2011 was filled to the brim with a great selection of high quality films, television shows and albums. While this was beneficial to the Team Video staff in terms of the entertainment we received, it also made it a little difficult to compile our end of the year best-of lists. Never fear, for we took this task quite seriously and have combined forces to present you with a comprehensive account of the things from the past twelve months that you absolutely must watch or listen to. Bethany and Allan clash on Midnight In Paris, Allan and I lose our minds over Drive, and opinions on Bridesmaids are all over the board. Bonus points to me for including three entries involving David Tennant! Check out the podcast streaming, download it or listen via iTunes. Happy New Year, and here’s hoping 2012 is even better!
Isn’t it nice when a movie surprises you? I will admit straightaway that my initial reason for going to the theater to see Fright Night was the one and only 10th Doctor, David Tennant. Remakes are not usually the most stellar examples of cinema, with horror entries in particular leaving a bad taste in my mouth given some especially disappointing recent titles. I thought that, at best, Fright Night would be a relatively painless 106 minutes to be endured in exchange for the chance to see my favorite actor on the big screen. Instead, what I experienced was one of the most enjoyable times at the theater in recent memory. Not only was Tennant remarkable to watch in the role of Peter Vincent, but I was also struck by the fantastic performance of Colin Farrell as Jerry. The talent of these two actors alone would be enough to save even the most potentially disastrous of films. A perfect mix of tense horror and slick humor, Fright Night is one of my favorite films of the year. If my fawning alone is not enough to convince you, check out this clip below from one of the movie’s best scenes.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! From Thanksgiving Day until the new year’s bells (or pots and pans) chime, the holiday season is officially in full swing. Sure, there is plenty of hassle that mars this festive time: elbowing through bustling crowds of shoppers, agonizing over finding and being able to afford the perfect gift for so-and-so, having to endure certain family members who you would prefer to avoid… We’ve all been there. However, there’s plenty of joy to be found as well: classic Christmas songs on the radio, driving through neighborhoods full of blinking lights and inflatable Spongebob Santas, delicious homemade (or store-bought) cookies and other treats… If all else fails, you can always drown your sorrows in some egg nog (I recommend Silk Nog with a splash of Johnny Walker Red)! Anyway, one of my favorite things about this season is the wealth of holiday movies, specials, commercials, etc. all over TV and the internet. I’ve got the newspaper listings tacked up to my refrigerator and my DVR is locked and loaded. Like the classic song made famous in Bruce Willis‘ Armageddon, I don’t want to miss a thing. (Is it stuck in your head now too? Yeah, you’re welcome.) Recently I saw a delightful Christmas trailer courtesy of the BBC, which I will now share with you. This is quite a star-studded affair, but what I am really interested in is Doctor Who‘s Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, decked out in gorgeous reindeer sweaters, playing Twister with a Cyberman! If this jaunty clip doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, I’m not sure what will. And if you don’t already watch Doctor Who, may I suggest adding The Complete David Tennant Years to your wishlist? Now there’s a gift you can enjoy year-round.
2011 was filled to the brim with a great selection of high quality films, television shows and albums. While this was beneficial to the Team Video staff in terms of the entertainment we received, it also made it a little difficult to compile our end of the year best-of lists. Never fear, for we took this task quite seriously and have combined forces to present you with a comprehensive account of the things from the past twelve months that you absolutely must watch or listen to. Bethany and Allan clash on Midnight In Paris, Allan and I lose our minds over Drive, and opinions on Bridesmaids are all over the board. Bonus points to me for including three entries involving David Tennant! Check out the podcast streaming, download it or listen via iTunes. Happy New Year, and here’s hoping 2012 is even better!
