Favorites of 2012
Ugh, I know, this is super late! But better late than never, right?
TOP 20 SONGS OF 2012*
*I'm always like the unhippest person when it comes to music, so - apart from Lana Del Rey, Birdy, and Of Monsters and Men - this is mostly a list of hits from the radio. Embrace the Top 40, people!
Lana Del Ray | Born to Die
Florence + the Machine | Breath of Life (from Snow White and the Huntsman)
Karmin | Brokenhearted
Carly Rae Jepsen | Call Me Maybe
Birdy | Comforting Sounds
The Lumineers | Ho Hey
Birdy | Just a Game (from The Hunger Games)
Of Monsters and Men | King and Lionheart
Bruno Mars | Locked Out of Heaven
Lana Del Rey | National Anthem
Maroon 5 (feat. Wiz Khalifa) | Payphone
Nicki Minaj | Pound the Alarm
Marina & the Diamonds | Primadonna
Lana Del Rey | Radio
Of Monsters and Men | Six Weeks
fun. | Some Nights
Drake (feat. Rihanna) | Take Care
Alex Clare | Too Close
Lana Del Rey | Video Games
Taylor Swift | We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
TOP 5 MOVIES OF (2011-)2012*
*I did not see nearly enough movies last year - I think my grand total was 48 or 49 (disgraceful!) - and most of the great ones I saw were from 2011.
BRAVE
Elinor: If you could just try to see what I do, I do out of love.
Moonrise Kingdom
Suzy: I always wished I was an orphan. Most of my favorite characters are. I think your lives are more special.
Sam: I love you, but you don't know what you're talking about.
Suzy: I love you too.
I have always loved Wes Anderson movies. I know some people are sick of his quirks, but I am definitely not one of them, and I suspect I never will be. His films have such a delightful warmth and a unique sense of humor but a bit of sadness too, and this one is no exception. It's a really adorable and sweet depiction of young love and childhood naivete (with some childhood cruelty and angst thrown in). I think Sam's quote that I used above perfectly encapsulates that whole feel, and it's definitely the one line that stuck with me more than any other.
Skyfall
Silva: So how do you get rats off an island? My grandmother showed me. You put an oil drum in a pit and hinge open the lid. Then you coat the lid in coconut. The rats come for the coconut and - plink, plink, plink, plink, plink, plink, plink - they fall into the trap. Then what do you do? Throw it in the ocean? Burn it? No. You just leave it. And then one by one. . . they start eating each other until there are only two left. The two survivors. Then what do you do? Kill them? No. You release them into the trees. But they will not eat coconut anymore. Now they will only eat rat. You have changed their nature. The two survivors, this is what she made us.
I doubt any Bond movie will ever touch Casino Royale for me, but this one's pretty damn close. It does play much more into the campy traditions of the old Bond movies that I hate, but, thankfully, not as ridiculously; and I appreciate the depth and sophistication of the writing on the emotional and thematic levels, with James's world-weariness, and his relationship with M, and a bit of commentary on contemporary politics thrown in. Also, Javier Bardem is just an awesome villain.
Take Shelter
Curtis: Sleep well in your beds. 'Cause if this thing comes true, there ain't gonna be any more.
This is probably the absolute best movie I saw all year. It definitely has very deliberate pacing (my dad fell asleep), but I was completely enthralled from start to finish. And I really love how the story taps into so many contemporary anxieties - mental illness, health care, financial hardship, unemployment, and, of course, the Apocalypse - and it's all approached with such subtlety and respect and heartbreaking realism. I also have to say that I am super touched by the depiction of marriage in this movie. Jeff Nichols (the writer/director) even said that's what the movie is really about for him, and I love that.
Young Adult
Matt: You are a piece of work.
Mavis: You're a piece of shit.
