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 2008 List of a Mélange of Things or LOAMOT: 1. Best film: The Dark Knight Each time I saw it, I fell into the shadows of the Joker: a character of ghastly life, a man with a morbid smile that makes you laugh nervously one second and shrink away the next. Deep down inside, I rooted for him even though I knew I shouldn't-- I wanted him to succeed so badly in, yes, creating total anarchy! I felt so sorry for and affected by every character in this film. Batman, who tries so hard to do what is right; James Gordon, the man in the middle who is so loyal and so brave, and who I believe is the true hero; Harvey Dent, a man driven to the dark side, consumed by anger and loss... I love director Christopher Nolan for everything he has done for the Batman series and for superheroes in general. He brought back a seriousness and sincerity to the superhero and washed away all the cheesy and campy nature these films have become. But even more so, transcending the superhero genre and viewing it from just a film standpoint, this was a masterpiece from start to finish. It was dark and it was smart, delving into morals, ideals, and right versus wrong. » Runner-up: Wall-E 2. Best album: Bon Iver, "For Emma, Forever Ago" I'm quite sure a few will be surprised that I did not name Coldplay as my album of year. But, for me, 2008 revolved around listening to Bon Iver. It's simply... wonderful. And delicate, beautiful, soulful, gentle yet sad... Justin Vernon's voice reached into the depths of me, moving me to the core. It's an indescribable feeling listening to this album; it transports you into another world, another time, another place. » Runners-up: Coldplay, "Viva La Vida", Fleet Foxes, self-titled 3. Best book: Watchmen (read in 2008) Many have told me to read this since I'm a big superhero fan. It took me a few years to get around to it, and I finally did this year. Boy, did this novel deliver, even with all the hype and expectations I had for it! It presents a beautiful deconstruction of the superhero with a crime that keeps you going until the end. And let me tell you, the ending made go, "WHAT?! That's insane! But... makes sense?" It was one of those moments where I retraced all the steps leading up to that point and realized that, as outrageous as the idea was, it worked. And hey, superheroes are just as human as we are; they need saving, too. » Runner-up: The History of Love (read in 2008) 4. Best TV show: The Office Every year, The Office wins this category. My runner-up always changes, and I think that's a more accurate take on my favorite new show(s) of the year. What can I say? The Office makes me laugh without fail and still manages to hit upon a soft note in certain episodes. I think the best part of this show is how... real to life it is. You can, or at least I can, imagine this happening in an actual workplace. And I would very much like to be a part of that. » Runners-up: 30 Rock, Pushing Daisies 5. Best moment: June & December These were two good months for me. I spiraled down for a few months, but I managed to pull myself out of it. To say I have a jar hovering above my head, ready to clamp down on me at any time is a pretty good analogy (thanks, Sylvia Plath). But both June and December were good, in fact, probably the happiest I've been. I love my friends more than I can put in words; they truly are the most interesting, talented, and genuine people I have ever known. And for as long as I've known them, they still surprise me everyday (or rather, every time I see them). Other than that, it's been a milestone year with some "growing up" time thrown in. And let's not forget, an incredibly historic year as well. All in all, not too shabby. » Next year: I can only hope things will be better, or will get better. I look forward to it because I really have no idea what to expect. Who knows, you know? I'll take whatever life throws at me, whether good or bad. Because somehow I think things will be okay. Hear, hear! (Previously: 2007 LOAMOT) |
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Hi, my name is Amy. Be well, and say hello!
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I agree with several of these, but The Dark Knight is the one that took me by surprise. I expected to like Viva La Vida and The Office and 30 Rock, but I didn't expect The Dark Knight to be so rockin' awesome.
I've heard so much about Watchmen. I'll end up buying that, I'm sure.
I've never heard of Bon Iver. I'll be sure to check him out.