Disclaimer: it's not the definitive list. No, you're not wrong. But you're here now. Have a cup of something you enjoy and read through my ramblings.
2022 was a tricky year. It was a year of pushing through a lot of obstacles presenting pushback. And simultaneously, it forced self-focus. To meditate on where I was, where I am and where I would like to be.
2023 is going to be the trigger for that reset. And in the meantime, while I continue to work on refining, writing, and planning, I also had to still find time for things to be inspired by.
This imperfect list is going to be an amalgamation of my favorite things I’ve watched, read, or listened to. Many of them were released this year, while a few were old classics that I had never come across until this point in time. And it’s in no particular order either, but maybe from how descriptive things will be, you’ll see where my bias lies. First, some honorable mentions. Turns out there was A LOT I loved from 2022:
The Rehearsal (TV Show)
Zen And The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Audiobook)
Arcane (TV Show)
Sum: 40 Tales From The Afterlives (Book)
House of X Omnibus (Comic Book)
Goodbye Eri (Manga)
Barbarian (Movie)
White Lotus (TV Show)
God of War: Ragnarok (Video Game) This is at the top of my list as this is my current addiction. And the reason why I’ve delayed in sending this email. The themes embedded into this are answered on a multitude of layers through each character, dialogue, action and element. Giving yourself time to explore the world through side-quests rewards the storytelling instead of detracting from it (many games do the exact opposite of this, so it's remarkable to see a feat done right). There's a memorable depiction behind each of these characters from Norse mythology. I could literally write so much about this, but I'll keep it simple. It's safe to say this game is a brilliant masterpiece. Spectacular performances, fun gameplay and, most importantly (for me anyway), a fantastic story that kept me hooked from beginning to end about deciding one's own fate versus letting a past (or prophecy) of flaws define who we are. It is inspirational work that’ll be remembered in the pantheon of video games moving onward.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (Movie) Alright, I’ll admit I’m kind of cheating because I did watch this on the first week of January. But it’s my list, and I need it done right! And it won’t be right without bringing up this freaking animated masterpiece (Yep, another masterpiece. I promise I’ll try not to overuse that word, but no promises). I never thought I would see another great Shrek movie, and to be proven wrong by this movie is so, so damn heart-warming. I am typing this thinking about how I NEED to watch this movie again. Like badly. It’s a fantastic thematic journey for Puss in Boots, accompanied by a memorable cast of characters, including The Wolf (one of the best villains in history!). If you haven’t yet, please watch this movie. And then watch it 3 more times.
Better Call Saul (TV Show) Some shows aren’t meant for everyone. Better Call Saul, the prequel to Breaking Bad, is one of those shows. It's a slow burn most of the time. But when you allow yourself to become immersed in the story, cinematography, dialogue and actions, it's a clear masterclass in storytelling. Who would’ve thought Saul Goodman deserved a prequel? Or that this prequel could stand on its own two feet? That this series would produce another spectacular villain like Lalo Salamanca? BCS showcases the causes and effects of each of our actions in life, leading to an endless cycle we can unknowingly trap ourselves in. The final season closes off with a beautiful ending that reveals a love story I never would have expected from this show in its beginnings. Yeah, for being nominated so many times, this show deserves more awards.
Everything, Everywhere All At Once (Movie) I’ve realized in the past two years, one of my favorite tropes is dealing with anything comprised of different universes. How would things be different if you behave a certain way in a monumental event? Where would your life lead? How much better or worse would that life be compared to the one you’re marching through in? Everything, Everywhere All At Once combines this personal turmoil with a spectacular plot filled with action, drama, more action and sheer beauty. It takes so much advantage over the fun of a multiversal concept. For one final time, this…this is a masterpiece.
A Vast, Pointless Gyration of Radioactive Rocks and Gas in Which You Happen to Occur (Book) Then there’s the book put together by the Daniels duo. In this book are several different stories and thought-pieces surrounding the concept of multiverse. The Daniels ask the question: why are we so interested in other parallel universes? To some, the answer may be simple. To others, the answer may be jarringly hard to unearth. The answers are buried within some fun, innovative, compelling stories that I whole-heartedly recommend to other. Also a great coffee-table book!
The Batman (Movie) There have been many great Batman movies. But this one? This one nails it in ways other movies have not struck gold. There’s an immediate immersion into the movie’s atmosphere through the gritty, neo-dystopian Gotham City that I don’t think has ever been captured in any other live-action Batman film. The direction behind the action is visceral, showing the dark knight as a force to be reckoned with, but not indestructible. I still get chills over the scene involving the batmobile chase.
