Category Archives: Best Of

22
Apr

20 After 20: 2004

20. The Terminal (dir. Steven Spielberg)Maybe it’s a little naïve. Maybe it’s a little (Capra) corny. But in an era where immigrants of all backgrounds and statuses are demonized, this is a pleasantly compassionate dramedy about people just trying to … Continue reading →

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1
Mar

The Best Film Performances of 2024

Ensemble in a DramaSing SingWhile Colman Domingo and Clarence Macklin have rightly gotten the praise for standing out in this ensemble, the whole cast – most of whom are formerly incarcerated amateurs – are astonishing and authentic. If it weren’t … Continue reading →

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28
Feb

The Best and Worst Movies of 2024

Let’s start with the most obvious thing about this list: Only one is from a traditional Hollywood studio. That’s how bad the product got in 2024, with most big-name directors’ projects punted to 2025 or later. The best films once … Continue reading →

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7
Feb

The Best TV Performances of 2024

ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY SERIES Only Murders in the BuildingThe show more than doubled its main cast. Not only did producers bring in Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy and Eva Longoria as actors playing our trio in a movie about the … Continue reading →

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6
Feb

The Best TV Shows of 2024, Part 2

BEST COMEDY SPECIAL Anthony Jeselnik: Bones and All (Netflix)There was essentially no difference between this special and the show I saw at the Majestic Theatre in 2023. But it didn’t matter. This was another strong hour from the most unapologetically … Continue reading →

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5
Feb

The Best Shows of 2024, Part 1

For the first time in more than a decade, I didn’t watch enough TV to do a full top 10, plus favorite comedy specials and honorable mentions. Due to some changing life circumstances, there just wasn’t enough time to keep … Continue reading →

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18
Jan

The List: Top 10 ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Episodes

This anniversary may be hard to believe, but Schitt’s Creek premiered 10 years ago this week. This Canadian production aired in the U.S. on the mostly ignored cable channel Pop (which you may remember as the TV Guide Network). Slowly … Continue reading →

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6
Jan

The Best Songs of 2024

Below are my top 50 songs of the year. Check out the Spotify playlist here. James Bay – “Easy Distraction” Beyoncé – “16 CARRIAGES” Bullion feat. Carly Rae Jepsen – “Rare” Cage the Elephant – “Out Loud” Ethel Cain – “Punish” … Continue reading →

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4
Jan

The Anniversary Albums Project: Best of 2024

New music has lost a lot of hold on me over the last few years. And six years ago I decided that instead of trying to keep up with it all, I’d look back at music history and listen to … Continue reading →

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22
Apr

20 After 20: 2003

20. Whale Rider (dir. Niki Caro)A movie for families that’s not for little kids. This used to be a regular occurrence, but good luck finding one these days. A beautiful celebration of Maori culture – and a sharp critique of … Continue reading →

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