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The Worst People of 2009 list practically writes itself. You just throw a dart at Videogum, and whoever that dart hits, they go on the list. But where there is smoke there is fire. Am I doing it right? Whatever, this is a list of the Best People, not the Best Metaphors. Anyway, my point is that for every Worst Person there is at least one–maybe even more than one–Best Person. We live in a world of wonders! While it is true that some of these guys do not seem to get as much “screen time” around here as their awful counterparts, they are obviously very appreciated for what they do, which is basically be so great. So let’s take a moment and remember 2009 for who got it right. LET’S LET ‘EM KNOW!
January Jones
I’m not sure what happened this year. It’s not like this was the premiere season of Mad Men, or like Betty Draper was that much more of a sad sack mope-about than usual. Sure, the whole Henry Francis thing, but she fucked some random dude on a back office couch last year! And yet, January Jones broke OUT in 2009, in no small part due to her face. It was the same face as before, but it is definitely one of the best faces in the game. Admittedly, she gave everyone a bit of a scare with her robotic (Model JJ3000) Saturday Night Live performance, but whatever. Just no one bring it up in your wedding toast at our wedding.
Zach Galifianakis
Let’s welcome Zach back to the Best People list. He first made an appearance on the Best People of 2008 list for his work on Between Two Ferns and the Absolut Vodka ads that he made with Tim and Eric. This year, of course, he not only made more great episodes of Between Two Ferns, he also crrrrrrrrrushed the summer box office with The Hangover. That movie would not be that movie without him. He is definitely in a wolfpack of one.
Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase is so good on Community! It is just really nice to see someone who has maybe been out of the spotlight for awhile (“maybe”? I’m sure there is no way to tell whether or not Chevy Chase has been in the spotlight recently) get back in that spotlight. Not only does his performance on the show provide us with laughs, it also provides us with hope for continuing to lead productive and interesting lives well into our thousands (Chevy Chase is 750,000 years YOUNG). Oh, and HONORABLE BEST PEOPLE OF 2009 MENTION to Community‘s Danny Pudi.
Bangs
We have a pretty hard and fast rule around here, which is that if you are responsible for creating the hottest track of the year along with the tightest music video, you automatically get on the Best People list. And the fact that I just made this rule up does not make it any less hard or any less fast. You were crazy for this one, Bangs. And thank you for putting all the haters on blast. Shut up, haters.
Dina Manzo
I am not sure what it is about Dina Manzo, whether it is the dead eyes or the caricature-ish fuhgettabattitude, but DAMN. This Real Housewife of New Jersey is a firecracker, or as she would probably say, fiahcrackah. Just kidding, she doesn’t talk like that. She talks great. She talks like a normal human being who wants to murder and eat you. Love it.
Eric Wareheim
We already loved Eric Wareheim from his TV show, Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job!, and they had a great fourth season this year, with a pretty epic season finale featuring one of the most wildly (and hilariously) underused celebrity all-star casts ever. (Not to mention an epic Tommy Wiseau episode.) He and Tim Heidecker also provided one of the strangest but also best Late Night Talk Show interviews of all time. But Eric really stood out this year for making such weird music videos, mostly for Major Lazer, but also for Depeche Mode. He made similarly crazy music videos for MGMT and Maroon 5 (Maroon 5?!) last year, but we’re not talking about last year. We’re talking about this year. 2009.
James Gandolfini
Of course, in the life and career of James Gandolfini, 2009 is probably not a banner year. But, man, he’s the best. If you haven’t seen In The Loop yet, you should, it is a really good movie, but while watching In The Loop you are reminded of how good James Gandolfini is and how much you wish he was on TV again, or at least in more stuff that you could put in your eyes. He’s just a beast, literally, and who doesn’t like watching beasts on a more regular basis than they may have had the opportunity to watch them lately? Not to mention bonus points for just crushing Halloween this year. “I’m a zombie Kate Gosselin.” No, you’re a failure. Watch and learn.
John Hughes
The Summer of Death took many American Heroes, all of whom are in heaven now, doing stuff with or for or to the angels, depending. But John Hughes will definitely be missed. He was responsible for so many important memories to so many people, and had a huge hand in shaping a teenage sensibility, which, as you know, is one of the most exciting and powerful and lasting sensibilities. RIP, John Hughes. You are in heaven now, going easy on the Pepsi with the angels.
