Best Movies
1. "Moneyball": The crowning achievement of the year so far is "Moneyball," Bennett Miller's adaptation of Michael Lewis' 2003 book, "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game." The film follows former Oakland Athletics General Manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) as he takes an unorthodox approach to recruiting and drafting talent. Charismatic performances by Pitt, Jonah Hill and Philip Seymour Hoffman make this film a must-see, even for students whose favorite sport is Quidditch.
2. "Drive": Simplistic, modernistic and extremely intense, "Drive" is the year's most pleasant surprise. Adding another notch in Ryan Gosling's acting belt, the film is a fast-paced and gory showcase of its stars' visceral talents. Danish director Nicholas Winding Refn accents the film with an off-putting Europop soundtrack that heightens the tension. For a thrill ride in a stylish muscle car with Gosling at the helm, catch "Drive" before the season's up.
3. "Hugo": Academy-Award-winning director Martin Scorsese took on light-hearted, kid-friendly "Hugo" to impressive ends. A take on the popular children's novel, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" (2007) by Brian Selznick, this poignant 3-D adventure offers something for audiences of all ages. Starring the precocious young talent Asa Butterfield, "Hugo" tells the tale of an orphaned boy living in a train station in Paris and follows his quest to find the heart-shaped key that he hopes will unlock a secret from his father.
4. "The Descendants": From the creator of "Sideways" (2004) and "About Schmidt" (2002), "The Descendants" proves that director Alexander Payne has an incredible knack for quirky dramedies. "The Descendants" follows George Clooney, a father of two young girls grappling with life after a terrible boating accident leaves his wife in a coma. Based on the 2007 novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings, "The Descendants" shows that living in Hawaii isn't always just sunshine and maitais by the beach. Since the film hit the festival circuit, Oscar buzz has been swarming around the film, and there's a chance that "The Descendants" will take home the Big Kahuna for Best Picture.
5. "The Artist": Directed by French director Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist" takes as its backdrop Hollywood of late ‘20s and early ‘30s. It follows the life of a declining male film star and rising female actress, focusing on an era of transition when silent films were slowly being replaced with talkies. Shot as a meticulous silent film in black and white, "The Artist" manages to convey both a profound respect and remarkably faithful tribute to the golden age of cinema, all while offering relatable characters and an engaging watch.
6. "Bridesmaids": Hands-down one of the best comedies of the year, "Bridesmaids" reveals the dark side of wedding politics, complete with hilarious drama, backstabbing and hair-pulling. Funnyman producer Judd Apatow and first-time writers Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig don't hold back any punches in this battle of the bridesmaids. The leading ladies of "Saturday Night Live" seem to know that catfights make for perfect comedic fodder. Taking cues from Tina Fey's "Mean Girls" (2004), Wiig and Maya Rudolph uproariously depict a sad fact: Catty high school drama never truly dies.
7. "Win Win": One of the most poignant and heart-warming stories to come out of the indie scene in recent years, "Win Win" follows the life of attorney and high-school wrestling coach, Mike Flaherty (Paul Giamatti). Struggling to make ends meet for his family, Flaherty's life gains new meaning when he encounters Kyle Timmons (Alex Shaffer), a troubled teen. Anchored by strong performances from the delightfully depressing Giamatti, newcomer Shaffer and hilariously blunt Bobby Cannavale, "Win Win" is a roller coaster of emotion.
8. "Melancholia": Lars von Trier's latest is one of the most unique apocalyptic films ever made. Trier turns Jerry Bruckheimer-esque genre expectations on their heads by delivering a deeply psychological, taut film that looks at the end of the world through the eyes of a chronically depressed bride (Kirsten Dunst) and her immediate family. Despite the grim topic, the phenomenal imagery and rich characterizations in "Melancholia" make it one of the most striking films in recent years.
