2011 Countdown: Top 10 Movies

I saw as many movies as I could see, but these were the 10 that stuck out the most for me! Here is my own take on the Top 10 movies of 2011!

DISCLAIMER: There are still plenty of movies (especially within the last month) that I have not had time to see yet (i.e. Hugo, War Horse, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, etc.). So don’t be hatin’ again if you don’t see any of those on my list!

10.) 50/50 (A)

First up on my list is a film that did almost the impossible: making cancer work in a comedic atmosphere. From an outstanding performance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, to the great support from Seth Rogen, this film had a great balance of heart, humor, and drama.

Oscar Nominations? (Best Actor: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Best Supporting Actor: Seth Rogen, Best Original Screenplay)

9.) Horrible Bosses (A)

It truly felt like the bosses took over this film (never mind great performances from Charlie Day, Jason Bateman, and Jason Sudeikis). Jennifer Anniston, Colin Farrell, and Kevin Spacey and their off-the-wall, hilarious performances made the film what it was truly! Hilarious, and so enjoyable to watch, it was one of my favorites of the summer!

Oscar Nominations? (Best Supporting Actor: Colin Farrell)

8.) Drive (A)

From the style, to the music, to the amazing silent performances, this film was breathtaking to watch from beginning to end! Ryan Gosling’s subtle sexiness was overwhelming at times, especially since he barely said a word! The action and the style in which everything was filmed and edited was impeccable!

Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Actor: Ryan Gosling, Best Supporting Actor: Albert Brooks, Best Director, and Best Editing, Best Sound Mixing)

7.) The Help (A)

While I’m usually not a fan of books being turned into films (especially when I’ve read the book) I was pleasantly surprised with this film! And how could I not be, especially with knockout performances from Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone, Alison Janney, and Bryce Dallas-Howard?!!! From the light humor, to the chemistry and drama between them all, this film was top-notch!

Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Actress: Viola Davis, Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer & Jessica Chastain, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song: “The Living Proof”)

6.) The Descendants (A+)

A recent entry towards the end of the year, this film made George Clooney sparkle yet again! No surprise here when you have one of the greatest actors of this generation, bringing an unexpected humor and tons of heart to spare. You want to feel bad throughout the film, but you can’t help but love every second of it, pulling for everyone’s struggle that they all come out on top (yes, even those in the film that you should hate).  

Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor: George Clooney, Best Supporting Actress: Shailene Woodley, Best Adapted Screenplay)

5.) Crazy, Stupid, Love (A+)

Finally! A romantic comedy for adults! This film had such a great ensemble cast, but the standout was Ryan Gosling (in his amazing year on film!) It was laugh-out-loud funny, it had a little soap-opera drama, but above all else, it was romantic at its best!

Oscar Nominations? (Best Actor: Ryan Gosling, Best Original Screenplay)

4.) Shame (A+)

Another recent entry, and my love for this film is almost like the love I have for Drive (fancy that, they both are one-word titles!) Michael Fassbender had a quiet storm brewing throughout the film. It wasn’t just about the sex and nudity (although there was a lot of it, and it was all graphic). It was about the emotion, it was about the decisions made after and before. There was so much dedication and commitment to what the characters felt! Outstanding job to the style and directing, but above all else, a standing ovation for the amazing Michael Fassbender and the stunning Carey Mulligan.

Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor: Michael Fassbender, Best Supporting Actress: Carey Mulligan)

3.) Super 8 (A+)

A mix between The Goonies and E.T., this film brought back the best of Steven Spielberg (and without a doubt the best of the 80’s, or should I say the 70’s). It was a true homage to Spielberg and his directing style, but he simply produced it! J.J. Abrams did a wonderful job directing a talented group of kids as the driving force of the film. The action is where it’s at for most people, but for me it was the friendship between the kids themselves that made the film what it is!

Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, Best Editing, Best Sound Mixing)

2.) Bridesmaids (A+)

Hilarious from start to finish, a powerhouse for women everywhere, and man oh man, did I mention how f***ing hilarious it was!??? The story could be turned into something predictable, but it wasn’t in the least bit. The performances could have been over the top, but they were just the right amount of insane. The humor could be taken as a copycat, but it was original all on its own. GENIUS is all I have to say about that!

Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress: Melissa McCarthy)

1.) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Pt. 2 (A+)

The end of another part of my childhood…Last summer it was Toy Story 3, but this year it was all about the end of Harry Potter. Sure, the book series ended long before, but it wasn’t until this movie came out in July that it felt like there was finally some closure. It was very bittersweet to watch, but definitely well worth the wait! It was heart-racing from beginning to end. We all knew how it would end, but there was still so much anticipation for what was to come!

Oscar Nominations? (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor: Alan Rickman, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing)

2011 Countdown: Top 10 Shows

I am always a very busy person, but I still find time to watch as much TV as possible.

DISCLAIMER: This Top 10 list is specifically dealing with shows that I currently watch on a regular basis. I’m just starting to watch Revenge, AND I’m waiting for Homeland to come out on DVD…so don’t be hatin’ if you don’t see them on here!

