I agree completely re: mediocrity; it's disturbing on a lot of levels. Ray Bradbury nailed the worst-case scenario, in Fahrenheit 451; the flat refusal to think and the subsequent lack of braking power on the need to feel, until...well, look at the Britneys and the Parises of the world. I do believe we've nearly reached the point where the only 'sensation' left for them to provide is suicide.

Movies...I'm not sure if I can really pick a favourite from the three I mentioned at the outset. Were I forced to choose which one to take to a desert island, I think it would have to be Holiday, just because it resonates so closely with my own psyche. But I might try smuggling Singin' in the Rain as well, for the sheer pure entertainment value.