End of the Year Fandom Roundup
Dec. 31st, 2019 03:16 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
immolate_the_silenceFavorite Films You've Seen This Year For the 1st time (the year of release doesn't matter)
I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2006)
I actually really loved this film despite that most people probably have never seen it because it hasn't gotten good ratings. I get why it would bore some people because it is very slow burn, but I think that's what I like most about it. I'm very impatient when it comes to films, especially as the years go by and I find less and less films I like (especially if they came out the year I'm watching them in), and will drop most films in the first fifteen minutes or so, but this film has kept me hooked the four or so times I've watched it. Before this film, I would have said that I don't like slow burn films, but I feel that this is the epitome of a slow burn and actually does it superbly well.
The characters are raw and real, whether emotional or emotionless. For me, Clive Owen's "It matters" is filled with believable conviction and is perfect for his numb, hopeless yet vengeance seeking character, while others might very well say its bland and stilted. Jonathan Rhys Meyers, while having little screen time, steals every scene he's in (let's face it, he's the reason I checked out the film in the first place, though I also really love Clive Owen). Jamie Foreman, however, gives one of the best performances I have ever seen when he stumbles upon his friend's suicide. It's heart-wrenching and difficult to watch and I really liked how this film showed the contrasts of emotional trauma, teetering between cold numbness and heated outbursts.
Okay, shutting up about this movie now.
The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
One of the best movies I have EVER seen, hands down. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt have possibly the best chemistry I have ever seen captured on film. Plus this is just so original and romantic and just beautiful. What a film.
Damascus Cover (2017)
I really enjoyed learning about the relationship between Israel and Syria post-the fall of the Berlin Wall. This is another film that surprisingly keeps me hooked and of course, is another Jonathan Rhys Meyers film.
The China Syndrome (1979)
A great film about the hazards of nuclear energy. Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas and Jack Lemmon, enough said.
The Equalizer (2014)
How the hell did I miss this film when it was released; these are probably my favorite kinds of films. Plus, who the hell doesn't love Denzel?
Rumble Fish (1983)
Gorgeously crafted film. Love the characters and the actors and the dialogue and the cinematography and the story. For a classic film, it doesn't get much better than this. I also, strangely enough, really connect with the characters, despite me being an only child.
The Informant! (2009)
Hilarious. I'm total Matt Damon trash. Always have been and always will be.
Gerry (2002)
I can't stop thinking about this film.
Films You've Gone Back To and Have a Whole New Appreciation For
Brothers Grimm (2005)
Can I just go on for HOURS about this film? Will anyone mind? Okay, so the first time I watched this film it literally scared me right out of the theatre: too young, I guess. The second time I had a love/hate relationship with it, and all the times thereafter kinda too. But, obviously, I wanted to become obsessed with Matt Damon again this year (who knows why, 'cause the first time wasn't enough, I guess) and went back to this film and am so obsessed with it now that I keep telling myself to shut up about it and absolutely for the life of me cannot.
Maybe because one of my favorite things in the entire world is brother relationships (can you tell with my favorite series being Supernatural). Granted, this is an abusive, complex and really fucked up relationship, but I guess I love it all the more for that. Especially because they're redeemed at the end and things are expected to improve. I'm also the biggest sucker in the world for hurt/comfort (it's most of what I write, so you can probably tell), and this film has the best hurt/comfort (between the two brothers no less). I also am a huge history nut, so this film being set back in the day really does it for me; I can't help but faint over the clothes and Matt Damon's hair, my GOD.
I think taking this film less seriously this time around has really helped, such as treating it more like a comedy than a serious fantasy/horror film. Granted, there are parts of the film that are disturbing as hell and it really should be rated R in my opinion, but I just want someone to talk about this film with me.
Biggest guilty pleasure film EVER.