9. "Midnight in Paris": Director Woody Allen explores his inner-Francophile in this sweet Parisian dramedy. The film, starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams, is perfect for art fanatics and English majors alike. As Wilson is transported into a 1920s artist salon, we are gifted with spot-on performances by Adrien Brody as Salvador Dalí, Corey Stoll as Ernest Hemingway and Kathy Bates as Gertrude Stein, the eccentric mother of creative expression. Overall, "Midnight in Paris" is an optimistic and fantastical depiction of following your dreams and creating your own golden age.
10. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2": J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series was a childhood staple, and as great as Tufts may be, there isn't anyone who wouldn't hop the next train to Hogwarts.
Who needs Natty Light when we could be drinking butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks? Why play hockey when we could be playing Quidditch? What is a lecture on the History of Rock and Roll when we could be studying the History of Magic and casting spells in Charms class? The final installment of the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 2" marked the end of an era.
11. "The Tree of Life": "The Tree of Life" centers on a boy growing up in the 1950s and how a devastating loss has shaped his adult life. Focusing on heavy themes of loss, innocence and love, the film moves slowly, cutting in abstract images of space, the big bang theory and awe-inspiring nature. Director Terrence Malick's bold statement that films are for more than passive escapism sparked polarizing discussions about film across the world, making "The Tree of Life" a much less forgettable endeavor than the majority of popular flicks.
Best TV Shows
1. "Parks and Recreation": Ratings ain't nothing but a number, especially for a show as genuine and funny as "Parks and Recreation," or "Parks and Rec" to those in the know. Though character development hasn't been an issue for "Parks and Rec" since its wobbly first season, it's become a particular strength in the show's fourth. As Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) campaigns for mayor, she and Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott) juggle affairs of the head and heart, adding a sincere feel to their once contrived-feeling relationship. Meanwhile, "Parks and Rec" offers deeper portraits of ever-awesome Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), failed entertainment company co-owner Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari) and resident health nut Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe), while still keeping things light with the pitch-perfect comedy of April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza) and Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt). With such a stellar cast and lovably goofy moments, "Parks and Rec" has us voting Knope 2012.
2. "Breaking Bad": The transformation of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) from a quiet chemistry teacher to a hardened methamphetamine cook has taken place over four compelling seasons. "Breaking Bad" is one of TV's most interesting shows because it subverts one of the tenets of syndicated TV: to keep character identities stable. While Bart Simpson will always be Bart Simpson and Tony Soprano will always be Tony Soprano, "Breaking Bad" studies the metamorphosis of Walter White. Cranston's phenomenal performance makes White believable and compelling.
3. "Game of Thrones": Now gearing up for its second season, "Game of Thrones" continues to combine brooding natural scenery with steamy layers of subplots. Astonishingly modern for a medieval fantasy series, "Game of Thrones" breathes life into an era too often left to "Lord of the Rings" and "Merlin" (1998) for interpretation. The perfect mix of scandal, humor and mystery, "Game of Thrones" continues to surprise and impress.
4. "Community": "Community" has such a phenomenal ensemble cast that any one of its actors could carry the entire show alone. The series has some of the wittiest one-liners, cleverest plots and most heartfelt moments on the small screen. It is the kind of show that isn't afraid to be bold, daring and original. Its only flaw is that no one is watching — probably for the same mysterious reason no one watched "Arrested Development" (2003-2006) either.
5. "Louie": In the depressing reality of modern society, nothing is funnier than laughing at another's trivial misfortunes. "Louie," the black comedy brainchild of stand-up visionary Louis C.K., shows what happens when single parents cannot acquire a Prozac prescription. The show is an introspective look at life as a middle-age stand-up comedian searching for meaning and humor in a seemingly insignificant existence. C.K. writers, directs and stars in each episode, many of which feature cameos from other popular comedians. The series offers a fascinating and funny change of pace.
