Every December, I like to look back on the year and share my thoughts on my favorite things in pop culture and the trends I want to see disappear the next year. This year is especially exciting because now I have a whole column as a means to voice my opinion. So here it is, for your reading pleasure: David’s guide to the best things of 2011 you had no idea about and the things that need to stay away in 2012.
**The best films that nobody else saw:**
“Beginners”: Now on DVD, this story of a man in his 70s coming out to his son made me both laugh and cry. Christopher Plummer is a sure-fire bet for an Oscar nomination and Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent share one of the best meet-cutes in movie history.
“Cedar Rapids”: In a year where raunchy R-rated comedies ruled the cinemas, this little movie starring Ed Helms and John C. Reilly fell by the wayside. It’s a shame, because it’s one of the funniest movies of the year. Hopefully it can find success on DVD and end up being a cult classic.
“Our Idiot Brother”: Blame it on poor marketing, but this comedy starring Paul Rudd as a lovable stoner didn’t seem to find much of an audience. It may not be laugh out loud funny, but I assure you that you will have a smile on your face after watching this charming flick.
“50/50”: Joseph Gordon-Levitt consistently proves he’s one of the greatest actors of his generation with each movie he stars in, and 50/50 is no exception. I know it’s a bit of a turn-off to hear cancer and comedy in the same sentence, but this is a sensitive, honest — and yes, hilarious –portrayal of the disease.
**The best TV shows that nobody else is watching:**
“Happy Endings”: This is one of the few sitcoms that actually makes me laugh out loud. It’s also one of the few shows that I could see defining a generation the way “Friends” or “Seinfeld” did. Yes, it is that good. Actually, good doesn’t do this show justice, it’s ah-mah-zing.
“Community”: In danger of cancellation, the smartest comedy on TV needs to find an audience now more so than ever. So, just watch it people. It’s simple as that.
“Glee”: Yes, I’m serious. The ratings are slipping for what used to be the most talked about show of the year. The second season may have driven away many fans, but this year brings the show back to basics and is worth watching simply to see Naya Rivera’s fearless performance.
**The best books that nobody else read:**
“The Leftovers” by Tom Perrotta: No, this isn’t a novel about a fridge full of week-old casseroles, this is even better. The author of “Election” and “Little Children” once again brilliantly satirizes suburban America as he tells the story of what happens to a town after the rapture. Good luck putting this one down.
“Men, Women & Children” by Chad Kultgen: Another send-up suburbia, this book is a frighteningly realistic look into the world of middle school. It begs the question, who’s more messed up: the kids or the parents?
**The things I am most sick of hearing about:**
The Kardashians: I know they are an easy target, but the only worthwhile thing this family did in 2011 was being the butt (pun intended) of some great jokes. By my estimation, their 15 minutes of fame should have been over 14 minutes and 59 seconds ago.
“Twilight”: It’s all about the “Hunger Games” now. Katniss is an actual role model for young girls, unlike Bella, who may be the most passive, boring protagonist of the 21st Century.
Well, readers, It’s been a fantastic first semester. I hope you enjoyed reading my columns just as much as I enjoyed writing them.
