Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp- Page 2

[Gaveston2]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 2:41pm

For the record, my argument wasn't that the sketch was funny, but that a spot-on impersonation was beside the point.

Namo and SNAFU are right: SNL has always had more misses than hits. We just tend to remember the hits and, because it's live and a little rough, it's easier to shrug off the misses.

I also agree that Wiig is overused and that they tend to let her (tell her?) go on too long. To me, the Liza sketch wasn't all that different from the "actress" character of the Password parodies or several other recurring Wiig characters.

[ComingUpRoses2]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 2:54pm

I thought her Ann Margret sketch was quite funny, but this one landed flat. She had the physicality spot on, but the rest was off.

No actor, no matter how good, can overcome bad material and I feel like that's what they usually give her.

[Gaveston2]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 2:59pm

Don't you think Wiig has a hand in the writing of the sketches that feature her and her recurring characters? I thought the Liza sketch was one of those or was meant to be. I have a hard time imagining other writers saying, "Okay, and here's the sketch where we tell Kristen to spout random things while bouncing around the room for ten minutes."

[SNAFU]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 3:06pm

YES Graveston, And she has enough political pull on the show to make sure the sketch makes it through cuts.

[ComingUpRoses2]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 3:17pm

Maybe so, but still, the material just isn't good and no one can sell bad material very well. She sure did seem game, though, but then again, she always is. I just don't see her volunteering a Liza impression, when she has to know she's not very good at it. Why would anyone do that?

[Gaveston2]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 3:19pm

But, on the other hand, why would anyone ask her to do a Liza impression unless she offered one up? It's not like Minnelli is big on the radar of SNL's target audience.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 3:22pm

The best part of the sketch was seeing the stagehand's arm holding the cord.

And to reinforce what has already been said: Is Liza even known to those who watch SNL?

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 3:25pm

If you want to see Wiig do another impression horribly, go watch the Vincent Price tv specials SNL did, where Wiig plays Liza's mother, Judy Garland.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 3:42pm

Its stupid but I've still watched it four times

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 3:56pm

Is Liza even known to those who watch SNL?

Probably more so than Ann-Margret.

[artscallion]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 4:20pm

I haven't laughed at SNL in 20 years. Granted I only watch it once a year after someone tells me, "no, no, really...it's good now!" This made me laugh.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/12/12 at 11:09pm

I don't know, I thought the sketch's sheer absurdity was funny. I laughed.

It's just a silly, illogical 3 minute sketch.

[goldenboy]

Posted: 3/14/12 at 2:50pm

It was awful on all accounts.
I did not find it funny
Was not a clever impersonation.

Give me Christine Pedi or Rick Skye anyday
or Christopher Peterson.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 3/14/12 at 3:00pm

Or you missed the point in a way Kad did not.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/14/12 at 9:46pm

I got the point.

I got the point 20 years ago.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/14/12 at 10:08pm

"Is it a foot tapper?? Once! Twice! Three...will a Fosse neck do it??"

[SNAFU]

Posted: 3/14/12 at 10:25pm

ComingupRoses, correction: what she gives herself most times.

[broadway86]

Posted: 3/16/12 at 2:31pm

I think it's absolutely hilarious.