Honorable Mention: Glee

They definitely came back to fight for where they were back in season 1, especially after that confusing and awful second season. They ditched the big numbers and went for more simple things. They brought back the Broadway numbers and the juicy storylines. And above all else, they started focusing on ALL the characters, not just Finn and Rachel! Here’s to hoping that 2012 brings more stability and definitely more of an audience, especially now that it matters!

10.) Saturday Night Live

This show has its ups and downs, especially when it comes to consistency. It’s hilarious at times, it’s lightly funny, and then it’s just flat out stupid! Earlier this year, we saw the amazing Justin Timberlake with the surprisingly hilarious Lady GaGa. Then when the new season started, we were given the genius that is Melissa McCarthy, not to mention the perfect Emma Stone, and the outstanding Jimmy Fallon! No matter whether the skits makes us laugh or not, a lot of work goes into making the show happen every week, and I have nothing but the upmost respect for how hard the whole cast and crew work just to entertain us every Saturday night.

9.) So You Think You Can Dance

I feel as though people forget about this show most of the time. It’s one of the best reality shows on television right now. And that’s saying something compared to how much crap is on at the same time. From the lighting, to the outstanding choreography, to the impeccable raw talent that graces the stage, to the guest judges, the amazing host, and the songs we get to hear each week, this show is fantastic on every level! I was very pleased that they were fortunate to be nominated for so many Emmy’s this year, but next year, here’s to hoping that they are awarded with more!

8.) Conan

I couldn’t be more happy that Conan found his niche back on late night television. Coming off that awkward Tonight Show debacle, it’s great to see him finally at a point where he’s comfortable and nicely settled in. From the fan corrections, the audiencey awards, the interaction with the audience, and even his random voices and actions, everything about the shoe is hilarious and one of my favorites to watch every night.

7.) Chelsea Lately

Chelsea Handler doesn’t get the credit that she deserves for all that she does, especially when it comes to her antics and her comedy. This show is quick and short every night, but it sticks with its formula of flat-out making fun of celebrity gossip while also taking endless jabs at each other. It’s off beat and hilarious, and the show is without a doubt (in my eyes) the best in late night television.

6.) American Idol

As an avid viewer since the days of Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, and Jennifer Hudson, I was extremely impressed with this season, gaining more stability with all of the changes that came their way. With the new judges, the new age limit, the clearer focus on the actual contestants, and a real connection with the viewers who will be buying the music, I thought it was a phenomenal season, going back to basics and all.

5.) Oprah

How could I forget about ma girl’s final season with this show?!!! I recorded every single episode during this 25^th year. My love and admiration for what this woman does is amazing! She’s outstanding, so personable, and such a role model. And what a great medium to have a television show to reach out to millions of viewers each week with touching stories from real people, and not to mention amazing guidance and advice for all that will listen!

4.) New Girl

Zooey Deschanel has already made a splash with acting in film, often as the side character or the dorky best friend with all of the advice. This year though, she finally got to take the spotlight and be the star! And man oh man, was that not the best decision ever or what?!!! This show is hilarious each week from beginning to end. Her comedic timing is impeccable, her humor is so offbeat, but so hilarious. And let’s not forget the rest of the amazing cast. It’s small, but they certainly make everything bigger than life on screen.

3.) True Blood

I’ll keep this short and simple: True Blood is amazing on so many levels! From the most gorgeous cast on television, to the undeniable storytelling, and even to the new characters they bring each season, the show is top-notch on every level! Who else was freaked out by Marnie the witch this summer? Who else was heart-broken when Jesus was killed? There is always more hope for the next season, so here’s to hoping for bigger and better things. Y’all know I loves me some Jason Stackhouse, Eric, and Alcide!

2.) Modern Family

There is no other show out there today that real does capture the essence of a true modern family. At first it was all about the older man marrying the younger woman, the husband and wife and all of their crazy children, and let us not forget the gay couple and their adopted child. But the show has become so much more than its own stereotypes. It’s not about the extremeties now, it’s about normal everyday families in our day and time. It’s a groundbreaking show that is just another part of our society. And not to mention that it’s without a doubt one of the funniest shows on television!

1.) American Horror Story

There is no other show new show this season that caught my attention quite as fast as this one (sorry New Girl). I’ve been enthralled and excited for this premiere since it was announced earlier this summer! The concept is definitely different from anything else on television right now, and let’s not forget that the brainchild behind this is the talented Ryan Murphy. This show was scary every single week, and it was hard to imagine what else they were going to do to us! The season ended on a very interesting note, and it’s hard to imagine getting attached to a whole new family next year. The last time a show of Ryan Murphy’s wound up on F/X, Nip/Tuck became one of my favorites! Here’s to hoping that unlike the latter, this show actually gets better each season!

2011 Countdown: Top 10 Dance Songs

And so it begins, the BEST OF 2011, Day 1!

