Blackout is a pop culture junkie who wants to spread his addiction of television and film to as many people as possible. If you're planning on sitting in front of a screen, you might as well watch the good stuff.
The year 2009 is almost done, so it’s time to post my top 10 list of films.I saw a lot of clunkers and films that had great moments but didn’t satisfy overall. The ones on this list are films that made me smile when leaving the theatre, happy to have spent my precious time watching something thoroughly entertaining.
1. STAR TREK
Don’t need to know anything about Star Trek to enjoy this film. Trust me. The characters and story are vibrant. Kirk and Spock’s relationship is well played. The special effects are incredible.
Jason Reitman can do no wrong, he’s like Pixar. George Clooney is at his suave best and deserves all the praise he gets. The story is timely, meaningful, darkly humourous and emotional.
While the humourous situations are fun to watch, it’s all about the chemistry between the male leads. Zach Galifianakis, steals the show and is now a household name.
Short and sweet and non-linear. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deshanel are very cute together as they go through the ins and outs of infatuation, flirtation, rejection and more. Nice soundtrack too.
Sure, the focus in on the spectacle of the mind-blowing universe James Cameron has created, but the story is also well-told. This is an event movie and (in Cameron’s words) not meant to played on an iPhone.
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6. WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Fantastic acting, directing, art direction, costumes, music and most of all story. Totally relatable with its raw emotions; although probably aimed more at boys than girls. Spike Jonze has done it again.
The perfect movie for a guy about to get married. Paul Rudd and Jason Segal have quite the bromance. Unlike a lot of other comedies, it’s not too raunchy. Well maybe a scene or two.
Very fun stop motion animation with all the quirkiness of a Wes Anderson movie. Clooney and the cast do stellar voice over work. I still laugh at their use of the word ‘cuss’ to keep it family friendly.
So much tension through dialogue and dramatic irony, I was on the edge of my seat. Beautifully shot and filled with pitch black comedy. The bloddshed at the end is too over-the-top, but that’s Tarantino.
Not my favourite Pixar film but no slouch either. Lots of heart found in this story of an old man dealing with loss by embarking on an adventure. Dug and Russell steal the show.
I noticed as I was writing the reviews that I spent a lot of time talking about actor chemistry this year. Maybe it’s because I’m married now but I notice how well certain actors work together. From Leo & Kate in Revolutionary Road to Robert and Jude in Sherlock Holmes, it has been a great year for camaraderie, romance and bromance. What’s in your top ten list this year. Feel free to let me know.
This list was incredibly hard to make. These last ten years have had some amazing films, but how do you put them into some kind of sensible order? I could just list them without ranking but what’s the fun in that. I also cheated a little and put some sequels together in one slot to make room for others. What I was looking for when picking the films is looking at movies that I could watch over and over again. No matter how many times I watch them, they don’t get boring. I’ve seen these films multiple times, I own them all and I invite you to watch them either for the first time or the twenty-seventh. Here’s the list:
1. LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY
Epic story. Large, talented cast. Gollum talking to himself.
Memorable line:“You shall not pass!”
2. BATMAN BEGINS/THE DARK NIGHT
Darker than Burton. Dynamic villains. Rejuvenized franchise.
Memorable line:“Why so serious?”
3. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
Mind-bending cinematography and editing. Jim Carrey serious.
Memorable line:“Sand is overrated. It’s just tiny, little rocks”
4. SPIDERMAN/SPIDERMAN 2
Perfect origin story. Visually captivating. Maguire does well.
Memorable line:“Go web! Fly! Up, up and away web! Shazaam!”
Memorable line: “It’s love, it’s not Santa Claus.”
17. JUNO
Quirky dialogue and cast. Fun soundtrack. Michael Cera.
Memorable line: “It’s probably just a food baby.”
18. ZOOLANDER
Supermodel stupidity. Walk-off. Awesome cameos. Blue Steel.
Memorable line: “What is this? A center for ants?”
19. SUPER SIZE ME
Eye-opening doc. Spurlock uses himself as a guinea pig.
Memorable line: “I feel like I’ve got some McSweats goin’”
20. ROAD TO PERDITION
Beautifully shot. Tom Hanks is the man. Father-son bonding.
