my own 2013 list

I was so inspired by this website that I wanted/needed/had to write something. 

Movies:

Before Midnight - I still can't believe I wasn't able to write a proper review of this movie. This is my Star Wars, and it certainly did not disappoint. Suffice it to say I was crying with my equally fan-girl girlfriends while uttering the words "He put up with her shit." Those exact English words (plus more OA-ness). It's incredible how the Before Trilogy has captured all the stages of romance with a verisimilitude that's unrivaled in my humble opinion. It's that kind of love I want to see and I want for myself.

Stories We Tell - This documentary had me thinking about the importance of "stories" especially "family stories." It solidifies the truth that each person, each family has an interesting story to tell. This movie is like an intimate invitation to a friend's family, letting you in on their secret lives, their secret thoughts, all the while leaving you deeply moved by how complicated we all are. There's never just a black and white narrative when it comes to people's lives, and that's what makes this film so interesting.

Stoker - This is one of the best psycho-thrillers I've seen not just in 2013 but in my lifetime. I'm such a big fan. The film's entire aesthetic renewed my love for beautiful, stylized films. It's the Wong Kar Wai of thrillers. Each scene in this movie is carefully orchestrated - the sharp color motif, the whispered voices, the music - all of which convey such a distinctive mood: intense, eerie, and intoxicating. I'm a sucker for psychopathic characters because their realities are so far removed from my own. I watched it twice in one seating. This film is art.

Kevin Hart's Let Me Explain - This is Kevin Hart's latest stand-up installment. I have probably watched this about ten times already. It never gets old. His observations about men and women are spot-on. I just like how stand-up comics seem like people who don't take any shit from anyone. They keep it real that's why they're funny. I have been obsessed with stand-up comedy this 2013 because they're an easy way to get over my sad moods. Close runners-up are Dave Chappelle's Killing 'Em Softly and Ricky Gervais' Fame. I guarantee laugh out loud funny that's sure to kick thy blues!

Music:

I just realized every week after I watch an episode of Grey's Anatomy (or another TV show or movie) I become obsessed with one song. I will then play this song 24/7 until I'm sick of it. Here's "my jam" of 2013 in no particular order:

Young and Beautiful - Lana del Rey

Summer Wine - Lana del Rey

Ho Hey - The Lumineers

Run - Matt Nathanson

Goodbye Kiss - Kasabian

Mr. Unhappy - Julie Delpy

White Dress - Ben Rector

Have You Ever Seen the Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Long Long Way to Go - Phil Collins

Total Eclipse of the Heart - Jill Andrews cover

Clarity - Sam Tsui cover

What I Wouldn't Do - Serena Ryder

Museum of Flight - Damien Jurado

All of Me - John Legend

TV Shows:

Friday Night Lights - I don't even know where to begin my praises for this show. I would rank this as one of the best written TV shows of all time (up there with Friends and Walking Dead). It's about the lives and tribulations of a small town: its high school football team, their family and their friends. What I love about it the most is that it portrays realistically the lives of normal people, none of those privileged high school teens with white people problems (maybe some but not a lot). The show tackles parenthood, growing pains, racism, and poverty in a hopeful, poignant manner. It doesn't matter if you are not an American football fan, there's something in it for everyone. God I love this show.

Parenthood - The writer of Friday Night Lights is the creator of this show - that's the reason I started watching Parenthood. The title speaks for itself; it's about family and the pains of raising children. Although the characters are more on the privileged side, the characters are multi-dimensional, flawed, and relatable. It's hard not to root for them. It's such a heartwarming show I'm surprised not many people watch it.

Hart of Dixie - It's not one of the best but this comedy show has become my recent guilty pleasure - a fantasy of sorts. Beautiful actors (hello Wilson Bethel! I mean how yummy is this man?), quaint setting, and light-hearted story - it doesn't get any more escapist than this. If you want a show that doesn't need too much emotional investment, this is it!

Grey's Anatomy - I'm not sure why this is on the list, it's not new and I admit it has become a soap opera but my God this show is like my version of cocaine. It's addictive. I'm way too invested on the Jackson Avery and April Kepner pairing, I don't care if Grey's has been way past its prime. Aside from this couple, I love the music featured on Grey's. That and Japril.

Websites:

Brainpickings - This site is a great source of inspiration especially for writers. It's the ultimate embodiment of "curation."

A Drink With - I love reading interviews of interesting people. It doesn't hurt that the layout is incredibly beautiful. 

Twenties Collective - This is a recent discovery and now I'm hooked. I've always wanted to create a website similar to this - thoughtful, inspiring, and positive.

Chelsea Fagan - A kindred spirit of sorts. I love how bold she is plus she's a really great writer. She's the author of this (one of my favorites). She always keeps it real.

All these are just off the top of my head.