Ocean's trilogy (2001-2007)
I fell in love with this trilogy all over again after forgetting about it. It's just so much FUN. Ocean's 11 might be the funnest movie I have ever seen. All the leads are charming and it's funny and interesting and just takes you along for the ride with little trouble on your part. It's so terribly easy to get engaged and stay engaged and I'd say it's one of the best films ever. Ocean's 12 and 13 are also tremendously fun to watch. A must have trilogy in one's movie collection.
Bourne series (2002-2016)
Also fell in love with these films all over again, with a whole new appreciation for Bourne Supremacy. Oddly enough, I think Bourne Legacy might have to be my favorite; Aaron/Marta are lovely.
Groundhog Day (1993)
What a perfect film. Bill Murray is comedy gold and Andie McDowell is ridiculously charming and going to that town is now on my bucket list. Must see and one of the best films ever made.
Favorite Film Released This Year
Cold Pursuit
My god, what a film. I went to the theatre to see this, which is super rare for me, and left feeling really happy and surprised. I saw it on a whim because of Tom Bateman, whom I adore in Da Vinci's Demons, Jekyll and Hyde (2015) and Murder on the Orient Express (2017) and who plays a delicious villain named Viking in this. I ended up loving all the bad guys so much with all their quirky nicknames and wanting them all to have happy endings. I also loved the Native American element and the black humor and all the snow and Liam Neeson and his juvenile badassery and the canonical gay romance and the ridiculously hot and shippable characters and seriously, I cannot say enough good things about this film.
Favorite Song of the Year (that has actually been released this year)
Tool's Pneuma
I don't really listen to the music that comes out anymore. I try very hard to find new music and am just never impressed; however, I liked several songs off the new Tool album, particularly Fear Inoculum and Pneuma (Pneuma! - probably the most brilliant song of the year). Irresistible riff and so dreamy. I could live in my head all day with that song playing on a loop.
Albums You've Gone Back To and Have a Whole New Appreciation For
Brand New's Science Fiction
I found this album again this year and it still haunts me and weirds me out and now absolutely amazes me. Every single song is just so unique and mind-blowing. Honorable mentions are: No Control, Same Logic/Teeth, Can't Get It Out and Lit Me Up, but oh god Out of Mana absolutely kills me.
Katatonia's Viva Emptiness
This might just be my favorite Katatonia album, despite me only getting Burn the Remembrance out of it before. I was finally able to purchase all the Katatonia albums this year and they're cemented as one of my favorite bands. Honorable mentions: Sleeper, Criminals, Evidence, Wait Outside, Will I Arrive and Complicity.
Evans Blue's The Melody and the Energetic Nature of Volume
How could I have forgotten about all the amazing songs on this album? A new find is The Promise and the Threat and it's gotta be my favorite now.
Albums You've Found This Year (doesn't have to be released this year)
Michael soundtrack
A perfect soundtrack to a perfect film. Don Henley's Through Your Hands is too perfect for words.
No Name Face by Lifehouse
This album blew me away and I've listened to it more than any other album this year. Seriously, it was on a months long loop in my car. I love love love Sick Cycle Carousel, but Untitled, Quasimodo, Cling and Clatter, Somebody's Else's Song and Only One also really do it for me. Plus, who doesn't absolutely love Hanging by a Moment?
Favorite Song of the Year (doesn't have to be released this year)
Finger Eleven's Awake and Dreaming
Scott Anderson's voice does things to me. It also doesn't help that I found Broken Words this year. And Tip is one of my favorite albums, it's just so raw and unique.
Music I Am Happily Ending the Year With
Matthew Good Band
There's no one better to end the year with. I recommend the Underdogs album and the Beautiful Midnight album (Canadian version with Let's Get It On), but really everything from his band and solo career.
