Of course I will deliver it with my usual flair and panache…
So here it is, my list of the best of 2001:
Best Movie/Film:
I like to define cinema in two ways. Movies are works of pure entertainment; Hollywood at its finest. Films are more important work with heavier subject matter utilizing bolder story or filmmaking techniques. Take for example the work of director Steven Soderbergh; Ocean's 11- movie and Traffic- film. With that said, I think the best movie bar none this year was Lord Of The Rings- Fellowship of the Ring. This movie was a pure dream. A near perfect fantasy that washed away any fears of over hype. The movie is populated with a terrific cast that handled the material with the respect it deserved. The Lord of the Rings is filled with countless memorable sequences and is a perfect reminder of why we go to the movies. The best film of the year was without a doubt Memento. A breathtaking and daringly original film that is so innovative in its story telling it begs repeat viewing. Even minutes into the film you know you are watching something special. Memento was released limitedly in theatres but is a must see on DVD.
Best CD:
Given the current state of the music industry, there was not a lot of new material in 2001 to get excited about, but there was still some diamonds in the rough. The best in my opinion was Ben Folds "Rockin The Suburbs". Ben Folds finally nails it on his first solo album (after the break up of the outfit Ben Folds Five). A pop opera filled with piano, harmonizing, and witty lyrics. The music has evolved since BF5, sounding more robust and incorporating a wider array of instruments. Stand outs include Annie Waits and Not the Same. Give it a listen and bop your head.
Best TV Show:
Seeing as how there are so many reality shows filling the airwaves it is to no surprise that the best new show on TV was of this genre. Starting with an incredible concept and delivering the most ambitious game show ever attempted, The Amazing Race was easily the best hour of weekly television this year. 11 teams of two, quite simply, raced around the world for a prize of one million dollars. The contestants were interesting and provided the sufficient dose of drama. Who could forget the separated couple Frank and Margarita, the hilarious frat boys, the mom and (cute) daughter team, and the universally hated Guidos (they're life partners!)? But most of all this show served as the greatest televised travel brochure ever, showcasing incredible locales that I likely could never afford to visit.
Best Flop:
Martin Lawrence's Black Knight. Hopefully Hollywood brass will now smarten up and stop paying this annoying motor mouth 20 million dollars per picture. Now if only Chris Tucker could have a flop in 2002…
Best Slipped Under the Radar:
The Chandra Levy Case. Remember this? Senator Gary Condit must be the only person happy about the events of September 11th.
Best Discovery:
The Old Navy Girl. Who is this denim dressed vixen? Easily one of the best spokespersons in history…shine on Old Navy Girl, you retail promoting goddess!
Best America's New War Moment:
N/A
Best Missed Opportunity:
Okay…so the eighties were back this year. Everything eighties is back in fashion. Thankfully, still no sign of the mullet. It appears we had the hindsight to realize that we shouldn't make that mistake twice.
Best Transformation:
Excuse me what did you do with Geri Halliwell? I have heard about getting in shape and changing your body…but what this ex Spice Girl did was nothing less then create a new person. How she did this without a cocoon I will never know?
Best Reason To Look Forward To 2002:
People care about what matters again and we have a new found appreciation for life. …plus that Star Wars Episode 2 looks plenty good me thinks!
…but that's just my opinion.
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