Best Movies Of An Underwhelming Year
Top Gun: Maverick
This is the kind of movie Hollywood doesn’t make anymore; it’s fun, doesn’t abuse CGI and isn’t about sermonising the audience. The nostalgia is done right; from the first few seconds, you feel back at home in this universe.
Violent Night
I’m always looking for unexpected holiday movies to add to the list of classics; this is one of them. The premise might be silly but that’s part of the magic of Christmas and we all know Santa is a badass.
Bullet Train
Hyper-stylized action movies are always a treat when there is a singular vision behind it. In this case, it’s everything I like: weird characters, a convoluted plot, and unapologetic goofiness.
Best Video Games Were Not Franchises
Elden Ring
I’m not a Souls or From Software fan but Elden Ring is a masterpiece; the art direction is spectacular as usual and the game brings back that sense of discovery lost in modern gaming.
Stray
One of the most charming games of the year, this short tale where you play as a cat is absolutely adorable and filled with neat little puzzles in very interesting environments and atmosphere.
The Quarry
I am a big fan of Supermassive; they have perfected what an interactive movie should be. Slasher movies being my favorite genre, this is the perfect game for me trying to get all the different endings.
Best TV Series That Rivaled Feature Films
House of the Dragon
The Song of Ice & Fire is an enthralling fantasy universe; the Game of Thrones prequel is as brilliant as the first few seasons of the HBO series were; here the ending is already written so it might end better.
Westworld
I cannot believe HBO cancelled this series! One of the best series out there where sci-fi is at its best when it asks philosophical questions and doubts the nature of reality and the notion of free will.
Three Pines
I like a good murder mystery and absolutely love this one taking place in Northern Quebec; everything is delightful, from the setting to its quirky characters and its pace; it’s just an enjoyable watch.
Best Albums In A Year Without Standout
Taylor Swift – Midnights
In a barren year when it comes to albums, Taylor Swift is the one that brings something cohesive and really contemporary. It’s pop, it’s electro, it surfs on synthwave and I really liked it.
Tegan & Sara – Crybaby
You can’t go wrong with Tegan and Sara; it’s more of the same but it’s like pizza; if you like them, it’s a solid listen; if you don’t, it won’t change your opinion of their music.
Beth Orton – Weather Alive
Granted Beth Orton is an acquired taste but it’s a new album that’s perfect to play when going on long walks in the forest or as a background while doing something else.
Best YouTube Channels That Don’t Make Me Miss TV
Casual Geographic
I love animals and I do love wild animals; this is one of the most informative yet funny channels about our fellow earthlings. Where else are you going to learn that most polar bears are left-handed?
Nauti Styles
I do love boating and I do enjoy the ingenuity in ship design. I know it’s a niche; this is the one channel I enjoy discovering new ships and see the layouts of some of the most exquisite vessels.
Colinterview
This is a French channel about football; Colin interviews football players that people my age have followed the careers of; it’s way more casual and friendly and less PR than anything on TV.
