Once again all the little boys and girls have returned to school and all is seemingly right with the universe, albeit a little less fun. Actually, I’ve been down here for more than a month now, but who’s counting? I am. But I can only count to ten. Three times.
Top 10 Films of 2005
10. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Edging out superior films like King Kong and The Aristocrats is the best of the Prequel Trilogy. Sure, it’s not like it’s even close to as good as A New Hope or Empire, but I bet if there was room for a fourth prequel it’d be around Return of the Jedi quality. Plus, sweet lightsaber fights.
9. Crash
This movie is overrated. And depressing. But it got people talking about important issues, so, you know, that’s cool.
8. Brokeback Mountain
A lot of people are scared to see this movie because of the infamous sex scene. I think that thought can ride alone.
7. Good Night, and Good Luck.
Why did so many people at LW hate this movie? Is George Clooney not cool now? Is he the next Ben Affleck? Cause I’ll tell you, I still support ol’ Ben too.
6. The Squid and the Whale
This movie’s kind of gross and weird. But it’s also pretty funny. In a real funny kind of way.
5. Cinderella Man
Who doesn’t love the underdog boxer film? Russel Crowe goes through a lot of hard shit on his rise to the top, and it feels oh so sweet when he makes it.
4. The 40-Year-Old Virgin
This movie is good. Not as funny as later Apatow works, but how were we supposed to know that in 2005?
3. A History of Violence
A brutal, thrilling little story about a dude who just wants to run a diner in some shitty little town. Remember the part with that guy’s nose? Intense!
2. Batman Begins
Totally reinvented the Batman on film and invalidated its predecessors, only to be surpassed by its sequel.
1. Serenity
My cousin Brian told me to go see this movie and I did. And it was awesome. And then I got the show DVDs and watched the whole show. And then I was sad it was cancelled so early. And now I have to carry that burden my whole life. That intense feeling of dissatisfaction that the show got cut so short I could never fully shed. Thanks a lot, Brian.
Top 10 Albums of 2005
10. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Just barely edging out the excellent In Your Honor from Foo Fighters is an album I’m sure much less people would enjoy from a band with a very divisive lead singer. But, you know, I’m just not really trying to listen to Foo Fighters these days. They’re more of a Rock Band band for me.
9. Kaiser Chiefs – Employment
Fuckin’ sweet. Next.
8. Franz Ferdinand – You Could Have It So Much Better
I think both John and my favorite track is “Walk Away.” I love the sound of that song.
7. Spoon – Gimme Fiction
Spoon, huh? Gimme a spork. I was going for a pun on the expression “gimme a break,” playing on the title of the album and the band’s name. Not sure if it came through. If you did get it and were amused, I’m sure I’ve ruined that now.
6. Gorillaz – Demon Days
If you haven’t at least heard the “Fire Coming Out of the Monkey’s Head,” you should check that out. Dennis Hopper.
5. Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
One of those diminishing returns bands, this album rocks my socks off, but the latter two hardly untie my shoes.
4. Coldplay – X & Y
Oh God isn’t everybody sick of Coldplay at this point?
3. Beck – Guero
It’s Beck, but a little more accessible while still being really good. Nice.
2. My Morning Jacket – Z
MMJ goes a little more out there, still awesome.
1. Sigur Rós – Takk…
This is just beautiful. Brian’s getting into these guys finally, so that’s another number one spot I can share with him. I wonder if I can come up with something for whatever my favorite 2005 video game is for the hat trick.
Top 10 Video Games of 2005
10. Guild Wars
I thought it was neat. You know who played it with me a couple times? Brian. You know who said he would play with me but I don’t think ever did? Jake.
9. Lumines
A neat little puzzle game. It’s all about the music.
8. Psychonauts
Most people treat this game like royalty. It sure is funny, one of the best stories in recent memory as far as video games are concerned, but the gameplay didn’t really stand out in any way for me. Sorry. I still really liked it! Top ten!
7. Wario Ware: Twisted!
The best in the Wario Ware franchise was also the only twisting game I can remember playing. Oh Nintendo of 2005, you’re so crazy.
6. God of War
A really violent, angry game. Excellent.
5. Kirby: Canvas Curse
Sold me on the DS. Too bad there aren’t more games this good.
4. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
In this game you can smash a car and turn it into boxing gloves. Or flatten a bus and surf on it. Or run straight up a building. I could go on.
3. Resident Evil 4
The only RE game I really loved. CHAINSAW CONTROLLER!
2. Shadow of the Colossus
If you haven’t played this game yet, (and you consider yourself a gamer) you, sir, fail.
1. Guitar Hero
This game kind of changed my life. At least the “hanging out” part of my life. One of the few games I’m better than Brian at. Bam!