Memorable line: “None of us will see heaven.” “Michael could.”
PREVIOUS TOP 10 FILM LISTS
2009: 1.Star Trek 2.Up in the Air 3.The Hangover 4.500 Days of Summer 5.Avatar 6.Where the Wild Things Are 7.I Love You, Man 8.Fantastic Mr. Fox 9.Inglorious Basterds 10.Up
2008:1.The Dark Knight 2.Wall-E 3.Slumdog Millionaire 4.Benjamin Button 5.Cloverfield 6.Forgetting Sarah Marshall 7.Iron Man 8.Frost/Nixon 9.Horton Hears a Who 10.Yes Man
2007:1.Juno 2.No Country for Old Men 3.300 4.The Darjeeling Limited 5.Across the Universe 6.American Gangster 7.Charlie Wilson’s War 8.Knocked Up 9.1408 10.Live Free or Die Hard
2006:1.Thank You for Smoking 2.Stranger Than Fiction 3.The Departed 4.United 93 5.Borat 6.Little Miss Sunshine 7.Apocalypto 8.Mission Impossible III 9.V for Vendetta 10.Lucky Number Slevin
2005:1.Batman Begins 2.Sin City 3.Serenity 4.Jarhead 5.Crash 6.King Kong 7.Munich 8.Good Night & Good Luck 9.Murderball 10.40 Year Old Virgin
2004:1.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 2.Garden State 3.The Incredibles 4.The Life Aquatic 5.Finding Neverland 6.The Aviator 7.Kill Bill: Volume 2 8.Super Size Me 9.Spiderman 2 10.Dodgeball
2003:1.Return of the King 2.Finding Nemo 3.28 Days Later 4.Big Fish 5.Lost in Translation 6.Kill Bill: Volume 1 7.Bruce Almighty 8.Elf 9.The Italian Job 10.Matchstick Men
2002:1.The Two Towers 2.Spiderman 3.Signs 4.Road to Perdition 5.Insomnia 6.Minority Report 7.Ice Age 8.Catch Me If You Can 9.The Ring 10.Star Wars: Episode II
2001:1.Fellowship of the Ring 2.Ocean’s 11 3.Memento 4.Moulin Rouge! 5.The Man Who Wasn’t There 6.Zoolander 7. The Royal Tennenbaums 8.Spy Game 9.The Majestic 10.A Beautiful Mind
2000:1.What Lies Beneath 2.Gladiator 3.American Psycho 4.Almost Famous 5.Requiem for a Dream 6.Gone in 60 Seconds 7.Chicken Run 8.Cast Away 9.Snatch 10.Charlie’s Angels
So, what were your favourite films of the past decade?
In 2010, I’m going to try and spend a bit more time talking about television instead of movies. While I’ve talked about some of the following series, I don’t think I’ve given all them their full due; for example, the amazing fourth season of Dexter with the wonderful John Lithgow as a fellow serial killer. Anyway, like last year, instead of describing each series on the list, I’ve selected three amazing episodes from 2009. Download them or watch them online and see what I mean.
1. LOST
1. 316 (Season 5 : Episode 6)
2. The Life and Times of Jeremy Bentham (S5 : E7)
3. He’s Our You (S5 : E10)
2. BREAKING BAD
1. 4 Days Out (S2 : E9)
2. Grilled (S2 : E2)
3. ABQ (S2 : E13)
3. DAMAGES
1. London, Of Course (S2 : E11)
2. Trust Me (S2 : E13)
3. Hey! Mr. Pibb (S2 : E4)
4. THE OFFICE
1. Niagara, Part I & II (S6 : E4, E5)
2. Secret Santa (S6 :E13)
3. Stress Relief (S5 : E13)
5. MAD MEN
1. Shut the Door, Have a Seat (S3 : E13)
2. The Gypsy and the Hobo (S3 : E11)
3. Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency (S3 : E6)
6. DEXTER
1. The Getaway (S4 : E12)
2. Hello, Dexter Morgan (S4 : E11)
3. Dex Takes a Holiday (S4 : E4)
7. FLASH FORWARD
1. No More Good Days (S1 : E1)
2. The Gift (S1 : E7)
3. Scary Monsters and Super Creeps (S1 : E6)
8. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
1. East of Dillon (S4 : E1)
2. The Giving Tree (S3 : E10)
3. Hello, Goodbye (S3 : E4)
9. CHUCK
1. Chuck Vs. the Ring (S2 : E22)
2. Chuck Vs. the Suburbs (S2 : E13)
3. Chuck Vs. the Lethal Weapon (S2 : E16)
10. THE BIG BANG THEORY
1. The Adhesive Duck Deficiency (S3 : E8)
2. The Terminator Decoupling (S2 : 17)
3. The Gorilla Experiment (S3 : E10)
There you have it. What’s in your top ten list? Feel free to let me know.
