my favorite things 2011

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

1. 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.
2. The Help.  Just one of those feel-good inspirational movies that’s really well acted.  You just walk out feeling good.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.)

1. Passion: Here For You
2. Matt Redman: 10,000 Reasons
3. Tim Hughes: Love Shine Through
4. Jeremy Riddle: Beautiful Jesus
5. Phil Wickham: Response
6. Sarah Kelly: Christmas Acoustic EP, (especially singing “O Holy Night”)

Books

1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy, by Eric Metaxes – Fascinating, informative, helpful, just super super good.
2. 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.
3. Pastor, Eugene Peterson – His memoir.

TV

1. 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.
2. Modern Family – Yes, I have drunk the Kool-Aid.  It’s just so stinkin hilarious and endearing.
3. Parks and Recreation – Give it some time.  But, once you get to where you really know the characters, it is laugh out loud.
4. Fringe – It’s weird, but it sucks you in.  You must watch this from the start; don’t bother if you don’t.
5. 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.

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