Our lead entertainment editor, Denise Hazlick, told us what she was grateful for this year in entertainment. Here are a few of the movies, television shows, music and miscellaneous moments that you enjoyed:
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Oprah is the most important women on television. But Ellen DeGeneres is the funniest person on daytime television. Of all the new talk shows that came on this year, her show once again stood out from the pack. Her ratings are up from last year. Don't forget that this is the show that swept the Daytime Emmys last year. This is the talk show that you must tape/tivo in 2005!—Farris Flagg, San Diego, Calif.
Comedy Central's “Drawn Together” deserves a mention — it's a riot; as is “Father of the Pride.” Animation if finally becoming appreciated as a viable artform!—Kristina, San Diego
“Everwood” has to be the best on TV — I just wish they kept the narration in the beginning. The show has excellent writing, the actors are real. Saddest moment in TV: the passing of Jerry Orbach — New York and “Law & Order” will never be the same. Rented a lot of DVDs this year: “Open Water” was excellent, and I liked “Wicker Park”; “Around the World in 80 Days” was entertaining. But I would have to say that the movie I enjoy most, for many aspects, is “Last of the Dogmen.” It is not newly released, but what a great story. Rent it, watch it, you'll enjoy it!—Judy, New Jersey
It would have to be Fantasia winning the third season of “American Idol” and then topping it off with a great CD.—Cornelius Williams, soldier in Iraq
I really miss “The Guardian” and can't understand why it wasn't renewed. Otherwise, “Judging Amy” and “Crossing Jordan” and “Without a Trace” are my favorite programs.—Dolores Herring, Lady Lake
Prince and his “Musicology Tour” at NYC's Madison Square Garden. Many people including some so called “fans” wrote him off, but since that Grammy cameo and Hall of Fame performance, it's clear the man can still jam. Judging by the number of satisfied customers at his shows, he's still a force to be reckoned with in the music world. I think he will pull many more rabbits out of his hat before he's done (if that ever happens) so keep your ears open.—Kennard Pendarvis, New York
“Garden State” by far....I live in Minnesota and we are all jealous of that style.—Louis Rownd, Rochester
Loretta Lynn's new CD “Van Lear Rose” was stunning! Welcome back, Mrs. Lynn...show those country wanna-be pop singers how it's really done! See you at the Grammys!—David E. Gebo, Houston, Texas
“Mad TV” is the best TV comedy. The last time I enjoyed a comedy show was in the original days of “SNL.”—Terry, Marshalltown
I am most grateful for “Arrested Development,” it is without a doubt the funniest sitcom ever, and thank God for it, because as we all have been told all year, the sitcom is dead. Thanks to “Arrested Development,” maybe it’s not dead yet!—Morgan, Charlotte
I have to say that I fell in love with music again this year! Maroon 5 album is great as is John Mayer, Gavin Degraw, Mos Def and Talib Kweli. It was nice to have music make me feel again...—L., Wilmington, DE
“Scrubs” and “Arrested Development” are two of the funniest and sometimes underrated shows on TV. They make my TiVo worth it, I can't get enough of those shows!—Bridgette, McKinney, Texas
Franz Ferdinand's self-titled CD is easily the best album of the year. The way the songs all flow together, begging the listener to turn their stereo a bit louder and drive a bit faster, is what their music is all about. The guys have stated they made this album for “pretty girls to dance to,” and by doing so, they've accomplished something most American bands haven't this year: I went and bought their CD. —Samantha, Tampa
My favorite CD of 2004 is the Rod Stewart, Stardust “The Great American Songbook, Vol. III,” these are classics, they appeal to all age groups and are timeless. Rod has a unique voice that enhances each song. This CD has stayed on the charts since it has been released in October. I am looking forward to more CDs by Rod Stewart in the future.—Ava Sukenik, Foxboro, Mass.
My family and I really enjoyed the mini-series “4400” and hope it will return to the Sci-Fi channel soon. It was very entertaining and so well put together.—C.M.
High school shows are usually just for high schoolers, but “Veronica Mars” is smart, fun and hip. Veronica is a positive role model for girls of all ages. Her spirit and determination are unwaverable. The supporting characters are interesting as well. Thanks to UPN for giving it a whole season to work with even though the numbers aren't all that great...yet.—Angela Melvin, Orlando, Fla.
