With 2010 in the books, here is a look at the best in entertainment.
Best Movie- The Social Network
It’s appropriate that the dominant social network was the impetus for the year’s best film, an explosive collaboration of inspired direction from David Fincher, an impeccable script from Aaron Sorkin, and the performance of a lifetime from Jesse Eisenberg as Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg. While some fictional elements were added, this movie depicts the creation of Facebook and rise of Mark Zuckerberg in riveting fashion. There is no doubt that in creating an empire, some people get hurt. Here, we see how the taste of success tested Mark’s friendship with his best friend Eduardo, allowed him to make powerful allies including Napster creator Sean Parker, and the trials and tribulations that grew Facebook into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. No film in years has had a bigger cultural impact and you know the movie is good when you don’t have to use Facebook to enjoy it.
Best Performance: Tie: Colin Firth in The King’s Speech+ Natalie Portman in Black Swan
Firth’s depiction of a stuttering King George VI had to be one of the tougher acting assignments to pull off. Not only did he pull it off, the performance commanded your attention as we watch a man struggle with a life-long problem and work with his eccentric therapist Lionel (Geoffrey Rush). Firth runs the gamut of emotions from embarrassment and anger to humility and kindness. Viewers can not help but empathize with the character and the journey he goes on. It forces us to realize what a difficult problem stuttering can be for some and the work it takes to overcome it.
Another equally compelling performance was Natalie Portman as paranoid ballerina Nina in Black Swan, the best thriller of the year. Portman lost weight for the film and does a tremendous job showcasing the talent of her character on the dance floor in some impeccably filmed scenes. This movie is not a happy one as Nina struggles with cutting herself and the constant fear that she will be replaced in the show and people are out to get here. She has fantasies, a crazy mother, and does not know when to stop and smell the roses. Portman flawlessly shows all these complex layers in her role of a lifetime making viewers anxious, yet also scared to know what happens next. As Nina gives in to her paranoia, Portman’s true talents are on display as she falls further into lunacy and viewers can see the effects it has on her body, psyche, and dancing.
Best Television Show- Mad Men
No show this year was more unpredictable, yet also so satisfying. Matt Weiner’s decision to split Betty and Don turned out to be the right decision as we got to see the fall of our favorite ad titan due to his newly reconfigured company losing its biggest client, ridiculous amounts of alcohol, a fist fight with a former co-worker and pathetic romantic encounters. His worst moment was seducing his secretary Allison and then acting like nothing happened the next day, causing her to quit. Luckily, Peggy Olson helped rescue him by getting the true story of who Don is, and the second half of the season saw him become the great business man once again and find a new fiancée, a fiery young woman named Megan who tells it like it is and should hopefully be a good fit for Don when the show returns next year. Don Draper is an enigma that America will love continuing to follow for years to come, never sure what bumps lie ahead.
Best Acting Performance on Television- Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad was the year’s 2nd best show by a hair due in large part to the powerful work of Bryan Cranston as meth dealer Walter White. The season raised the stakes in all regards: Walt had to tell Skylar what he did to make money for his cancer treatment and was kicked out, he got into business with the dangerous Gus, and had to deal with two members of the Mexican cartel sent to gun him and his partner Jesse down. Watching the emotion, the deception, and the lengths Cranston’s Walt had to go to in keeping himself alive while diving deeper into the drug game is something that requires viewing. The performance is one of the most raw and engaging on television with no dull moments to be found.
Comeback of the Year- Conan O’Brien
NBC screwed Conan by giving him only seven months on the Tonight Show before pulling the plug as he was just getting established in his new slot. Not wanting to be shifted, Conan earned a $32 million buyout and another several million to compensate his staff. He returned to television on TBS in November and has delivered the highest ratings in the coveted 18-49 demographic of all late night talk shows. NBC is not laughing now while Conan looks rejuvenated and excited to be back in the game.
Industry Achievement for Excellence-Simon Cowell
American Idol bid farewell to one of the most entertaining and popular talents of the last decade in Simon Cowell following season 9 of the highest rated show on television. Cowell enhanced the show through his run as we all wanted to know how Simon would use the language to tear down a brutal performance or praise something spectacular. In addition to his way with words, Simon was charismatic, often moody, and had some of the greatest facial expressions when reacting to certain things. I look forward to his new show X-Factor this fall. Idol will definitely miss him.
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