2021 Entertainment Favourites
Favourite books, movies & music
Books
- Favourite Classic Read
Dangerous Liaisons —Honestly I was inspired to read this because of Cruel Intentions, which is strangely one of my favourite movies. There are many times when I’ve read a book, after having seen the film that I feel the book was spoiled, this was not one of those times. The book was seductively brilliant. The characters are gloriously fun and intriguing, the writing is superb and the plotline is addictive. Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil are unscrupulously entertaining and make the book a real page-turner. If you are looking for some fun and beautiful prose then this book is for you. For the love letters alone it is worth the read.
2. Favourite Film that worked as both a film and a book
Tuck Everlasting — Utterly brilliant and beautiful! I loved this so much I wrote an entire blog, ‘Tuck Everlasting — Life Lessons’, where I share a more detailed insight.
3. Favourite Foreign Book
Love in a bottle by Antal Szerb — This book is a collection of all eleven of his novellas. Each story is wonderfully written and so evocative. Szerb is a master at creating fantastical myths and complex characters. The stories are poignant and reflective of real life, in the sometimes unsolved and melancholic endings. I particularly adore how he depicts different cultures, settings and people’s motivations through his work. It is hauntingly beautiful to read and the pain of the characters unsolved desires lingers on long after reading. I loved each and every story, they were all so unique but if I had to pick a favourite it might just be Ajandok’s betrothal and the Musings in a library. I couldn’t recommend this book more.
4. Favourite Comfort Read
The little book of Hygge by Matt Haig — A delightfully cosy read with fun facts, new interesting words and great recommendations. I love this book, you can feel the hyggelit warmth of the concept through the pages. I have implemented some ideas from it, such as lighting candles and adding different textiles to my surroundings and I hope to integrate more ideas into my everyday life. I’ve read and reread this book and know I will reference this book for many a year to come.
5. Favourite Self-Help Book
12 Rules for life by Jordan B. Peterson — Blimey where to start with this sensational read. The concepts and philosophies that are broken down with stories and historical references in this book are beyond thought-provoking, they are life-changing! Jordan B Peterson is no less than a genius. The way that he links ideas back together and sees through the holes in our society is truly incredible. You may not agree with everything he says but there is no arguing with the fact that his points are profound and worth taking note of. If there is one book you should read this year it’s this one.
6. Favourite Fantasy World
Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer & Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw- These magical romantic stories are truly enchanting. Echo North shines with its unique ideas; captivating with mirrors that transport you through different stories, a house that needs tending and a wolf queen with a vendetta. It is a superbly written story with unpredictable twists and turns thats’ message is warm enough to melt the frost that haunts the story. In contrast, Winterwood is a darker mystery of a missing boy and Nora the last of the Walkers, with an undiscovered nightshade. Ernshaw haunts and mystifies with this story’s unravelling as mysteries layer upon mysteries as you go further into the Wicker Woods. If you are looking for a perfect, gripping winter read then one of these should more than certainly fulfil your request
7. Favourite Short Story
Night of Cake and Puppets masterfully written by Laini Taylor and gorgeously illustrated throughout by her husband Jim Di Bartolo — It is the mushiest book that I have ever read and might ever possibly be written. This magical love story set in Prague between a puppeteer and a violinist is cuteness on steroids. It’s so cute, it’s even dedicated to kissing! In this story gorgeous, crazy, voodoo-eyed Zuzana is determined to meet her crush. She arms herself with a map, a plan and three magical scuppies and embarks on a journey that is thoroughly heartwarming and truly beautiful. A must-read for any heart.
8. Favourite Children’s Book
Northern lights by Philip Pullmann —One word — Epic! This story about the journey from childhood to adulthood is bewitching. Each character is distinct and complex. The main character is Lyra whose sharp mind and mischievous ways lead her on a fated quest that changes her in ways that she wouldn’t have fathomed at the beginning of the story. Along the way, the characters she meets are sometimes frightening and sometimes loveable but they are always intriguing. The world that is our world but not is drawn so well and the intriguing aspect of Daemons is clever fun. There is so much depth to this series, broaching questions such as, ‘What is it to be human? What does it mean to grow up? Who is G-d and is G-d good?’. I loved Lyra’s tale from beginning to end (especially books 1&3) and found the books deeply moving. It is a tale that can be appreciated at any age.
TV
1. Favourite Classic
Karate Kid 1&2 — These films are classic for a reason. They are pure brilliance, layered with depth and shining with class. Daniel Laruso’s journey to becoming the Karate kid and his friendship with Mr. Miyagi’s is endearing and beautiful to watch. I watched this film with my family and loved every second. Its messages and iconic scenes have impacted all our lives and we constantly refer back to it with a smile. If you want a fun, meaningful film, filled with motivational messages this is the one to hit.
2. Favourite Cartoon Raya and the last dragon — This movie is cuteness personified! The animation, characters and script are so scrumptious! The plotline is surprising and has so much depth interwoven with beautiful traditions and myths while taking the characters on a journey of growth and self-discovery. I love the fact that the characters are not Marie Sues, they are flawed and all the more loveable for it. It was a pure joy to watch this film, it had me in tears but in the best possible sense. It is such a feel-good movie, with such a unique setting (for a Disney film), that I can’t wait to re-watch it.
