One year. 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. 8,760 hours. 525,600 minutes. 31,536,000 seconds. It looks like a lot of time. However, looks can be deceiving as 2011 feels like it came and went in the blink of an eye. The only real difference between now and this time a year ago is that I’m writing about a brand new multitude of highlights, lowlights, rising stars, falling duds, glorious anthems, epic failures, and moments that will be forever associated with 2011.
2011 has ended and, for the most part, will be remembered as being an eventful year. In 2011, Tebowmania and Beadlemania replaced Hulkamania as the preferred Mania of the people. The Dallas Mavericks saved us from evil and egotism while the St. Louis Cardinals did the improbable. The Green Bay Packers won Super Bowl XLV and carried a winning streak deep into a season many thought would not happen. CM Punk saved professional wrestling in World Wrestling Entertainment for a cup of coffee while TNA and Ring of Honor established new stars and solidified their footing in the wrestling world. Tony Stewart was clutch during NASCAR’s Chase while Dario Franchitti won another IndyCar Championship as the heartbreaking loss of Dan Wheldon cast a shadow upon the entire season.
Country music dominated the airwaves as Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum achieved tons of crossover success. A girl from England achieved critical acclaim but I found her to be a younger Susan Boyle. Katy Perry and Bruno Mars continued riding waves of success started in 2010 while a trio of siblings from Alabama added to country music’s overall success as The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” was everywhere. Rihanna spiraled out of control, Lady Gaga stayed weird, and Justin Bieber continued to astonish those with working ears by maintaining a recording career.
Dunder Mifflin said farewell to Michael Scott while zombies, throwback lawmen, crude comedians, and shocking mysteries captivated television viewers’ imaginations. Hollywood was able to put out a few gems in a year of duds, CGI-filled disasters, and remakes of films that did not need making in the first place.
The world said goodbye to Osama bin Laden, Kim Jong-Il, and Muammar Gaddafi with joy. In addition, we mourned the losses of such greats as Elizabeth Taylor, Steve Jobs, Andy Rooney, “Smokin’” Joe Frazier, Al Davis, Dan Wheldon, Amy Winehouse, Ryan Dunn, Peter Falk, Betty Ford, Harry Morgan, Bubba Smith, Pete Postlethwaite, Heavy D, Patrice O’Neil, Jack LaLanne, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
2011 was a year filled with a lot of loss and a lot of gain. There was joy and pain, heartbreak and redemption, and a lot of insanity that is best described as uniquely 2011. The following edition of The Highlight Reel is my attempt to sum up the best and the worst of 2011. Here is the only year in review that matters (to me): The 2011 Highlight Reel Year in Review. It begins… now.
The Highlight Reel: 2011 Year in Review
ENTERTAINMENT
Movie of the Year
4. The Adjustment Bureau - I do not normally find myself enjoying a movie with a primarily sci-fi storyline. That said I absolutely adored The Adjustment Bureau. Based on a Philip K. Dick short story, The Adjustment Bureau is the story of Senator David Norris (Matt Damon) and his struggle to find love and happiness with ballerina Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt). They continue to mysteriously get kept apart until Norris discovers that fate itself, in the form of men known as the adjustment bureau, are keeping the two apart because she is a deviation from Norris’ life plan. The struggle against fate and divine planning because of undying love is a wonderful story only enhanced by the terrific performances of Damon and Blunt. The Adjustment Bureau was a fantastic film about love, fate, and the lengths one will go in order to achieve happiness.
3. Warrior - Mixed martial arts is hotter than ever. However, filmgoers did not want a film about MMA yet. That said Warrior absolutely delivered in terms of creating an emotionally uplifting sports story inside the world of MMA. Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton play estranged brothers who enter an MMA tournament with a $5 million purse for different reasons: Hardy fighting for a fallen soldier’s family while Edgerton fights for his own family’s financial stability. Meanwhile, their father (Nick Nolte) tries to reenter their lives and finds both men fighting him because of his previous alcohol abuse that destroyed the family years earlier. While Warrior did not set the world on fire at the box office, critic acclaim and award nominations for Nick Nolte’s outstanding performance have shown that not all overlooked Warrior. Warrior was the best sports film of 2011 and will be looked at in future years as one of the best sports films of all-time.
