Top 25 Guilty Pleasures

Yeah I know it feels too soon to have another list, but to be fair, until we get the next set of summer blockbusters, I am avoiding seeing Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie after the experience I have had with The Inbetweeners Movie, Keith Lemon The Film and The Harry Hill Movie. Say what you want, I'm not going to see that film until I can rent it for free. Anyway so you all know what my all time favourite things are, but what I haven't told anyone until now, is that I have a few more things that I like, but feel guilty about liking those things. This is effectively what a guilty pleasure is and so here is 25 of those guilty pleasures. Its was going to happen at some point or another so there you go:

25 - Waterloo Road (TV Series)

Now some of you may be asking if I like this series, why isn't it on my all time favourite TV show list. To that, I say that I enjoy watching it, but wouldn't call it an all time favourite of mine. You see, the show is based on real life events that take place at schools. This can come in the form of street gangs, drugs, sex, alcohol, scandals and pretty much anything else that you can think of. I watch it mainly so that I get an idea of how to deal with youngsters at secondary school age (11-16) and I do find a bit of enjoyment out of it. But then again, there are a lot of annoying and cringe worthy moments that just make me want to watch it more. Its not a great, but its not a bad show either and I think it does help people get an understanding of people at the school age and what they may have to deal with as they learn. So check it out, but don't expect anything big in it like say Doctor Who.

24 - Spoofs and Parodies (General)

Its true that many of us love to see things spoof and parody other things and while I may have said that spoof films are the worst of that sort of things, its the online ones that really shine. The NC said in an editorial of his that spoof films were getting too crowded and as a result, gave us really bad humour making them terrible and while that hasn't changed, one thing that remains the same, is the amount of time and effort put into online parodies and spoofs. Each of these aren't crowded and for the most part, they talk about the problems that films in general have. This can be things like why The Hobbit was split into 3 films when it could've been told in only 2 and why we should really hate Jar Jar Binks for what he has done to the Star Wars saga (yeah, he may be annoying, but when you read up about him, you'll discover that this guy was solely responsible for everything that followed Episode 1). Ultimately, I like those kinds of spoofs and parodies because everything about them works and its well written and well animated (when it needs to be of course) and those people are just some of the many people who have made what video sharing sites like YouTube have become over the years. Don't make them crowded and rushed, take your time with them. They work better that way.

23 - The Expendables (Film Series)

So in an effort to pay homage to the big blockbuster sell outs of old, the action genre, Sylvester Stallone calls upon many actors whom action films they were in, gave them their big break to make a completely new series of films that continues the legacy that they left and just to show everyone that they can still kick some ass. After 2 films and not putting them on the all time favourite films list, I actually do like this franchise. There isn't any set of films that can have this many stars in them, except for this one. It has action, gun fights and even references and Easter eggs to the actors' films. Its just a blast to watch and whether people like them or not, there's no denying that the action genre wouldn't be where it is without the stars of this film series.

22 - Keep Calm and Carry On (Merchandise)

For those of you who don't know, during the 2 world wars, us British had these signs that were to tell people to remain calm and continue on with life despite the woes ones life can have. Since then, the signs have become more popular than ever with a number of them have pop culture references to things like films, video games, TV shows and even music. It makes me proud to be British when I see these about because they just motivate you to go on with life, no matter what. I love them a lot and you should too.

21 - Studio Ghibli (Film Series)

So for those of you who don't know, this is the company who have helped in some way, define the anime genre which is effectively Japanese animation just shortened down. A lot of the films that come out of the studio is great because there is a lot to like about them, especially the characters and just how bizarre it can be. The films themselves have been localised thanks to Disney who helped with the international distribution of the films as well as the English voice-overs which dub over the original Japanese voices. They are very good and I highly recommend you watch their work.

20 - Most Logo Intros in Films (General)

Most of the time when I go and see the film, the thing I look forward to most (especially in big films), is what sort of logo animation we would get. Its gets me quite excited when I see a logo animation because even though its just the logo, sometimes we are treated to some extra things to do with the logo. The Harry Potter films have used the WB logo in a variety of different animations from the second film onwards and those are some good examples of that. The films themselves may not be good, but as long as there is a good logo animation, then its worth seeing anyway.

19 - Avicii (Music)

I know that most people my age wouldn't like music that we get today, but there is something that I like about this DJ. I think his music is a good balance between dance and acoustic with part being a guy singing and then the next being dance beats and I do like his work a lot. Why I feel embarrassed to liking him is mainly because of how people see him to how I see him. Still, its worth a listen.

