LOVELIST | December...

Ever since I saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch way back in 2001, I’ve been obsessed.  It’s one of my all time favorite films.  Obviously, when the touring Broadway production of said musical was coming to the brand new Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake (more on that in a minute, see: #8) I knew I’d be having a Treat Yo’ Self early Christmas present to myself.  The story follows a transgender punk-rock girl from East Berlin tours the U.S. with her band as she tells her life story and follows the former lover/band-mate who stole her songs.  The cast performances and production were amazing. Long Live the Queen!

It's been a long time since I've loved a movie as much as I enjoyed this romantic musical.  Easily, my favorite flick of the year, but also it earns a spot on my All-Time Favorite Films list.  La La Land follows Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams.  (Also: Ryan Gosling, swoon.)  (Also: Emma Stone, swoon.)

When one of my favorite bands comes to town, I'm gonna be there. Luckily I bumped into some friends there and didn't have to jam out to Dragonette all on my lonesome.  They really put on an amazing show!

Sing Street takes us back to 1980s Dublin seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor who is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents' relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, über-cool and beautiful Raphina, and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band's music videos. There's only one problem: he's not part of a band...yet. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he's promised - calling himself "Cosmo" and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the decade, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos. 

In the Sundance Film Festival fave Other People, a struggling comedy writer, fresh off a breakup and in the midst of the worst year of his life, returns to Sacramento to care for his dying mother.  Have plenty of Kleenex on hand!

Search Party is an engaging, weird, funny dark comedy about four self-absorbed twenty-somethings who become entangled in an ominous mystery when a former college acquaintance suddenly disappears. (Welcome back Maeby Fünke!)

Everyone's favorite Baking Show jumped the pond for their yearly holiday series on ABC: Yankee Edition.  Luckily, beloved Mary Berry is there with yummy Johnny Iuzzini judging all the biscuits, er cookies, cakes and other tasty treats. No soggy bottoms allowed!  

The brand new George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater in Downtown Salt Lake is a stunning gem that will draw even more art and culture into Utah's capital. I popped my first-time visit cherry with the incredible touring Hedwig and the Angry Inch (#1). Beautiful addition to the city indeed, and I look forward to enjoying it a lot more in the future.

Oh, so you thought America's Next Top Model was all over and forgotten (oh how could we ever forget You Nyle... we can't and we won't!) anyway, think again.  VH1 dusted off Tyra's classic modeling reality competition with a fresh updated reboot this month. I knew from the minute I saw the vastly improved opening credits (good font choices are important Tyra!) I was back in.  I don't think I'll ever be able to quit this darn show!

It's an annual tradition now that as the year winds down, I compile an amazing Spotify playlist of all the songs I rocked out to over the previous 365 days. Listen to eight-and-a-half hours of great ear candy HERE.  Here's to an amazing 2017, see ya next year!

The first series ten years ago(!) was stunning and incredible.  The second go-around is just as beautiful and amazing.  From the mountains, to the deserts to the grasslands to the cities, this planet we call home is one mind-blowing, breath-taking, magical and deserves our respect and our care; and this series perfectly illustrates that fact. Watch Planet Earth II episodes HERE. 

In the phenomenal critically-acclaimed Hell or High Water, a divorced father and his ex-con older brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family's ranch in West Texas.  (Also, Chris Pine:  Swoon.) 

I was so happy that on Rusty's big road trip around the U. S. of A, my home base in Salt Lake City served as another pit-stop! This time with special bonus guest Christopher!  It was great seeing them once again. Mo was more than happy as well. Just love these guys!

In Imperium, a young, idealistic FBI agent, goes undercover to take down a radical right-wing terrorist group. The bright up-and-coming analyst must confront the challenge of sticking to a new identity while maintaining his real principles as he navigates the dangerous underworld of white supremacy.  (Also, Daniel Radcliffe: Swoon.)

This biopic dramedy is the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice.  Of course Meryl Streep is as incredible in the staring role, as usual.