my favourite things of 2019
I've really found that this year I discovered A LOT of things that I very much love. I fell in love with so many new shows, films and podcasts this year, and for once, actually made sure I kept track of them. I discovered so much new music, found so many comedians I cry of laughter at, and so many amazing documentaries I could rewatch over and over again. So, in this little collection of blogs I've been writing recently as a form of self-reflection for the year (the first of four I'm posting this week, I'm organised for once), here are the things I couldn't get enough of in 2019!
FILM
Rocketman
Admittedly, I only watched this film because I love Taron Egerton and Richard Madden at first, but despite those two lovely men being in it, the film in itself is such a beautiful production. The story is so interesting and such an amazing perspective of Elton John's life and the music was just so good Because of this film, Taron Egerton as a MUSICAL artist was third on my Spotify Wrapped this year. Embarrassingly wouldn't change it though. Definitely worth the watch. (SKY)
Starter By 10
Low production film made in 2006 starring James Mcavoy about a young, working-class boy who is incredibly intelligent so therefore goes to Bristol University and joins the University Challenge team. The cast is great, Catherine Tate, James Corden; very British. The way I stumbled across it was odd, it was super late at night and just threw it on, but it really sat with me. Such a nice, heartfelt film with such a simple message behind it: you can do whatever you want if you really want it, no matter where you're from. Very homely. (AMAZON PRIME)
Knives Out
It's definitely not a coincident that two of the films in this list is starring Chris Evans, he's just the best. But this film really was one to watch. Comedy, suspense, surprise and thrill, nothing more you could ask from a whodunnit film really. Plus Chris Evans looks great in a cable knit jumper.
Legally Blonde
I know, I'm 18 years late to this film but I only thought to watch it this year, and I am so glad that I did. The perfect teen film about a sorority girl finding herself at Harvard Law School. I can't help but laugh every time I watch. I've watched it like 3 times since July, and I regret nothing. (NETFLIX)
TV SHOWS
Sex Education
A time-period ambiguous teen show about 17/18 year olds discovering the extent of their hormones and the star of the show, Asa Butterfield, playing a character who can't masturbate, giving sex advice to others. Absolutely hilarious watch. Couldn't recommend more. (NETFLIX)
Brooklyn 99
I actually forgot I watched this show just this year because it's one of my favourite shows in the world now and I've rewatched so many episodes. A sitcom-style show focusing on a New York Police Department. So funny, a must-watch for everyone, ever. Plus Andy Samberg is the absolute star of the show, such a funny man. (NETFLIX)
Gilmore Girls
The most heartfelt, homely TV show I've ever seen. Early 2000 show focusing on the lives of a single mother and her daughter and all the things life throws at them. It's so lovely to watch and definitely one of the best things I've discovered this year. (NETFLIX)
Bodyguard
Definitely not as light as the other shows I've mentioned but still is amazing. The show revolves around a security guard for the Prime Minister, who struggles with PTSD and the show looks at storylines around terrorism, war, mental health and divorce. It's pretty intense but I watched the show in two sittings, which says a lot. Very excited for season 2. (BBC IPLAYER)
Vampire Diaries
I'm actually still watching this show as I write this, but it deserved a shoutout. Probably my favourite show, ever, and I really didn't think anything would ever top Gossip Girl (I'm such a basic, I know). So many amazing characters and I'm absolutely obsessed with Damon Salvatore. Nothing more to say, really. (NETFLIX)
Saturday Night Live
Absolutely endless hours of laughter this year because of this show. Since discovering this stand-up comedy/sketch like show this year, it's introduced me to so many of my favourite comedians like John Mulaney, Colin Jost, Nick Kroll, Kate McKinnon... The list is endless. Weekend Update is my favourite segment, I laugh every time. (YOUTUBE)
MUSIC (ALL AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY)
Rex Orange County
The new album Pony was so uplifting, high energy and just got me moving. All of his music just makes me happy.
KAWALA
I discovered KAWALA at dodie's concert this year as they were her support act, and ever since that day I've been absolutely obsessed with their sound. They're now one of my favourite bands ever. Listen to them on Spotify!!
LANY
Technically their album Malibu Nights didn't come out this year, but according to my Spotify Wrapped I played 9,000 minutes of LANY this year, so they deserved a little shoutout.
Harry Styles- Fine Line
Beautiful man, beautiful voice. A rather recent album release as it only came out on the 13th December (dreaded election results day), but I know every song on the album off by heart. Absolutely obsessed with everything he makes.
BOOK OF MORMON
I don't really know where this musical fit in this post, but I went to see the Book of Mormon twice this year and it was the best show I've ever seen live. So funny, amazingly talented cast and the music is absolutely amazing.
YOUTUBE
bestdressed
The cutest fashion vlogger on YouTube. Wears the loveliest outfit and has such an easing, genuine personality that really shines through. I watch her videos for hours on ends and she consistently influences my fashion choices.
bambinobecky
Funniest person on the platform, in my opinion. Her videos crack me up every time and she deserves so much success. Definitely, one to watch because she's not as big as she definitely should be!!
