Favourites of 2021
movie
Barb & Star go to Vista Del Mar
Why has it been so long since I’ve seen a silly goofy movie like this? The title alone is enough to know how great it will be, I too was skeptical but I laughed all the way throughout. It’s been awhile since I was tickled by a new release comedy movie and this was so much fun.
book
Klara and the Sun
Dreamy and weird, sci-fi isn’t my usual fav genre of book but the imagery of this one really stuck with me after reading. I’d recommend if you enjoy kind of a minimalist techy near-future science fiction like the films Her or Ex Machina. Hard to describe this one more than just the mood of it but it was subtly mysterious yet relaxing and beautiful. Honourable mention to The Vanishing Half which I loved as well!
podcast
Maintenance Phase
From celery juice to BMI, this podcast pretty much flips every “wellness” or health related trend upside down and dives deep into research in a way that remains both entertaining and fun. Michael and Aubrey have great banter and look at issues in their area in a critical, balanced way.
tv show
Hacks
This category was really tough to decide upon! I went into Hacks with low expectations, and the balance of how heartfelt and genuinely funny it was delighted me. Fantastic performance from Jean Smart (couldn’t decide between choosing this one and Mare of Easttown as my favourite, both featuring her talent!) and all around a fresh and fun show I’d recommend to almost anyone. In 2021 I also discovered Search Party which was another fun fav!
recipe
Kabocha Turmeric Tea Cake
My sister made this prior to our 4-hour road trip to our hometown, and I was obsessed from the moment I saw the stunning golden hue of this loaf. It’s not necessarily sweet or savoury, but a nicely spiced loaf perfect when you’ve grown tired of pumpkin-flavoured everything. Thanks Claire Saffitz! I also recently got into making vegan butter chicken, being vegan I’d never had butter chicken and this recipe is so rich and delicious!
purchase
Crocs
A purchase I considered for 2 full years before buying, and I’m happy to say I have no regrets! Jibbitz though? Hugh regrets. I bought one single jibbit of a googly eye and my croc took on the form of a minion. I’ve since removed the jibbit and all is right with the world!
youtube video
Disney's FastPass: A Complicated History
Ok, I know what you’re thinking: it’s almost 2 hours long. Somehow this video about lining up keep me on the edge of my seat? I’ve been a fan of Defunctland for a few years when I stumbled across the channel before a trip to Disneyworld, and it is so fun and fascinating to me. The Disney theme parks and any Americana kind of Capitalist landscape are something that can always hold my attention. I don’t know how to describe this video in a way to encourage you to watch it, but it is an incredible deep-dive into the logistics of one of the many systems that Disney uses to control (you might say manipulate) park-goers.