So as the decade comes to close, it’s time to look back on some of the great television shows that have graced the tubes. Trying to narrow it down to ten was way too difficult so I tried to keep it down to twenty instead. My only criteria was that the show needed to have more than two seasons in the past decade; there has to be some sustainability to be considered a classic. So, sorry Firefly and Pushing Daisies, you were great and all but didn’t make the cut. Also Breaking Bad and Damages, as great as they are, need to survive a little longer to be considered. Honorable mention goes to The Daily Show and The Colbert Report who definitely deserve to be considered some of the best television out there, but I decided to look at more weekly fare instead of daily installments. Sorry. Anyway here is my top twenty followed by a recounting of previous years.
1. LOST
Nothing can beat the intricate nature of this show. You must watch each episode to gather clues and try solve the mysteries that surround the island. This is event television. Can’t wait to see how it ends.
Standout Episode:The Constant(S4:E5)
Desmond’s search for Penny had grounded the show for so long and seeing him jolt back and forth in time to get to her kept us fully engrossed.
2. BUFFY, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
Don’t let the name (or crappy film) fool you, this was one of the best shows ever produced with scripts that were full of action, humour, emotion and social commentary. By season two I was hooked.
Standout Episode:Once More, With Feeling (S6:E7)
Joss Whedon penned a beautiful musical that not only got his characters to express their emotions but also advance the plot significantly. This is not just a quirky stand-alone episode.
3. ANGEL
While it started off a little rocky, it grew into a more mature Buffy show with a lot more adult themes. The humour and action were still there but the emotional punch hit home a lot more.
Standout Episode:Waiting in the Wings(S3:E13)
Not only do we get to see the Angel Investigations crew a little out of their element, but we also see loads of heartbreak as the female characters fall in love unaware of other suitors.
4. ALIAS
Sure the last two season stretched the premise a little too far, but the first three were top notch. The spy element mixed with emotional relationships made for some great television. I can still hear the techno.
Standout Episode: Phase One(S2:E13)
They practically wrapped up the series with this episode. Shown after the Superbowl, this action packed thrill-ride was truly a game-changer for the series.
5. SCRUBS
From the first time JD (Zach Braff) played with his shaving cream in the pilot, I was hooked on this very funny comedy that was filled with zany dream sequences and hard-hitting emotional turns.
Standout Episode:My Screw Up(S3:E14)
Brendan Fraser brought even more credibility to this fantastically written episode that even managed to throw in a little twist when you weren’t looking.
6. THE WEST WING
I got to the series after it ended but boy am I glad I got to watch it.The repartee between the presidential staffers was quick-witted and fun to see. Learned some things about politics as well.
Standout Episode:In the Shadow of Two Gunmen, Part I & II(S2: E1/E2)
With the heart-pounding emergency room scenes and the flashbacks of how the staff came together, this episode has it all.
7. THE SOPRANOS
Even though I sometimes felt the pace dragged at times, the storytelling was still compelling and the acting was incredible. Talk about powerhouse performances.
Standout Episode:Pine Barrens(S3:E11)
Christopher and Paulie eating ketchup packets in a frozen van. This episode, directed by Steve Buscemi, made me smile from ear to ear.
8. ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
Quirky characters, inside jokes, guest stars galore, brilliant callbacks, and wonderful narration by Ron Howard. This is the definition of a fall-down funny sitcom.