FILM
Avengers: Endgame
What is there to say, really? Definitely the best film I saw this year and my little Marvel-obsessed heart loved every single moment of the 3-hour long masterpiece. I'd do anything to rewatch Endgame for the first time all over again. Amazing. (on SKY, released yesterday actually, so go watch!!)Rocketman
Admittedly, I only watched this film because I love Taron Egerton and Richard Madden at first, but despite those two lovely men being in it, the film in itself is such a beautiful production. The story is so interesting and such an amazing perspective of Elton John's life and the music was just so good Because of this film, Taron Egerton as a MUSICAL artist was third on my Spotify Wrapped this year. Embarrassingly wouldn't change it though. Definitely worth the watch. (SKY)
Starter By 10
Low production film made in 2006 starring James Mcavoy about a young, working-class boy who is incredibly intelligent so therefore goes to Bristol University and joins the University Challenge team. The cast is great, Catherine Tate, James Corden; very British. The way I stumbled across it was odd, it was super late at night and just threw it on, but it really sat with me. Such a nice, heartfelt film with such a simple message behind it: you can do whatever you want if you really want it, no matter where you're from. Very homely. (AMAZON PRIME)
Knives Out
It's definitely not a coincident that two of the films in this list is starring Chris Evans, he's just the best. But this film really was one to watch. Comedy, suspense, surprise and thrill, nothing more you could ask from a whodunnit film really. Plus Chris Evans looks great in a cable knit jumper.
Legally Blonde
I know, I'm 18 years late to this film but I only thought to watch it this year, and I am so glad that I did. The perfect teen film about a sorority girl finding herself at Harvard Law School. I can't help but laugh every time I watch. I've watched it like 3 times since July, and I regret nothing. (NETFLIX)
TV SHOWS
Sex Education
A time-period ambiguous teen show about 17/18 year olds discovering the extent of their hormones and the star of the show, Asa Butterfield, playing a character who can't masturbate, giving sex advice to others. Absolutely hilarious watch. Couldn't recommend more. (NETFLIX)
Brooklyn 99
I actually forgot I watched this show just this year because it's one of my favourite shows in the world now and I've rewatched so many episodes. A sitcom-style show focusing on a New York Police Department. So funny, a must-watch for everyone, ever. Plus Andy Samberg is the absolute star of the show, such a funny man. (NETFLIX)
Gilmore Girls
The most heartfelt, homely TV show I've ever seen. Early 2000 show focusing on the lives of a single mother and her daughter and all the things life throws at them. It's so lovely to watch and definitely one of the best things I've discovered this year. (NETFLIX)
Bodyguard
Definitely not as light as the other shows I've mentioned but still is amazing. The show revolves around a security guard for the Prime Minister, who struggles with PTSD and the show looks at storylines around terrorism, war, mental health and divorce. It's pretty intense but I watched the show in two sittings, which says a lot. Very excited for season 2. (BBC IPLAYER)
Vampire Diaries
I'm actually still watching this show as I write this, but it deserved a shoutout. Probably my favourite show, ever, and I really didn't think anything would ever top Gossip Girl (I'm such a basic, I know). So many amazing characters and I'm absolutely obsessed with Damon Salvatore. Nothing more to say, really. (NETFLIX)
Saturday Night Live
Absolutely endless hours of laughter this year because of this show. Since discovering this stand-up comedy/sketch like show this year, it's introduced me to so many of my favourite comedians like John Mulaney, Colin Jost, Nick Kroll, Kate McKinnon... The list is endless. Weekend Update is my favourite segment, I laugh every time. (YOUTUBE)
MUSIC (ALL AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY)
Rex Orange County
The new album Pony was so uplifting, high energy and just got me moving. All of his music just makes me happy.
KAWALA
I discovered KAWALA at dodie's concert this year as they were her support act, and ever since that day I've been absolutely obsessed with their sound. They're now one of my favourite bands ever. Listen to them on Spotify!!
LANY
Technically their album Malibu Nights didn't come out this year, but according to my Spotify Wrapped I played 9,000 minutes of LANY this year, so they deserved a little shoutout.
Harry Styles- Fine Line
Beautiful man, beautiful voice. A rather recent album release as it only came out on the 13th December (dreaded election results day), but I know every song on the album off by heart. Absolutely obsessed with everything he makes.
BOOK OF MORMON
I don't really know where this musical fit in this post, but I went to see the Book of Mormon twice this year and it was the best show I've ever seen live. So funny, amazingly talented cast and the music is absolutely amazing.
YOUTUBE
bestdressed
The cutest fashion vlogger on YouTube. Wears the loveliest outfit and has such an easing, genuine personality that really shines through. I watch her videos for hours on ends and she consistently influences my fashion choices.
bambinobecky
Funniest person on the platform, in my opinion. Her videos crack me up every time and she deserves so much success. Definitely, one to watch because she's not as big as she definitely should be!!
Thanks for reading,
J. I. Smith x
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