Especially with my 10-year high school reunion coming up (OMG WTF), I feel like this movie really spoke to me. I'm just fascinated by the idea of these two people who are still entirely fixated on high school twenty years later because, for one, it was the best time of her life and, for the other, the worst time of his. The whole thing is really dark and funny and uncomfortable and also kind of really sad. And the ending is brilliant.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: 21 Jump Street, 50/50, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Avengers, The Cabin in the Woods, The Future, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
TOP 5 TV SHOWS OF 2012
Bones
Brennan: I dug out remains from the rubble at the towers. For two weeks, I was methodical. A scientist. I did what was asked of me. I did my job. I never shed a tear. I was proud of that. All these years, I've never let myself deal with it.
Booth: Bones, we all deal with things in our own way.
Brennan: I could avoid it all before. I had no one in my life. But now I think of those people, and I think of you. Any one of them, it could've been you.
I watched pretty much this entire series last year. I had been watching episodes here and there casually for years, but I just fell crazy in love with it all of a sudden. And even though most of the 2012 episodes actually weren't my favorites, it's still one of the most delightful shows on TV, and very powerful at times too. And I really love seeing how Brennan has grown over the years, learning to embrace her emotions more and more, especially since getting together with Booth and having the baby.
The Hour
Freddie: Everyone loves a hero, don't they, Mr. Stern. But the person who loves him most of all, I tend to find, is the hero himself. Why else would he polish his buttons so shiny?
THE BEST. THE BEST. THE BEST. I love Series 1, but Series 2 took it to such a level of perfection, this has quickly become one of my favorite shows ever. I love everyone so fucking much - Freddie, my hero, my love; Marnie, my girl, I'm so proud of her; Bel, HBIC; Randall and Lix, breaking my heart; Hector, who started off shaky but came through in the clutch. They're all such smart, brave, charming, passionate people, and I'm so grateful to have them and their brilliant stories in my life, even if it's all over already. (But I hope it's not!!!)
The Legend of Korra
Baby Korra: I'm the Avatar! You gotta deal with it!
KORRA, MY EVERYTHING. I debated including this show here, but I ultimately decided that my extreme love for that girl justifies its presence on the list. And even though it didn't live up to the legacy of Avatar: the Last Airbender and the pacing in the second half got completely out of control, I still think, overall, it's a pretty sophisticated look at class struggle, vengeance, and cycles of history.
New Girl
Schmidt: Are you out of your mind?!
Nick: What do you mean, am I --?
Schmidt: How do you think this is your towel? Do you even wash it?
Nick: No, I don't wash the towel; the towel washes me. Who washes a towel?
Julia: You never wash --?
Nick: You wash your towel?
Schmidt: You never wash the towel?!
Nick: What am I gonna do, wash the shower next? Wash a bar of soap? You gotta think here, pal.
Schmidt: I'm furious right now.
Nick: I get out of the damn shower, I'm clean as a damn baby, and I use the towel!
Schmidt: Let me ask you this: Have you been wearing my underpants?
Nick: Sometimes, yeah. Who cares? You guys don't wear each other's underpants? You're lying. We all wear each other's underwear.
THIS SHOW!!! This has to have been my biggest fandom of the whole year. I saw my first episode in January (this one with Schmidt's towel - super fucking hilarious), and I fell immediately in love, and I spent the rest of the year collecting every gif I could find and lamenting that more shows weren't all about people being delightful with each other. Because, seriously, that's what this show is all about. I love these kids. (Especially Nick!! My soulmate!!)
Sherlock
Mycroft: Just once can you two behave like grown-ups?
John: We solve crimes, I blog about it, and he forgets his pants. I wouldn't hold out too much hope.
I know there's like a backlash against this show now, especially since Elementary started, but I am definitely still a Sherlock gal. Benedict is just so amazing, and I think Moff & Gatiss really stepped things up thematically in Series 2. "A Scandal in Belgravia" explores Sherlock's relationships with all the women in his life - Molly, Mrs. Hudson, and obviously Irene (LOVE HER); "The Hounds of Baskerville" has him questioning his very own mind; and "The Reichenbach Fall" turns his whole world upside down. I love it all.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Awkward., Band of Brothers, Fringe (S2-3), Grey's Anatomy (S6-8), Last Resort
TOP 5 SHIPS OF 2012
Andrew/Emma
(reality, bitches!)