The Megan Fox Admirer
This photo is basically the inverse of the famous assassination photo from the Vietnam war. Well, not quite the inverse I guess, since they are both heartbreaking. But where the Vietnam photograph depicts horror, misery and despair, this photograph depicts TRUE LOVE. I feel like this kid has probably gotten a lot of guff in his life, but he does not have to take any more guff. This photo is a Lifetime Pass from Guff.
The Ranger$$$
The Rangersss brought jerkin to YouTube, and now jerkin is everywhere. Jerkin’ is all around us. Their dance videos are seriously just one of the funnest things to watch ever. Like, I’m kind of confused why anyone would even be reading this when they could be watching jerkin’ videos. I wish the Ranger$$$ were my friends.
Sharlto Copley
Remember District 9, you guys? That was great! Did you know that it was Sharlto Copley’s first movie? OK, well if you know so much, why don’t you marry it. For real, though, Sharlto Copley was really good in District 9. I hope that he is in a lot more movies, and that nothing bad ever happens to him, and that he never cries again, ever.
Wes Anderson
Sometimes Wes Anderson can be really frustrating. Like, the fact that he supposedly gets his suits tailored just a little too small for him so that he looks like some kind of middle aged Encyclopedia Brown is a bit too-too. And leading up to the release of Fantastic Mr. Fox this year, there were so many reports of him directing the movie via text message from the comfort of his Paris apartment, and it was kind of like, really? Really, Wes Anderson? And then it turned out that Fantastic Mr. Fox was the best movie of the year, so I guess he knew what he was doing after all. Well played, sir. (See also: The Worst People of 2009.)
Tracy Morgan
Tracy Morgan is great on 30 Rock, everyone knows that. We don’t need a special list to talk about that. What we need a special list to talk about his Tracy’s somewhat earnest but still bonkers memoir, I’m The New Black, and the book on tape in which he abandoned his own script to talk trash about Chris Kattan. Something something Mango! And then there was his interview with Terry Gross, which was some of the most riveting radio of the year (and I heard a lot of riveting radio! You guys should definitely check out the Best Show on WFMU, and RadioLab on WNYC, if you are not already). Tracy Morgan: just one of the best.
Topher Grace
Uh, what do I have to say? Legend.
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I nominate all you monsters! You guys are great, and made this year better for me. Best wishes for 2010!
Dude, psycho as this sounds, Werttrew should be on here for creating the Twitter Monster list. My cat is literally sitting on my lap, dying tonight or tomorrow from cancer, and I’ve had like 4235432 jillion condolence msgs on twitter or FB SOLELY FROM VG MONSTERS. I’ve talked to several of you on the phone (what? jk? (not kidding)) and I’ve never even met you guys IRL. FUCK MY FAMILY YOU GUYS ARE MY FAMILY (sorry, been drinking since I got the prognosis but you guys are like, there for me! And it’s weird! And cool!)
Werttrew is definitely Monster of the Year, even just for sheer initiative with all the list and such. Plus he?s made the Monster?s ball how many times? I?m too lazy to check his list so I?m just saying THE MOST. So here’s to him and all you monsters: Thank you for a great year!
Definitely Werttrew for the Monster of the Year!
And, sorry about your cat, Angelaaaa. How sad.
Thanks, both of you butternuts. Just got off da phone w/@GodSauce while he was grocery shopping and he stopped in the aisle to let my cry lol. MLIVG
Yeah, that page where he explains the videogum inside jokes is the best. It’s like the “On the Origin of Species” of 2009. The species being monsters. If videogum was all fantasy footballgum, Werttrew and Gabe would totally be the top 2 picks.
I’m soooo sorry. That’s incredibly tough, so please accept my love and condolences from (presumably, as I’m in the frozen North) very far away.
Oh, no. I’m so sorry about your cat. I went through that last year, and it is just the worst. If I was living in the present at all and had a twitter account I’d be tweeting you my condolences like nobody’s business, but I do not so I’ll just have to settle for sending this comment from the 20th century. =(
The fact that my own darling kitty is lying next to my arm as I type makes this 200x more
My deepest condolences.
All cats go to heaven too, you know.
Thanks for the kind words, Angelaaaa and everybody else. Sorry about your cat!
Yo, whats up with topher grace?
Yo Teach!
No Mark Gormley? I mean, come on… Dude floated in space in Mom jeans.
Oh shit! mark your calendars, bitches.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUxMxnio_os
Chevy Chase>raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
i’d have aziz ansari on my best people list this year. he’s great on parks and rec.
