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Hey, let's do one of those nostalgia posts like what the BBC do, only without Stuart Maconie, Kate Thornton and Bobby Davro! If I could be bothered to add it all up, I'd probably find that the last year has seen me spend more money on pointless crap like CDs and DVDs than ever before, so let's have your best movies/music/books/games of 2003. Keep it sweet.
Best Film
---------
Tough one. Even though I'm probably biased because it's the last movie I saw at the cinema, I'm gonna say Return of the King. It had everything - huge battle scenes almost endless in scope, wonderfully subtle CGI and the kind of epic storyline you don't get from Hollywood blockbusters these days. A definite winner.
Also-rans: Finding Nemo is the best kids film I've ever seen (yes, better than Transformers the Movie). Roger Dodger is one of the slickest indie films I've seen for years, with a great central performance from Cambell Scott and another lovable rogue to go in the gallery. The Matrix movies deserve a mention just because they made me excited about movies (even if they were slightly saggy round the middle) and Punch Drunk Love made me feel different about so-called Romantic Comedies. Kill Bill, just because. I could reel of dozens of others, but these are the only ones I can think of off the bat.
Let Down: Terminator 3 wasn't awful, but it was no Terminator 2. Talk to der hand, guv'na.
Best Album
----------
It's a toss-up between Kings of Leon and The Strokes. In fact, Youth and Young Manhood probably sticks its neck out due to the fact it caught me completely by surprise, whereas I knew the Strokes album would be ace. Pure, good old fashioned southern-style rock and roll, played with real feeling and soul. The White Stripes could learn a lot from these tached freaks.
Also-rans: Muse's Absolution was so hard-hitting I was winded for several hours after hearing it - massively entertaining operatic rock with no equal, plus not so much of the squealing and piano jerking this time. If Coldplay's album came out this year then that deserves a mention, if simply for providing good, melodic tunes that stick in your head. The Yeah Yeah Yeah's album was alright, bit too squawky and lo-fi for me and there's countless other hip-hop albums I've bought and loved to mention here.
Let Down: I bought and loved the first two Basement Jaxx albums, and was indifferent to the third. Blur's Think Tank got tired quickly (I could just picture Damon Albarn's socialite mates all sitting round his coffee table, screeching "Oh, how 'bohemian' Damon") and both the Cooper Temple Clause and Black Rebel albums were crud compared to great first singles.
Best Book
---------
Can't exactly remember how many books I read this year (clue: you could count them on two hands) but the one that really stayed with me was Glamorama by Bret Easton Ellis. I know it's not a new book, but it's my list, so up yours. A wonderful story about a high-flying socialite called Victor and his jet-setting life, until Ellis twists the knife and sends him into a dark world of murder and terrorism that I totally didn't see coming. Kept me gripped until the last page, and afterwards too.
Also-rans: Chuck Paahallahahalaniuakalalak books make me smile, and Choke was probably the best of the bunch. Rules of Attraction passed the time too, even though I'd already seen the film.
Let Down: Hmm, I normally won't finish reading a book if it's crap. I didn't finish Less than Zero, so let's say that.
Best Game
---------
Despite most of my playing time going to Halo on Xbox, it's not this that takes the crown. No, Top Spin on Xbox has provided me with the most laughs, most thrills and most curses and it was only released about 6 weeks ago. It's not just any old game that makes me forget I've got Pro Evo Soccer 3 gathering dust on the shelf. A reason to get broadband and Xbox Live if ever there was one. Still makes me swear like a Tourettes.
Also-rans: Project Gotham is getting me hooked as we speak, and I super-enjoyed Knights of the Old Republic, although I guess I'll have to play it through again on the dark side to truly see how masterful it is. Tony Hawk Underground is wicked (although lack of Live play sucked) and Pro Evo 3 kept me busy for a while. SSX 3 also made me go \o/ for a little bit.
Let Down: Metroid Prime? Couldn't get to grips with it at all. I'm sure I wasn't doing it properly and there was buckets of action around the next corner, but it bored me to tears.
Best Single
-----------
Again, a close one, this time between the Cooper Temple Clause's Promises Promises (gargantuan bassline mixed with a rasping chorus) and Beyonce's Crazy in Love. The lady wins, although it has to be said, the video didn't do her any harm.
Best Telly
----------
24 kept me interested from start to finish, and unless something miraculous happens in the next 3 days, it'll have been the only series I've watched all the way through. Inventive, exciting and unpredictable.
Okay, I lost interest near the end but that's because I had some dinner. Now you go.
Best Film
---------
Tough one. Even though I'm probably biased because it's the last movie I saw at the cinema, I'm gonna say Return of the King. It had everything - huge battle scenes almost endless in scope, wonderfully subtle CGI and the kind of epic storyline you don't get from Hollywood blockbusters these days. A definite winner.
