Looks like the producers realized that DeGeneres isn’t exactly a laugh riot (TNR’s Isaac Chotiner agrees ) and decided to bring in some actually funny folks—Jack Black, Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly—to help her out. Good idea, and nice to see the Oscar at least pay some lip service to its tendency not to recognize comedy. Also, I think it may be the first time I’ve ever heard “Ralph Nader” rhymed with “James Spader.”