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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think the Opening Ceremony was truely appalling and here's why

500 replies

kate2mum · 28/07/2012 09:49

Danny Boyle - a cool dad in jeans who thinks of the world through the prism of music of his youth. He sees everything through music.
Had Viv Westwood been in charge, for example, the history of the UK would have been seen through fashion.
But, no, a billion people have to listen to the personal playlist of a Nick Hornbyish (oh, they are friends!) music trainspotter.

Shame if you don't see the world through that sort of music - but I guess you had to be there, and DBoyle probably was.

Tribute to NHS!!! Sorry, but I didn't know everyone who works for the NHS were all angels and volunteered for free instead of working for one of the biggest employers in the country. And just remembered this event is about SPORT and the way it can transform, so why oh why demonstrate 100's of "sick" children - to demonstrate how "caring" the NHS is.

Then children's literature done by the man who bought us Trainspotting - initially I thought the scene was still about the NHS turning into a nightmare, but NO, the best way to illustrate childrens' literature is to show how truely scary it is! Yes, reading can be terrifying and books are a fearful place. Not a place of safety, or unlifting, not inspiring, not poetic, just a nightmare (where were all the positive characters???).

Only people Danny Boyle's age would thing Mary Poppins was appropriate..

My children fell asleep; they could have cut most of it, had David Beckham ride in on a motorbike, light the flame, and then have some fireworks.

Lighting designer was good though.

OP posts:
Katienana · 28/07/2012 10:17

Miserable sod! That was amazing, uniquely british and showcased many if the things that make this a great country - the art, nhs, music, democracy, diversity, high and life culture together, film, icons known all over the world from bond to bean. And we had fireworks. What more could you want?

BelinaTheChicken · 28/07/2012 10:17

Is it repeated? I missed it

Anniegetyourgun · 28/07/2012 10:17

I didn't watch it, just heard about it on the radio, and don't feel deprived; but the objections in the OP are rather odd. I'd go so far as to say the bits she's complaining about are the few bits I would probably have cheered.

OLimpPickMeddles · 28/07/2012 10:17

Rubbish link!!

I'll try again

BonnieBumble · 28/07/2012 10:18

Well that is your opinion and your opinion is wrong.

RobinSparkles · 28/07/2012 10:19

And, I meant to add, the NHS is a big part of Britain! I don't know any other country that has free Heath care. Something to be proud of, I think!

JamieAngelosMuse · 28/07/2012 10:19

Loved it. Danny Boyle for Prime M

chickydoo · 28/07/2012 10:20

It was bloody amazing
BTW the NHS bit was wonderful
Hands up who in the UK has never used the NHS. It is truly something to be proud of
I am thrilled to be part of our country's amazing history.
Come on Team GB Smile

jandymaccomesback · 28/07/2012 10:20

I loved it, until Paul McCartney came on (but at least it wasn't Cliff Richard).

JintoTheFinal · 28/07/2012 10:21

I was dreading it. I was so embarrassed by the bus

But it was fine. There were the odd moments where it lost me but it was a long time. Macca was a low point but the music was great.

I wonder if there were some bemused people in the crowd though :)

JamieAngelosMuse · 28/07/2012 10:21

Loved it. Danny Boyle for Prime Minister. :)

whenwilltherainstop · 28/07/2012 10:21

I thought the opening ceremony was bloody fantastic.
Torch

Lucyellensmum99 · 28/07/2012 10:22

why do we have a Torch ice cream cone emoticon now?

OurPlanetNeptune · 28/07/2012 10:22

kate2mum, I think I love you.

YANBU. When I found out it was Danny Boyle doing it I guessed he would probably go for the lefty, BritCool, quirky thing. Great if that is what appeals to you and it seems to appeal to all my British friends. However, to me and non Brits friends it was a bit , dare I say, boring.

There were some really good bits (Rowan Atkinson, Daniel Craig and the Queen and Evelyn Glennie was bloody good. She is just amazing). But generally I didn't enjoy it. Maybe it's because I am not cool.

whenwilltherainstop · 28/07/2012 10:22

Oh except for Macca he was shite.

SecretNutellaMedal · 28/07/2012 10:22

I thought the role David Beckham had was perfect. He was one of the people who secured the Games for London. How much more appropriate than to see him bringing the Torch home safely so to speak?

RobinSparkles · 28/07/2012 10:22

jandymaccomesback Sat 28-Jul-12 10:20:25
I loved it, until Paul McCartney came on (but at least it wasn't Cliff Richard).

:o Very true!!!

NarkedRaspberry · 28/07/2012 10:22

I don't have time to express how utterly wrong you are because I'm watching the cyclists - who just weed in a hedge on mass.

Torch
NutmegKate · 28/07/2012 10:23

Having read all these posts ( in various threads ) slagging off the opening ceremony, I'm wondering what would have been OK for the people who disliked it?

Something had to be done. It had to reflect Britain as it was/is. It had to be spectacular. Boxes ticked so far as I can see.

As several have already said, whatever was done would have had people moaning about it.

Frankly, I don't see the point.

Oh, and nor do I understand the vitriol directed at Paul McCartney. Certainly his best years are behind him, but he is an internationally recognisable figure and has made a significant contribution to popular music. It's nasty and ageist to be so unpleasant about him.

PomBearWithAnOFRS · 28/07/2012 10:24

We loved it Grin It was just so British - the moments of remembrance for those who have fallen in war were beautifully done, and given that even Afganistan, and Syria have sent at least one athlete, were timely reminders of the whole point of the Olympics.
I heard the Tardis noise Grin and loved the bit with Daniel Craig - those corgis were superstars! and then the thing with the helicopter just showed that the Queen does have a sense of humour. The whole thing just summed up the Great British eccentricity and all the little things that make us who we are. The only thing missing was a nice cup of tea Grin

KatieisScarlettinSpandex · 28/07/2012 10:25

It's ageist to say he was crap?

No, that's just the truth.

Thumbwitch · 28/07/2012 10:28

Loved it - although I did think it was a tad ironic that so much was being made of how fab the NHS is while the current govt are in the process of dismantling it :(

Until Macca the hasbeen appeared. They really could have done without that.

washngo · 28/07/2012 10:28

I loved it. Not least because of its inclusivity, and the fact that there were thousands of volunteers of all ages who gave up their time and who will never forget the experience. I loved seeing all the children participate, and was thinking, they'll be able to tell their children and grandchildren about this.

SkinnyVanillaLatte · 28/07/2012 10:29

We all age.

It was a joy to see Mohammed Ali and Paul McCartney honoured for their achievements imo.

RobinSparkles · 28/07/2012 10:29

Nowt wrong with Paul McCartney, he just comes across a bit of a wally. Not being ageist, I'd have the same opinion if he was in his 20s.

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