2. Crazy, Stupid, Love - Love is a powerful theme in movies. I don’t believe a film has shown the various ways love affects us more perfectly in recent cinema than the romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love. With an all-star cast headed by Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling, Crazy, Stupid, Love is as charming and touching as it is funny. Cal and Emily Weaver (Carell and Julianne Moore) separate, leading Cal on a downward spiral of self-pity until new-found friend Jacob (Gosling) begins to turn Cal into a ladies man. Meanwhile, Jacob finally meets a woman (Emma Stone) who has him questioning his womanizing ways. The plot features many twists and turns that ultimately connect the various stories about love into one complete story that touches the heart as much as the funny bone. Crazy, Stupid, Love was a perfect romantic comedy.
1. The Help - “Change begins with a whisper.” Upon first glance, The Help looks like the fluffy, pointless film adaptation of a novel without a hint of entertainment for anyone outside of the 50+ female demographic. However, upon watching The Help, I saw this film as more than a chick flick. The Help is one of the most uplifting and powerful depictions of one of American history’s darkest periods. The Help is an amazing film. Set in Mississippi during the civil rights movement of the 1960s, The Help tells the story of an aspiring author (Emma Stone) and her endeavor to write a book from the point of view of the maids in southern Mississippi. Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer play two maids; one stoic and strong, one loud and feisty; who are the initial maids who join a list of storytellers providing Skeeter Phelan (Stone) with the stories that comprise her novel. The novel sets Jackson, Mississippi on fire with gossip and change begins in the lives of the main protagonists. Bryce Dallas Howard is incredible as the vile Hilly Holbrook and Sissy Spacek steals every scene she appears in as Missus Walters, the more compassionate mother of Holbrook. Earning over $170 million at the box office and countless award nominations (including seriously deserved Oscar buzz), The Help is a powerful film. In an age of 3D spectacles, remakes, and unoriginality, The Help is a shinning beacon that Hollywood can still produce amazing cinema. The Help was the best film of 2011.
TV Show of the Year
4. Parks and Recreation - While NBC’s Thursday night lineup has failed to bring the funny it brought in years past thanks to a declining Office, the addition of Whitney, and postponement of 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation remained one of the best comedies on television in 2011. Amy Poehler has emerged as one of the finest comedy minds of our time while the additions of Rob Lowe and Adam Scott permanently to the lineup have only bolstered an already impressive ensemble. Nick Offerman’s performance as surly, angry, everyman Ron Swanson is the performance of a genius creating an iconic television character. Parks and Recreation was one of NBC’s few bright spots in 2011. The outstanding show and cast have me yearning to visit Pawnee, Indiana every week.
3. Modern Family / ESPN SportsNation (TIE) - The Emmy winner for a second consecutive year, Modern Family is quickly becoming one of the great comedies of all-time. The talented ensemble cast of Ed O’Neil, Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Eric Stonestreet have me wondering when the various awards shows are just going to hand out multiple honors to every actor for his/her performance on this show. Choosing one over the other is almost criminal when the cast is this talented and performs so well together. The third season of Modern Family has shown that there are no signs of stopping their comedic excellence so I suspect 2012 to be just as hilarious and entertaining from the Dunphy, Pritchett, and Pritchett-Tucker clans. Meanwhile, ESPN is host to the best show in sports television thanks to the wit, charm, and sass of a lady named Beadle. SportsNation continues to shine as a perfect example of sports television done right: informative, opinionated, fun, and not too serious. Michelle Beadle’s star continues to shine as she carries co-host Colin Cowherd on a daily basis through debates and videos spanning the gamut of the sporting world. In the midst of their third season, SportsNation already has clones coming in the form of other sporting shows while Michelle Beadle has clones popping up in the form of blonde sports reporters with attitudes that are as phony as Colin Cowherd’s sincerity. If that is not a sign of SportsNation’s success, nothing is.
2. Justified - Timothy Olyphant deserves an Emmy for each episode of Justified. As US Marshall Raylan Givens, Olyphant delivers a tour de force performance second to nobody else on television today. Justified follows Givens, a modern-day 19th century lawman, through the ins and outs of his return home to the rural coal-mining towns of Eastern Kentucky. One constant thorn in the side of Givens has been the “frenemy” relationship between Givens and former childhood friend-turned-criminal Boyd Crowder (played wonderfully by Walter Goggins). The various townspeople and criminals of Harlan County give Justified a comic book feel as Givens is like a superhero encountering a different criminal weekly while in pursuit of the ultimate goal: peace and quiet in Harlan. Justified is what every police procedural should strive to be.