18 - Killing the Enemies (Video Games)

As a gamer, most games that I play would mostly have me kill off enemies and that is indeed the case here. Its a guilty pleasure that gamers unanimously have regardless of what the game is whether it be a child orientated game like Mario or a more adult hardcore game like Grand Theft Auto. Some kills are more satisfying than others, but it would very much depend on the enemy at hand. Is it bad that we kill things in games? Not necessarily. If we were killing things in real life, then yeah it would be bad, but with games, it doesn't really matter. Of course with any game, you have to not copy what you play in real life because that would just get you arrested and possibly sentenced to life imprisonment or death. So yeah, it is a guilty pleasure, but don't copy what you play in real life.

17 - Unequipped Playable Characters (Video Games)

Yeah, this is another thing that gamers love to do. Whether you play a very serious game or just a very fun game, one thing that most people would do, is just have their character wear absolutely nothing, either for pleasure or laughs. This is something I do in games like Soul Calibur, Saints Row, Dead Rising, Skyrim and many others and my purpose for it is for pleasure. Its no surprise that gamers who play games a lot like to be turned on and games like the ones I've mentioned are those kinds of games that would indeed turn you on. Just be aware that some areas do require you to wear something if you are to survive (though of course it won't matter much if some modding goes into it for PC and some console gamers).

16 - Spider-Man 3 (Film)

I know this film isn't the best one due to Emo Peter, the comedy and too many characters thrown in, but all that aside, I actually have found some enjoyment in it. This comes from the fact that this is a very dark film and has one of the saddest scenes in any film towards the end of it. Now I tend to be quite a fan of dark films and this isn't the best one, but certainly not the worst and I do like the idea of having an anti-villain like Sandman in this instead of always a villain from the get go. It makes things go fresh and what not and I do like it, even if it isn't great.

15 - Mobster/Outlaw Films (Film Genre)

This is one of those genres that I cannot admit to saying that I like, until now. You all know I'm a big fan of superhero, fantasy, action, sci-fi and comedy films, but what you don't know is that I also have a soft spot for mobster and outlaw films which I've been a big fan of since watching the 2 Godfather films. There's something about them that I like in that they provide some action, a few jokes, drama and even a bit of satire as well. I enjoy each one I see and will continue to do so until there is one that just sucks.

14 - Collector's Items (Merchandise)

When your a big fan of a particular series whether it be books, games, films or even TV shows, most nerds would vow to invest in getting collector's editions of those things instead of what people with very little money would do and buy the things without all the freebies. I'm one of those people that would do something like that. I would invest a lot of money into getting collector's editions of my favourite books, video games, films and whatever else. Its not all DLC, you also get things like a figurine or statue, the soundtrack, an art book and just about anything to satisfy the nerd inside you. So if you want to buy these editions, then save up because they are very expensive.

13 - Mass Effect (Video Game Series)

While I do think the franchise is a very good one despite the controversy that parts of it have had, its one of those game franchises that keeps drawing you back for more. Its good to always experiment with the games and I for one have experimented it a lot. This can include things like how different decisions will impact in later events, the wide choice of romance options (same sex or heterosexual) and the little things in between. I love the series a lot and it may sound sad that I keep playing it to explore the options available, but for a game series like this, there is no denying that this is very much a true, tailor made game that let's you do things your way and not how the developers want you to do it in and a very small amount of games are made to have the player play out the story their way. Its fun, emotional, humorous and serious when it needs to be and if this is the closest we get to getting a true Star Wars and Star Trek hybrid, then I'm pleased its this.

12 - Some Reality TV Shows (TV)

For a while, I liked most reality TV shows. But nowadays, I just watch them when I feel like it really. To further explain on why that is, most of these shows have the public vote for their favourite act and generally that said act is one that lacks any form of talent and is one that all the girls crave for. Its just annoying that some of the more talented people get booted off early on. It makes the show look bad and just an excuse for fans to just vote rubbish acts despite how they did. But to sum up, I don't think reality shows are that great. Sure there's a bit of drama and humour in some of them, but why I like watching them is just because I see it as an excuse to let out all the rage inside me and nothing else.

11 - Most Anime (General)

So I've said that I like Studio Ghibli and while I do enjoy their work, its actually most other anime that I enjoy more. I just see a lot of them as very bizarre drug trips because that's effectively what most of them are. There are a few that stand out for me as spectacles like seen in the above image which is from one of the 6 stories in Batman: Gotham Knight, but for the most part, its just the same thing. A drug trip with over the top emotional expressions and often see monsters in them. I grew up watching a great deal of Pokemon (by force, not by my decision) and I've come to respect the work of anime despite how flawed and bizarre most of them are and I suggest you check some out because you may be surprised with what you get.

10 - Fable 3 (Video Game)

Yes, I like this game way, way too much. I know it isn't a great game, but isn't a bad game when you get down to it. The main reason why I enjoy it too much, is really for the same reason as Mass Effect. In that you can explore the game and make different decisions on each play through, not to mention that you can just explore the world wearing nothing but your underwear without worrying about the damage you take. Yes, despite what you wear, it makes little to no difference on how it goes. That's how lazy of a game this can be, and I like it. 8/10

9 - Saints Row 4 (Video Game)

Same as Fable 3 and Mass Effect. I like this game a lot. It has all sorts of spoofs, Easter eggs and references to other games and you can play through it wearing absolutely nothing and still kick some ass. I like this more than Fable 3 because even though it doesn't have the best graphics, it does have a limited amount of loading screens, something of which Fable 3 has far too many of, and I like it. Who thought entering a Matrix like world could be so much fun and bizarre.