Also-rans: Finding Nemo is the best kids film I've ever seen (yes, better than Transformers the Movie). Roger Dodger is one of the slickest indie films I've seen for years, with a great central performance from Cambell Scott and another lovable rogue to go in the gallery. The Matrix movies deserve a mention just because they made me excited about movies (even if they were slightly saggy round the middle) and Punch Drunk Love made me feel different about so-called Romantic Comedies. Kill Bill, just because. I could reel of dozens of others, but these are the only ones I can think of off the bat.
Let Down: Terminator 3 wasn't awful, but it was no Terminator 2. Talk to der hand, guv'na.
Best Album
----------
It's a toss-up between Kings of Leon and The Strokes. In fact, Youth and Young Manhood probably sticks its neck out due to the fact it caught me completely by surprise, whereas I knew the Strokes album would be ace. Pure, good old fashioned southern-style rock and roll, played with real feeling and soul. The White Stripes could learn a lot from these tached freaks.
Also-rans: Muse's Absolution was so hard-hitting I was winded for several hours after hearing it - massively entertaining operatic rock with no equal, plus not so much of the squealing and piano jerking this time. If Coldplay's album came out this year then that deserves a mention, if simply for providing good, melodic tunes that stick in your head. The Yeah Yeah Yeah's album was alright, bit too squawky and lo-fi for me and there's countless other hip-hop albums I've bought and loved to mention here.
Let Down: I bought and loved the first two Basement Jaxx albums, and was indifferent to the third. Blur's Think Tank got tired quickly (I could just picture Damon Albarn's socialite mates all sitting round his coffee table, screeching "Oh, how 'bohemian' Damon") and both the Cooper Temple Clause and Black Rebel albums were crud compared to great first singles.
Best Book
---------
Can't exactly remember how many books I read this year (clue: you could count them on two hands) but the one that really stayed with me was Glamorama by Bret Easton Ellis. I know it's not a new book, but it's my list, so up yours. A wonderful story about a high-flying socialite called Victor and his jet-setting life, until Ellis twists the knife and sends him into a dark world of murder and terrorism that I totally didn't see coming. Kept me gripped until the last page, and afterwards too.
Also-rans: Chuck Paahallahahalaniuakalalak books make me smile, and Choke was probably the best of the bunch. Rules of Attraction passed the time too, even though I'd already seen the film.
Let Down: Hmm, I normally won't finish reading a book if it's crap. I didn't finish Less than Zero, so let's say that.
Best Game
---------
Despite most of my playing time going to Halo on Xbox, it's not this that takes the crown. No, Top Spin on Xbox has provided me with the most laughs, most thrills and most curses and it was only released about 6 weeks ago. It's not just any old game that makes me forget I've got Pro Evo Soccer 3 gathering dust on the shelf. A reason to get broadband and Xbox Live if ever there was one. Still makes me swear like a Tourettes.
Also-rans: Project Gotham is getting me hooked as we speak, and I super-enjoyed Knights of the Old Republic, although I guess I'll have to play it through again on the dark side to truly see how masterful it is. Tony Hawk Underground is wicked (although lack of Live play sucked) and Pro Evo 3 kept me busy for a while. SSX 3 also made me go \o/ for a little bit.
Let Down: Metroid Prime? Couldn't get to grips with it at all. I'm sure I wasn't doing it properly and there was buckets of action around the next corner, but it bored me to tears.
Best Single
-----------
Again, a close one, this time between the Cooper Temple Clause's Promises Promises (gargantuan bassline mixed with a rasping chorus) and Beyonce's Crazy in Love. The lady wins, although it has to be said, the video didn't do her any harm.
Best Telly
----------
24 kept me interested from start to finish, and unless something miraculous happens in the next 3 days, it'll have been the only series I've watched all the way through. Inventive, exciting and unpredictable.
Okay, I lost interest near the end but that's because I had some dinner. Now you go.
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Best film - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
Best album - The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Greatest Hits
Best book - (Jesus Christ I haven't read enough this year)
Best game - Metroid Prime; Nintendo.
Best single - Where is the Love; Black Eyed Peas.
Best telly - Little Britain
Best album - The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Greatest Hits
Best book - (Jesus Christ I haven't read enough this year)
Best game - Metroid Prime; Nintendo.
Best single - Where is the Love; Black Eyed Peas.
