Every Sunday, Literally, Darling brings you “Best In Entertainment,” where you’ll find links to interesting articles, funny websites and the occasional subreddit. We bring you the music we’ve been turning up too loud in our headphones that week; reviews for movies, books, TV shows, and games, both classics and new releases; and the best apps we’ve tried out in the past few days. Tired of being bored online? Have no fear—LD’s “Best In Entertainment” is here.
[divider] [/divider]Best of the Internet
Gary Oldman’s Thanksgiving Message to Americans: Gary Oldman is really sick of our giant annual divorce-from-Britain party (read: Thanksgiving). Video courtesy of Jimmy Kimmel.
If Famous Historical Events Took Place in the Age of Instagram: Ever wondered how da Vinci would have insta’d the Mona Lisa? How good ol’ Bill would have IG’d Monica? Check out these 20 pictures for some hilarious insight on how the popular social media network would have been used during some pretty famous (and infamous) events.
Watch How These Cancer Patients React to Getting Awful Makeovers: “The French charity the Mimi Foundation told 20 cancer patients they would give them makeovers. All that was required of them was to keep their eyes closed to make the reveal more exciting. The patients expected that when they opened their eyes, they would look beautiful—but they got something else completely. The first 1:30 of this video may seem straight out of a clichéd charitable makeover video. Then it takes quite the unexpected turn.”
Interactive Guide to Authors and Literature: Check out this awesome site where you can plug in an author’s name and it will tell you who’s similar to them, so you can find more great things to read!
Capturing Lovers on the Streets of New York: Street photographer Matt Weber captured some truly powerful photos of New Yorkers in love. The scenes are beautiful, gritty and moving.
[divider] [/divider]Best in Movies
“Trek Nation,” (2010): Check out this documentary on Netflix about the legacy of “Star Trek” and Gene Roddenberry, its creator. Headed up and narrated by his son, Rod Roddenberry, this documentary takes a look at the intentions behind “Trek’s” creation and what that meant for everyone involved. Rod even talks with George Lucas about “Trek’s” impact on “Star Wars.” “Trek Nation” is a must-see for any sci-fi lover.
“Frances Ha,” (2012), starring Greta Gerwig: Another Netflix goodie, “Frances Ha” is the latest from Noah Baumbach, and possibly one of the best mumblecore movies recently made. The movie follows Frances as she struggles to find a place to live and figure her career out after a split with her best friend. Funny, touching, and occasionally cringeworthy, it’s a must see for twenty-somethings trying to figure it all out.
[divider] [/divider]Best in Books
“We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda“—Phillip Gourevitch: This book is a humbling must-read. Gourevitch is a reporter from the New Yorker who tackles the reality of the April 1994 Rwandan genocide, dropping you right in the center of this tragedy. Why Rwanda? “The best reason I have come up with for looking more closely into Rwanda’s stories is that ignoring them makes me even more uncomfortable about existence and my place in it.”
Best in Music
“Swings Both Ways”—Robbie Williams and Rufus Wainwright
“Twenty-Eight”—The Weeknd
“If I Loved You”—Delta Rae and Lindsey Buckingham
“Nashville”—Noah Gundersen
Best in TV
TedTalk Episode with Jane McGonigal: “The game that can give you 10 extra years of life” (also available on Netflix). Game designer Jane McGonigal reveals how a simple game (downloadable from your phone, see “Best in Apps” below) can help add extra minutes (and if done daily, extra years) to your life. You don’t have to be a gamer to appreciate this episode—but if you’ve ever been in a health rut, it sheds some light on how to piece your life back together, and find joy in the small (but most important) components of humanity.
“Black Books,” (2000-2004, Channel 4/U.K.): Co-written by Graham Linehan the creator of the IT Crowd, the other co-writer and star is Dylan Moran, an amazing Irish comedian. It also stars comedy legend Bill Bailey and Tamsin Greig. It’s a dark comedy it focuses on a sadistic and grouchy bookstore owner, his best friend and his single employee aka the only two people who are willing to put up with all of his shenanigans. (Going off Netflix soon!)
Dr. Danny Castellano Busts a Move: This week’s episode of “The Mindy Project” featured guest star Maria Menounos, some gluten-free jokes, a wine-dispensing bra and the most amazing dance moves I’ve ever seen, courtesy of Dr. Castellano. He doesn’t need to “Try Again”—he nailed it. (Reference this Vulture article for dancing GIFs).
[divider] [/divider]Best in Games
Cards Against Humanity: It’s like Apples to Apples, but for horrible people. You’re given a topic and then have to put cards down that you think apply, and are then judged severely on the level of hell you will rot in for putting “Two Midgets Shitting in a Bucket” as a response to anything. Get this for friends who have the blackest humor and play it around that Aunt who likes to exclaim, “Well, I never!” and then watch her win the game. Also prepare to cringe when you parents play any card with anything sexual on it at all.
[divider] [/divider]Best in Apps
SuperBetter: This is the game Jane McGonigal developed after suffering from a horrible injury leaving her bedridden and suicidal. She drives scientific research (and of course her extensive background in game design) to create a healing game targeted toward those who are chronically ill (or even just stuck in a rut). McGonigal explains how the game can boost resilience and promises to add at least 7.5 minutes to your life with just one play.
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