Standout Episode: S.O.B.s (S3:E9)
The Save-Our-Bluths campaign becomes a cry for help from the actual series begging for viewers to watch by bringing out every television gimmick in the book.
9. THE OFFICE
I will admit that the original British version with Ricky Gervais was more groundbreaking and painfully awkward, but the Scranton branch has made me care about the characters. Probably because it’s been around longer.
Standout Episode:Casino Night (S2:E22)
Michael Scott trying to juggle two women while organizing a casino night is funny in itself but it all comes down to Jim’s confession to Pam that steals the show.
10. THE AMAZING RACE
The only reality show I still watch. There’s a reason it keeps winning the Emmy. Fascinating locales, interesting challenges and competitive couples = fun times.
Standout Episode:The Unexpected Twist (S1:E9)
Team Guido takes their time after completing a fast forward. It’s always fun to watch first season players make costly mistakes.
11. DEXTER
You got to hand it to a show that makes you want to root for a serial killer. Sure, he only kills bad people but I keep hoping he doesn’t get caught. Michael C Hall sure managed to separate himself from his Six Feet Under character. Wow.
Standout Episode: The Getaway(S4:E12)
Even after four season, this show can make my mouth drop in utter shock. Seriously, my bottom lips was almost on the floor at the conclusion of this tense episode.
12. CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
For those who missed Seinfeld, this filled the void, and I’m not just talking about this past Seinfeld reunion storyline. This show was basically George ramped up to the nth degree.
Standout Episode: The Grand Opening(S3:E10)
Never before has this much bad language been so funny. The lead up was well crafted enough to make the conclusion of the episode, featuring a swearing cook, priceless. Simply priceless.
13. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Never thought I would get into this show. Not only does is have one of the most realistic marriage portrayals on TV with Coach and Tami Taylor but the games themselves are well shot and totally unpredictable.
Standout Episode:Mudbowl(S1:E20)
For those who are passionate about the sport of football, this one’s for you. Nothing like playing in a field, and in a downpour, to go for a state championship.
14. MAD MEN
This is a show that revels in its preciseness. Everything is picture perfect except the character’s lives. This show knows how to take its time weaving a compelling story that will have you empathizing with its characters in no time.
Standout Episode: Shut the Door, Have a Seat (S3:E13)
This must be one of the fasted paced episodes in the series history. With a hint of Jerry Maguire-ish maneuvering, we see things made new while relationships crumble.
15. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
I’m not the biggest sci-fi fan but this show has so much more to offer. There are some intense political and theological debates going on; much more so than previous Star Trek versions.
Standout Episode:Blood on the Scales(S4:E14)
Mutiny brings out the worst in people. The intensity of this show does not subside as horrific acts are committed and loyalty is truly tested.
16. SIX FEET UNDER
I will admit the pacing of this show is slow but it does deal with death on a constant basis so it seems justified. Great acting and storytelling show the struggle of living and dealing with death.
Standout Episode:Everybody’s Waiting(S5:E12)
A show that deals with death better end its series right. This is a wonderfully fitting conclusion to the series that also manages to show us the future of these characters in a beautiful montage. Breathtaking.
17. HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
This sitcom takes its relationship/friendship commentary from Friends but manages to turn it on its ear. Rules are made, conventions are broken as we still try to determine who is the mother of the title.
Standout Episode:Slap Bet (S2:E9)
Our first introduction to Robin Sparkles and the genesis of the slap bet. There is one more slap to go; who knows when it will rear it’s ugly head.
18. VERONICA MARS
Unfortunately not enough people knew this show existed. Sure it seemed a little Nancy Drew-ish but Kristin Bell’s sarcasm and spunk gave this series an electric energy. The season-long mysteries were also expertly crafted.
Standout Episode:Leave it to Beaver(S1:E22)
The conclusion of the yearlong mystery had me on the edge of my seat. Literally. They got everything right in this episode. Brilliant.
19. THE OC
This show replaced my guilty-pleasure Dawson’s Creek fix. Full of pop-culture references, meta-commentary and indie music cred, this show kept me coming back for more. Seth Cohen made the nerd look cool again.
