Movies: Edge of Tomorrow

Yep, the Tom Cruise movie. It was big, it was bad, it blew the house down. Seriously, I really liked it. So much so, I actually saw it TWICE in one week and not just because it was a 100 degrees outside.

Runner-up: Gone Girl

C’mon, Doogie Howser…bloods…lots of blood. Need I say more?

Favorite Series to Binge watch: True detective

The acting and chemistry between Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson is absolutely top notch. The show’s excellent writing and short length (8 episodes) always keeps you wanting more, while never feeling too drawn out. Even if you’re not a fan of these actors, you’ll walk away with more respect after watching them performing at the top of their game. Matt McConaughey is hitting that “rare air” that only hits an actor at the peak of his career. Great stuff!

Runner-up: Master’s of Sex

Another show with great acting on a subject I knew little about. No, I don’t mean sex. Well  I do, sort-of… sex in the fifties, when it was still taboo…and dirty. Really good series, interesting and very watchable.

Favorite TV shows: Game of Thrones

The series gets better and better every season. Bigger battles, more detailed sets, expanding cast, and let’s not forget the sparkling gems in a glittering crown. Peter Dinkage, Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke, as Tyrion Lannister, Cersei Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen respectfully. Having read the series years before I ever saw the show, these three actors capture the essence that is their characters beautifully.

Runner-up: Veep

Maybe I should just call this category favorite HBO shows because I don’t really watch any non-cable TV shows. This show proves that not only is Julie-Louis Dreyfuss ageless, but that if regular TV could make shows this smart and funny, I might just watch regular TV again. At only a thirty minutes an episode and maybe 10 a year, I hope they continue to make this show for another decade.

Video Games (with a special mention): Dragonage: Inquisition

I’m actually still playing this…and probably will be for another month. If you like your video games filled to the brim with content, then buy this game. Instant Bioware classic, reminds me of a “medieval” version of Mass Effect 2. The best of the Dragonage series.

Runner-up: Shadow of Mordor

This game was fun, fun fun! There is nothing like bumping into an orc chieftain, who has slain you ten times, while he is running randomly alone without his usual posse of orcs. You think you have a chance against him this time, only to find yourself back in shadow form wondering where it all went gloriously wrong. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this game, Lord of the Rings fan or not.

Special Mention: FIFA 15

Alright, EA sports makes one of these every year but I’m giving special mention to FIFA 15 because it is the best soccer game ever! The graphics are spectacular, even the crowds are good. The presentation is spot-on, and if you play it enough, the “magic” that happens in the real game will happen to you too. You might lose because of it, but you’ll be amazed!

Note: All games were played on the PS4

Best Soccer Team: Chelsea FC

This was a trick question. Who did you think I was going to say: Manchester United? Please

Best Sports Moment: Sochi winter Olympics

They were very well done, despite Putin. The settings were beautiful, the venues gorgeously done, and I really enjoyed some of the new events like snowboard-cross. Men and women barreling down the mountain while fighting it out, all the while traversing hairpin turns and gigantic jumps. If this is the X-games influence then job well done! The highlight though was the Ice Dancing victory by the wonder duo Meryl Davis and Charlie White. Even Putin was mesmerized by their performances.

Runner-up: FIFA World Cup Brasil 2014

Great tournament, the best since France 1998. Best moments: watching breakout stars shine like James Rodriguez.  Plus, Tim Howard’s unbelievable performance in a losing match during the quarter finals in the US versus Belgium, and Germany’s 7-1 drubbing of the Host Brazil in the other quarterfinals. This was a tournament to remember.

And finally…My Favorite Moment of 2014…

Yes. The memorial to the British soldiers in the First World War. World War One spanned from 1914-1918, and among the millions of lives lost were 888,246 British soldiers. Britain does Memorials correctly, and this is no exception. Using flowers, in this case, the red poppy, they placed one ceramic flower, outside the iconic Tower of London, for each of the men that died in that tragic war. It was beautiful, thoughtful, artistic, captivating, and made you remember the horrors of war that blotted-out a generation. Everyone knows all about the greatest generation. But these men will never be forgotten.

And that’s it! Let’s have a great 2015!