End of the year lists? I love it! As usual, here are my
top ten films of the year and top ten television shows. The films have links to
my previous posts to avoid repetitiveness. This year I added my top five
favourite YouTube clips just for fun. Enjoy.
TOP TEN FILMS OF 2012
1. THE AVENGERS
That was fun! That’s what a super hero movie should look like. Even with a large cast of egos, everyone gets an equal share of camera time. Joss Whedon is simply amazing.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/05/film-avengers.html
2. MOONRISE KINGDOM
I think the best word to describe this film is ‘charming’. You can’t help watching this film and get a big grin on your face. Most of that is owed to newcomers Gilman and Hayward as the two kids in love.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/07/film-moonrise-kingdom.html
I think the best word to describe this film is ‘charming’. You can’t help watching this film and get a big grin on your face. Most of that is owed to newcomers Gilman and Hayward as the two kids in love.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/07/film-moonrise-kingdom.html
3. LES MISERABLES
The film has some advantages over the stage productions especially allowing the actors to whisper lines and allowing the audience to see clear facial expressions with all the close-ups.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2013/01/film-les-miserables.html
The film has some advantages over the stage productions especially allowing the actors to whisper lines and allowing the audience to see clear facial expressions with all the close-ups.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2013/01/film-les-miserables.html
4. ARGO
Affleck does a great job building suspense in this film. He makes the audience cringe in anticipation with his ‘hurry up and wait’ pacing. Many scenes keep you on the edge of your seat.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/10/film-argo.html
Affleck does a great job building suspense in this film. He makes the audience cringe in anticipation with his ‘hurry up and wait’ pacing. Many scenes keep you on the edge of your seat.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/10/film-argo.html
5. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
No surprise, Gollum steals the show again. His scenes with Bilbo make the whole wait worth it. I’ve missed that creepy little guy.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/12/film-hobbit-unexpected-journey.html
No surprise, Gollum steals the show again. His scenes with Bilbo make the whole wait worth it. I’ve missed that creepy little guy.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/12/film-hobbit-unexpected-journey.html
6. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
I don’t want to spoil things for people seeing this film, but I feel that Nolan ends his trilogy perfectly. It is so satisfying! I dare say it’s brilliant.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/07/film-dark-knight-rises.html
I don’t want to spoil things for people seeing this film, but I feel that Nolan ends his trilogy perfectly. It is so satisfying! I dare say it’s brilliant.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/07/film-dark-knight-rises.html
7. DJANGO UNCHAINED
It’s Waltz and DiCaprio who steal the show. Waltz is slick and humourous while DiCaprio is deliciously suave and despicable. Kudos also go to the unbelievably evil Samuel L Jackson.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/12/film-django-unchained.html
It’s Waltz and DiCaprio who steal the show. Waltz is slick and humourous while DiCaprio is deliciously suave and despicable. Kudos also go to the unbelievably evil Samuel L Jackson.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/12/film-django-unchained.html
8. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS
An elevator opens and things come out. Can’t say more but it was a sight to behold. Also, three words: Angry molesting tree. ‘nuff said.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/04/film-cabin-in-woods.html
An elevator opens and things come out. Can’t say more but it was a sight to behold. Also, three words: Angry molesting tree. ‘nuff said.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/04/film-cabin-in-woods.html
9. LOOPER
What I found most interesting about this film is I didn’t know who to root for. Everyone seemed to have good reasons to do what they do. Again, that’s a credit to Johnson’s amazing script.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/09/film-looper.html
What I found most interesting about this film is I didn’t know who to root for. Everyone seemed to have good reasons to do what they do. Again, that’s a credit to Johnson’s amazing script.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/09/film-looper.html
10. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
I have enjoyed watching Bradley Cooper since his second season on Alias. He can do some great dramatic work; he’s not limited by his Hangover role. He does an outstanding job.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/11/film-silver-linings-playbook_24.html
I have enjoyed watching Bradley Cooper since his second season on Alias. He can do some great dramatic work; he’s not limited by his Hangover role. He does an outstanding job.
Link: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2012/11/film-silver-linings-playbook_24.html
TOP TEN TV SHOWS OF 2012
1. HOMELAND (SHOWTIME)
Why: Twists and turns galore mixed with stellar acting.
