2010 was a great year in entertainment. New movies like “Inception” spawned endless geek discussions, while the Pixar franchise “Toy Story 3” made its finale. Music had comebacks and new albums from familiar artists like Katy Perry and Eminem, while new artist Far East Movement topped the charts for weeks with “Like a G6.” Celebrities provided us with plenty of outlandish entertainment, and YouTube reminded us that double rainbows are really, really awesome.
Here are some of the highlights of 2010:
Film: Best movies
1. “Black Swan” — The film that’s sure to secure Natalie Portman an Oscar nomination is beautiful, dark, downright disturbing and one of the most brilliant films of 2010.
2. “Inception” — Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) directs one the most talked about (and most complicated) films of 2010, leaving audiences questioning the difference between reality and dreams and the concept of inception itself.
3. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” — Part one of the two-part finale was the darkest of the Harry Potter series thus far, following Harry, Ron and Hermione across the globe in search of Voldemort’s horcruxes. This film follows the book well, but it isn’t the film to watch for those new to the franchise.
4. “Despicable Me” — This surprisingly heartwarming film about a supervillain was one of the biggest successes of the year, grossing more than $500 million worldwide. Not many animated films other than those by Pixar are worth watching, but these characters and creatures were some of the more endearing and likeable from any of the 2010 films, even though the main character is a villain.
5. “Toy Story 3” — The oddly sophisticated, slightly melancholy finale to the Toy Story series probably couldn’t have been more perfect, making it that much harder to say goodbye to.
6. “The Social Network” — This film was the surprise hit of the year with critics and awards shows. And don’t worry Mark Zuckerberg, you still have 500 million friends.
7. “The Kids Are All Right” — Although it received mixed reviews, the story seemed real and the characters were (mostly) likeable. A lot of contemporary movies about the modern family come off outlandish, but this family of two lesbian moms and their children is real and loving, even when the biological dad enters the picture.
Music: Best albums and songs
1. “Contra” by Vampire Weekend — Even Ralph Lauren likes Vampire Weekend. The band’s upbeat, bouncy, african-inspired rock songs on this album are perfect sunny day or silly dance music.
2. “Plastic Beach” by Gorillaz — Gorillaz have been quiet since their big hit “Feel Good Inc.” It is a relief to know that Gorillaz are still as amazing, if not more, on their newest album.
3. “Thank Me Later” by Drake — Drake has a sexiness about him, but that’s not why his album “Thank Me Later” is so great, though it does add to its appeal. His song “Forever” is one of the better songs off an album featuring a medley of stars such as Kanye West.
4. “King Of Anything” by Sara Bareilles — While Taylor Swift croons cute love songs, Sara Bareilles has a little more angst up her sleeve. Since her first hit “Love Song,” Bareilles has proved she isn’t just your typical pop star with this song.
5. “Power” by Kanye West — Kanye West is one Twitter-crazy musical genius. This song is reminiscent of one his earlier songs, “Jesus Walks”, though it’s not at all about Jesus. As nuts as he is, there’s no denying he’s catchy.
6. “Like A G6” by Far East Movement — What does “getting slizzard” even mean? After three weeks at #1 on Billboard , Far East Movement’s made-up words and awesome techno beats in this song are quintessentially 2010.
7. Glee soundtracks — Since 2009, the music from the TV show Glee has been topping the charts, even surpassing the Beatles’ record this fall after the premiere of the episode “Britney/Brittany”.
8. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence And The Machine — Florence Welch of Florence And The Machine has set a high standard for other female artists with this song. It’s a dynamic piece driven by Welch’s soaring vocals, a refreshing change from other pop junk that came out in 2010.
9. “Little Lion Man” by Mumford and Sons — English folk rock band Mumford and Sons may have been overshadowed by Bieber Fever this year, but the indie banjo-loving band has snagged itself a Best New Artist nomination for the 2011 Grammys. Take that J. Biebs!
10. “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga — Even though her album “The Fame Monster” came out in 2009, no one was able to get “Bad Romance” out of their heads last year. University students might be especially partial to the song because of On the Rocks’ version, but the song really showcases Gaga’s true vocal talents.
Entertainment moments:
1. Miley Cyrus makes friends with Salvia.
2. Lindsey Lohan goes to jail. Finally.
3. Wyclef Jean attempts to run for president of Haiti.
4. Lil Wayne goes to jail. Again, finally.
5. Larry King says goodbye to CNN.
6. Lady Gaga makes red meat haute couture.
7. Bieber fever and vampire passion just won’t go away.
8. YouTube’s double rainbow guy admires the view.
9. Bristol Palin loses Dancing With the Stars.
10. Ricky Martin finally comes out.
11. Katy Perry offends Elmo moms.
The best of the best from the year past
Daily Emerald
January 1, 2011
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