6. "Homeland": Think of "Homeland" as an anti-"24" (2001-2010). The series examines the psychological demand dealing with terrorism has on CIA operatives and the nation as a whole. Claire Danes gives one of her strongest performances on this show; she and the series keep viewers guessing from scene to scene. It is a show that is hard to stop watching and even harder to stop talking about.
7. "The League": Incredibly raunchy and crude, "The League" is the quintessential frat-boy comedy. Six close friends in the same, extremely competitive fantasy football league provide raucous debauchery. With such a shoddy premise, viewers never expected FX's late-night comedy to make it to a third season, but "The League" is as hysterical as ever. Most episodes feature gut-busting cameos from actors like Sarah Silverman, Will Forte and Ray Liotta, and athletes often appear as themselves (Sidney Rice and Maurice Jones-Drew appeared in the season's premiere). Thus, "The League" does not limit itself to a football-loving fanbase, but delivers perverted comedy everyone can enjoy.
8. "The Good Wife": It's a credit to "The Good Wife's" talented cast that the Emmy-winning JuliannaMargulies doesn't carry this stellar legal procedural alone. As old plot arcs and characters reconvene in its third season, "The Good Wife" becomes increasingly serialized in a way that's extremely rewarding for regular viewers. Even those tuning in for a first episode are sure to be stunned by the show's smartly scripted legal and family drama and its likable and comfortingly imperfect characters. Bonus points for Alan Cummings' portrayal of Eli Gold, who recalls "Entourage's" (2004-2011) Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) — except we actually like Eli.
9. "Sons of Anarchy": After many considered its third-season trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland, a major misstep, turning the protagonists into pawns in a larger scheme, season four brought the gang — rather, club — back to Charming and smaller, more intimate stakes. Of course, on "Sons," smaller stakes mean deals with a Mexican cartel and the Real IRA, but for the most part, the main characters were back in control, and the show was better off for it.
10. "Justified": Gritty, dark and nuanced, "Justified" translates a decidedly Western story to into a TV series with surprising ease. Based on Elmore Leonard's short story "Fire in the Hole," "Justified" tells the story of United States Marshal Raylan Givens after he is transferred back to Harlan, Ky, in the wake of a high-profile shooting. Now in its third season, "Justified" has already proven itself to be a classic as it tackles complex characters with ease and with more adrenaline than "Pulp Fiction" (1994).
11. "Boardwalk Empire": When a show is created by a former "Sopranos" writer and its pilot is directed by Martin Scorsese, it's going to have a lot of hype to contend with. Fortunately, "Boardwalk Empire" has been able to live up to its promise with slow-burning plot lines and detailed character insights. High production values make this show an aesthetically pleasing watch, but at the same time, "Boardwalk" is an extremely thoughtful character study. It's a rare and rewarding mix.
Best Albums
1. "Bon Iver," Bon Iver: Last year, Bon Iver helped Kanye West create one of the best albums of 2010. This year, Bon Iver claims the title for itself. With haunting falsetto vocals and an atmospheric musical sound that borrows from folk, rock, pop and alternative sounds, Bon Iver's songs are beautiful in their frank portrayals of memories and emotional pain. Each track was crafted with care and intensity rarely seen in the music industry. It's a classic record that is sure to launch the recently Grammy-nominated Bon Iver into the homes and hearts of many new fans.
2. "James Blake," James Blake: Newcomer James Blake is already reinventing the electronic scene with his self-titled debut album. Its cohesive mix of soul, dubstep, ambient and gospel feels excitingly like a genre unto itself. Blake's heartfelt vocals and his masterful use of minimal electronic elements create a passionate, striking album that opens up new possibilities for musicians in the future. Though Blake's career is just off the ground, his is one of the most promising in today's music scene.
