"Top 5 Movies of Summer
1. District 9
Other than Peter Jackson, “District 9” didn’t have any big-name stars in front of or behind the camera. But who knew a film about aliens living in the ghetto could be one of the best films this summer, if not the year? It grabs your attention from the start and doesn’t let go until the emotional final shot.
2. Star Trek
If you weren’t a Trekkie (or is it Trekker?) before this film, you probably are now. In J.J. Abrams’ reboot of the classic sci-fi series newcomers can enjoy this film without having to know everything that came before it, and yet it still has stuff for the die-hard fans. Plus, Zachary Quinto nailed Spock’s bowl haircut and pointy-ears look and emotional responses. Without sounding corny, this franchise shall live long and prosper.
3. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Sure, the critics trashed it but this film was never meant for critics. It’s just a good summer flick where you can escape reality and watch robots destroy each other, dogs humping, Sam Witwicky’s mother going through a reefer madness binge and, let’s not forget, Megan Fox.
4. Up
There’s no doubting it, Pixar’s still got it and again raises the bar even higher. Whether you’re a kid or a grandparent or anywhere between, you can enjoy this tale of a grumpy old man’s uplifting adventure with his stowaway friend.
5. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
It might not be the most exciting Harry Potter film to date, but with the end near in sight it does what it’s supposed to do and that is to set up for the events to come in the final two films. It’s also quite disappointing that large chunks of the novel are missing in the film, but nevertheless this film offers a lot more magic than most of this summer’s offerings.
Top 5 Summer Celebrity Deaths
1. Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 â' June 25, 2009)
Just weeks before his comeback tour, the King of Pop’s death shocked the world. Despite the charges he faced for molesting a child and dangling his child from a rooftop and all the other crazy rumors and stunts, there is one undeniable fact that often gets overlooked: Michael Jackson was a truly talented musical icon. Over two months has passed since his death but one thing remains and shall always remain, and that is the music he has made for the entire world to hear.
2. Farrah Fawcett (February 2, 1947 â' June 25, 2009)
Long before The Rachel (Jennifer Aniston’s haircut on “Friends”), there was The Farrah. There was no haircut more desired in the ’70s than the curls and the flip sported by Jill Munroe on “Charlie’s Angels.” But Farrah Fawcett will be remembered for more than her legendary hairstyle and her one-year stint on “Charlie’s Angels” â' it was her personal struggles and courageous fight with cancer (as aired on NBC in May titled “Farrah’s Story”) that proved that she was more than just a sex symbol.
3. David Carradine (December 8, 1936 — June 3, 2009)
Our parents’ generation knew David Carradine from his work in the 1970s television series “Kung Fu,” but most of us know him from Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” films. He was a sly and mysterious actor that, whenever he appeared on screen, it made it that much more interesting and exciting. Although the cause of death still remains a mystery, the late actor was someone who had an incredible zest for life and the path it led him on.
4. John Hughes (February 18, 1950 â' August 6, 2009)
The director of “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” earned a generation of fans. Hughes, who died of a heart attack, hadn’t made a movie for almost two decades but the films he left behind spoke to a generation. Successfully depicting what it meant to be a teenager, Hughes did it better than anybody else and his films will continue to be loved by generations to come.
5. Billy Mays (July 20, 1958 â' June 28, 2009)
Most of you have probably spent late nights on your couch binging on snacks and watching infomercials, such as the ones where Billy Mays tried to sell household products like OxiClean and Kaboom. So it was a surprise to learn that the ubiquitous television pitchman known for his enthusiastic and active delivery died of heart disease. It’s sad to see that his infomercials are still airing on television, but the empire he built around his name and the products still live on.
Top 5 Songs:
1. I Gotta Feeling (Black Eyed Peas)
With a chorus of “I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night,” this fast-paced second single from the Peas’ new album “The END (The Energy Never Dies)” quickly became the anthem of summer 2009.
2. Fire Burning (Sean Kingston)
It’s a safe bet that Sean Kingston’s infectious pop-raggae ode to a girl who is tearing up the dance floor was playing on at least three of your presets each time you got in your car this summer.
3. Knock You Down (Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo)
This song, with it’s thumping club beat and bittersweet lyrics, could be found on many an iPod playlist this summer. And who can forget that enduring question, “What we gonna have dessert or disaster?”
4. Use Somebody (Kings of Leon)
This soulful rock ballad from the Kings of Leon provided a refreshing break from the dance and pop hits that dominated the radiowaves this summer.
5. Waking Up in Vegas (Katy Perry)
Katy Perry topped last summer’s infectious song “I Kissed a Girl” with “Waking Up in Vegas,” a fun account of sobering up after a crazy night. Perry’s lyrics, ”You gotta help me out it’s all a blur last night” was something every college student could relate to.
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