1. The Walking Dead - The premise is simple: bloodthirsty zombies have overtaken the world and a group of survives try to survive in this apocalyptic setting. However, beyond the simple clichéd horror movie setting lies a truly deep, moving, and powerful television show about life. The Walking Dead is a metaphor for how people have evils constantly eating away at them and how every day is a fight for survival against obstacles. Andrew Lincoln plays police officer Rick Grimes, the leader of the ragtag brigade of survivors who are fighting themselves as much as the zombies who lurk in the shadows. The performance of Jon Bernthal as Shane Walsh, Rick’s best friend and fellow officer, shined brightly in 2011 as Shane’s turn from charismatic hero to militant, survival at all costs, antihero captivated me like few characters on television were able to do in 2011. The Walking Dead is a show with legs that could go for a decade without losing freshness. Powerfully written and acted, The Walking Dead mixes the thrills, chills, and gore of horror films with the emotional connection of fully developed characters to make a perfect show. The Walking Dead was the best show on television in 2011.
SPORTS
Sports Moment/Story of the Year
4. Joe Paterno’s legacy drowns in the wake of sexual abuse allegations at Penn State - In the fall of 2011, the winningest coach in college football history became the face of one of the darkest stories in the history of college football when the Penn State sex scandal became front-page news. Former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was indicted on 42 counts of sexual misconduct with a minor between 1994 and 2009. The molestation committed on campus by Sandusky may date back to the 1970s when he first joined the university. Joe Paterno’s legacy was irreparably damaged when it became public knowledge that Paterno reported misconduct to his superiors in 2002 and did not follow up on his reports or take the information to police. Instead of celebrating his wins and legendary career, Paterno was fired midseason and the 84-year old will never have the respect he once had from the nation. As this story continues to develop, the initial shock and disgust remain as intense as when the allegations of Sandusky’s conduct first surfaced. Joe Pa was one of the greatest coaches ever. Sadly, he will be forever remembered as an accessory to one of the vilest scandals in college athletics.
3. Japan defeats America in the Women’s World Cup Final - On July 17th, the world was captivated by the finals of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup as Team USA faced Team Japan in Frankfurt, Germany. Japan was playing in remembrance of the many lost in the March earthquake and tsunami that devastated most of the nation. Meanwhile, America was riding a wave of momentum that began with Abby Wombach’s miraculous header against Brazil a week earlier and the hype surrounding the beautiful goalkeeper Hope Solo. For a nation that does not care about soccer, America was embracing soccer like never before as our hope for victory rested on Hope in the net. The roller coaster ride of a game ultimately saw Japan score a late goal to take the match to overtime. Then, Japan scored another late goal to take the match to penalty kicks. Hope Solo crumbled under the pressure and Japan won the match in penalty kicks, 3-1, and the 2011 World Cup. In defeat, Team USA gave soccer a much-needed boost in the arm in America for a second straight year. It was a magical moment and an incredible game.
2. The unlikeliest of unlikely champions: St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Mavericks reign supreme (TIE) - With a month remaining in the baseball regular season, the St. Louis Cardinals were 8.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card race. Thanks to a choke job of epic proportions (ultimately overshadowed by Boston’s choke job), the Cardinals earned the NL Wild Card and an opening round date with the Philadelphia Phillies. St. Louis eliminated the Phillies and then dispatched their rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers, to earn an improbable berth in the 2011 World Series against the Texas Rangers. It was one of the most competitive and entertaining World Series in recent memory. David Freese achieved baseball immortality with a heroic performance as he saved the day twice for St. Louis in their 10-9 11-inning victory. The Cardinals defeated the Texas Rangers, four games to three, to win their 11th and most unexpected World Championship. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks had history against them going into the NBA Playoffs. They were the poster children for underachievement. In a bizarre postseason, the Mavericks defeated the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder to advance to the NBA Finals and a date with the much-hyped Miami Heat. Game one made things look like a paved road to glory for the self-proclaimed Dream Team as Miami defeated Dallas while Dirk Nowitzki suffered an injury in defeat. Trading wins in the next two games, Dallas capitalized on LeBron James’ usual horrible play in meaningful games with key plays from Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, JJ Barea, and Nowitzki to win the next three games and their first NBA Championship. It was a win for decency, integrity, and good people as Dallas shut the door in the face of the self-proclaimed champions from Miami.