Favorite Books You've Read this Year
I actually wasted most of my year reading books I thought I would like, only to drop them a quarter to halfway through. I get
pickier and pickier on books as the years go by and have to say with honesty that I dropped 90% of all the books I picked up this
year (and I went through a LOT of books this year, at least 50). On the plus side, I cleaned out my book collection and got rid
of around 100 books, maybe more. Here's a few that stuck with me:
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
This novel ties with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as my favorite novel. It's fair to say that most of my obsessing and squeeing in fandom over the course of the year is over this novel and all its film/tv adaptations, especially the 2012 and 1998 films. I could probably spend years and thousands of pages talking about this book, about how much I love the characters and plot and how it reads and love how it's not a happily ever after but satisfying nonetheless, but instead I will say that you MUST read this book right damn now. Make it a New Years Resolution.
Watersong series by Amanda Hocking (Wake, Lullaby, Tidal and Elegy)
Very few YA/teen series have stuck with me as this one has. Hocking's 4 book series is about a teenage girl turned siren against her will, and having to race against time to break the curse with the sirens who turned her hindering her every step of the way. I love the sister relationship in the series and the romances and friendships are beautiful. Definitely recommend.
Robert Louis Stevenson's horror short stories
Stevenson is a fantastic writer whether he's writing horror, thrillers or adventure stories. I picked up a small collection of his horror short stories as a xmas present for myself in 2018 and had a thrill reading it earlier this year. Stories such as The Suicide Room, Markheim, the Body Snatcher and A Lodging for the Night really amused me and frightened me and blew me out of the water. Definitely hungry for more.
Vittorio, the Vampire and Pandora, both by Anne Rice
Luscious. Philosophical. Historical. Quite possibly the best fiction I have ever read outside of classic writers such as Dickens. Every time I pick up an Anne Rice book about her mesmerizing vampires, I grow more and more impressed. It also helps that I'm an ancient history lover. Her books are literally the only true page-turners for me.
Favorite Series of the Year
Killjoys
I was randomly looking at the syfy website one night and thought this show looked interesting and decided to check it out = one of the best decisions I have made. I have never seen anything even remotely like this show (maybe because I don't watch much sci-fi-related stuff), but I really love all the characters and the situations they either get themselves into or have forced upon them. I am currently about to start the last season and am pumped.
Favorite Mini-Series of the Year
Chernobyl
Other than Tin Man, which I found again and fell in love with all over again since its initial release, I would like to call special attention to Chernobyl. Words cannot express how much this mini-series blew me away. This is a story that everyone needs to know and a series that everyone needs to watch. Masterfully done and brilliantly acted.
Series You're Happily Ending the Year With
Bull (CBS)
Doesn't matter how many times I watch the episodes, Bull and his team never fail to charm.
New or Rediscovered Ship
Neo/Trinity - The Matrix trilogy
Just a little shout out to true love.
Series You Most Want to Watch in 2020
Charmed
I've been meaning to get to this series for years now and will finally make it work this year. With its many seasons, it's a big commitment, but I really need a new paranormal series to watch with me being caught up on Supernatural and with Vampire Diaries / Originals having ended.
Movies You Haven't Gotten to in 2019
Hobbs & Shaw, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Ford vs. Ferrari
Albums You Haven't Gotten to in 2019
Cold's The Things You Can't Stop, Lacuna Coil's Black Anima, Jimmy Eat World's Surviving, Blackbriar's Mortal Remains, In Flames' I, The Mask, Russian Circles' Blood Year, Korn's The Nothing, Alter Bridge's Walk the Sky, Goo Goo Dolls' Miracle Pill, The Who's Who, Kerli's Shadow Works and FKA Twigs' Magdalene.
Books You Want to Read or Reread in 2020
As a birthday gift to myself, I really want to go back and reread Richelle Mead's Bloodlines, which is my favorite book series because Sydney/Adrian are the absolute center of my heart and because their wedding is probably hands down the best thing I have ever read. I also want to read the Lord of the Rings trilogy all the way through, as well as read The Hobbit and the Silmarillion for the first time. In addition, A Tale of Two Cities, The Vampire Lestat + Queen of the Damned, East of Eden, As I Darken, and likely more I can't quite think of yet.
