SIMPLY THE BEST

There comes a time each year where entertainment pundits everywhere reflect on the past 12 months of pop culture. We dissect the highs and lows, we place celebs on their respective naughty and nice lists and we relish the chance to give you our dissertation on the year’s hits and misses.

So basically, I’ve been waiting for this since New Year’s Day, ‘08.

It was a big year. Some monumental shit went down in 2008. America christened its first black president (holler!), Beijing brought sexy back to the Olympics (yeah!) and Canada proved its political system is just as screwed up- if not more- as anywhere else in the world (say what?). But this isn’t about politics; it’s about good ol’ fashioned fun.

It’s about celebrating the best movies, music, celebrity couples and Hollywood gossip.

So without further ado, here are my picks for the BEST of 2008.

5. RDJ

Robert Downey Jr. had a comeback of epic proportions this year. It was unexpected, it was career reviving and it was just plain kick-ass. Not only did Iron Man remind us that blockbuster movies can still be GOOD but it also provided the perfect vehicle to allow Sir RDJ to reintroduce himself. He went on to paint his face black and take on a role that could have seriously offended a whole lot of people but instead, he made us laugh hysterically. He’s nominated for a Golden Globe in ’09 and he’s also set to star in a Sherlock Holmes remake helmed by Guy Ritchie. Looks like this comeback is a keeper.

4. High School Musical 3

Obviously. If you frequent the Prerogative, you know I love High School Musical. So, when the franchise finally made the leap from TV movie to big-screen blockbuster, let’s just say it was a highlight. 2008 proved to be a good year for my boyfriend, Zac Efron- who would be number one on this list if I could think of a legitimate reason he should be, other than his obvious sexiness. Anyway, HSM 3 provided some good, wholesome fun for the entire family and reminded everyone that the year belonged to the tweens. They dictated the tabloid headlines, the top spots at the box office and the hits on the music charts. HSM’s soundtrack broke records and sold millions. To all the haters: It’s a classic people, BOW DOWN.

3. Brad and Angelina

Hollywood’s reigning royalty. The King and Queen of Tinseltown. The best of the best celebrity couples. Why? Because they know how to use the paparazzi in their favour. They know how to work their images. And best of all, they’ve got talent. 2008 showcased all of the above for the Sexiest Couple Alive. They welcomed twins, Knox and Vivienne, and sold the first pictures of the babies to People Magazine for an obscene amount of money. The media frenzy surrounding the twins ruled headlines in ’08 and solidified Brangelina as the couple everyone cares about. Career-wise, they both starred in movies that have Oscar-potential and did well at the box office. Oh yeah, and they refrained from talking about Brad’s ex, WhatsHerName, because no one cares.

2. Tina Fey/Sarah Palin

So I know I said this isn’t about politics but Tina Fey’s dead-on impersonation of that Alaskan governor we all loved to hate (or just hated) needs its much-deserved props. It was the best thing to happen to SNL this year. Heck, the best thing to happen to television, period. After Fey got people to notice her hilarity, 30 Rock got the attention it deserves and Sarah Palin got the ridicule that she deserved. Ya’ know?

1. Dark Knight

Do I need to elaborate? It was the best movie of the year, hands down. Christian Bale is the man. Comic book movies must forever bow down to the Dark Knight. Christopher Nolan is the best director in Hollywood. Heath Ledger blew us all away with his portrayal of the Joker. His death resonated so much more with the world because we realized the potential lost, the talent untapped. I just hope these rumours of Eddie Murphy playing the Riddler in the next one are false. Please, please don’t ruin this one- I still haven’t recovered from the massive letdown that was Quantum of Solace.

Honourable Mentions

Rhianna and Chris Brown – Beyonce and Jay Z who?

Gossip Girl – The Upper East Side will never be the same again.

Kings of Leon – Best album of the year.






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