The Killers - Joel, the lump of coal

It's the most wonderful time of the year folks, and once again The Killers are endeavouring to make it that little bit more wonderfulerer with the release of their annual Christmas song in aid of Product Red. This year they've teamed up with fellow Las Vegan Jimmy Kimmel to create this completely surreal and oddly poignant triumph of a Christmas song. Say hello to Joel, the lump of coal.

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The Imitation Game

It's been a tough few months waiting for this one but we made it through. The Imitation Game is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year - turns out it might also be one of the most important. Now The Optimist offers you less of a recommendation and more of a shove towards the cinema. Mark my words, you'll be glad you've seen this when award season comes around.

Shakespeare in Love

The Optimist has been living the high life in London again. This time I paid a visit to the Noel Coward Theatre, to see the newly opened Shakespeare in Love.

Lo Fang - You're The One That I Want

If it's good enough for Baz Luhrmann, it's good enough for The Optimist. Enjoy Lo Fang's gorgeous take on this Grease classic.

Pride

I don't want to come across as bossy, but you have to go and see this film, it's the best one you'll see all year! I'm about to use all of my powers of persuasion to convince you - get ready for a gush-fest.

Once - The Musical

The Optimist spent Saturday night watching Olivier award winning musical Once, at London's Phoenix Theatre. In the words of Iggy Azelia: I'm proper fancy - or something along those lines.

Ann Street Studio does New York

Today seems like a good day to drop in on one of my favourite blogs. You might've seen the work of Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg on The Optimist before - they're the creators of the cinemagraph and their blog Ann Street Studio, is brimming with gorgeous photography. They recently used cinemagraphs to document a day in New York - through the lenses of Jamie's Giorgio Armani glasses no less. Take a look ...