This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on March 24, 2015.
Sometimes the only thing decent to watch late at night is a talk show.
But it’ll take a little more time for James Corden, the newest late-night host, to be up to par with Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel.
Corden replaced Craig Ferguson, who left “The Late Late Show” after almost 10 years, and started his hosting stint Monday night, March 23. Well, technically, Tuesday, March 24, since it was after midnight.
After a lot of thanking and one choke-up about his parents, Corden poked fun at himself and the idea that no one in the U.S. really knows him and the fact that he’s never been a host.
Basing his first sketch on “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” with hints of other movies such as “Whiplash,” Corden got his golden ticket and tips from Meryl Streep, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shia LaBeouf, Allison Janney and, of course, Jay Leno. Because who else?
Man, I wish I had gotten a golden ticket to host #TheLateLateShow. I could’ve been famous! #jokes #latenightTV
— Clara B. (@ClaraAB2) March 24, 2015
Honestly, the bit felt like a ploy to get as many celebrities on the show as possible to boost ratings. And after Corden picked up the chocolate bar with the golden ticket that Chelsea Handler dropped, I couldn’t help but wish she wouldn’t have dropped it … even though the bit was fake.
Kudos for getting Simon Cowell to be the greedy celebrity seemingly desperate for a new gig, though.
Corden continued his run of stellar celebrity guests by having Mila Kunis and Tom Hanks be his first interviewees.
The British actor’s interviewing skills could use some work — he talked too much about himself, he struggled to include both celebrities in the interviews (why they did two interview sets together wasn’t clear to me), and he seemed nervous.
Tom Hanks and Mila Kunis are an odd combination for #JamesCorden to interview. #TheLateLateShow
— Clara B. (@ClaraAB2) March 24, 2015
He’ll probably improve over time, but it wasn’t enjoyable to watch his first night.
What was fun was an homage to Hanks’ films. It allowed the men to show off their acting chops.
Most people don’t know Corden yet — he’s best known for playing the baker in “Into the Woods” alongside Emily Blunt, but in time, I hope he’ll improve. He has good improv and singing skills, but his interviewing, a key component of late night talk shows, could use some work.
“The Late Late Show with James Corden” airs on CBS at 12:35 a.m. weekdays, after “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
