Most of us will remember 2010 as the year of the oil spill or the year the Republicans took the midterm elections or the year that a good Harry Potter flick finally found its way into theaters. Most of us will not remember 2010 by its films, especially with 2011 primed to be the year of blockbusters (Cowboys & Aliens, the final Harry Potter, Sucker Punch, etc.). But for those of us who love film and TV— and have way too much time on our hands to recount our favorite films, shows, and moments— this year still has its things worth remembering. That being said, I hope you'll take a gander at my top picks for this year.
As a warning, I promise that my picks are not pretentious. I judge movies for how entertaining they are as well as how dramatic/cinematic/whatever. For example, I liked the original Transformers but one of my favorite movies ever is Fellini's 8 1/2. Mixed, I know. I also don't do heavy dramas much. There's too much in life to worry about than emotionally draining shows (don't get me wrong, I watched some of Mad Men but had to stop because it was like watching The Hours for, well, hours), so my list of favorite shows instead concerns my favorite comedies of the year. They all make me laugh and they always leave me feeling better after watching them than I did before.
Best Picture:
1) Black Swan - I judge movies by how much they affect me, and let me just say that this one got to me. I had to look away multiple times (that's the first time I've done that since No Country For Old Men). My friend who saw it with me said that he didn't dare touch his drink for the entire second half of the film because he was so tense. It was an artistic masterpiece with unbelievable acting and impeccable direction.
2) Social Network - I wanted this to be the best picture. Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield and even Justin Timberlake all give fantastic performances, layered on top of a marvelously paced and witty screenplay. That final scene with Jesse Eisenberg and the refresh button was probably the most satisfying ending I've seen all year.
3) Toy Story 3 - I nearly cried watching this movie. Seriously. The fact that a bunch of animated toys can nearly bring an adult to tears automatically launches this to the top. Plus, the movie is chock-full of movie references to classics like Cool Hand Luke and others, making it not only entertaining for all ages, but brilliant on an emotional and intellectual level.
4) Inception - I am a 21-year-old male who has a poster for Batman Begins above his bed. Christopher Nolan might be my favorite director. I have seen almost all of Joseph Gordon Levitt's movies. Do I really need to explain more?
5) Never Let Me Go - Simple and elegant. Mulligan, Knightley, and Garfield all give powerful performances that break through the barrier between you and disbelief, and make you feel their plight as your own. Gorgeous art direction and cinematography, complete with a moving and ultimately human story.
Best Comedy TV Shows (for those of us who aren't "mature" or pretentious enough to gab about serious dramas):
1) Community - This show is a work of genius. Every episode finds a way to top the last. Whether it is a dramatic episode about Troy's birthday or a parody of Apollo 13, this show continues to find success in everything it does.
2) The League - Most TV shows have at least one character that you get annoyed with. On It's Always Sunny, I usually get annoyed with Sweet Dee. On The Office, I usually get annoyed with Dwight (he's great, but overused). On The League, I love every character. Every single one. Most people have never heard of it and most people will never watch it, but it is exactly what I hope to both be and not to be like in about 15 years.
3) Chuck - Yes, I know that nobody else watches it. I love it. While season four has been, shall we say, a tad disappointing, this show continues to give me butterflies in my tummy. It is the perfect blend of action, comedy, and drama that more TV shows need to copy. Viva BuyMoria.
4) 30 Rock - This is honestly one of the best comedies of all time. The characters might be getting a little old by now, but they are still just as silly and hilarious as ever.
5) Psych - Sure, Psych struggled a bit this season, sometimes coming across as stale or too self-referential. At the same time though, Shawn and Gus continue to murder you with their dynamic. Toss in Jules, Lassie, and occasionally their (former) secretary, Ken, and the show will kill you with laughs every time.
Best TV Episodes:
1) "Chuck vs. The Other Guy," Chuck - This episode brings together everything great about the show, pitting romance against romance and spy against spy. The characters, however strange and outlandish they are, came together in an incredibly human way. On top of that, the show upped the suspense (Is Shaw good or bad? Does Sarah love Chuck??) so that it seemed that certain catastrophe was just around the bend.
2) "Modern Warfare," Community - I could not believe this episode when I saw it. It is such an ambitious episode, blending action parodies with a community college. I died at every reference to 28 Days Later or John Woo movies. Oh, and all the clubs that popped up, like the Chess Club and the chorus kids.
3) "Reaganing," 30 Rock - What a great idea for an episode. I practically peed my pants when Tracy kept filming the ad and, as the camera pans to him, he says, "Shirt on or off?"
4) "Grilled Cheesus," Glee - I was worried this show had gone down the tubes and become another High School Musical. Then I saw this episode.
5) "High School Renunion," The League - Two words: The Herdsman! Heeeeyaaaaaaah!
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