Marc Webb: She brought out this humor in him, and he brought out this depth in her. There was a magical quality about them.
My babies!!! Their chemistry in The Amazing Spider-Man is off the freaking charts, and all the footage of them in real life is so super adorable, I am obsessed. I don't usually get very involved with real-life couples, but I just can't help myself with them, and if they ever break up, I'm going to be so heartbroken.
Booth/Brennan
(Bones)
Brennan: I love you. I'm willing to do irrational things to prove it.
Ahh domestic bliss, it's beautiful. Sex and "I love you"s and makeouts in closets and on top of washing machines. I may still prefer the UST of the earlier seasons, but I love this too. And it was about time.
Freddie/Bel
(The Hour)
Freddie: I'm tired of it not being possible. It is possible. You are possible. You are possible with me.
UGH, THESE TWO. I love them so much. They challenge each other and inspire each other, and they know each other so well. Like even better than they know themselves! That has always been why I loved them from the very beginning, and Series 2 just took it to a whole new level.
Katniss/Peeta
(The Hunger Games)
"You're still trying to protect me. Real or not real," he whispers.
"Real," I answer. It seems to require more explanation. "Because that's what you and I do. Protect each other."
Partners!!! That quote is so THE TRUTH, THE TRUTH, THE TRUTH. I read all these books last year, and it was like nonstop feelings and tears in my fucking eyes for these kids. They need each other! They take care of each other! And they love each other so much!
Nick/Jess
(New Girl)
Jess: You deserve something amazing. And you deserve love. I know you don't want to be alone, but I'm gonna be there, and I'll tell that Tom Waits voice in your head to shut up. (Tom Waits voice) We don't have to settle, Nick. You're the best.
UGH, THESE TWO TOO. I love a great "opposites attract" couple! Nick is so gloomy and Jess is so kooky, and they kind of temper those things in each other a bit. I love that. Plus, they're just super adorable!! And so supportive of each other! And Season 2 has just exploded with shippiness for them.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Cristina/Owen (Grey's Anatomy), Dick/Nix (Band of Brothers), Jake/Jenna (Awkward.), Korra/Mako (The Legend of Korra), Lix/Randall (The Hour), Schmidt/Cece (New Girl), Tony/Pepper (The Avengers)
TOP 5 PURCHASES OF 2012
BareMinerals
I finally switched back to BareMinerals last year. Way overdue. I had been using cream foundation for a few years, and suddenly my face just started CRAZY BREAKING OUT, so I decided that was enough of that. Honestly, I have no idea why I even waited so long. I'll never use anything else ever again.
yellow blazer
Possibly the best fashion purchase I have ever made. It's so bright! And I can literally wear it with anything. But I mostly bought it so I can wear it with my graphic tees and still look and feel like a grown-up because it's a blazer.
neon nail polishes
I had liked the idea of painting my nails crazy colors before, but I really got serious about it after my bosses at work told me I couldn't wear my pinstripe and polka dot tights anymore. So now my nails are my only outlet for expressing my individuality at work, so I bought a whole bunch of different colors. My favorite is the lime green Fergie one.
Samsung GS III /
U.S. Cellular phone service
I love my phone (though I still haven't figured out all the stuff I can do with it), but what I actually love more than anything is just having U.S. Cellular service again. They're the best.
scooter!
Last but not least! Of course! This thing changed my life. I could actually leave my house of my own accord! And not feel like a fucking 12-year-old with my daddy driving me everywhere! And, yes, there was also my accident, but that wasn't Giuseppe's fault. And I'm fine, and my medical bill should eventually be taken care of, so I'm over it. I'm just dying for it to be Spring again now so I can get back out on the road!