10.) T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)

will.i.am, Mick Jagger, & Jennifer Lopez

This track came to us a little towards the end of the year, but it certainly is a standout. will.i.am certainly does well enough on his own, but certainly not to the extent of Fergie, or Taboo and Apl.de.ap (oh wait a minute, scratch that, it’s just Fergie). Remember back in 2008 when will.i.am tried to go solo? I’m sure we vaguely remember “I Got It From My Mama”, but that was the end of that. Then they all came back to the Black Eyed Peas, but this time with their elctro-dance style that rang in the new decade with such partying! Since then, will.i.am has been producing hits for Usher, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Britney Spears, continuing with his dance-style sound. Now he’s back solo, but this time with two special guests as backup, JUST in case. And let me tell you, this song DOES go hard!

9.) “Give Me Everything”

Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Afrojack, & Nayer

Who DIDN'T hear this song at all? I mean, I certainly never heard it played on the radio enough! Pitbull continued his winning streak in Top 40 this year, but this time bringing along not 1, not 2, but 3 guests for this hit song. Nice to hear that Ne-Yo is still alive!

8.) “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”

Katy Perry

This song mainly is on the countdown (and just may be on the Top 20 songs of 2011) for the music video alone! The 80’s homage, the catchiness of the song, and the plethora of guest appearances in the video, it was one of my favorites songs of the summer!

7.) “Titanium”

David Guetta & Sia

Everyone may be picking David Guetta’s collaboration with Usher, “Without You” as one of their favorites, but my favorite David Guetta collaboration came from a song that was only released as a promotional single (so far at least). Sia, known for her haunting, silky voice and her indie pop music made an appearance on this song from David Guetta’s “Nothing But The Beat” album. From A-list guest stars like J-Hud, Chris Breezy, Lil’ Wayne, Usher, Nicki Minaj, and Timbaland, Sia was the standout in my eyes, and this infectious, inspirational power song blew the roof off!

6.) “On The Floor”

Jennifer Lopez & Pitbull

You know I have to show love for my girl who came back stronger than ever in the beginning of this year! With a well-watched judging position on American Idol, to another hit album, and not to mention having the privilege of hearing this song every 30 seconds, J.Lo was back! Though she did get divorced, that wasn’t big enough news to destroy this more-than-deserving comeback. Although this song may remind some of a famous cartoon theme song (Smurfs anyone?), it still was banging on the radio, the video had so many views, and she continued her dominance in pop music. Here’s to even bigger and better things for Ms. Lopez in 2012!

5.) “Till The World Ends”

Britney Spears

Another comeback story (although this one was a little unexpected), Britney Spears proved that besides reaching 30 years old this year, she could still party hard (maybe not dancing wise, but certainly with her hits songs). There was nothing for Britney to really come back from, but when she released “Femme Fatale”, it felt like she was trying to prove something. She still had enough relevance in pop music to stay on top among all the youngin’s out there. “Till The World Ends” rings true with 2012 coming up, but it certainly got us moving in 2011.

4.) “Super Bass”

Nicki Minaj

I never thought I’d say this, but thank you Taylor Swift! Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” was a lovely little surprise bonus track from the digital version of her #1 album “Pink Friday”. But thanks to a Taylor Swift cover that landed on YouTube, it helped the song become the next single, and THAT’S where everything took off! Minaj spent 2010 as the guest that everyone had to have on their song. Then she went solo and proved she was #1. She continued her dominance in music this year with “Moment 4 Life” and “Fly”, but it’s “Super Bass” that got us all boom-ba-booming all over the place!

And who can forget another great moment with little Sophia Grace!

3.) “Moves Like Jagger”

Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera

Maroon 5 scared me a little when they released their last album back in 2010. It was very repetitive, and a lot of it sounded like old material that they had already released. But thanks to Adam Levine’s role on The Voice, he was able to sparkle with his surprise collaboration with Christina Aguilera, thus bringing everyone this song! It’s thumping beat, the dirty lyrics, and man oh man that shirtless video, this song was hard NOT to love!

2.) “The Edge of Glory”

Lady GaGa

Lady GaGa goes big all the time, and that’s why this song and video were such surprises to some people. She went a little more simple where the video is concerned, but it still was classic GaGa (of course with a lovely appearance from the late Clarence Clemons). This song brings back the magic of the 80’s: the dramatic breaks, the rocking sax-solo, and the inspirational message underneath. This song means a lot more having heard the inspiration behind her writing it. It was inspired by GaGa’s grandfather as he was dying, and seeing the love that he and GaGa’s grandmother had in the last couple of days. Tear-jerker right there, but still a breathtaking song from this year.

 And here is the true meaning behind the song itself:

1.) “We Found Love”

Rihanna

A writer for MTV said it best when he was describing this song for their Top 20 countdown. “I used to think I would always remember Rihanna for “Umbrella” as her signature song, UNTIL this was released”. Rihanna continued her yearly streak and gave us another strong hit album, arguably one of THE best of 2011. And “We Found Love” (which is still dominating the music charts) had us all dancing and singing that we all could find love in hopeless places. Even the video (which some may have thought included a Chris Brown appearance at first glance) was banging and outstanding. Well done Rihanna! May you continue to bless us with more great music every year!