Somewhat ironically, this surge in over-the-topness could be considered a by-product of harder economic times.

CNN: Five of the world's most opulent villas

The issue seemed to be their eccentricity and general over-the-topness.

WSJ: Testing Mail-Order Cupcakes

At a time when movie musicals have come to be synonymous with emotional and visual extravagance -- the super-mega-over-the-topness of "Chicago" or "Dreamgirls" -- Mr. Carney has dared to take everything down to its essence.

WSJ: Film Review