TOP 20 SONGS OF 2012*
*I'm always like the unhippest person when it comes to music, so - apart from Lana Del Rey, Birdy, and Of Monsters and Men - this is mostly a list of hits from the radio. Embrace the Top 40, people!
Lana Del Ray | Born to Die
Florence + the Machine | Breath of Life (from Snow White and the Huntsman)
Karmin | Brokenhearted
Carly Rae Jepsen | Call Me Maybe
Birdy | Comforting Sounds
The Lumineers | Ho Hey
Birdy | Just a Game (from The Hunger Games)
Of Monsters and Men | King and Lionheart
Bruno Mars | Locked Out of Heaven
Lana Del Rey | National Anthem
Maroon 5 (feat. Wiz Khalifa) | Payphone
Nicki Minaj | Pound the Alarm
Marina & the Diamonds | Primadonna
Lana Del Rey | Radio
Of Monsters and Men | Six Weeks
fun. | Some Nights
Drake (feat. Rihanna) | Take Care
Alex Clare | Too Close
Lana Del Rey | Video Games
Taylor Swift | We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
TOP 5 MOVIES OF (2011-)2012*
*I did not see nearly enough movies last year - I think my grand total was 48 or 49 (disgraceful!) - and most of the great ones I saw were from 2011.
BRAVE
Elinor: If you could just try to see what I do, I do out of love.
Moonrise Kingdom
Suzy: I always wished I was an orphan. Most of my favorite characters are. I think your lives are more special.
Sam: I love you, but you don't know what you're talking about.
Suzy: I love you too.
I have always loved Wes Anderson movies. I know some people are sick of his quirks, but I am definitely not one of them, and I suspect I never will be. His films have such a delightful warmth and a unique sense of humor but a bit of sadness too, and this one is no exception. It's a really adorable and sweet depiction of young love and childhood naivete (with some childhood cruelty and angst thrown in). I think Sam's quote that I used above perfectly encapsulates that whole feel, and it's definitely the one line that stuck with me more than any other.
Skyfall
Silva: So how do you get rats off an island? My grandmother showed me. You put an oil drum in a pit and hinge open the lid. Then you coat the lid in coconut. The rats come for the coconut and - plink, plink, plink, plink, plink, plink, plink - they fall into the trap. Then what do you do? Throw it in the ocean? Burn it? No. You just leave it. And then one by one. . . they start eating each other until there are only two left. The two survivors. Then what do you do? Kill them? No. You release them into the trees. But they will not eat coconut anymore. Now they will only eat rat. You have changed their nature. The two survivors, this is what she made us.
I doubt any Bond movie will ever touch Casino Royale for me, but this one's pretty damn close. It does play much more into the campy traditions of the old Bond movies that I hate, but, thankfully, not as ridiculously; and I appreciate the depth and sophistication of the writing on the emotional and thematic levels, with James's world-weariness, and his relationship with M, and a bit of commentary on contemporary politics thrown in. Also, Javier Bardem is just an awesome villain.
Take Shelter
Curtis: Sleep well in your beds. 'Cause if this thing comes true, there ain't gonna be any more.
This is probably the absolute best movie I saw all year. It definitely has very deliberate pacing (my dad fell asleep), but I was completely enthralled from start to finish. And I really love how the story taps into so many contemporary anxieties - mental illness, health care, financial hardship, unemployment, and, of course, the Apocalypse - and it's all approached with such subtlety and respect and heartbreaking realism. I also have to say that I am super touched by the depiction of marriage in this movie. Jeff Nichols (the writer/director) even said that's what the movie is really about for him, and I love that.
Young Adult
Matt: You are a piece of work.
Mavis: You're a piece of shit.