Up next, an end of the year fanwork roundup...
I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2006)
I actually really loved this film despite that most people probably have never seen it because it hasn't gotten good ratings. I get why it would bore some people because it is very slow burn, but I think that's what I like most about it. I'm very impatient when it comes to films, especially as the years go by and I find less and less films I like (especially if they came out the year I'm watching them in), and will drop most films in the first fifteen minutes or so, but this film has kept me hooked the four or so times I've watched it. Before this film, I would have said that I don't like slow burn films, but I feel that this is the epitome of a slow burn and actually does it superbly well.
The characters are raw and real, whether emotional or emotionless. For me, Clive Owen's "It matters" is filled with believable conviction and is perfect for his numb, hopeless yet vengeance seeking character, while others might very well say its bland and stilted. Jonathan Rhys Meyers, while having little screen time, steals every scene he's in (let's face it, he's the reason I checked out the film in the first place, though I also really love Clive Owen). Jamie Foreman, however, gives one of the best performances I have ever seen when he stumbles upon his friend's suicide. It's heart-wrenching and difficult to watch and I really liked how this film showed the contrasts of emotional trauma, teetering between cold numbness and heated outbursts.
Okay, shutting up about this movie now.
The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
One of the best movies I have EVER seen, hands down. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt have possibly the best chemistry I have ever seen captured on film. Plus this is just so original and romantic and just beautiful. What a film.
Damascus Cover (2017)
I really enjoyed learning about the relationship between Israel and Syria post-the fall of the Berlin Wall. This is another film that surprisingly keeps me hooked and of course, is another Jonathan Rhys Meyers film.
The China Syndrome (1979)
A great film about the hazards of nuclear energy. Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas and Jack Lemmon, enough said.
The Equalizer (2014)
How the hell did I miss this film when it was released; these are probably my favorite kinds of films. Plus, who the hell doesn't love Denzel?
Rumble Fish (1983)
Gorgeously crafted film. Love the characters and the actors and the dialogue and the cinematography and the story. For a classic film, it doesn't get much better than this. I also, strangely enough, really connect with the characters, despite me being an only child.
The Informant! (2009)
Hilarious. I'm total Matt Damon trash. Always have been and always will be.
Gerry (2002)
I can't stop thinking about this film.
Films You've Gone Back To and Have a Whole New Appreciation For
Brothers Grimm (2005)
Can I just go on for HOURS about this film? Will anyone mind? Okay, so the first time I watched this film it literally scared me right out of the theatre: too young, I guess. The second time I had a love/hate relationship with it, and all the times thereafter kinda too. But, obviously, I wanted to become obsessed with Matt Damon again this year (who knows why, 'cause the first time wasn't enough, I guess) and went back to this film and am so obsessed with it now that I keep telling myself to shut up about it and absolutely for the life of me cannot.
Maybe because one of my favorite things in the entire world is brother relationships (can you tell with my favorite series being Supernatural). Granted, this is an abusive, complex and really fucked up relationship, but I guess I love it all the more for that. Especially because they're redeemed at the end and things are expected to improve. I'm also the biggest sucker in the world for hurt/comfort (it's most of what I write, so you can probably tell), and this film has the best hurt/comfort (between the two brothers no less). I also am a huge history nut, so this film being set back in the day really does it for me; I can't help but faint over the clothes and Matt Damon's hair, my GOD.
I think taking this film less seriously this time around has really helped, such as treating it more like a comedy than a serious fantasy/horror film. Granted, there are parts of the film that are disturbing as hell and it really should be rated R in my opinion, but I just want someone to talk about this film with me.
Biggest guilty pleasure film EVER.
Ocean's trilogy (2001-2007)
I fell in love with this trilogy all over again after forgetting about it. It's just so much FUN. Ocean's 11 might be the funnest movie I have ever seen. All the leads are charming and it's funny and interesting and just takes you along for the ride with little trouble on your part. It's so terribly easy to get engaged and stay engaged and I'd say it's one of the best films ever. Ocean's 12 and 13 are also tremendously fun to watch. A must have trilogy in one's movie collection.