8 - The Fast and the Furious (Film Series)

This is purely a boys film. It has everything boys like. Violence, fast cars, hot chicks, alcohol and pretty much anything else that boys love a lot and I actually like it. While I do think the majority of the films aren't as great as other films, they are quite good in some way. There's a bit of humour here and there as well as a bit of drama and all the things that I've said already. All in all, making this a boys film and I wouldn't have it any other way.

7 - Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (Film)

Is it wrong for me to like a film that has so much death and tragedy in it? Well honestly, I don't know. I mean there is something about this film that did lead me to make it an all time favourite of mine and I think that's down to how dark, intense and violent this film is. I mean chances of us getting a live action version of this is highly unlikely because of how much is needed to make a film like this. There is a lot going on in it with Aquaman and Wonder Woman's war, Barry Allen being the only guy to realise that this world isn't his own and Batman being reluctant about saving the world with other DC heroes. But what makes me like this more than any other DC film animated or live action is the fact that this is a very intense film that no other DC film can top. Its an all out war of a film that is too much to even slightly get the Hollywood treatment. It would just be too much money to spend and would people go and see it, is anybody's guess.

6 - South Park (General)

I know I'm not the first person to have said this and I certainly won't be the last. I think South Park is seen by many as garbage and as for me, having seen a number of episodes, I don't think that is the case at all. A number of the episodes and even the film and video games, touch on a number of topics that are based on real life situations. Topics like how the press are just getting too much on people's nerves (yes TMZ, I'm looking at you, the scum of the Earth), how things that get popular get unpopular almost immediately and many others. Yes the show has problems that put a lot of people off it, but if you give it a chance, you'll be pleasantly surprised with what you get.

5 - LEGO (General)

I've said many times that I love LEGO and I still do to this day. It is a very obvious guilty pleasure for me as there is a lot that you can get out of it. Helps you focus and concentrate as well as letting your imagination run wild. Even though most LEGO sets have instructions that you need to follow, you don't always have to follow it and you can make your own thing instead if you wanted to of course. That's the kind of message that came from The LEGO Movie. Not only did it rely the message that everyone is special in their own way, but it also relayed a message that LEGO is all about fun and imagination and should never be used as a punishment nor as a way to block those in your life, out of it. I've loved LEGO since I was little and will enjoy it more for many years to come. Its just that timeless toy that will never get old no matter how old you are.

4 - Dubstep (Music)

I don't know why, but I've seemed to grow a liking for Dubstep. Its basically this new beat that's been going around on most recent dance tracks and I do think its good, but some songs I feel have it in there as filler more than anything else which is OK, but I'd prefer listening to it on its own as opposed to having it put into a song that's otherwise filled with someone singing. The beat may put you off, but as long as its used right, then I'm happy.

3 - Grand Theft Auto (Video Game Series)

Yeah, I know. Most people have this as a guilty pleasure as well as me and honestly, there is no dishonour in having this as a guilty pleasure. I mean its a guilty pleasure all in itself with sex, violence, car chases, heists and just enjoying a world that spoofs and parodies real life situations in style. It may be controversial, but there is no denying that this is a worthy series that will forever be known as one of the greatest video game franchises of all time and Rockstar wouldn't be where it is today without this series. It is just great.

2 - The Muppets (General)

Yeah, this was quite a surprising choice for number 2. In all honesty, we all love the Muppets. There is no denial that they are the masters of break the 4th wall jokes and know how to make us laugh and feel entertained. There are a wide bunch of them and I love them a lot. I started getting into them when I watched the show Muppets Tonight and I've loved them ever since. They're funny, entertaining and you just can't criticise them regardless of what they do. Its like they are the Pixar of the puppetry universe in that you can't criticise them. They are just darn fantastic.

1 - Most of the Animated Disney Classics (Films)

I grew up watching a lot of Disney films (mainly from the renascence era which I was born in) and as I continue to watch them, I grow very fond of them to the point where I just can't find it in my heart to criticise them. Yes there are many Disney films that aren't as good as others for a number of reasons, but the ones I grew up watching, I can safely say are great masterpieces (well except for Phocahontas which I didn't really think much of) and will be watched many times over and over again which is something that Walt Disney himself strives to do for all his films and his legacy will continue that trend for many years to come. They are great films and I will continue to watch them over and over again for years to come.

So to sum, we have a lot of guilty pleasures and while there are many others that I have, these are the top 25 of my personal guilty pleasures. What are yours?