Best telly - Little Britain
donnie darko came out in 2001
BEST FILM:DONNIE DARKO well its over 2 years old but its just starting to get noticed
BEST ALBUM:BLACK CHERRY by GOLDFRAPP sexy discofunk
BEST GAME:SOCOM NAVY SEALS
BEST SINGLE:SEVEN NATION ARMY:THE WHITE STRIPES or OUT OF TIME:BLUR or our beautiful christmas number 1 MAD WORLD:GARY JULES & MICHAEL ANDREWS
TELLY: 24 tremendous tv i cant the bbc wont be showing series 3
BEST ALBUM:BLACK CHERRY by GOLDFRAPP sexy discofunk
BEST GAME:SOCOM NAVY SEALS
BEST SINGLE:SEVEN NATION ARMY:THE WHITE STRIPES or OUT OF TIME:BLUR or our beautiful christmas number 1 MAD WORLD:GARY JULES & MICHAEL ANDREWS
TELLY: 24 tremendous tv i cant the bbc wont be showing series 3
Ralph Loves Lisa.
....What's the from?
(Think brain think)
(Think brain think)
"That story's not suitable for children..."
"Really? I keep my pants on in this version."
"Really? I keep my pants on in this version."
Goatboy wrote:
Missed the middle 30 mins or so of the movie, but that's why Region 1 DVDs rule. Felt somehow wrong doing that in a kid's movie but hey, I'm me.
******
Dirrty.
*Nods*
Missed the middle 30 mins or so of the movie, but that's why Region 1 DVDs rule. Felt somehow wrong doing that in a kid's movie but hey, I'm me.
******
Dirrty.
*Nods*
Cyclone wrote:
> HA!
>
> Yes, because the upcoming England talent isn't any good.
>
> HHAHAAA!
--
Yes, you rely on Woodman and Joe Worsley and see where that gets you. You're blinded by relying on Robinson and Wilko for a whole torunament.
And Goaty, Hero looks good, I shall rent.
> HA!
>
> Yes, because the upcoming England talent isn't any good.
>
> HHAHAAA!
--
Yes, you rely on Woodman and Joe Worsley and see where that gets you. You're blinded by relying on Robinson and Wilko for a whole torunament.
And Goaty, Hero looks good, I shall rent.
Best Film
---------
Not sure if it came out in 2003 or 2002, but it definatly has to be Donnie Darko. Such a harrowing, wierd, yet gripping story kept me entertained and puzzled throughout, leaving me with a huge array of theorys to consider afterwards. I enjoy films that do that, therefore this wins for me.
Also-rans: Finding Nemo, definatly. A graphically stunning film with quirky characters and a highly amusing storyline, I enjoyed this immensly.
Let Down: Matrix Revolutions. I was so excited to see this, until the day came when I saw it. Absolute rubbish, the acting was laughable and there was no story there at all. Fight scenes we're long and drawn out, and Neo was pathetic. Massive dissapointment.
Best Album
----------
The Whitestripes - Elephant, Absolutely superb sound which I can still listen to today with admiration. It took me by surprise, I love this album.
Also-rans: Muse - Absolution, haunting orchestral rock that does work perfectly. Excellent album, just tipped to the top spots by those pesky stripes.
Best Book
---------
Hmmm, I'm not exactly sure when this book came out, but it has to be Porno by Irvine Welsh, the excellent sequel to Trainspotting. I loved every word of it, and what a great ending!
Best Single
-----------
Mad World - Gary Jules
Best Telly
----------
The Office series 2 + specials.
---------
Not sure if it came out in 2003 or 2002, but it definatly has to be Donnie Darko. Such a harrowing, wierd, yet gripping story kept me entertained and puzzled throughout, leaving me with a huge array of theorys to consider afterwards. I enjoy films that do that, therefore this wins for me.
Also-rans: Finding Nemo, definatly. A graphically stunning film with quirky characters and a highly amusing storyline, I enjoyed this immensly.
Let Down: Matrix Revolutions. I was so excited to see this, until the day came when I saw it. Absolute rubbish, the acting was laughable and there was no story there at all. Fight scenes we're long and drawn out, and Neo was pathetic. Massive dissapointment.
Best Album
----------
The Whitestripes - Elephant, Absolutely superb sound which I can still listen to today with admiration. It took me by surprise, I love this album.
Also-rans: Muse - Absolution, haunting orchestral rock that does work perfectly. Excellent album, just tipped to the top spots by those pesky stripes.
Best Book
---------
Hmmm, I'm not exactly sure when this book came out, but it has to be Porno by Irvine Welsh, the excellent sequel to Trainspotting. I loved every word of it, and what a great ending!
Best Single
-----------
Mad World - Gary Jules
Best Telly
----------
The Office series 2 + specials.
Best Film
---------
I'd have to say the Two Tower's, because I haven't seen RotK yet. It's just... genius. The Extended DVD somehow manages to make it better, and Gollum/Smeagol is great. A bit of a preditible choice, but very, very true.
Also-rans:
Haven't seen many films this year, so I'd probably go with X-Men 2. Engrossing, nicely put together and you didn't need to see the first to enjoy it. Oh, and it isn't Hulk.
