What a year! I have to admit, 2011 didn't start out that great for me, but boy did it certainly end up being a good one. This was also a fab year for music and movies. I had a very hard time coming up with my year-end list of favorites, so in a few instances I listed a couple favs, because why not! Having too many good things to choose from is an awesome problem.
FAVORITE MOVIE: The Muppets! I don't think I've ever had a grin on my face the entire time I watched a movie. The Muppets were my childhood. I had a Miss Piggy doll, one of those magnetic books, even a Muppet cookbook! I was so excited for this movie and it did not disappoint! I even brought my Beaker doll to the movie theater. Yep, I brought a doll. This how I roll. The movie had heart, laughter, joy, and the greatest cameo of all time. I couldn't find a photo of said cameo, but this photo will give you a big hint:
I still giggle thinking about Dave's cameo and pretty much the entire movie. I will forever be grateful to Jason Segel for not only bringing the Muppets back for my generation to enjoy, but for introducing Beaker and Co. to a new crop of Muppetheads.
FAVORITE MOVIE FROM A SERIES: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 I had to include this movie as well because it was absolutely brilliant from start to finish. I cried four times watching the final movie in a series that I have extremely fond memories of. I think it's safe to say that, without question, the cast of this series is the best cast ever assembled. Period. We've watched these actors grow up before our eyes and they've done us proud. I think this EW cover sums it up best.
OTHER AMAZING MOVIES: Crazy, Stupid Love; 50/50; The Beginners; War Horse
FAVORITE NEW TV SHOW: New Girl - I got to see a screening of the pilot this summer. Within the first 30 seconds I turned to my friend and said, "I LOVE THIS SHOW." That's how long it took me to fall for Zooey Deschanel's quirky Jess. I've been looking forward to each new episode and they haven't disappointed. It has some of my favorite lines of a TV show, ever. Just a little sample:
FAVORITE TV SHOW YOU MIGHT NOT BE WATCHING: Parks & Recreation - I'll admit it, I didn't really love this show during its first season. And I think a lot of people gave up on it, but they shouldn't. The ensemble cast is hilarious, lead by a brilliant Amy Poehler. The additions of Rob Lowe and Adam Scott (who is yummerz) last season has made the show even better. And there are days I just want to run up to Ron Swanson and give him a kiss on the cheek, which he would NOT like at all. If you aren't watching this show, watch it. NOW.
FAVORITE BROADWAY SHOW: Book of Mormon - I got to see this in previews before the reviews and Tony Awards. It was hysterical. I spent most of the second half either laughing or covering my mouth in horror/shock. I've seen a lot of Broadway shows this year, Wicked should probably tie for my favorite (can't believe it took me so long to see), and, of course, I got to see Kiefer Sutherland in That Champtionship Season, which was a nice talking point when I met him!
FAVORITE CD: I'm doing a three-way tie on this one because I can. Adele's 21, Florence + the Machine's Ceremonials and K. Clark's Stronger. Three amazing women, three amazing albums. Fav songs would be: Adele - Set Fire to the Rain, Florence - Shake it Out, and Kelly - Stronger. Other fav albums of the year: The Black Keys, El Camino; Death Cab for Cutie, Codes & Keys; Foo Fighters, Wasting Light; Foster the People, Torches; Blind Pilot, We are the Tide; Oh Land, self-titled; Bon Iver, self-titled; Marketa Irglova, Anar.
FAVORITE CONCERT: This one was easy (and shouldn't come as a surprise): Sir Paul. If this wasn't a Sir Paul year, the honor would definitely belong to Foo Fighters who put on an absolutely spectacular show at Madison Square Garden just a few weeks ago.
I honestly couldn't come up with a favorite book. I read a lot of wonderful books, but to be honest, many are by friends so I feel like I might offend someone if I choose a favorite. So at least for this year, I'm not going to include a favorite book. BUT! I am going to do something special for the books I'll read in 2012, so stay tuned for that.
What were some of your favs of the year?
To a wonderful 2012 filled with lots of good books, music, movies, and memories! XO, Elizabeth