grace under pressure and the reason he's good is beacuse you aren't distracted by his presence. Adrianna on the other hand makes me constantly aware of her presence in that she seems very uncomfortable and painfully aware and self conscious of every phrase...(most commonly "you guys"). Will one of the prodcuers PLEASE tell her to stop saying it and to stop doing such weird things with her hands - it's freaking me out.

I agree with you re the host...Adrianna Costa is terrible. Where did Chelsea Handler go? She hosted the first show....she is fabulous and hilarious no matter what she does and she can improvise. Bring her back...if the show doesn't get cancelled this week that is. Also, for being in the business these judges just really are not that good, especially at articulating their comments & criticisms.

I'm so glad "you guys" seem to agree with everything I was thinking. I kept wondering if i was the only one more irritated than entertained by the whole thing. The host--"you guys" covered that. But what about how annoying it is that Carrie Fisher can't seem to spit out a sentence without stammering and stuttering for ten minutes. GRRR...it's a wonder Gary Marshall seems to be in constant astonishment that they let women into this business at all these days!

it's already deleted from my tivo too! really.