Especially with my 10-year high school reunion coming up (OMG WTF), I feel like this movie really spoke to me. I'm just fascinated by the idea of these two people who are still entirely fixated on high school twenty years later because, for one, it was the best time of her life and, for the other, the worst time of his. The whole thing is really dark and funny and uncomfortable and also kind of really sad. And the ending is brilliant.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: 21 Jump Street, 50/50, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Avengers, The Cabin in the Woods, The Future, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
TOP 5 TV SHOWS OF 2012
Bones
Brennan: I dug out remains from the rubble at the towers. For two weeks, I was methodical. A scientist. I did what was asked of me. I did my job. I never shed a tear. I was proud of that. All these years, I've never let myself deal with it.
Booth: Bones, we all deal with things in our own way.
Brennan: I could avoid it all before. I had no one in my life. But now I think of those people, and I think of you. Any one of them, it could've been you.
I watched pretty much this entire series last year. I had been watching episodes here and there casually for years, but I just fell crazy in love with it all of a sudden. And even though most of the 2012 episodes actually weren't my favorites, it's still one of the most delightful shows on TV, and very powerful at times too. And I really love seeing how Brennan has grown over the years, learning to embrace her emotions more and more, especially since getting together with Booth and having the baby.
The Hour
Freddie: Everyone loves a hero, don't they, Mr. Stern. But the person who loves him most of all, I tend to find, is the hero himself. Why else would he polish his buttons so shiny?
THE BEST. THE BEST. THE BEST. I love Series 1, but Series 2 took it to such a level of perfection, this has quickly become one of my favorite shows ever. I love everyone so fucking much - Freddie, my hero, my love; Marnie, my girl, I'm so proud of her; Bel, HBIC; Randall and Lix, breaking my heart; Hector, who started off shaky but came through in the clutch. They're all such smart, brave, charming, passionate people, and I'm so grateful to have them and their brilliant stories in my life, even if it's all over already. (But I hope it's not!!!)
The Legend of Korra
Baby Korra: I'm the Avatar! You gotta deal with it!
KORRA, MY EVERYTHING. I debated including this show here, but I ultimately decided that my extreme love for that girl justifies its presence on the list. And even though it didn't live up to the legacy of Avatar: the Last Airbender and the pacing in the second half got completely out of control, I still think, overall, it's a pretty sophisticated look at class struggle, vengeance, and cycles of history.
New Girl
Schmidt: Are you out of your mind?!
Nick: What do you mean, am I --?
Schmidt: How do you think this is your towel? Do you even wash it?
Nick: No, I don't wash the towel; the towel washes me. Who washes a towel?
Julia: You never wash --?
Nick: You wash your towel?
Schmidt: You never wash the towel?!
Nick: What am I gonna do, wash the shower next? Wash a bar of soap? You gotta think here, pal.
Schmidt: I'm furious right now.
Nick: I get out of the damn shower, I'm clean as a damn baby, and I use the towel!
Schmidt: Let me ask you this: Have you been wearing my underpants?
Nick: Sometimes, yeah. Who cares? You guys don't wear each other's underpants? You're lying. We all wear each other's underwear.
THIS SHOW!!! This has to have been my biggest fandom of the whole year. I saw my first episode in January (this one with Schmidt's towel - super fucking hilarious), and I fell immediately in love, and I spent the rest of the year collecting every gif I could find and lamenting that more shows weren't all about people being delightful with each other. Because, seriously, that's what this show is all about. I love these kids. (Especially Nick!! My soulmate!!)
Sherlock
Mycroft: Just once can you two behave like grown-ups?
John: We solve crimes, I blog about it, and he forgets his pants. I wouldn't hold out too much hope.
I know there's like a backlash against this show now, especially since Elementary started, but I am definitely still a Sherlock gal. Benedict is just so amazing, and I think Moff & Gatiss really stepped things up thematically in Series 2. "A Scandal in Belgravia" explores Sherlock's relationships with all the women in his life - Molly, Mrs. Hudson, and obviously Irene (LOVE HER); "The Hounds of Baskerville" has him questioning his very own mind; and "The Reichenbach Fall" turns his whole world upside down. I love it all.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Awkward., Band of Brothers, Fringe (S2-3), Grey's Anatomy (S6-8), Last Resort
TOP 5 SHIPS OF 2012
Andrew/Emma
(reality, bitches!)
