The Pandemic is over, and the Endemic begins.
Best Movie
1. Top Gun: Maverick
Tom Cruise held this movie for two years so that he could show it in all its glory in theaters and he was right. The movie was best enjoyed in a packed theater with surround sound just to hear the jets taking off from the aircraft carrier. The plot itself was fine, and had a good balance of nostalgia and action to keep the movie moving forward. The end was a bit wacky but for the most part pulled it off.
2. Jackass Forever
I went to go watch Jackass Forever by myself while Joy took the kids to go watch a BTS concert in theaters. It was another throw back to years gone by, and it was really funny to see Johnny Knoxville and friends new and old do really stupid, painful and hilarious stunts. Its had me laughing and crying by myself in a somewhat empty theater and it was great.
3. Thirteen Lives & The Rescue
I got really into watching the various movies and documentaries about the 13 boys stuck in a flooded cave in Thailand. There was something so fascinating to see all the dangers, planning, and people involved in getting those kids out of the cave. It probably made it easier to watch knowing that they all got out safely, but it was still terrifying to see what the kids and the rescuers had to go through to get them out.
Other Movies
The rest of the movies were other sequels and prequels that were all pretty much just fine movies, but nothing that made we need to watch it a second time.
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
- Jurassic World Dominion
- Lightyear
- Minions: The Rise of Gru
- Thor: Love and Thunder
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Best TV Show
I actually watched a lot of TV this year, in part because i caught Covid back in July and had nothing better to do than to binge a bunch of shows.
1. Ted Lasso – Season 1 & 2
I was late to the party considering I didn’t have Apple TV for the longest time, but i finally jumped to watch Ted Lasso once i got access. I’d seen my fair share of memes, verbal accolades from various podcasts, and blogs, so i had to see what it was all about considering i was worried it was going to be super cringey, but i’m glad i was totally wrong about it. Its funny, its got some heart, its got some drama, and it goes places about topics (mainly soccer) that i didn’t know much about.
2. The Bear – Season 1
The Bear was the show that got me through my Covid isolation the most. I love the realness it takes on about working in a small restaurant and all the stress and dysfunction that comes from it.
3. Bluey – Season 3
Bluey may actually be the best TV show available, considering its great not just for kids, but for adults too.
4. Stranger Things – Season 4
The time it takes to shoot Stranger Things is really tough for the cast as they’re all looking too old in consideration to what age they’re suppose to be playing. The story line brought an interesting angle to what and why things are happening in Hawkins. Its still got all the creepy vibes you want, and the interpersonal stories that keep you invested in the characters.
5. Westworld – Season 4
Sad to see there will be no conclusion to the Westworld series as the last season was cancelled before production could start. Nevertheless Season 4 was a good enough send off even if it didn’t get to say what the whole point of the show was about.
6. House of the Dragon – Season 1
After a disastrous conclusion to Game of Thrones i wasn’t sure i was ready to jump back into the world of violence and back stabbing, but so far so good.
7. Moon Knight, She-Hulk, Ms Marvel
A good variety of Marvel shows to keep the year filled with something to watch. Nothing amazing but at least they were all different.
8. The Book Of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor
I have yet to finish Andor, but even if it gets better, the Star Wars showing this year was pretty weak.
Best Trip
2. June Mountain
3. Portland, OR
4. Las Vegas
5. Carlsbad
Best Concert
1. Opening Night at the Bowl with Gwen Stefani
2. BTS
3. BlackPink
4. Jack Johnson
Best Meal
1. Mediterranean Exploration Company
Our first meal in Portland was a prix fixe menu at MEC. It was the first time i’ve ever asked the waitress what off menu items we should add, and she responded with you’re going to have plenty of food, and she was totally right. From crudo, to hummus, to octopus, and ending with the lamb chops every dish was excellent.
2. Napa Rose
We finally brought the kids to Napa Rose for Alice’s birthday now that they’re old enough to enjoy the food more.
3. Morton’s
Mother’s day brunch with delicious steak.
4. Nilly’s
Good small batch burgers.
5. Marche Moto
French Japanese food in huge portions