3. "Biophilia," Björk: No stranger to experimentation, Björk has been making headlines since the '70s with her antics and bold new approaches to music making. On her eighth studio album, 2011's "Biophilia," Björk took a particularly innovative approach by releasing her songs as a series of iPhone apps. In addition to releasing a collection of partially completed songs that can be edited and added to, Björk transformed her songs into games, including one about a romance between a cell and a virus. As Björk continues her unconventional musical adventures, open-minded audiences have little choice but to listen, interpret and possibly save a cell from viral lysing.
4. "21," Adele: Adele's voice alone could make almost any record worth listening to. What makes "21" stand out even more — and helped make it the year's top-selling album — is its fusion of soul, R&B, Motown and pop sounds to create music that is both invigorating and timeless. The songs all swell with emotion and honesty, and they have the potential to engage everyone from students to seniors. There's a reason "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You" are two of this year's biggest hit songs.
5. "Watch the Throne," Jay-Z and Kanye West: This collaboration between two of the rap game's most renowned talents had an immense amount of pre-release hype. Kanye and Jay-Z saw that and decided to surpass expectations with a lyrically masterful, emotionally biting album. Masterfully balanced, the album includes tracks ranging from the solemn, brooding "No Church in the Wild" to the infectious "Otis." Also, it's worth trying to catch the "Watch the Throne" tour, if you're able.
6. "Born This Way," Lady GaGa: With the release of her second album, "Born this Way," Lady GaGa reconfirmed to her loyal posse of little monsters that big is back and there's no such thing as too many sequins. Debatable cover art aside, there is just something irreplaceably wonderful about GaGa and her perpetual lack of inhibition. From her infectiously catchy beats to her sky-high Alexander McQueen heels, nothing is sacred to the new queen of pop. She's a "free b---h," Baby, and we could really use more of that.
7. "King of Limbs," Radiohead: "King of Limbs" was one of the biggest surprises of the year. Fans expecting another "In Rainbows" (2007) were baffled by the new album's sound, which juxtaposes Radiohead's classic, ethereal soundscapes with jarring rhythms and minimalistic electronica. While "King of Limbs" is one of the band's least accessible records, it rewards multiple listens more than most of their albums do, giving the listener a fulfilling experience once they have acclimated to the group's new aesthetic.
8. "Wasting Light," Foo Fighters: The heavy, powerful riffs characteristic of the Foo Fighters return once again on the band's seventh studio album, "Wasting Light." Frontman Dave Grohl's harsh, raspy vocals meld miraculously with the repetitive basslines, pummeling listeners with head-shaking, crowd-moshing soul. This unique sound propelled the first two singles off the album, "Rope" and "Walk," to the top of the rock charts. Plus, when he's not rocking out as hard as anyone in the post-grunge hemisphere, Grohl finds time to make cameo appearances in films like "The Muppets" (2011).
9. "Goblin," Tyler the Creator: Tyler the Creator's newest release crafts an album around a conversation between Tyler's Goblin/Tyler persona and his therapist alter-ego, who serves as a commentator and conscience throughout the album. The album has received criticism for its highly graphic and misogynistic material, but the insertion of a conscience into its narrative drive allows the transgressive to be progressive. Either way, the cameos, eclectic production and material in "Goblin" merit more than a cursory listen.
10. "Cults," Cults: Cults debuted their first album in June, quickly catching on as the hit summer soundtrack for hipsters and indie folk alike. Their light and dreamy track, "Go Outside," preceded the self-titled album on the Web and allowed for a decent dose of hype to grow before its full release. Switching between sing-along tracks and more heartfelt "screw you" jams, the album is anything but formulaic. The sentiments are youthful, the sound is catchy and the lyrics are relatable — and all without becoming forgettable mainstream pop.
11. "Thursday" and "House of Balloons," The Weeknd: The fact that an unknown act can release two free mix-tapes in one year — and that these records can both become two of the most acclaimed and downloaded albums of the year — pays testament to The Weeknd's enormous talent. With smooth, falsetto vocals and unpredictable and atmospheric productions, The Weeknd's sound is unlike anything else today and unlikely to be replicated anytime soon.