Marc Webb: She brought out this humor in him, and he brought out this depth in her. There was a magical quality about them.
My babies!!! Their chemistry in The Amazing Spider-Man is off the freaking charts, and all the footage of them in real life is so super adorable, I am obsessed. I don't usually get very involved with real-life couples, but I just can't help myself with them, and if they ever break up, I'm going to be so heartbroken.
Booth/Brennan
(Bones)
Brennan: I love you. I'm willing to do irrational things to prove it.
Ahh domestic bliss, it's beautiful. Sex and "I love you"s and makeouts in closets and on top of washing machines. I may still prefer the UST of the earlier seasons, but I love this too. And it was about time.
Freddie/Bel
(The Hour)
Freddie: I'm tired of it not being possible. It is possible. You are possible. You are possible with me.
UGH, THESE TWO. I love them so much. They challenge each other and inspire each other, and they know each other so well. Like even better than they know themselves! That has always been why I loved them from the very beginning, and Series 2 just took it to a whole new level.
Katniss/Peeta
(The Hunger Games)
"You're still trying to protect me. Real or not real," he whispers.
"Real," I answer. It seems to require more explanation. "Because that's what you and I do. Protect each other."
Partners!!! That quote is so THE TRUTH, THE TRUTH, THE TRUTH. I read all these books last year, and it was like nonstop feelings and tears in my fucking eyes for these kids. They need each other! They take care of each other! And they love each other so much!
Nick/Jess
(New Girl)
Jess: You deserve something amazing. And you deserve love. I know you don't want to be alone, but I'm gonna be there, and I'll tell that Tom Waits voice in your head to shut up. (Tom Waits voice) We don't have to settle, Nick. You're the best.
UGH, THESE TWO TOO. I love a great "opposites attract" couple! Nick is so gloomy and Jess is so kooky, and they kind of temper those things in each other a bit. I love that. Plus, they're just super adorable!! And so supportive of each other! And Season 2 has just exploded with shippiness for them.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Cristina/Owen (Grey's Anatomy), Dick/Nix (Band of Brothers), Jake/Jenna (Awkward.), Korra/Mako (The Legend of Korra), Lix/Randall (The Hour), Schmidt/Cece (New Girl), Tony/Pepper (The Avengers)
TOP 5 PURCHASES OF 2012
BareMinerals
I finally switched back to BareMinerals last year. Way overdue. I had been using cream foundation for a few years, and suddenly my face just started CRAZY BREAKING OUT, so I decided that was enough of that. Honestly, I have no idea why I even waited so long. I'll never use anything else ever again.
yellow blazer
Possibly the best fashion purchase I have ever made. It's so bright! And I can literally wear it with anything. But I mostly bought it so I can wear it with my graphic tees and still look and feel like a grown-up because it's a blazer.
neon nail polishes
I had liked the idea of painting my nails crazy colors before, but I really got serious about it after my bosses at work told me I couldn't wear my pinstripe and polka dot tights anymore. So now my nails are my only outlet for expressing my individuality at work, so I bought a whole bunch of different colors. My favorite is the lime green Fergie one.
Samsung GS III /
U.S. Cellular phone service
I love my phone (though I still haven't figured out all the stuff I can do with it), but what I actually love more than anything is just having U.S. Cellular service again. They're the best.
scooter!
Last but not least! Of course! This thing changed my life. I could actually leave my house of my own accord! And not feel like a fucking 12-year-old with my daddy driving me everywhere! And, yes, there was also my accident, but that wasn't Giuseppe's fault. And I'm fine, and my medical bill should eventually be taken care of, so I'm over it. I'm just dying for it to be Spring again now so I can get back out on the road!