Let Down: Out of either Everything or Nothing and The Matrix Reloaded. Out of the two, I'd have to go for Everything or Nothing. It was just... crap. Everything you'd expect to see in a Bond film wasn't there, and the ending is truly awful. Plus, I was loving Reloaded until it got the last half hour and I couldn't understand a bloody thign anyone was saying.
Best Album
----------
Rush of Blood to the Head. Yes, some of the songs are a bit 'kill yourself by', but you don't have to focus on listening to it if you want to enjoy it. Plus, it's one of the few albums with all top-class songs.
Also-rans:
Would have to be Muse's, due to the horribly addictive songs and something a little different. I only borrowed it, but I have a rubbish CD collection, so it's allowed.
Best Game
---------
Easily Metroid Prime. While Zelda was great fun, it's nothing in comparison. There's just so much to do, a vast environment to explore and something completely different to other games that are out. The control system sucks at first, and i wasn't too keen on the openign sequence, but once you get into you realise how genius it really is. The bosses are also very tough and look brillaint. The Omega Pirate it a right git on Hard.
Also-rans:
PGR2 by far. So much depth, things to do and variation. It makes the Gran Turismo series look crap, which soem mean feat, and it also manages to be my favourite racer of all time. That's not even with Live play, either, which I imagine improves it tenfold.
Let Down:
Halo. Ooooooh, Halo. How can this be deemed one of the best games ever? Maybe I just haven't played it enough, but it's just plain boring. The level design is a disaster and I can't seem to find any depth when playing it. Simply clear one area, move onto the next, clear that, move onto the next etc. If Bungie improve the level design (a LOT) for Halo 2, it could be a brilliant, brilliant game, but otherwise, Microsoft won't get my money for it.
Best Telly
----------
Little Britain. David Walliams and Matt Lucas are genius', through and through. There's not a sketch that hasn't made me laugh, and some are pure brilliance. How the hell can Matt Lucas talk so fast? No one will know. Ever. Anyway, a complete gem.
Let Down:
Not really a let down, I'm just disappointed that people find it funny. Dead Ringers. It's not funny, it's just rubbish. The impressions are crap, and just plain annoying. It should be canned and never return.
---------
I'd have to say the Two Tower's, because I haven't seen RotK yet. It's just... genius. The Extended DVD somehow manages to make it better, and Gollum/Smeagol is great. A bit of a preditible choice, but very, very true.
Also-rans:
Haven't seen many films this year, so I'd probably go with X-Men 2. Engrossing, nicely put together and you didn't need to see the first to enjoy it. Oh, and it isn't Hulk.
Let Down: Out of either Everything or Nothing and The Matrix Reloaded. Out of the two, I'd have to go for Everything or Nothing. It was just... crap. Everything you'd expect to see in a Bond film wasn't there, and the ending is truly awful. Plus, I was loving Reloaded until it got the last half hour and I couldn't understand a bloody thign anyone was saying.
Best Album
----------
Rush of Blood to the Head. Yes, some of the songs are a bit 'kill yourself by', but you don't have to focus on listening to it if you want to enjoy it. Plus, it's one of the few albums with all top-class songs.
Also-rans:
Would have to be Muse's, due to the horribly addictive songs and something a little different. I only borrowed it, but I have a rubbish CD collection, so it's allowed.
Best Game
---------
Easily Metroid Prime. While Zelda was great fun, it's nothing in comparison. There's just so much to do, a vast environment to explore and something completely different to other games that are out. The control system sucks at first, and i wasn't too keen on the openign sequence, but once you get into you realise how genius it really is. The bosses are also very tough and look brillaint. The Omega Pirate it a right git on Hard.
Also-rans:
PGR2 by far. So much depth, things to do and variation. It makes the Gran Turismo series look crap, which soem mean feat, and it also manages to be my favourite racer of all time. That's not even with Live play, either, which I imagine improves it tenfold.
Let Down:
Halo. Ooooooh, Halo. How can this be deemed one of the best games ever? Maybe I just haven't played it enough, but it's just plain boring. The level design is a disaster and I can't seem to find any depth when playing it. Simply clear one area, move onto the next, clear that, move onto the next etc. If Bungie improve the level design (a LOT) for Halo 2, it could be a brilliant, brilliant game, but otherwise, Microsoft won't get my money for it.
Best Telly
----------
Little Britain. David Walliams and Matt Lucas are genius', through and through. There's not a sketch that hasn't made me laugh, and some are pure brilliance. How the hell can Matt Lucas talk so fast? No one will know. Ever. Anyway, a complete gem.
Let Down:
Not really a let down, I'm just disappointed that people find it funny. Dead Ringers. It's not funny, it's just rubbish. The impressions are crap, and just plain annoying. It should be canned and never return.
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