Just because you hail from Middle-earth doesn't mean you're not hip to the more media-centric pleasures in life.
Dominic Monaghan has certainly come a long way since first getting our attention with his memorable turn as Meriadoc 'Merry' Brandybuck in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Since traversing the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, Monaghan has played a drug-addicted rock star lost in limbo (or something) on ABC's hit series, "Lost," tried the whole Marvel mythology on for size with his role as Bolt in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and haunted cemeteries as a graverobber in the cult comedy, "I Sell the Dead."
The former Hobbit, who stars in the science-fiction action film, "The Day," opening Aug. 29, took a break from defending humanity to offer us his personal pop culture picks.
Movies
'Moon'
Duncan Jones' stellar debut. Made from barely anything. Looks like a $30 million movie. Sam Rockwell turns in a fantastic performance. Heartbreaking score from Clint Mansell.
'In Bruges'
Funny, violent, expertly written piece of filmmaking in a forgotten part of Europe. Colin Farrell has never been better. Brandon Gleeson as well. Ralph Fiennes has never been scarier.
'The Fountain'
Darren Aronofsky's misunderstood classic. Epic. Stunning photography. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz play three separate characters with ease. The score, again by Clint Mansell, moves you to tears.
Music
Kids and Explosions, 'S**t Computer'
Fine taste in music mixed with a great ability to splice. DJ makes this an album hard to describe but impossible to ignore.
Freelance Whales, 'Weathervanes'
Unusual bewitching sound of a band locked in a cabin with only glockenspiels and mandolins to keep them comfortable. Yummy harmonies, too.
The Beatles, 'The White Album'
I'm not saying anything. Buy it. Listen to the greatest band ever fracture and break whilst making gold for the ears.
TV Shows
'Game of Thrones'
"Lord of the Rings" meets Shakespeare lite. And Emilia Clarke makes me all a-flutter. She's so fine.
'Curb Your Enthusiasm'
Awkward, funny, finely crafted comedy stylings of Larry David.
'Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan'
Spring 2013. BBC America. It's going to be FUN!
Books
'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis
Forces us into the head of a brutal psychopathic killer. No book has played with my mind more.
'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger
If you do not cry, you do not have a pulse.
Web
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