So, what have we missed?

Time for a run down of the Top 5 Television and Movie highlights from the past 2 years. This was a tough one, there were things I thought for sure would make it into this list, but when it came to the crunch they just weren't good enough. It was also tough because this isn't in any particular category, it is simply the best of everything; comedy, horror, action, etc. But I could explain my actions all day, its time to get into the countdown, starting with number 5....

5. Broadchurch.

This is an English television dark police drama, and I mean drama. It is nail-biting stuff, the sort of show that has you shouting at the TV and panicking over the week wait ahead of you and the next episode. It is centered around the little seaside town of Broadchurch at the beginning of a child murderer scandal: everyone knows everyone, everyone knows everyones' business. Or do they?
Actually they don't and as it unfolds nothing is as it seems, no one is innocent and everyone has a secret.

The cast of Broadchurch.

I had heard considerable hype around this before I really got around to watching it and I admit I was dubious of it being quite obvious. I was wrong. Once I started, I literally couldn't stop. To go along with a gripping story line, it boasts and impressive English cast: Dr Who's David Tennant stars as lead detective alongside Hot Fuzz's Olivia Coleman, even down to the less significant characters such as Pauline Quirke. Its a definite for anyone that loves twists and suspense, for any Americans wanting to watch this, the second series is now out and I believe you can catch up with both on the ITV player app in any android or apple store.

Pauline Quirke at the scene of the crime.

4. Maniac.

Coming in at number 4 is a film that was released in early 2013. I won't lie when I say the main thing that attracted me to this one was my childhood crush on Elijah Wood, but I wasn't disappointed with the plot either. The movie focuses on the main character played by Elijah, who runs a seriously creepy mannequin shop, I mean its just plain odd. As if that's not a big enough obstacle in his mission of finding a girl to settle down with, he also just happens to be a active serial killer who believes said mannequins are taunting him.

Reflection of a serial killer.

One of the most interesting things about this one is that the entire film is shot through the eyes of Elijah, the only time we see his face is through his reflection. But his acting is sterling, his desperation a manic actions can certainly be felt through the camera. That being said, this is not for the faint of hearted, its gory, its violent, its a bit sadistic and a teeny tiny bit sad. If you liked Psycho you will like this.

Creepy.

                       

3. Django Unchained.

I'm guessing everyone will have heard of this at some point and if you haven't you must have been living under a very large rock. I loved this so much I went to see it twice and considering its three hours long that's a commitment. I never thought a film about slavery could be this cool, but it turns out if with a bit of Quentin Tarantino, some Jamie Foxx and Christopher Waltz, a splash of Leo DiCaprio and a Killer soundtrack, you can make anything cool. 

The Freeman and The Bounty hunter

I must admit, after watching Waltz in Inglorious Basterds I was frankly terrified of him. He was one of the best portrayals of a psychopathic Nazi I have ever witnessed, so imagine my surprise when he turns up in this one as one of the most selfless and caring bounty hunters around. He believes in justice and equality and true love and it seems with Django at his side they are set to get the bad guys and find the girl. Que DiCaprio: the sadistic plantation owner who loves nothing better than slaves and killing them in awful ways.

This movie in my eyes is an all rounder, If you haven't seen this, go and do so straight away or failing that at least listen to track 17 on the OST.

Calvin Candie chooses his weapon.

2. Phoneshop.

No your eyes are not deceiving you, yes that is the name of that Channel 4 comedy you've never really watched but sort of seen around. Well I have something to tell you, this is genius. In no uncertain terms one of the funniest things I have ever seen. This show it set in and around a high street store named 'Phoneshop 'and the staff that work there, focusing on the arrival of Christopher a recent graduate who has landed back to earth with a thump realizing that all that hard work at university was ultimately destined to bring him back to retail. The manager of the store is lamenting over the loss of 'little Gary Patel' the previous assistant manager who is now serving time, Jerwayne is pining over the Pay as you go girl Janine and Ashley is worried about his receding hair line.

A day in the life of a phone salesman.

Emma Fryer as Janine

The storylines seem ludicrous but for anyone that has ever worked in retail they come across as oddly plausible. The family feel you get from the cast is brilliant and the fact that improvisation is used in all episodes adds to that, they really bounce off one another.They are all hilarious in their own way but for me the hidden gem of the cast is Janine, played by Emma Fryer, who's dreams and hopes of making it big in retail can never be diminished and who regularly refers to the boss as 'dad'. One of the best moments is when Janine invents a new drink named the 'White Malcolm' (tepid water with a dash of skimmed milk) and tries to pitch it as sophisticated simplicity for the over sixties, they love their milk!
I implore you to give this a shot, try an episode and I assure you, you will need another one. The full 3 series are on Netflix so there's really no excuse.

1. Unbroken.

Steadily making its way to my favorite war film of all time, number one is Angelina Jolies' directorial smash. Unbroken is the true story of Louie Zamperini the American Olympic runner who went to war and survived over 30 days at sea only to be captured by the Japanese and taken to a prisoner of war camp. There he meets 'The Bird' the camp leader whose sadistic treatment of the prisoners is terrifying and who focuses in on Louie and begins a strange and frightening fascination with tormenting him. Yet the strength of Louie never falters, his hope and love for his country are inspiring.

Angelina with the real Louie.

Any Brits in the audience may slightly recognize the Italian American Louie and they would be right. Believe it or not he is played by hard man Jack O'connell famous for his drug and womanizing ways in Skins and his portrayal of killer chav in Eden Lake. Once upon a time you might have guessed he would never move on from this thug brit image and stay in the same roles as Danny Dyer or Ross Kemp, but this film sees him in a new light, as a mature and sophisticated actor, with a plausible american accent.

This film has strength, character and most importantly hope. In times of war when hope is frequently lost, Louie reminds you not to give up ans that you can do what ever you put your mind to.

If you can take it, you can make it.