Seconded. And I would add Joel McHale. Community/the Soup are two of the best things to do for a half hour on tv
Watching Community and The Soup together is an hour of tv
Why don’t you re-read what I wrote. Two of the Best Things you can do with a half hour. @ things. Different half-hours. Like, Friday at 10 PM CST vs Thursday, at 7.
2 Things. 2
Apparently I was trying to Shout[SHIFT] 2
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see
Not the way I do it. Mash that shit up, son! Get on board before the decade ends!
Excellent list, though I would add the Juggalos! Videogum brought them into my consciousness in 2009, and the scintillating mix of horror and delight they give. Sweet lordy me, I love the Juggalos!
I don’t want to get all psycho, but I don’t like it when Gabe talks about marrying anyone, let alone 2 people in one post.
I’m in love with you and you’re in love with me! Got it?
I just saw District 9, for the first time, in all of its Blu-Ray glory and I am so glad to see Bangs on here.
Wait, was Bangs one of the Nigerian Gangsters, or a South African interviewee? I need to buy that BluRay
Lemme take u to da spaceship…
So I realised only last week during my annual christmas movie binge that January Jones is actually (haha) in Love, Actually? I don’t know why this is such a revelation! But since we’re talking about January Jones I’d thought I’d mention my admittedly spare anecdote!
As for additional awesome people, I don’t know what The Videogum Stance on Doctor Who is, but David Tennant has been fucking brilliant this year and the last 3 as The Doctor. So that’s the posish (I got the Jeeves & Wooster box set for Christmas).
I think the Videogum stance on Doctor Who is much the same as the stance on other quality British shows, which is “no, because they are British.” What’s up with that? I’m pretty sure most of us have BBC America and would love to watch, for example, Skins (it’s so good!), and to read, for example, recaps of Skins. That would be great!
But yeah, David Tennant has been absolutely amazing as the Doctor and I will miss him like the blazes.
LOVE Skins! Skins, The IT Crowd, The Inbetweeners,Nighty Night, Peep Show… they all need a seat at the Videogum table.
Peep Show, yes! Everyone should know and love Peep Show.
Your avatar’s beauty is matched only by your absolute correctness on this matter. I also second HateGrime’s love for The IT Crowd. 0118 999 881 999 119 725… 3!
I feel that this is the time to mention that your avatar and name always make me laugh and hear “The Devil’s Gallop” in my head. My love of Peep Show only came about because of my love for That Mitchell and Webb Look/Sound.
Oh yes, that’s what made me fall in love with the sketch. A gift for you…
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/comedy/mitchellandwebb/sirdigby.mp3
That was like getting a hug from the internet. Thank you.
might I also add How Not to Live Your Life?
“We can’t even afford pajamas. Which means … we would be naked.” That part is so great.*
*Not great.**
**Actually, I really do like that part, but I know you monsters mostly don’t care for that movie, so I am pretending.
Part of the reason I refuse to watch Sherlock Holmes is because I am thoroughly convinced that David Tennant was BORN for that role. RDJ will never hold the place in my heart occupied by DT (or any place in my heart for that matter [DOWNVOTE AWAY!]).
You know, I love RDJ, I really do, and he was pretty great in Sherlock Holmes, which was all around a pretty good and fun movie! But now that you’ve put the idea of David Tennant as Holmes in my head it won’t go away! Like, in addition to having perfect charisma and acting ability (obvs), and being the champion of my heart, he’s even almost an exact embodiment of how Holmes is physically described in the books. !!! Mind blown. Why did this not happen???
Sully Sullenberger called. He says you guys can go fuck yourselves.
I second (and third and fourth) that motion, because I can make these decisions.
Let’s make it happen, people.
had no intention of signing in tonight, but did so just for the upvote.
Is the Tracy Morgan “get pregnant” trope stale yet? No? GREAT.
Tracy Morgan on this list is getting me pregnant.
I had to write a You Can Make It Up list that was This List + Damon Weaver, because that kid is awesome, and there is no question that his mad President-interviewing skills made him one of the Best People of 2009. I said good day, sir!
I am really proud of the Rangers. After their first appearance on Videogum they released an album, and then ended up in Snoop Dogg’s new video which landed them on SYTYCD and SPIKE VGAs. Now they are one of the Best People of 2009. Congratulations this is the high point of your career.
Hold up, where’s wertrew?
Getting MAWWIEDDD!!
Call me crazy (you crazy!) but Wes Anderson is looking a tad Tilda Swinton-y to me.
lolamirite?
