2011 was a good great year for television. There haven't been much unsuspected cancellations. The good shows stayed and the crappy ones left. That's how every Autumn should be like. I will complain though - the Fall 2011 line-up would have been much better had The Event been picked up for a second season. I'm still angry about that!
Person of Interest (PoI)
Creator: Jonathan Nolan Starring: Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, Taraji P. Henson Television Gold: I watched the first three episodes and then kinda disconnected from it. It reminded me too much of Law & Order with the different crime every day. Over the Holidays, I decided to give the show a second chance. Glad I did! Taraji P. Henson is amazing as a cop, she has the moves and the dialogue narrowed down to a T. And unlike Law & Order, there is some form of continuous plotline but it's still too subtle for my liking. The element of science-fiction is what really draws me in.
Shameless
Creator: Paul Abbott Starring: Emmy Rossum, Justin Chatwin, William H. Macy, and Joan Cusack Television Gold: Shameless is like Roseanne on cocaine. Quite literally. This show is fucking hilarious and every episode gets increasingly better as you progress through the season. Emmy Rossum really grounds the series and her portrayal of a sister-mother-of-five is deserving of every award out there. If you haven't watched this yet, do it - Season two started not too long ago!!
American Horror Story
Creator: Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk Starring: Connie Britton, Dylan McDermott, Taissa Farmiga, and Jessica Lange Television Gold: Ryan Murphy - better know as the man behind Nip/Tuck and Glee - shocked the hell out of me when he announced his upcoming new series American Horror Story. It was to be a tale of a typical American family being haunted by the demons of their past. So the story changed through the summer and what was finally delivered last Fall was a brilliant showcase of a true Haunting; paranoïa, anxiety, fear, hallucinations. Taissa Farmiga and Jessica Lange steal the show, with Lange taking home this year's Golden Globe for her portrayal of shallow neighbour Constance Langdon.
Once Upon a Time
Creator: Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz Starring: Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lana Parilla, and Jared Gilmore Television Gold: I actually didn't like the premiere and swore off the show forever! But when American Horror Story ended, I needed something to watch. A lot of people were talking about this show so I caved and watched episode 2, then 3, then 4, and so on until I watched every aired episode. And now I'm hook. It reminds of Fable and I love the allusion's to LOST like the Evil Queen's address (108), the frozen time (8:15) and the whiskey (MacCutcheon's). It sometimes dabbles into cheesy territory - mostly the fairytale flashbacks - but I'm gonna give the first season a shot.
My cousin Katie let me in on the music of Elizabeth Grant, better known by her stage name Lana Del Rey. In a minute, I was hooked on her sultry voice and just-as-sultry looks. She is undeniably the best new act of 2011. Watch out, Grammy Awards!
I'm a huge fan of normal people doing excellent covers of popular songs. Often times, I end up preferring the cover to the original song. To share with you, here is a few covers that have excited me this year!
Adele's Someone Like You - @Charlievlogs
Lady Gaga's Born This Way - @Rojuanearagon
Bruno Mars' The Lazy Song - @Gootmusic
Christina Perri's Jar of Hearts - @Maddijanemusic
Nicki Minaj's Superbass - @Karminmusic
Foster the People's Pumped up Kicks - @Jaymedee333
Adele's Rolling in the Deep - @Connietalbotofficial
The Band Perry's If I Die Young - @Justinrobinett
Michael Jackson's Billie Jean - @Thecivilwars
Do you like covers as much as I do? What was your fave of the year?
2011 was a pretty crappy year for mainstream horror flicks but thankfully, there was alot of indie projects that delivered scares. Here are the flicks that scared me shitless this year.
The Woman
Director: Lucky McKee Starring: Pollyanna Mcintosh, Angela Bettis Scares Delivered: McKee and Bettis team up again after making the creepy May back in 2002. The Woman documents the tale of two very different women, both being repressed in their own way. Both women use opposite methods to come out of their shells. Not your conventional horror film (are any of McKee's films conventional?), as it uses subtlety to make you jump, rather then in-your-face scares. Angela Bettis can transform any movie into a creepfest, if only with those terrifying eyes of hers.
Insidious
Director: James Wan Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye Scares Delivered: I was expecting such shit when I first saw this preview, mainly because Wan was attached to the project. Have you seen Dead Silence? Don't! But through the mucky mess of Wan, came a very chilling story about a boy in a coma. Yeah, I Know, can't be that scary right? But when the past comes to haunt (or help?) the family, that's when the gooseflesh begins and the hair begins to rise on your arms. It's like American Horror Story minus the Cheese Factor. A rare ghost story where you actually feel like something threatening could occur. I'm looking at you Amytiville Horror remake!
