Best of 2006

Continuing my end of year wrap-up ...

Best Films Released in Australia (unfortunately I didn't really see as many as I would have liked this year, so this is an incomplete list):

1. United 93 - what I said when I saw this film back in August is still true: "It is a harrowing reminder of September 11 that is also one of the most suspenseful and well-crafted movies I have ever seen.  It succeeds as a film on its own terms, as well as forcing the audience to reflect on the tragic events of that day.  United 93 is a masterpiece that everyone should see."
2. The Departed - Martin Scorsese is back to his best in this film anchored by several superb performances, although Leonardo DiCaprio stands out in a role where he finally shows his potential.
3. The Queen - a remarkably understated masterpiece.
4. Snakes on a Plane - watching this movie was just so much fun!  It more than delivered on its premise. See my original post here.
5. Brick - an original and absorbing film noir set in a high school, unfortunately this gem failed to attract much of an Australian audience.

Best Australian TV Shows:

1. Tripping Over - a unique and involving Australian drama that tragically failed to find much of an audience.
2. The Chaser's War on Everything - for some unknown reason ABC dumped this show in a late Friday night time slot, but it found a loyal audience and managed to shock us and make us laugh week in week out.
3. David Tench Tonight - this much-hyped show didn't appeal to as many people as creator Andrew Denton would have liked, but I found Tench's provocative and self-obsessed humour hysterical.  If you doubt me, check out his interview with The Wiggles - they had no idea how to respond.
4. Australian Idol - the producers managed to successfully reinvent the show this year.
5. Thank God You're Here - fun concept but I'm not sure how long it can last.

Best US TV Shows:

1. Arrested Development - although this show was tragically axed this year, it remained funny and inventive right to the end.
2. West Wing (Season 7) - yet to air in Australia, I managed to watch this show finish in style on DVD.  The election and aftermath are a fitting end to this high quality show (even if the last episode is very disappointing and the live debate episode gimmick simply doesn't work).  I would say more, but I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't seen it yet - ABC will air this season in 2007.
3. House - consistently the best US show on Australian TV.
4. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - now if only we could get The Colbert Report.
5. Iron Chef America - SBS finally started airing this more accessible version of Iron Chef towards the end of the year and it quickly became a show that made staying home on Saturday a viable option.

Best Blogs - these are the blogs I absolutely have to check first thing every morning:

1. TVNewser - a full round-up of what is happening in the world of US TV news.
2. Hollywood Elsewhere - now as a blog, Jeffrey Wells takes us into Hollywood with his usual wit and insight.
3. Volokh's Conspiracy - a thoughtful exploration of law, philosophy and politics.
4. Reel Pop - provides a thorough round up what is happening in the world of online video with original insights and analysis and great videos.
5. Weatherall's Law - essential reading for anyone interested in intellectual property.

Best Websites:

1. YouTube - apart from being the media phenomenon of the year, it is a great site to waste a few minutes, hours, days ...  It is amazing what you can find on this site.
2. Wikipedia - last year you found your answers to all your questions through Google, this year you used Wikipedia.  An extraordinary resource.
3. MovieCityNews - David Poland's site not only links across the web to Hollywood stories and articles, but it contains original content that adds to your understanding of the business of Hollywood and the art of film.
4. Slate - a great online magazine.
5. I Want Media - links to all major media stories.