1. The triumph and tragedy of Dan Wheldon - On May 29th, Dan Wheldon celebrated the thrill of victory at the expense of J.R. Hildebrand’s defeat. Dan Wheldon won the 95th running of the Indianapolis 500 when Hildebrand crashed in turn four on the final lap. Wheldon, competing in a one-race deal from Bryan Herta Autosport, capitalized on the mistake of the rookie and passed him for the victory with a mere 1,000 feet to go. It was the human incarnation of the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. After the victory, Dan Wheldon did TV work and saw his popularity grow as his charming personality shined. Wheldon accepted the IndyCar Series challenge for the season finale in Las Vegas that stated he would start last and collect $2.5 million dollars if he won. On October 16th, Wheldon started 34th at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. On Lap 11, a horrific 15-car accident occurred in turns one and two that ultimately claimed the life of Wheldon. His car flew an estimated 325 feet into the catch fence, cockpit area first, at speeds of over 220 mph. Hearts were broken all over the sporting world as Dan Wheldon, a man in the prime of his career and a man with two your children and a young wife at home, left this world. I will always think of the emotions I felt courtesy of Dan Wheldon in 2011. The pure adrenaline rush that came with his thrilling Indy victory was matched only by the heartbreaking sadness that came with his death. I will never think of 2011 without thinking of the late, great Dan Wheldon.
Athlete of the Year
4. Drew Brees - 2011 was a historic year for the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. While Brees and the Saints started 2011 with a playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the 2011 regular season was a brand new day. With still one game to go in the regular season, Brees has already broken the 27-year old record of Dan Marino for most passing yards in a single season while leading the Saints to a 12-3 record and NFC South Divisional title. Drew Brees has performed spectacularly in 2011 while rewriting the history books for quarterbacks in the NFL. Many site the rule changes and the league being a passing league now to account for Brees’ performance but the fact is that only one QB is playing at this impressive level right now: Drew Brees.
3. Justin Verlander - Justin Verlander had an astonishing 2011 season. The Detroit Tigers right-hander started 2011 in a big way with his second career no-hitter as he walked one and faced the minimum 27 batters in a victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on May 7th. Verlander ultimately ended the 2011 season by winning the triple crown of pitching as he went 24-5, threw 250 strikeouts, and had a 2.40 ERA. Earning the American League Cy Young Award was a given. However, Verlander also earned the American League Most Valuable Player as he just edged out Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury for the honor. Justin Verlander had one of the single most dominant seasons in the history of baseball in 2011.
2. Dallas Mavericks - Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, JJ Barea, and coach Rick Carlisle did the unthinkable when they defeated the “Dream Team” in the NBA Finals as the Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat. Going into the playoffs with a 57-25 record, the Dallas Mavericks were not a threat in the eyes of most because of a decade of underachieving. Dallas used the doubt as motivation and this team of role players surrounding one superstar played the game with the fundamentals not found in Miami. More importantly, Dallas played the game with a humility and dignity not seen in their opposition from Miami. That made the Mavericks America’s Team for a two-week period. The Mavericks saved us all from a celebration the likes of which we would have never survived. LeBron’s ego would have deprived the atmosphere of the space required for the much-needed oxygen we all use for survival. Not only were the Dallas Mavericks an amazing team in 2011, they were heroic lifesavers.
1. Green Bay Packers - The Green Bay Packers enter the NFL Playoffs as a #6 seed. Playing with a majority of their stars injured, Aaron Rodgers captained the Packers to wins over the villainous Philadelphia Eagles, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Chicago Bears to take them to Super Bowl XLV. Green Bay defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, to win their fourth Super Bowl and 13th NFL Championship. The Packers did not let up when the 2011 regular season began as they started the year with a 13-game winning streak that ended in an upset loss to Kansas City in December. The Green Bay Packers have a superstar QB in Aaron Rodgers and emerging star players in Clay Matthews, III, Greg Jennings, and Jermichael Finley. However, they play the game as a team where no one man is bigger than the team. That is the way champions play. That is how the Green Bay Packers conducted business in 2011 and is why they were the top team in 2011.
To be continued...
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