3. Favourite Historical Film
The other Boleyn girl — Although this movie is rather sombre it is truly masterful. Set in the Tudor period it tells an intriguing, fictionalised account of the lives of the Boelyn sisters and Henry VIII, based on the book by Philippa Gregory. The story of Mary Boelyn is riveting and although ultimately you know relatively what happens it still grips you from beginning to end. The acting in this film can only be described as masterful. It stars so many brilliant actors that don’t fail to disappoint including; Mark Rylance, Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eddie Redmayne, Benedict Cumberbatch to name but a few. Through their stellar acting, the fabulous script and wonderful costumes and sets you can’t help but get lost in the world. A perfect movie for a curious mind.
4. Favourite Foreign Film
Blind Date — Eccentric and Hilarious! This film was not what I expected at all from the title but it was a million times better than I anticipated! It is about 2 neighbours who talk through a wall, one is an inventor and the other is a pianist. It is a Rom-com but unlike most romcoms, it is actually funny! I love how the characters and the relationship develop throughout the film and how we get a real emotional insight into them. With such wonderful, comic acting and a beautiful Parisian setting, it is a perfect choice for a pick-me-up film.
5. Favourite Rom-Com
Carrie Pilby — After watching the trailer of this I was intrigued but also very sceptical about this one. My scepticism was fortunately completely misplaced. This film about genius Carrie Pilby who is book smart but not life smart and who goes to university early is endearing and hilarious. Her failures and social awkwardness are relatable and very comical especially as she seeks to find a date. It addresses deep questions such as, ‘what does it mean to live a full life?’ Her journey through this film and the interwoven romance is moving and adorable. A faultless joy this film deserves attention.
Two other Rom-Com faves that deserve a mention and a watch for their sweet stories are Little Italy and When in Rome:)
6. Favourite Comedy Film & Series
Cruella & Fleabag — Cruella is a hilarious live-action backstory to 101 Dalmations and unlike most remakes and backstories nowadays this was surprisingly brilliant. Cruella is a funny, slightly mad character who through the movie we come to understand and love for her eccentricities. The barminess of Cruella makes for some very entertaining and funny scenes and the fashion, music and acting are really top-notch! I especially love the location of her first workplace at Liberty’s because I used to work there. I still love the building and think it was a perfect pick for the film. If you are up for a funny, doggy movie night then this is a great pick.
Fleabag is outrageous! It tells the story of a slightly immoral woman (the Fleabag, she remains nameless) who is constantly messing up and trying to figure her life out. It is witty and takes the mick of some British quirks e.g. the scene on the tube is one of my favourites because it is so apt of how it actually is and what most people feel when they are on it. There are many laugh-out-loud moments throughout the series such as her back and forth involvement with her drippy boyfriend and the deeper she gets in her entanglements it makes it all the more funny as the show goes on. I loved watching this series and enjoyed the unique touch of having the main character talk to the camera and to herself, which helps us have even more insight into this nutty, loveable Flea.
7. Favourite Magical Worlds
Winx Fate series and Shadow and bone series —
Winx the Fate saga is such a throwback! I used to watch the original Winx cartoon when I was very young and always loved the elements of this. For a super girly girl, this was perfect; it had fairies, romance and mystery. I was so excited to see this be adapted for a live-action tv series as I knew there was so much potential in the storyline. Gladly I was not disappointed! The live-action is great fun to watch. They’ve made it spunkier and more age-appropriate for people like me who watched it as a child, adding more nuance to the characters, their magic (one of my favourite elements to this adaptation is each character’s individual magical style), interesting plot twists and more sexual tension. A super great binge
Shadow and Bone — After reading Leigh Bardugo’s brilliant books I was thrilled to see that this was going to be made into a tv series and wow what a series. What’s even more fantastic is that they’ve merged the storyline of 6 of Crows into this series, a great and necessary decision to give this story and the world the much needed added drama. Packed with action, crazy characters, unique Grisha magic and set in Hungary (a newfound favourite:) it makes for a perfect late-night binge.
8. Favourite Binge Series
Bridgerton — Ah the pomp and sheer frivolity of this series is so much fun to watch. Yes, it is a bit silly and all that jazz but…. it’s entertaining and a lovely dose of pure escapism. I didn’t expect to enjoy it quite as much as I did but the integrity of the characters and the diverse differences between them, really draws you in. I love the twists and turns in the plot that you make you wonder how on earth it’s going to pan out and who on Earth is Lady Whistledown? Needless to say, it is the talk of the town for a reason.
Current Music
I’ve created a Spotify Playlist of all of my favourite tracks from this year called, Top Tracks 2021. I will add to it whenever I find any other 2021 tracks. I hope you enjoy it.
I hope you enjoyed my recommendations and find something that you love from this list.
Much Love
Naomi Leila Xx
P.s. If you want more book recommendations, with some great in-depth insight, read my sister’s brilliant book blog ‘the orang-utan librarian’ — She’ll be releasing her favourite books from this year soon.
P.p.s. If you try anything out from here please let me know, I’d love to hear your opinion on it.