1 Let's dispense with all the highfalutin analysis swirling around the ballet thriller "Black Swan" and just call it what it is -- the best horror film of 2010. Unlike the torture-porn movie genre, director Darren Aronofsky creates chills with the simplest of sights. Natalie Portman's bandaged bloody toes? Freaky. Her mother cutting her fingernails? Please stop. Watching "Black Swan" is just plain uncomfortable. With mere moments, Aronofsky manages to summon a sense of stomach-churning dread that the entire "Saw" series could never muster.
2 Another mighty young band taken in by former Replacements manager Peter Jesperson, Georgia quintet Ponderosa already floored us in person at the South by Southwest music fest and lives up to that strong first impression on its New West Records debut, "Moonlight Revival." The soulful howler singer and organ parts merit Allman Brothers comparisons, but Drive-by Truckers and Black Crowes fans alike should appreciate the group's garage-band throttle and Stonesy boogie.
3 Despite scoring six No. 1 pop hits, Paula Abdul is really best sticking to dancing and cheerleading (not necessarily in that order). There is plenty of dancing (by others) and cheerleading (by her) on her new talent show, CBS' "Live to Dance." We've changed our mind about Paula. She's doing exactly what she should be doing. And she's really inspiring us. Honestly. www.cbs.com
4 Like the best of its genre, "The Square" is a tasty bit of nasty business that arises from the dark side of human desire. This wonderfully crafted 2008 Aussie noir, out on DVD, is just the thing for another dull, long winter night. David Roberts plays a khakis-wearing boss on a small construction site, not the kind of job you think of when you imagine a story of adultery, theft, snitching, double-crossing, blackmail, arson and murders both accidental and intentional. But there it is. You may never look at a backhoe the same way again. G'day, mate.
5 In this winter of white and frigidity, we need color and warmth. That's why a visit to the Holiday Flower Show at the Como Conservatory should be on your list before it closes next Sunday. Saunter through the Sunken Garden, filled with poinsettias of various varieties and colors. Absorb the rich burgundies, the vivid reds and the icy pinks, but don't linger by the anemic apricots. www.comozooconservatory.org
