This year's Academy Awards telecast was bound to be a tough sell for viewers because of the low-wattage popularity of the nominated films, and host Hugh Jackman's opening musical number did nothing to encourage viewers from flipping to, say, "The Amazing Race."

Jackman's cheesy, recession-era song-and-dance routine acknowledged the nominees -- and best picture shutout "The Dark Knight" -- in a way that could best be appreciated if you knew enough about the movies. Given the box office receipts for the nominees, it's safe to assume most viewers did not.

It's not that Jackman's exuberant routine was all bad -- it began as cringe-worthy but improved somewhat after he dragged a faux embarrassed/really game Anne Hathaway on stage for a chemistry-filled duet -- but Jackman naturally invited comparisons to past host Billy Crystal, who was more successful connecting with average viewers.

A later Jackman-fronted medley of movie musical melodies -- with guest stars Beyonce, Zac Efron, etc. -- would have been more at home on the Tony Awards. Or, perhaps, on a cruise ship.

"The musical is back!" Jackman declared. Maybe not for long.

Last night's Oscar telecast offered some entertaining presenting pairs, particularly Tina Fey and Steve Martin, but despite promises by producers of a new approach, there were still far too many clip montages.

The notion of walking viewers through a remedial course on filmmaking was actually a good one, but it wasn't always well executed. The screen was too busy with type during the screenplay explainer -- the humor of presenters Fey and Martin, though welcome, was also a distraction from the Movies 101 theme. It worked better during the simpler introduction to art direction and costume design.

Perhaps the worst idea for this telecast was having five previous Oscar winners introduce some of the major acting categories, although it was nice to see Cuba Gooding Jr. was able to drag himself away from filming "Snow Dogs 3" or "Boat Trip 2" (or some other awful movie) to make an appearance. But it was obvious from the get-go that this five-presenter approach would lead to longer-than-necessary introductions -- including copious applause breaks -- which added to the show's drag.

Before this column can be accused of doing the same, here are some final awards:

Most improved pre-show: ABC's pre-show has been gradually improving in recent years from odious to tolerable. The addition of Tim Gunn ("Project Runway") and Robin Roberts ("Good Morning America") as hosts was another step forward. The only thing that threatened to ruin their success: Reporter Jess Cagle's sucking up. It's one thing to wish the stars well, but quite another to cover them in slobbering accolades.

Second most improved pre-show: The E! pre-show was surprisingly unobjectionable. Long gone are the days of Joan Rivers' not recognizing actors or Kathy Griffin's slamming them. Red carpet reporter Ryan Seacrest nicely balanced obsequiousness with cynicism. The only disappointment? Reporter Juliana Rancic. who noted she was screaming like a girl -- she really was -- when she first caught sight of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. "Oh my God, dying!" she spazzed.

Best comedic truth in advertising: The best part of the E! coverage was a Joel McHale-fronted spot for the E! show "The Soup": "Are you looking for something even more meaningless and empty than a lengthy discussion of how Mickey Rourke was dressed?" McHale said. "Then check out 'The Soup,' Friday at 10 -- we're as shallow as it gets."

Best catnip for "Arrested" fans: Seacrest asked Ron Howard ("Frost/Nixon") about the status of the much-rumored film version of the cult Fox series "Arrested Development." "It's looking very good," Howard said. "We've now been asked to stop offering any details."

Best presenters:Fey and Martin played extremely well together, just as they did on a "30 Rock" episode last year, introducing the original screenplay award with witty banter that even dared to joke about Scientology (but where was the Tom Cruise reaction shot?). Can they co-host the Oscars next year? Please?

Most heartfelt acceptance: Dustin Lance Black, winning screenwriter of "Milk" (and a former writer on HBO's "Big Love"), offered a tribute to Harvey Milk, and, channeling Milk's message, said to gay and lesbian kids watching, "No matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally, across this great nation of ours. Thank you. And thank you, God, for giving us Harvey Milk."

Best too-inside Hollywood joke: Presenter Jack Black claimed each year he makes one DreamWorks animated movie -- and then bets on rival studio Pixar to win an animation Oscar.

Number of times the director of the telecast cut to Brad Pitt while ex-wife Jennifer Aniston was on stage: Just once, surprisingly.

Funny until it's not: A bearded presenter Ben Stiller aped Joaquin Phoenix's seemingly incoherent appearance on "Late Show with David Letterman" from last week. It was sort of funny (if too long and too on the nose) ... until Phoenix completes his meltdown.

Amusing but should have been funnier: Judd Apatow's sort-of short film sequel to "Pineapple Express" with James Franco and Seth Rogen.

Smartest innovation: Queen Latifah singing "I'll Be Seeing You" over the In Memoriam segment curtailed applause and allowed producers to shoehorn in another musical performance. Nicely done.

Best ABC promo: Tom Cruise, in a spot for "Jimmy Kimmel Live," sent the late-night host into a burning home to rescue a cat that wasn't there.