Every time I see your avatar I think she’s washing the window with Kermit the Frog.
well, that is awesome.
…and reminds me of when i used to tell my sister that her red, fur-lined coat was made from Elmo. I think it made her cry. whoops. Now whenever she has something with cartoonishly faux fur I ask her how many Muppets had to die to make that outfit. She says that the comment never gets old…but somehow?somehow i can’t believe her.
I forgot how jerkdamn awesome jerk-dancing was.
Power Ranger$$$ rule!
So, Kevin’s beard gets shut out? For shame!
I’m doing a Care Bear stare because of this list!
I don’t know what the best movie of 2009 was, but Fantastic Mr. Fox was not it. I’ll tell you why. Because of Mr. Fox’s capri pantsuit mostly. That looked ridiculous. But also because the foxes were both too fox-like and too human-like. I don’t want to see an extreme closeup of a fox’s moist, teary eyes. You are not going to get me with that, because it’s gross. And why does Mrs. Fox have breasts? She has breasts like a lady yet she is absolutely covered in hair. How are we supposed to feel about that? There were some creepy things in this movie.
uh…creepy awesome. And I?m sure you are aware that labeling something as The Best is really so subjective that?s it?s not worth arguing over? y?know different strokes and all that. However, I am actually a little tired of people telling me why this movie was ‘not best.’ Fine. You didn’t like an anthropomorphic fox woman’s furry fox boobies. Noted. When I get it* I won?t invite you to the viewing party. More rice krispie treats for me.**
*illegally download it as soon a good torrent is up and then buy the collector?s edition when that is available two months later, hypothetically speaking of course.
**if you really want rice krispies i can save you some in a baggie. i’m not going to punish you just because i don’t agree.
***the rice krispies are a lie.
You’re just mad because you wear capri pantsuits.
i wish.
Best movie of 2009: Let the Right One In. But that could just be me, a film snob from Europe. Still, good movie. FMF isn’t out here yet, so we’ll just see about that. You do make it sound interesting, without wanting to.
I tried to look up the supposed Facebook group for Kevin’s beard, but all I could find were Facebook groups for the beards of OTHER DUDES NAMED KEVIN, not the Kevin from Top Chef. Geez, Kevin, narcissistic much? It’s like that song that goes “You’re so vain, you think every Facebook group named Kevin’s Beard is about you.” p.s. Nice shout out to The Best Show, Gabe. It is the best and everyone better reckanize before it’s OVER.
No mentions of anything Eastbound and Down related makes me sad.
All the people on the list make me very very happy tho.
I’m a Police and single at present. I need a woman who can love me back … I also uploaded my hot pictures on Policekiss.com under the name of Police2008..
It’s the largest and best club for seeking Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Police Force, and the admirers of those who wear the uniform.
I just hope you don’t mind me being a police… Please Check it out! I’m serious.
I see what’s going on here!
I just googled John Hughes; I had no idea the same guy directed all those movies. Before the downvotes kick in, keep in mind that I have also never seen any of those movies except Home Alone so I have also never seen the credits to those movies.
But this is not about that, this is about I totally realise that a lot of people watched those other movies, because them and I just found out that they were all made by the same guy. Thats crazy to me. Now I am actually sad.
I think this list should be edited to add the folks over at Comedy Central who thankfully just canceled Jeff Dunham’s new show. Although they were the first channel to give this bigoted idiot a show in the first place, soo….
Yay for Sharlto Copley. I just saw District 9 again on dvd and he is so good. Great list, but Joel McHale needs some love. He’s had a great year and he’s still really awesome. I also think that if anyone from Mad Men was the best this year, it was definitely Jon Hamm. No jokes here, just earnestness!
You reminded me. Clearly the hero of 09 is Geoffrey Arend.
An unbearded Galifianakis looks a lot like Ron Fing Swanson.
That Megan Fox-admirer looks like he’s been trapped in the 90′s.
Somebody should save him, maybe Miss Fox.
But…what about Louis CK? I was promised a promise!
Also, he can “get pregnant” too.
Roger Ebert didn’t make the list even though he is still alive and still The Best.
I thought the kid in your picture was Damon Weaver, def. the best people of 2009 but ALAS. Anyhow, I do think that the author of this website is one of the best people of 2009. Thank you for selecting the best of the best. with love from amsterdam–
Galifinackis is the funniest motherfucker. Speach on the hotel rooftop made me fall outta my seat.