The Must List: December 22, 2006
MOVIE
1. 'THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS'
In this thoroughly engaging rags-to-riches tale, Will Smith trades in
his cocksure swagger for the desperate burn of a man who'll do anything
for a shot at the American dream. Review >
INTERNET
2. ELFYOURSELF.COM
After seeing your boss' face on the body of a dancing elf, you'll
suddenly remember the true purpose of the holiday season: silly online
time-wasters for all! ElfYourself.com
BOOKS
3. 'POSTCARDS FROM MARS,' BY JIM BELL
A NASA scientist shows an artist's eye in this stunning portfolio of
robotic snapshots that capture the red planet in all its desolate beauty.
TV
4. 'SUPERNANNY'
Every week, Jo Frost, the Brit caregiver of ABC's hit reality series,
demonstrates the efficacy of tough-but-sensible child raising. Call her
Scary Poppins.
MOVIE
5. 'OFF THE BLACK'
A fine indie drama about a troubled teen (Trevor Morgan) who
befriends a growly high school umpire (played to boozy perfection by
Nick Nolte). Review >
DVD
6. 'THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA'
Watch Anne Hathaway get dressed up — and down — by Meryl Streep.
TV
7. 'SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS'
The new season of CBS' reality show began in Cheap Gimmick Town, moved
to Dullsville, and ended up in Best Competition Ever City. The finale
airs Dec. 17. TV Watch >
MUSIC
8. 'IN MY OWN TIME,' KAREN DALTON
Along with the fury are more killer rhymes and insane beats from Pusha T and Malice — the Virginia-based sibling rappers behind 2002's brilliant Lord Willin'. Review >
MUSIC
9. JENNIFER HOLLIDAY
The Tony-winning Dreamgirls diva gave J. Hud some big shoes to fill: Her
''And I Am Telling You...'' still ranks as one of the most shattering
scenes in Broadway history. (Watch the clip on YouTube)
MOVIE
10. 'APOCALYPTO'
A young Mayan warrior — kidnapped and offered up as a human sacrifice — is on the run from his bloodthirsty captors in Mel Gibson's brainy,
ultraviolent action thriller.