Bourne series (2002-2016)
Also fell in love with these films all over again, with a whole new appreciation for Bourne Supremacy. Oddly enough, I think Bourne Legacy might have to be my favorite; Aaron/Marta are lovely.
Groundhog Day (1993)
What a perfect film. Bill Murray is comedy gold and Andie McDowell is ridiculously charming and going to that town is now on my bucket list. Must see and one of the best films ever made.
Favorite Film Released This Year
Cold Pursuit
My god, what a film. I went to the theatre to see this, which is super rare for me, and left feeling really happy and surprised. I saw it on a whim because of Tom Bateman, whom I adore in Da Vinci's Demons, Jekyll and Hyde (2015) and Murder on the Orient Express (2017) and who plays a delicious villain named Viking in this. I ended up loving all the bad guys so much with all their quirky nicknames and wanting them all to have happy endings. I also loved the Native American element and the black humor and all the snow and Liam Neeson and his juvenile badassery and the canonical gay romance and the ridiculously hot and shippable characters and seriously, I cannot say enough good things about this film.
Favorite Song of the Year (that has actually been released this year)
Tool's Pneuma
I don't really listen to the music that comes out anymore. I try very hard to find new music and am just never impressed; however, I liked several songs off the new Tool album, particularly Fear Inoculum and Pneuma (Pneuma! - probably the most brilliant song of the year). Irresistible riff and so dreamy. I could live in my head all day with that song playing on a loop.
Albums You've Gone Back To and Have a Whole New Appreciation For
Brand New's Science Fiction
I found this album again this year and it still haunts me and weirds me out and now absolutely amazes me. Every single song is just so unique and mind-blowing. Honorable mentions are: No Control, Same Logic/Teeth, Can't Get It Out and Lit Me Up, but oh god Out of Mana absolutely kills me.
Katatonia's Viva Emptiness
This might just be my favorite Katatonia album, despite me only getting Burn the Remembrance out of it before. I was finally able to purchase all the Katatonia albums this year and they're cemented as one of my favorite bands. Honorable mentions: Sleeper, Criminals, Evidence, Wait Outside, Will I Arrive and Complicity.
Evans Blue's The Melody and the Energetic Nature of Volume
How could I have forgotten about all the amazing songs on this album? A new find is The Promise and the Threat and it's gotta be my favorite now.
Albums You've Found This Year (doesn't have to be released this year)
Michael soundtrack
A perfect soundtrack to a perfect film. Don Henley's Through Your Hands is too perfect for words.
No Name Face by Lifehouse
This album blew me away and I've listened to it more than any other album this year. Seriously, it was on a months long loop in my car. I love love love Sick Cycle Carousel, but Untitled, Quasimodo, Cling and Clatter, Somebody's Else's Song and Only One also really do it for me. Plus, who doesn't absolutely love Hanging by a Moment?
Favorite Song of the Year (doesn't have to be released this year)
Finger Eleven's Awake and Dreaming
Scott Anderson's voice does things to me. It also doesn't help that I found Broken Words this year. And Tip is one of my favorite albums, it's just so raw and unique.
Music I Am Happily Ending the Year With
Matthew Good Band
There's no one better to end the year with. I recommend the Underdogs album and the Beautiful Midnight album (Canadian version with Let's Get It On), but really everything from his band and solo career.