In its own right though, Insidious was the most profitable movie of 2011, earning over $90m worldwide on a measly $1.5m budget.
I Saw the Devil
Director: Kim Ji-woon Starring: Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik Scares Delivered: Korea strikes again! No pun intended. After laughing and gasping throughout The Host, I was skeptical at watching another Korean exploit. But seriously, this movie is terrifying!! There is something sinister about the dead of winter and two Korean guys trying to survive each other. The ambiguity here lies in the fact that you don't know who the bad guy is and who the good guy is. It's hard to figure out who to pity, who to hate. Where LOST failed in the fight between Villain vs Hero, I Saw the Devil triumphs with subtle subplots and not-so-subtle bloodloss. If you like foreign, you'll like Ji-woon's newest movie!
Other Notable Scary Movies of 2011:
Scream 4
Attack the Block
Seconds Apart
The Innkeepers
What frightful film scared the bejesus out of you this year?
I bought a lot of books this year and thanks to my iRewards card from Chapters, managed to save a whopping $104.45!!! I still haven't managed to read them all though. D'oh! So here's a quick glance at some books that have moved me this year. They weren't necessarily published this year, I just read the book this year.
Blood Red Road - Moira Young
I am a big fan of dystopian novels. I like the idea of a distant future where humans have regressed into barbarism and animal instincts. Blood Red Road by Canadian author Moira Young explores the world around Saba; a desert dweller obsessed with her twin brother Lugh. One day, a sand storm springs out of nowhere and with it comes men on horses. They say they want Lugh.
What happens next is a journey seen through the eyes of a desperate Saba, who will stop at nothing to find her brother. You will have trouble putting this book down if you like both action and compelling writing. There is no quotation marks in this book to distinguish the dialogue between characters. They talk in rough slang, staying true to the desolate future. A must read!
Rumour has it Ridley Scott has bought the rights to the books. Hopefully a movie is in the works soon!
One Second After - William R. Forstchen
According to the preface by Newt Gingrich or whatever his name is, this book was discussed in front of some government people or whatever. It's all very constitutional and super PRO-AMERICAN. I'm not a USA hater, but I can't stand how patriotic their books are. If you can put that aside, like I did, you will enjoy this book for what it is. A compelling piece about the threat of silence. And I mean utter fucking silence.
A small American town is suddenly sent into a blackout and find themselves forcing to band togheter to survive in a world without modern technology. Everything we take for granted like medicine, food, fuel, communications, and shelter is stripped away and all they have left is each other: "We're still Americans, goddammit!"
There is alot of conflict in this book. Diabetes, neighbouring towns, convictions. What works for one, doesn't necessarily work for the other. This book explains what would happen to humanity one second after.
A Red Herring Without Mustard - Alan Bradley
This is the third entry in the Flavia De Luce Mysteries by Canadian author Alan Bradley. I bought the first book without knowing anything about it. The title and cover had captivated me. Two years later, out came A Red Herring Without Mustard, or as I like to call it: Flavia All Grown Up.
The third book continues the tale of Flavia, a passionate chemist with a flare for mystery. She can solve a crime with only the help of her notebook and Gladys, her trusty bicycle. It all sounds childish but it's anything but. A charming novel that will sweep you off your feet and whisk you into a world of poison, jack snipes, 1950's countrysides, and gypsies.
In 2011, it seemed like every other week Rihanna or/and David Guetta came out with a new song. The charts exploded with urban beats, electro-funk, and the bass down low. Here is my Top 15 Top40 songs of 2011. Enjoy!
15. E.T. - Katy Perry feat. Kanye West
So this song pretty much rocked the entire year. It was on every radio station and could have been the most overplayed song of the year if not for Adele's Rolling in the Deep. The album version doesn't contain Kanye West, which is a pity. Because like all Kanye featurings, he makes this song a hoot to listen to from start to finish.
14. Pumped up Kicks - Foster the People
This will probably come at no surprise - Foster the People are 2011's one hit wonder. Yeah, okay, believe in their talent all you want - this band will not, unfortunately, dominate the charts this year. Nope. nada. But for what's it worth, Pumped up Kicks is such a lazy summer song that it'll probably be in rotation again this summer. Or you could do like me and put your MP3 on repeat and sing along all day.
13. Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
When Adam Levine announced live on The Voice that his band would be joining forces with Xtina to record a song, I must admit I was skeptical. I mean, was I the only one who heard the Rihanna/Maroon 5 collaboration? Didn't think so. When th song Moves Like Jagger exploded on the airwaves, I was probably the first to jump ship and proclaim this song a surefire hit! Minus the Xtina part.
