We have come to December 21, 2012 and the potential end of the world (only worry if there is a mass exodus of dolphins, but then, there’s always a back-up earth). I’d like to take a moment to reminisce on the year that was, and then what I’ll miss most when I raise my hitchhiker ring and attempt to get a ride on a Vogun spaceship.
Stinky Fish of 2012
1. Brave – And here’s an entire blog post why. I went in with high-expectations for a female led Pixar film in a medieval/fantasy setting. However, while a visually gorgeous film, it does not meet the potential of Up, Wall-E, or any of the Toy Story movies.
2. Marion Cotliard in The Dark Knight Rises – SPOILER ALERT – While her character begins with promise, her final moments do not live up to the potential of this superb, Oscar-winning actress. She has a few moments that if she were a European man, she would twist her mustache and let out an evil laugh. “Yes, Batman, I have tricked you this whole time. Mwa ha ha.”
3. More Music Reality Shows! More Celebrity Judges! – I’ve been a nerd about American Idol since the first season, but now, with the dearth of the Voice, the X-factor, the short-lived, poorly conceived Duets on ABC, and the celebritization of the American Idol Judging Panel, the music reality show has clearly over-saturated the market.
While individual contestants are still enjoyable, the focus has become on celebrities instead of on the contestants. I don’t want bickering, fire-works, back-up dancers, or shiny sets. I want good performances… although, the saxophone player who co-starred with American Idol winner Philip Phillips in most of his performances is a the best addition to the American Idol enterprise.
How do you raise a level of a show? Boogie with a saxophone.
4. Getting sick the Whole Week Before Christmas – including today. Always a bummer. I even missed an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.
5. Still not finished with my Work In Progress. Almost done, but won’t be able to finish by New Years. I may have, if number four hadn’t occurred.
Fresh Fish of 2012
1. Two Great Comic Book Movies: The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises. – Both are epic spectacles that remain grounded in character and story. Both achieve the impossible. The Avengers makes a coherent film with a good story, and just enough focus on depth on each character. The Dark Knight Rises creates a satisfying conclusion with just enough of a happy ending. Happy endings seem nearly impossible for The Batman.
2. A great album, a good album, and a pretty good by artists I’ve loved for a long time. Yes, there’s been good music by new artists, but it’s always nice to have artists and bands knock out solid albums more than a decade into their career. In order, the albums are:Stronger by Kelly Clarkson, North by Matchbox 20, and Battle Born by The Killers. There may be more revolutionary artists and albums out there, but all three of these albums have been too busy occupying my MP3 player. Also, how can you not listen to Stronger and fist pump to the awesome?
3. Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles. – I know it’s not new or revolutionary, but I went for the first time this last year. Having not grown up on Southern Food, I never knew a mix of fried chicken, fresh waffle, and maple syrup could be so good.
4. Cirque Du Solei : Iris at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles – This was my sister Katherine’s birthday/Christmas present to me and it was AMAZING! If you haven’t seen a Cirque Du Solei show, do it. Not only are the individual acts and technical wizardry remarkable, but the overall feeling the show paints and journey it takes you on are fun and fascinating. Iris is about movies and Hollywood, and mixes fun with drama. The Film Nerd in me was geeking out at the nods to George Melies and to various film dramas.
5. James Bond: Skyfall – Good movie, Classic Bond.
6. Patrick’s Roadhouse – Sitting along the 1 highway, not far from the Santa Monica Pier, this is another long-time Los Angeles eating establishment with great food. I’ll be going back soon for another delectable burger.
7. Bunheads – New show by the creator of Gilmore Girls, starring Broadway star and Tony Award winner Sutton Foster. A fun show centered around women and teenage girls who are realistic characters with faults and virtues. Every episode is quotable, filled with odd film references. In my house, many conversations become “It’s like that episode of Bunheads where….” If you haven’t seen it, check out the first part of the first season on Hulu.com.
8. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries on Youtube. – This is a brilliant modern version of Pride and Prejudice as a series of video blogs (vlogs). The characters are spot-on modern versions, the segments are short and clever, and it’s a lot of fun. Every Monday and Thursday, my sister says to me, “So, is there a new Lizzie Bennet Diary up?” By the way, we watched the first fifty episodes in two nights. (Episodes are between 3-6 minutes long.)
9. Getting acquainted with the Blogosphere and 97 followers.
Future Fish (If The World Doesn’t End Today)
1. The Man of Steel aka Superman the Indie/Art Film
2. Star Trek Into Darkness – Star Trek + Benedict Cumberbacht = Awesome! I don’t care who Cumberbacht is playing, and I don’t think it’s Kahn. I do think it’ll be great.
3. News on the upcoming Star Wars movies! Whether it’s good or bad, it’ll be exciting.
4. Finishing the current draft of my Work In Progress
5. A new Muppet Movie in the works. So far, we know Ty Burrell will be playing an Interpol inspector. Also, I’ve heard rumors that Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo have all agreed to contracts. Fozzie is still in negotiations. There was a question about how many rubber chickens could be in the film.
6. Doctor Who!
Fish I’ll Miss At The End of the World
1. Ice cream. Chocolate chip cookies. Peanut Butter Cups. I might have a sweet tooth. Oh, and gummi bears!
2. My family and my dogs
3. My ridiculous hat collection, including the Boba Fett beanie I’m wearing while writing this post. Stylish and warm.
4. Friends at home and abroad.
5. In the words at the end of various video games: “And you!”
And if the world is going to end, we should at least have a parade. Thanks Super Mario RPG!
Well, that’s it for this year. Next week will be spent on Christmas and prepping for the new year. There may or may not be an exciting announcement around New Years. It depends on a few factors.
What are your favorite fish from 2012? What are you looking forward to? Are you doing anything exciting for Christmas or the holidays?
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and A Happy New Year!
*Disclaimer* I actually dislike all fish except for Swedish Fish. There’s something about seafood flavor that I don’t like. However, anything gummy is acceptable.
Good. Wholesome. Fun. 