Alison Krauss and Union Station’s “Lonely Runs Both Ways” is another remarkable CD by the best musicians in Nashville. We savor every note. —Beth, Staples
The best show of the year was “The Wire.” Also worth mentioning are “Lost” and “The Shield.”—Ed Coleman, New York
My emotional affection for Ray Charles' “Genius Loves Company” was hard to top, but from the first time I put the CD in to this moment the songs of Brian Wilson's “Smile” continue to swim around my head. It is an astonishing musical accomplishment on so many levels. I can't imagine that anything will top it for me until either the Cavs win the NBA Championship or the Browns win the Super Bowl!—Bob Kowalczyk, Atlanta
“Hero” was the best movie of the year. It was visually stunning, and has everything you can ask for in a movie, love, action, and Jet Li!! I couldn't wait for the DVD to be released, and it is now the most treasured DVD in my collection.—Carol, Lorain
The “Joyful Noise Tour” by Clay Aiken contained the true spirit of Christmas. The first half was the light-hearted side of Christmas, while the second half presented to the viewer the “reason for the season.” This was a concert all ages could enjoy together. It focused on the music and put Christ's Birth back into the holiday where it belongs. It was a very classy production and entertaining from start to finish!—Rita Hovermale, Cary, N.C.
I very much enjoyed “Carnivale.” Even though it was from last year, it had that “Twin Peaks” feel. I miss that weird feeling of non-reality.—Janna Secord, Boise
The Blind Boys of Alabama on PBS “Go Tell It On The Mountain.”—Louis Paul Toscano, Independence, N.J.
“Ray” was the best movie of the year. I think it needs to get due credit.—Dan Hall, Cincinnati
“Keen Eddie” was finally released on DVD. It was the best unknown and hardly advertised TV series in years. There are only 13 episodes, and some of them were the subjects of FCC “indecency” complaints by the “moral minority.” It’s a great and funny series and now I can actually watch it when I want to, instead of it constantly changing times and dates based on ridiculous e-mail complaint campaigns.—Doug Kearn
“Huff!” because I always want more and the best part in two words: Oliver Platt! It's a great trade off for the ending of “Six Feet Under.” Of course, nothing will ever replace “The Sopranos” for me, and of course “Sex and the City,” which had the greatest final episode ever. Anyway, thanks Showtime for “Huff!”—Lois Pruitt, Pawnee
The Boston Red Sox finally winning the World Series (but most of all for them beating the Yankees for the AL pennant.) Oh, yeah, also thanks to ABC for “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives.”—Susan R., Springfield, Mass.
I like the show “Charmed.” It's fun to watch and not too serious. I loved Leann Rimes’ and Jessica Simpson’s new CDs. “The Pirates of the Caribbean” has been my favorite movie — then again I haven't seen “Finding Neverland” yet...—Name withheld
“SNL's” Debbie Downer skit. Watching the cast lose it made me lose it. “SNL” funny again? Who would have thunk it.—Samidae, Orland, Calif.
“Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind” was a great movie. Very touching and thought provoking. All of the characters were flawed and fascinating. I equally loved “Sideways” for the real characters and it made me laugh my head off in a couple of scenes.—Kate, New York
The show “Friends.” Not only did it bring me laughs each week, but the finale also reminded me that I too have grown up and need to move on in my life.—Michelle, Houston
Celine Dion's “Miracle” CD with Anne Geddes. It’s beautiful and I got it for Christmas. My favorite 2004 moment is Billy Joel's marriage to Kate Lee in October and Billy Joel’s children's book, “Goodnight, My Angel: A Lullaby,” because I really like Billy Joel.—Susan Earl, Madera, Calif.
The best TV: “Everwood.” The best movie: “Closer” or “Ray.” I think you are way off on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” It sucks.—Scott, Mountain View, Calif.
I am grateful for the stunning success of “The Passion of the Christ” because it highlighted the public's craving for quality religious-themed films. While the media may love the ultra-crude “South Park” creators, note that their much hyped “Team America: World Police” earned a paltry $35 million worldwide, while Mel Gibson's film, made for less, hauled in $611 million. No wonder Parker and Stone tried to demean “The Passion” in their series. In spite of the media's best efforts to promote them and trash Gibson, people around the globe made it more than clear whose offering was worth seeing.—Lou Ritchhart, Des Moines