Favourite Character: Saul (Mandy Patinkin), the frustrated mentor
Best Episode of 2012: New Car Smell (S02E04)
Carrie is finally taken seriously and allowed to approach Brody to see what else he knows. A drink at a bar leads to dropped jaws in more ways than one.
2. NEW GIRL (FOX)
Why: The cast gels so perfectly in their own dysfunctional way.
Favourite Character: Schmidt (Max Greenfied), the metrosexual
Best Episode of 2012: Menzies (S02E07)
Jess blames her PMS for not getting a job, Winston gets sympathy PMS and Nick tries to control his anger with the help of an old man and hot tub.
Why: The cast gels so perfectly in their own dysfunctional way.
Favourite Character: Schmidt (Max Greenfied), the metrosexual
Best Episode of 2012: Menzies (S02E07)
Jess blames her PMS for not getting a job, Winston gets sympathy PMS and Nick tries to control his anger with the help of an old man and hot tub.
3. PARKS & RECREATION (NBC)
Why: Every character is unbelievably funny and out-politics Veep
Favourite Character: Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), the manly man
Best Episode of 2012: The Debate (S04E20)
Leslie takes on the privileged Bobby Newport (Paul Rudd) in a hilarious debate. Meanwhile Andy re-enacts movies for supporters while Ron goes to fix the cable.
Why: Every character is unbelievably funny and out-politics Veep
Favourite Character: Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), the manly man
Best Episode of 2012: The Debate (S04E20)
Leslie takes on the privileged Bobby Newport (Paul Rudd) in a hilarious debate. Meanwhile Andy re-enacts movies for supporters while Ron goes to fix the cable.
4. GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
Why: Epic storytelling at its best. Easier to follow in the second season.
Favourite Character: Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), the survivalist
Best Episode of 2012: Blackwater (S02E09)
The assault on King’s Landing has begun so Tyrion and the Lannisters must fight for their lives in a climactic battle that includes the most amazing explosion.
Why: Epic storytelling at its best. Easier to follow in the second season.
Favourite Character: Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), the survivalist
Best Episode of 2012: Blackwater (S02E09)
The assault on King’s Landing has begun so Tyrion and the Lannisters must fight for their lives in a climactic battle that includes the most amazing explosion.
5. THE WALKING DEAD (AMC)
Why: They have so much more zombie killings and dramatic turns now.
Favourite Character: Glenn (Steven Yeun), the heart of the group
Best Episode of 2012: Made to Suffer (S03E08)
The prison storyline and Woodsbury storyline finally merge featuring a rescue attempt, a reunion and an all-out fight between two new characters this season.
Why: They have so much more zombie killings and dramatic turns now.
Favourite Character: Glenn (Steven Yeun), the heart of the group
Best Episode of 2012: Made to Suffer (S03E08)
The prison storyline and Woodsbury storyline finally merge featuring a rescue attempt, a reunion and an all-out fight between two new characters this season.
6. MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
Why: Still the best family sitcom out there, though there aren’t many.
Favourite Character: Luke Dunphy (Nolan Gould), the one-liner king
Best Episode of 2012: Leap Day (S03E17)
The girls not only ruin Phil’s leap day plans but scare Phil and Luke to death, Mitchell tries to make Cam’s birthday special with a theme party.
Why: Still the best family sitcom out there, though there aren’t many.
Favourite Character: Luke Dunphy (Nolan Gould), the one-liner king
Best Episode of 2012: Leap Day (S03E17)
The girls not only ruin Phil’s leap day plans but scare Phil and Luke to death, Mitchell tries to make Cam’s birthday special with a theme party.
7. BREAKING BAD (AMC)
Why: Walt’s transformation is car-wreck you can’t help watching.
Favourite Character: Todd (Jesse Plemons), the unstable new guy
Best Episode of 2012: Dead Freight (S05E05)
A daring train heist for their methylamine requires the new guy’s help. Of course, train heists don’t always go as planned as morals are ultimately tested.
Why: Walt’s transformation is car-wreck you can’t help watching.
Favourite Character: Todd (Jesse Plemons), the unstable new guy
Best Episode of 2012: Dead Freight (S05E05)
A daring train heist for their methylamine requires the new guy’s help. Of course, train heists don’t always go as planned as morals are ultimately tested.
