Theresa Dillon’s Favorites From 2019
I’m not one for New Year’s Resolutions and New Year’s Eve is my second least favorite holiday. But, I love looking back at the films, TV, music, and books that left a lasting impression on me from the year.
So, grab your slippers and follow me down the yellow brick road of my favorites from the last year of the decade.
And hey, if you disagree with me or want to start a discussion, hit me up on Twitter - @TheresaDillon.
- Films -
Two PSAs regarding my film favorites:
1: There were way too many films I, unfortunately, did not get to this year, including Parasite and Tigers Are Not Afraid. I’m 99.9% positive I’m going to love both.
2: A24 continues to blow my mind with their film library and I am loving it!
Hands down, my absolute favorite film of 2019 is Midsommar. It was such a beautiful, disturbing film that hit me right in the feels. I haven’t had a film impact me personally on that level in a long time. Thank you Ari Aster!
My runner ups include Frozen 2 (I can’t believe Disney actually made an amazing sequel! My childhood has been waiting for this.), The Lighthouse (I will never feel the same about a fog horn.), In Fabric (Its anthology-like feel actually worked brilliantly.) and Us (I look forward to seeing what social commentary will be featured in Jordan Peele’s 3rd film.)
- Streaming -
Sorry cable TV but I’m a streamer. And I enjoyed these 4 streaming moments/shows the most in 2019.
From YouTube, the Hot Ones episode with Paul Rudd. How can you not enjoy watching Paul Rudd eat hot wings and be his adorable, ridiculous self?! Plus, as a journalist, I applaud Sean Evans for his research/interview skills, his overall vibe with guests and his guts for just going with his creative content idea.
From Disney+, Baby Yoda! Do I really need to say more?
From Amazon Prime, Good Omens. My only beef is this amazing story is only 6 episodes and not likely to have more.
From Netflix, Dead to Me. Talk about amazing writing with even better plot twists! I can’t wait for Season 2 to drop.
- Music -
Music was lackluster for me this year. What I enjoyed most was Foo Fighters releasing cuts from their archives for hardcore fans like myself. Here’s hoping 2020 brings new music from them, or even better, the return of CalJam which was sorely missed this year.
- Books -
Like Henry Bemis, I am a reader. My list of favorites for 2019 would not be complete without including some books. Two amazing reads this year were “The Winter of the Witch” by Katherine Arden and “Light From Other Stars” by Erika Swyler.
“The Winter of the Witch” is the final book in Arden’s “The Bear and the Nightingale” trilogy. It was a satisfying finish to a unique trilogy and it featured more magic which, as a reader, I was dying for more of after it was introduced in the first book. If you like folklore, specifically Russian, grab this series immediately for your home library.
“Light From Other Stars” is Swyler’s second novel and a completely different vibe from her first book. It’s a brilliant piece of contemporary literature with elements of science fiction. It’s a fantastic book to give to a teen girl who is ready to take the STEM world by storm.
What I’m looking forward to in 2020:
I like to end my review with a look forward to the next year. While I anxiously hope some clever individual scheduled Barbara Walters to announce “This is 2020.” after the ball drops in Times Square, I actually have concrete films, TV, and books I can’t wait for.
Westworld Season 3 – Spoiler Alert: Dolores is out in the real world and we have no idea what that means yet. Plus, I can’t wait to see how they utilize Mauve’s character this new season.
The Mandalorian Season 2 – More Baby Yoda adventures? Yes, please!
Dune – Fingers crossed this film will actually, finally, be as epic as Herbert’s novel. I’m still not over having Alejandro Jodorowsky’s amazing vision come to life.
Trejo's Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A. – Tacos and Danny Trejo? What’s not to like?!
Have a happy 2020 everyone and thanks for supporting The Coda!
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