Severance (TV) I don’t want to spoil a lot from this show, because it gets even more amazing as it unravels. The concept of splitting your work life from your not-work life is simple and genius. The uncanny valley aesthetics hit my soul in just the right spot. The thrills, suspense and mystery are all done perfectly. It makes me anxious to see how season 2 will be compared to this one, because I do find this show currently as one of the most perfect sci-fi thrillers.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Audiobook) My first interaction with Gone Girl was the film (released 2014) back in 2015, also written by Gillian Flynn (An author’s dream, or at least mine, to write one’s own adaptation). The twist of the movie, along with its thrills made this an instant classic. When I started driving more often, I decided to invest in the audiobook. The narration for the main characters Nick and Amy Dunne bring Flynn’s character writing to life in a way that’s neither overwhelming or barren. There’s the element that the film was unable to reproduce: the reflection behind each character’s perspective. It’s another layer of depth to understanding how each protagonist rationalizes their own flaws and actions to be seen as something justifiable. It’s an incredible audiobook that I highly recommend.
When Harry Met Sally (Movie) The first of a few oldies in this bunch. Over the past years, I’ve been more open to watching romance movies with Mrs. Vahl. When Harry Met Sally immersed me in its dialogue. The conversations between Harry and Sally are authentic, and it's that authenticity that brought me deeper in love with this movie. You can’t help but feel you’re just sitting at a table adjacent to the pair listening to their debates, banter, and shared laughter. Like many others, I genuinely believe this film nails what makes the dialogue in a book or movie so fantastic.
Peaky Blinders - Series 6 (TV) Peaky Blinders had always been good to me, with season 3 reaching its peak of thrills and conflict. But, honestly, it was something I had to watch while doing something else. For me, you could watch a majority of this show just by simply listening to the dialogue and nothing would be lost. This process helped me binge seasons 2 through 5 within an entire week. I was ready for series 6. Suddenly, there was this rise in quality. The cinematography was even greater than before. Each character's arc was fleshed out, especially Thomas Shelby. There is even the introduction of a new character that was handled very well. A show about gangsters growing their empires has now matured into looking back on everything that was sacrificed to get there and giving one's self a chance to accept, move on and grow.
Nathan For You (TV) I learned about Nathan Fielder because of his newest show, The Rehearsal. Having heard others say The Rehearsal feels like a spiritual successor to Nathan For You, airing from 2013 through 2017, I decided to check it out. This reality show centered around Fielder giving the most absurd business strategies to real business owners, backed by his credentials of having “really good grades in business school” is PEAK comedy. I’ve never found myself laughing so much episode after episode.
Chainsaw Man (Manga/Anime) Written by Tatsuki Fujimoto, Chainsaw Man revolves around the story of Denji, a boy surviving off literal scraps who is given the opportunity for more after gaining the powers of the chainsaw devil (in a world where devils exist, and each devil embodies a specific kind of fear. And the strength of said devil is based on how fearful it is. I guess that’s important for context). Fujimoto does not hold back on violent, bloody action, there is no question about that. But Fujimoto also takes time to immerse the struggles of Denji and his supporting cast. Whether it’s finding humor or learning how to be alive in this cynical world. I can’t help but recommend both the manga and anime. Both media successfully craft something creative and original while making use of their strengths.
Top Gun Maverick (Movie) I also watched Top Gun this year with my wife to prepare for this movie. Not our cup of tea. Maverick, on the other hand, is something that should be re-released to IMAX theaters on an annual basis. Everything from the jets roaring to lovable supporting characters to understanding what’s at stake for our protagonist is done perfectly. Tom Cruise has shown his love for movies before and this shows how much heart and soul was poured into this movie so that it was done right. Not just right, but PERFECT. I also love how they explain what it’s like for pilots to experience G-Force intensities!
The Northman (Movie) I love stories. I love revenge-driven characters. I also love Iceland. The Northman embodies this and so much more. A fantastic revenge epic set in the days of Norse Vikings about a man sinking further into revenge, unwilling to stop until his mission is accomplished. Brutal action and amazing visual shots make for a spectacular movie to watch with some popcorn, sweets and a cold beverage poured into a wooden beer mug.
Omega Mart (experience narrative thing?) I would call Omega Mart a story-driven experience. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the venue appears as a bright, colorful supermarket filled with eccentric employees and a lot of products like your typical supermarket. A lot of which you begin to realize is…strange. Some are funny, others straight-up weird, and a handful of just eerie. For example, there’s a red energy drink called ‘WAKE UP!’ The title is an eye-catching neon yellow-green. But the nutritional facts and copywriten taglines are replaced with cries for help. Descriptives saying that you are in a coma. You are in a hospital bed surrounded by your loved ones, worried about when you’ll wake up. The last lines are filled with chill-stricken desperation that’s been branded into my mind. If that wasn’t enough, there are entryways in the supermarket that lead into something obviously paranormal. And in each exhibit are clues that connect the open-ended story behind Omega Mart.
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