8. SHERLOCK (BBC)
Why: Mini-movie mysteries expertly crafted and acted. Wow.
Favourite Character: Watson (Martin Freeman), the only friend
Best Episode of 2012: A Scandal in Belgravia (S02E01)
Sherlock is entranced with the brilliant Irene Adler who has some scandalous photographs and links to an international terrorist plot.
Why: Mini-movie mysteries expertly crafted and acted. Wow.
Favourite Character: Watson (Martin Freeman), the only friend
Best Episode of 2012: A Scandal in Belgravia (S02E01)
Sherlock is entranced with the brilliant Irene Adler who has some scandalous photographs and links to an international terrorist plot.
9. THE NEWSROOM (HBO)
Why: It’s an Aaron Sorkin show. That should be enough.
Favourite Character: Charlie (Sam Waterston), the tipsy boss
Best Episode of 2012: Bullies (S01E06)
Sloan makes a costly error when translating the Japanese response to a nuclear crisis. Will sees a therapist after bullying a candidate live on-air.
Why: It’s an Aaron Sorkin show. That should be enough.
Favourite Character: Charlie (Sam Waterston), the tipsy boss
Best Episode of 2012: Bullies (S01E06)
Sloan makes a costly error when translating the Japanese response to a nuclear crisis. Will sees a therapist after bullying a candidate live on-air.
10. PARENTHOOD (NBC)
Why: It’s an emotionally powerful series that is well written
Favourite Character: Crosby (Dax Shepard), the goof-off with heart
Best Episode of 2012: I’ll Be Right Here (S04E06)
Max has to give his class president speech on the same day as Kristina’s surgery. Sarah moves in with Mark. Ryan asks out Amber. Crosby tries praying.
Why: It’s an emotionally powerful series that is well written
Favourite Character: Crosby (Dax Shepard), the goof-off with heart
Best Episode of 2012: I’ll Be Right Here (S04E06)
Max has to give his class president speech on the same day as Kristina’s surgery. Sarah moves in with Mark. Ryan asks out Amber. Crosby tries praying.
MY TOP FIVE YOUTUBE CLIPS OF 2012
1. SCS SECONDARY STAFF – CALL ME MAYBE
Why: Well, first off, I made the video so this could not be more biased. Our school staff did our own version of Carly Rae Jepsen’s explosive single (using the Justin Beiber tribute video as inspiration). Lots of fun was had.
Why: Well, first off, I made the video so this could not be more biased. Our school staff did our own version of Carly Rae Jepsen’s explosive single (using the Justin Beiber tribute video as inspiration). Lots of fun was had.
2. DUMB WAYS TO DIE
Why: The happiness of these incredibly stupid cartoons makes me smile. The song is quite infectious. Imagine dying from listening to the song? I like that this is merely a train safety commercial.
Why: The happiness of these incredibly stupid cartoons makes me smile. The song is quite infectious. Imagine dying from listening to the song? I like that this is merely a train safety commercial.
3. EPIC TEA TIME WITH ALAN RICKMAN
Why: I have loved Alan Rickman ever since Die Hard. He is so dramatic in this slow-motion clip. You have to wait until the 3:50 mark for real drama to begin.
Why: I have loved Alan Rickman ever since Die Hard. He is so dramatic in this slow-motion clip. You have to wait until the 3:50 mark for real drama to begin.
4. FEEL INSIDE (AND STUFF LIKE THAT)
Why: I have missed the antics of Flight of the Conchords. The Murray stuff is good but the real highlight is watching them interview the kids for lyrics and then using them. I also love the unsolicited Muppets praise.
Why: I have missed the antics of Flight of the Conchords. The Murray stuff is good but the real highlight is watching them interview the kids for lyrics and then using them. I also love the unsolicited Muppets praise.
5. OK GO – NEEDING/GETTING
Why: I love the videos from this band. While this one is not as good as ‘Here It Goes Again’ (treadmill dance) or ‘This Too Shall Pass’ (rube goldberg machine), it is pretty interesting using a car and track to make music. Watch the making of as well.
Why: I love the videos from this band. While this one is not as good as ‘Here It Goes Again’ (treadmill dance) or ‘This Too Shall Pass’ (rube goldberg machine), it is pretty interesting using a car and track to make music. Watch the making of as well.
So that was my year. What's on your list?
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