12. Give Me Everything - Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo
It seems like Pitbull was all over the place this year excpet for your crotch. Sorry - had to make a dog reference. The reason I like this song so much is because my cousin did a choreographed dance at her wedding with the entire bridal party. It was amazing! And everytime the song played I thought about that so it was instant love. And surely this will be a classic song for the next generation. You know, it is quite love-making-ouh-we're-expecting-SURPRISE!
11. Till the World Ends
Am I the only one who almost fell in epileptic shock upon hearing that Ke$ha (don't forget the dollar sign, cause she's so ghetto) had wrote this song? Yeah, she did. And then handed a number one hit to Britney. And Britney made one hell of a good song out of it. The beat is kick ass and the voice is not too overly sultry, which can sometimes make Britbrit look cheap. I still remember my mom's reaction when she saw the video for My Prerogative:
"Why is she doing that? (girating semi naked on the bed) That doesn't suit her at all"
10. Yoü and I - Lady Gaga
What's weird with this song is that I like it because of its country undertones, yet I can't stand country music (in general). The way she sings about Nebraska - I don't know if there is any sexual inuendo there but there probably is - really shows a more human, down-to-earth side to the one we know as being wild and out there.
9. Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
The title kind of sums it all up. You have Party. You have Rock. Your have Anthem. Party Rock Anthem. Throw in some alcohol and your set for the night!
8. Loca People - Sak Noel
Aha. I heard this song for the first time when I visited my friend in montreal this summer. Her cousin had just came back from Europe and the song was a huge it over there. It was really meant for laughs when they played the tune but the song, like fungus, grows on you. It's now an official pre-drink song.
7. Rain Over Me - Pitbull feat. Marc Anthony
At first I thought the song was Reign Over Me ahahahaha. Thankfully that got clarified so I could get back to what was truly important: Listening to the song. It's so freaking catchy and -dare I say it - probably Marc Anthony's one and only hit. Slow clap, Marc, slow clap.
6. In the Dark - Dev
I was sure Dev was going to explode this year on the music scene but it looks like she passed right under the radar. It's not her fault, Rihanna and Katy Perry released songs every two weeks. Dev has something the other ones don't, which is flare and natural urban rythm. It doesn't seem like she's faking it or as if she's controlled by her record label. Oh and she's pregnant! Better not be poppin' bottles in the ice!
5. Someone Like You - Adele
Undeniably the most touching song of the year. The voice on this girl is outstanding! I love Adele, love this song, this was her year and I am going to stop writing for a while so I can stalk her webpage. BRB.
4. We are Young - Fun.
No, I didn't just randomly add punctuation after the band's name. It's actually part of their name. Fun.. You see, there's two periods. Fun!! Anyways, I' just going to blurt it out and get it over with. I first heard this song in a Glee episode. And although I like the original song by Fun., (aha period followed by comma - so much fun!) the arrangement and overall good vibe of the Glee cast version is alot better. It's actually, well, fun. Sorry Fun. fans.
3. Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan
Simply an upbeat Eurodance bundle of joy. For some reason, this song dips me in a state of nostalgia everytime I listen to it. It reminds me of summer, and that my friends, always makes me happy!
2. Born This Way - Lady Gaga
The lyrics. The video. The message. The multiple remixes. 'Nuff said.
1. Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Surely the most overplayed song of the year. Everyone from your five year old to your grand-mother loved this song. It solidifed Adele's career and down the road, this song is no doubt going to be a classic. It really is a bummer that they overplayed the song so goddamn much this summer.
I must admit I didn't watch a whole lot of comedies this year. But the ones I did watch were quite hysterical in their own rights. Let's check out the funniest comedies this year!
Bridesmaids
Director: Paul Feig Starring: Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph The Funny: Before this movie was even released it was being called The Hangover with women. If anything, this movie surpassed The Hangover's laugh track. Melissa McCarthy's zany performance and the writing talents of Kristen Wiig have made this movie this year's most talked about comedy. Trust me, you will not be dissapointed! Plus, there's something irresistable when it comes to SNL women. They're just too funny!
Horrible Bosses
Director: Seth Gordon Starring: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jennifer Aniston, Collin Farrell, Kevin Spacey The Funny: I can't stand Jennifer Aniston but she seems to nail it every time she does a movie that happens in and around an office setting. Horrible bosses is the type of film noir that I like. It's crude and vile, vulgar and politically incorrect, but always done just the right way. It reminded me alot of Death to Smoochy, which if you havent's seen, you HAVE TO.