Standout Episode: The Best Chrismukkah Ever(S1:E13)
This show highlight the best of Adam Brody’s work as Seth Cohen before the over-exposure sunk in. Seth juggling two girls during his holiday mash-up feast is fun, fast and fresh.
20. 24
This show started strong with innovative storytelling and camera work, intense emotion and high-octane action. Unfortunately it got a little to repetitive. You can only here Jack Bauer yell, “Dammit, we’re running out of time” so many times.
Standout Episode:Day 5: 6:00pm – 7:00pm(S5 : E12)
After some predictable seasons, 24 rejuvenated itself with President and Martha Logan. This episode features a CTU takeover that results in the demise of a tragic new character.
PREVIOUS TOP 10 TV LISTS
2009:1.Lost2.Breaking Bad3.Damages4.The Office5.Mad Men6.Dexter7.Flash Forward8.Friday Night Lights9.Chuck10.The Big Bang Theory
2008:1.Lost2.The Office3.Pushing Daisies4.Chuck5.Mad Men6.30 Rock7.How I Met Your Mother8.House9.Eli Stone10.Dexter
2007: 1.Lost2.Pushing Daisies3.The Office4.Damages5.Battlestar Galactica6.How I Met Your Mother7.Dexter8.30 Rock9.Dirty Sexy Money10.Chuck
2006:1.Lost2.Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip3.Heroes4.The Office5.Scrubs6.Veronica Mars7.248.How I Met Your Mother9.Prison Break10. The Colbert Report
2004:1.Lost2.Scrubs3.Alias4.Angel5.Arrested Development6.Wonderfalls7.The Apprentice8.The Amazing Race9.Everybody Loves Raymond10. The OC
2003:1.Alias2.Angel3.Scrubs4.Curb Your Enthusiasm5.Without a Trace6.247.The OC8.Survivor: Pearl Islands9.Buffy the Vampire Slayer10.Arrested Development
2002:1.Buffy the Vampire Slayer2.Angel3.Alias4.245.Friends6.Scrubs7.Without a Trace8.Andy Richter Controls the Universe9.The Amazing Race10. Firefly
2001:1.Buffy the Vampire Slayer2.Angel3.Scrubs4.245.Dawson’s Creek6.Andy Richter Controls the Universe7.The Lone Gunmen8.Ed9.Boston Public10.The Simpsons
2000:1.Buffy the Vampire Slayer2.Angel3.Dawson’s Creek4.Survivor5.X-Files6.Whose Line Is It Anyway7.Friends8.Spin City9.The Simpsons10.Boston Public
OTHER GREAT EPISODES FROM THE DECADE
Here are some other favourite episodes that need to be mentioned. Consider these some honourable mentions:
ER:All In the Family(S6:E14)Carter and Lucy are stabbed. The staff works frantically to save one of their own.
House:House’s Head(S4:E15) House has partial amnesia but tries to decipher who was seriously injured in a bus crash.
CSI:Grave Danger(S5:E24/25) The CSI team have to rescue on of their own who has been kidnapped and buried alive.
Pushing Daisies:Pie-lette(S1:E1) We are introduced to Ned, a pie-maker, who can brings things back to life for one minute.
Heroes:Company Man(S1:E17) We finally learn more about the background of Mr. Bennet, also know as HRG.
Firefly:Our Mrs. Reynolds (S1:E3) Mal is accidentally given a woman in marriage but she has ulterior motives.
Dawson’s Creek:The Longest Day (S3:E20) The day is told from three perspectives when Dawson learns of Joey and Pacey.
X-Files: Hollywood AD(S7:E19) Mulder and Scully are disgusted with how they are portrayed on the big screen.
30 Rock:Jack-Tor(S1:E5) Jack is a terrible actor but has to perform on Friday, while Liz thinks Tracey maybe illiterate.
Damages:Because I Know Patty (S1:E13) We finally learn what all happened between Ellen and Patty in the season finale.
Ed: The Proposal(S4:E9) Ed has to come up with a creative way to propose to Carol when his New York plan falls through.
Big Bang Theory:The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis(S2:E11) Penny gives Sheldon the perfect gift to which Sheldon must respond in kind.
There you go. That was a lot of writing. What are your favourite television shows of the past decade?
