Tuesday 3 January 2012

Monday January 2nd, 2012 The Best of 2011

It’s that time when we are overwhelmed by top ten lists of films and music albums produced in the past year. Each year, publications such as ‘Rolling Stone’ or ‘Entertainment Weekly’ magazine give its readers their opinion on the best and worst in movie and music culture. Although no top ten list is absolute, here is a taste of some of the best that can be found at Thunder Bay Public Library.

10. At number ten, the Red Hot Chili Peppers proved once again that they’re still one of the hippest bands around, with the album, I’m With You. The album contains some of their best work in years, with catchy tunes such as ‘The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie’, as well as mournful, serious songs like ‘Brendan’s Death Song’.

9. In Rango, Johnny Depp lent his voice to the most subversive animated film of the year. Although the target audience is younger viewers, the feature is equally as engaging for adults of any age.



8. Although the album The King Is Dead by the Decemberists was released in early January, it’s sound has resonated throughout the year. Known for their offbeat rock and storytelling style, the Decemberists have produced their most accomplished album yet. If you aren’t familiar, the first track, ‘Don’t Carry It All’, will surely attract you to this group.

7. 2011 has proven to be a great year for comedies. With sharp writing and inspired performances, Bridesmaids is nothing short of brilliant. The film successfully combines slapstick and gross-out humor, along with genuine moments of honesty about a woman’s attempt at planning her best friends wedding. As fellow bridesmaid Megan, Melissa McCarthy gives the years best comedic performance.

6. If there was any force to be reckoned with in 2011, then it was with Adele’s sophomore album, 21. With her powerful, gospel like voice, Adele delivered a break-up album unlike any other. I think its safe to predict that a Grammy award is awaiting ‘Rolling In The Deep’.

5. Many film enthusiasts believe that Woody Allen has long passed his prime, but with Midnight in Paris, the director showed that he still has some tricks up his sleeve. Owen Wilson plays the archetypal ‘Allen’ character, who travels to Paris. The most charming film of the year, ‘Midnight in Paris’ is ultimately a love letter to the city of romance.


4. Radiohead is one of the most ambitious bands around. With The King of Limbs, Radiohead once again dared to challenge their listeners and shock them with a radically different sound. This is an album that grows better with each listening.

3. The best adaptation of a book to the screen this year was Kathryn Stockett’s, The Help. The film centers on African American maids in 1960s Mississippi and how a woman helps them find their voice. The Help is a treasure, and as one of the maids, Viola Davis is worthy of an Academy Award.


2. If there was any album this year that caught my attention, it was Bon Iver’s self-titled album Bon Iver. Not only does it grab your attention, it holds it. Bon Iver is sometimes known for emotional vagueness and challenging lyrics. However, he redefines soft rock and brings it to new heights. He employs traditional as well as technological methods, such as ‘Auto-Tune’. I challenge anybody who won’t be swept away.

1. Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life is unlike any film you will likely encounter any year. To describe this film with plot points would be a disservice. Albeit an often frustrating film, The Tree of Life examines the nature and purpose of mankind as well as the existence of God. A timeless piece of filmmaking, Malick has made a film that will stand the test of time. You mark my words.

Petar Vidjen

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