Our Idiot Brother
Director: Jesse Peretz Starring: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Hugh Dancy, Rashida Jones The Funny: When I first saw the previews, I knew this movie would be genius. Paul Rudd can be really annoying - but in a funny way. Watching him weave a web of chaos in his sister's lives is pure entertainment. Guaranteed laughs - oddly enough most of them come from Emily Mortimer's dry sense of humour. Looking for laughs? Rent this movie!
There has been a lot of good buzz this year in the music biz. We had a slew of popstars stomping the charts, but like every batch, only a few will come out victorious. Here is a look at some talent that owned 2011 and should stick around for a while
Mumford and Sons
Okay so maybe you've heard of them before 2011. Maybe they have been around for a while. But I first heard of them this year with their brilliant song "The Cave" and it left me wanting more of their folk-rock sound and inticed me to search all of their songs on youtube. Yeah, it kinda created a folk-rock monster out of me.
Adele
I know that Adele has been doing this before, even won awards but 2011 was really HER year. Her songs "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You" were the most covered songs this year on youtube AND the most parodied. Everyone was talking about the girl with the big voice. I not only hope she sticks around for the long run, I hope she can manage to cope with this sudden stardom.
Nicki Minaj
Yes, yes, she has been featured on many tracks throughout 2010 and dropped her first album in November of last year. She could have easily slipped away though. I could have seen that happening. But 2011 really was her year to shine. I actually like her style now. She released several singles, appeared on even more tracks and joined the Queen of Pop, Britney Spears, on her Femme Fatale Tour. 2011 solidified Nicki Minaj's place in the music biz.
So this last song is pretty particular because it actually doesn't sound like Nicki because of all the autotune. But I like it nonetheless, maybe even more because she says "I'm too young to die" a horror movie cliché.
Other notable acts of 2011
The Throne; a rap collabo between Kanye West and Jay-Z.
Song to check out: N***** in Paris
Bad Meets Evil; a rap collabo, this time featuring Eminem and Royce da 5'9"
Song to check out: Fast Lane
Selena Gomez and the Scene
Song to check out: Love You Like a Love Song
Agree or Disagree? Who do you think benefited of 2011?
To continue January's theme of Best of 2011, here is a little taste of the rock songs that have rocked the shit out of the past year!
Sail by AWOLNATION
This song is so good. There is something very retro about it. If Nirvana and Bush had a lovechild, it would most likely be this group. Not only does the song kick ass but the video is stangely addictived! I also heard it for the first time on my birthday! Anything birthday related makes it extra special :)
Make it Stop by Rise Against
Although they have gotten very mainstream lately, their lyrics are still really good! I first heard this song this summer at work, and I was really tempted to headbang - just a lil'.
When we Stand Togheter by Nickelback
I'm probably surprising a few people by including Nickelback since I don't really like this band but for some reason, this song really got to me. I love it. I play it on repeat. Like i'm doing right now.
Face to the Floor by Chevelle
For some reason, this band reminds me of my teenage years, working at KFC. I love their music and their new song that they released barely a month ago is - shocker - amazing!
Every year we are hit with dozens of rom-coms, and sappy dramas about love, lost, and life. The only difference this year, is that most of them were actually quite good, or is that just me?
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Director: Sean Durkin
Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, John Hawkes, Sarah Paulson, and Hugh Dancy
Why I was dramatized: This movie blends two genres brilliantly. One part thriller, one part uber-drama, Martha Marcy May Marlene taps into recent stories about cults and polygamists and shows us the story of one girl trying to change her life. But it doesn't come easy and it sometimes comes at a terrible price. It's quite raw. This is also the acting debut of the youngest sister of the Olsen Twins. After watching Elizabeth Olsen's performance, you'll forget about Mary-Ashley and what's her name.
Take Shelter
Director: Jeff Nichols
Cast: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, and Katy Mixon
Why I was dramatized: I was drawn to this movie mainly because of its premise: A man plagued by apocalyptic dreams spends night and day building a shelter for his family. This leads to fights between Shannon's Curtis and Chastain's Samantha. Brilliant acting here and more then one scene will leave you teary-eyed. The one to watch out for though is Katy Mixon as Nat. She truly steals the show and makes you wonder why small movies like these aren't box-office kings. This movie is truly outstanding!
Weekend
Director: Andrew Haigh
Cast: Tom Cullen, Chris New
Why I was dramatized: I watched this movie with a friend just a few weeks ago and it truly impacted my views on the gay lifestyle/nightlife. Whereas Brokeback Mountain really focuses on how leading a double life can come to ruin your existence, Weekend stays focused on a budding romance between two humans, regardless of sexe, lifestyle, and social acceptance. It's really in-your-face and unapolagetic when it comes to the sex scenes, but raunchiness aside, the moral message of this movie will leave anyone pondering about the hate that is directed towards homosexuals, whether male or female.