Favorite Books You've Read this Year
I actually wasted most of my year reading books I thought I would like, only to drop them a quarter to halfway through. I get
pickier and pickier on books as the years go by and have to say with honesty that I dropped 90% of all the books I picked up this
year (and I went through a LOT of books this year, at least 50). On the plus side, I cleaned out my book collection and got rid
of around 100 books, maybe more. Here's a few that stuck with me:
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
This novel ties with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as my favorite novel. It's fair to say that most of my obsessing and squeeing in fandom over the course of the year is over this novel and all its film/tv adaptations, especially the 2012 and 1998 films. I could probably spend years and thousands of pages talking about this book, about how much I love the characters and plot and how it reads and love how it's not a happily ever after but satisfying nonetheless, but instead I will say that you MUST read this book right damn now. Make it a New Years Resolution.
Watersong series by Amanda Hocking (Wake, Lullaby, Tidal and Elegy)
Very few YA/teen series have stuck with me as this one has. Hocking's 4 book series is about a teenage girl turned siren against her will, and having to race against time to break the curse with the sirens who turned her hindering her every step of the way. I love the sister relationship in the series and the romances and friendships are beautiful. Definitely recommend.
Robert Louis Stevenson's horror short stories
Stevenson is a fantastic writer whether he's writing horror, thrillers or adventure stories. I picked up a small collection of his horror short stories as a xmas present for myself in 2018 and had a thrill reading it earlier this year. Stories such as The Suicide Room, Markheim, the Body Snatcher and A Lodging for the Night really amused me and frightened me and blew me out of the water. Definitely hungry for more.
Vittorio, the Vampire and Pandora, both by Anne Rice
Luscious. Philosophical. Historical. Quite possibly the best fiction I have ever read outside of classic writers such as Dickens. Every time I pick up an Anne Rice book about her mesmerizing vampires, I grow more and more impressed. It also helps that I'm an ancient history lover. Her books are literally the only true page-turners for me.
Favorite Series of the Year
Killjoys
I was randomly looking at the syfy website one night and thought this show looked interesting and decided to check it out = one of the best decisions I have made. I have never seen anything even remotely like this show (maybe because I don't watch much sci-fi-related stuff), but I really love all the characters and the situations they either get themselves into or have forced upon them. I am currently about to start the last season and am pumped.
Favorite Mini-Series of the Year
Chernobyl
Other than Tin Man, which I found again and fell in love with all over again since its initial release, I would like to call special attention to Chernobyl. Words cannot express how much this mini-series blew me away. This is a story that everyone needs to know and a series that everyone needs to watch. Masterfully done and brilliantly acted.
Series You're Happily Ending the Year With
Bull (CBS)
Doesn't matter how many times I watch the episodes, Bull and his team never fail to charm.
New or Rediscovered Ship
Neo/Trinity - The Matrix trilogy
Just a little shout out to true love.
Series You Most Want to Watch in 2020
Charmed
I've been meaning to get to this series for years now and will finally make it work this year. With its many seasons, it's a big commitment, but I really need a new paranormal series to watch with me being caught up on Supernatural and with Vampire Diaries / Originals having ended.
Movies You Haven't Gotten to in 2019
Hobbs & Shaw, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Ford vs. Ferrari
Albums You Haven't Gotten to in 2019
Cold's The Things You Can't Stop, Lacuna Coil's Black Anima, Jimmy Eat World's Surviving, Blackbriar's Mortal Remains, In Flames' I, The Mask, Russian Circles' Blood Year, Korn's The Nothing, Alter Bridge's Walk the Sky, Goo Goo Dolls' Miracle Pill, The Who's Who, Kerli's Shadow Works and FKA Twigs' Magdalene.
Books You Want to Read or Reread in 2020
As a birthday gift to myself, I really want to go back and reread Richelle Mead's Bloodlines, which is my favorite book series because Sydney/Adrian are the absolute center of my heart and because their wedding is probably hands down the best thing I have ever read. I also want to read the Lord of the Rings trilogy all the way through, as well as read The Hobbit and the Silmarillion for the first time. In addition, A Tale of Two Cities, The Vampire Lestat + Queen of the Damned, East of Eden, As I Darken, and likely more I can't quite think of yet.
Up next, an end of the year fanwork roundup...
