Olympic Ceremonies

[sparklynails23]

I liked it. It was pretty, fun, and for the people. It would have been awesome to be there.

 

[beaucoup]

Really enjoyed tonight. Some parts hilarious!

 

[LisaR]

Loved the entire thing. Great job, London!!

 

[Imzadi]

The cauldron will be moved, otherwise the guys and gals throwing the javelin, hammer and discus might have a problem.

It would only be a problem if they hit the cauldron with a javelin, hammer or discus.

I loved it. Being a Brit I guess I got more of the references and they were more relevant to me. I think the social media story was as much to showcase British music, TV and films as it was to lead to the tribute to Tim Berners-Lee (a hero of Danny Boyle). The NHS tribute leading into the children's literature segment was good and I thought the cauldron lighting hit the perfect note to go with the "Inspire a generation" theme of the games.

Two bum notes for me were the UK outfits - yuk - and, sadly, it's coming time for Sir Paul to hang up his piano and enjoy retirement. Otherwise it made me very proud.

Glad to hear a Brit weighing in.

Look on the bright side. At least we know he's not lip-syncing .

Sir Paul got better as the song went on. Almost sounded like he was a little choked up at the beginning.

That, or he wasn't warmed up. It was along nite.

I wonder how long the live opening ceremony actually was without all the commercials?

 

[SpecialK]

Sir Paul got better as the song went on. Almost sounded like he was a little choked up at the beginning.

I thought so too. He was also breathing in a lot of smoke from those fireworks at the beginning of his performance.

All in all, I'm underwhelmed.

 

[Jennasis]

Good show. Not my favorite cauldron, but a good job by Danny Boyle and company. Bring on the games!!!

 

[Nancy]

The fireworks were incredible. The lighting of the Olympic cauldron was interesting, I like how all the torches came together to form one flame. Dh is slightly disappointed the Spice Girls weren't involved, lol. I was quite amused by Mr. Bean and James Bond jumping out of a helicopter with the Queen. All in all an enjoyable opening ceremony.

ETA I kind of got the feeling Sir Paul was slightly choked up in the beginning? I think that was why it sounded iffy. But maybe that was just me.

ETA2 I also really like that the building crew was part of the ceremony cheering on the torch as it was brought into the Colosseum.

I've heard the Spice Girls will be part of the closing ceremony.

Sir Paul did sound choked up at the beginning. Of course he couldn't do the screams but I'm OK with that.

I liked everything from the countries coming in and going forward. Wasn't a huge fan of a lot of it prior to that point. I also didn't get the whole wings on bikes thing.

 

[TinkerBelled]

I loved it. They were never going to out-awe the Chinese, and I'm glad they went in the direction they did. It was all about what's best about Britain--the language, the stories, the music, the inventions, and, especially, the promise that people will try to pull together (the NHS, the construction workers, the cauldron at the end). I can be cynical, but I was moved by it.

 

[tinkerbellfan6880]

The fireworks were incredible. The lighting of the Olympic cauldron was interesting, I like how all the torches came together to form one flame. Dh is slightly disappointed the Spice Girls weren't involved, lol. I was quite amused by Mr. Bean and James Bond jumping out of a helicopter with the Queen. All in all an enjoyable opening ceremony.

ETA I kind of got the feeling Sir Paul was slightly choked up in the beginning? I think that was why it sounded iffy. But maybe that was just me.

ETA2 I also really like that the building crew was part of the ceremony cheering on the torch as it was brought into the Colosseum.

Tell your DH that the Spice Girls might be performing during the Closing Ceremonies. That is what I have been reading on a Spice Girls forum and on the Daily Mail's website. Cause Mel B was on Good Afternoon America and was asked about the Spice Girls performing the Closing Ceremonies and says that she can't say anything right now. I hope that they play the Closing Ceremonies because I am a big fan of them. Maybe we will find out closer to the end of the Olympics. I was also disappointed that they were left out of the Opening Ceremonies too.

http://forums.denden.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=210974

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...firmed-perform-Olympics-closing-ceremony.html

 

["Got Disney"]

I'm in the minority so far, but I think the Opening Ceremonies stink!! With a capital S!

I agree... very boring...even the commentators are not sure what to say.

Did like Mr. Bean however...he was funny.

 

["Got Disney"]

boring and so cluttered its hard to see anything or understand what is going on. I really dislike this opening ceremony

Cluttered yes...that is how it seems ...I leap waiting for a wow moment....so far has not happened.

 

[Loftus]

It would only be a problem if they hit the cauldron with a javelin, hammer or discus.

Well it was in the middle of where the field events would be held so I guess health and safety might have an issue with it staying there. Mind you it could provide a novel twist in the competition - maybe extra points for knocking one of the petals off!

As for how long it lasted the main ceremony started at 9.00 pm London time and it finished about 12.30 am.

 

[Planogirl]

I thought that the beginning was interesting and the fireworks were amazing. Some of the lighting and such was really nice too. Paul seemed fine to me.

I love seeing the nations march in. That's always the best to me.

 

["Got Disney"]

I love when the athletes all walk in...seeing what they are wearing and the excitement on their faces...how cool for them!

 

[Planogirl]

[QUOTE="Got Disney";45635022]I love when the athletes all walk in...seeing what they are wearing and the excitement on their faces...how cool for them! [/QUOTE]
I think it's particularly fun when it's some tiny little country most of us know little about or a place that usually doesn't have anything to do with other nations. It's nice to see how excited or super serious they look.

 

[LisaR]

I don't need to be wowed. I like seeing the traditions of the host countries and what's important to them. I love watching the athletes march in. I don't get sappy about much and am also pretty critical but it would be really hard for me to find anything negative about the opening ceremonies. They represented their country well. I thought they did a great job!

 

[Handbag Lady]

I am loving the Opening Ceremony but the only problem I have is that I wish Meredith Vieria and Matt Lauer would stop talking. It is kinda hard to hear what is going on with them talking all the time.

I didn't want to read this thread eariler since I'm a West Coastie, but I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!!!


We are not morons and we DO NOT need you to talk. Most people do know who Marry Poppins is, idiots. They spoke though the entire segment of Tubular Bells so we didn't get to enjoy it.

 

[tinatark]

I didn't like the beginning - too busy - and the hospital bed children with Mary Poppins was a little creepy. I did like the construction workers lined up as the torch came in, James Bond and The Queen... David Beckham's boat ride with the flame. The music in the middle was sort of muddled, too, IMO.

 

[leebee]

I fell asleep during the arrival of the athletes... somewhere around the "B" countries. Definitely underwhelmed and confused, although we all felt if we were British and understood many of the references, perhaps we'd have enjoyed it more.

And thumbs down to US athletes wearing Chinese-made team uniforms.
ETA- just saw the pictures of the US uniforms. Seriously... berets??

 

[si-am]

I thought it was a good show. Very theatrical; I thought Kenneth Branaugh did an especially great job! Didn't love the modern texting segment, but other than that I was entertained.

Am I the only one who sees country names I've never even heard of during the parade of athletes?