so, anyone who sorta follows this blog knows i do an end of year favorites list, my own….”if i was picking the oscars, grammys, emmys…” sort of thing. haha. my disclaimer is always that things didn’t have to be released in 2011. it’s more of just what i really enjoyed, though i do try to stick to 2011 – especially with movies and music.
i personally enjoy seeing people’s lists because it can help me to know what to look for and get ideas of what might be good.
so, here goes:
Movies
- Hugo 3D. A wonderful story was told. Time was taken to tell it. It was artful, fun, uplifting – not to mention superbly directed and acted. Very refreshing – a movie unlike any I’ve seen in a while because of bothering to tell a story with balance, not rushed but not boring.
- The Help. Just one of those feel-good inspirational movies that’s really well acted. You just walk out feeling good.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2. Ok, I have to admit that I wanted this movie to be longer. I wanted to see more – longer scenes and more details. But, what was on screen was really swell. A fine end to a wonderful series. Seriously, I think the whole Harry Potter series – the themes and quality – rank almost with Lord of the Rings.
- X-Men First Class. Wow, what a great super-hero movie. I don’t know how to describe it. It just wasn’t the typical fast paced action. It was just…fun.
- War Horse. I haven’t seen it yet, but I know I’ll like it. haha
Music (I am heavy on the worship music this year, but it is all really good, and I guess I just didn’t get a lot of new music to show more eclectic stuff. Didn’t like the new Coldplay that much, Patty Griffin had nothing new, so, you know.)
- Passion: Here For You
- Matt Redman: 10,000 Reasons
- Tim Hughes: Love Shine Through
- Jeremy Riddle: Beautiful Jesus
- Phil Wickham: Response
- Sarah Kelly: Christmas Acoustic EP, (especially singing “O Holy Night”)
Books
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy, by Eric Metaxes – Fascinating, informative, helpful, just super super good.
- Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand – Oh man. Everyone must read this. I’m sure there will be a movie, but read the book first. Amazing true story.
- Pastor, Eugene Peterson – His memoir.
TV
- The West Wing – I am putting this because not enough people watch it, and it is by far one of the best shows ever on TV. Not kidding. Use your Netflix and enjoy.
- Modern Family – Yes, I have drunk the Kool-Aid. It’s just so stinkin hilarious and endearing.
- Parks and Recreation – Give it some time. But, once you get to where you really know the characters, it is laugh out loud.
- Fringe – It’s weird, but it sucks you in. You must watch this from the start; don’t bother if you don’t.
- Food Network shows like Iron Chef and Chopped – I am learning things and improving as a cook, so it is worth it just for that, really.
