Ground Rules first. This is a list of the best TV shows, movies and video games that I saw (played) for the first time in 2011. The TV/movies/games didn’t have to be distributed in 2011. And this is the best TV/movies/video games I saw(played) this year in no particular order.

• Super 8 – I absolutely hated the ending and think Abrams blew it with the monster and how he handled the dads. But the first half to two-thirds was a well done movie that was ultimately undone by a poor ending. My review.
• Captain America – One of the better super hero movies recently and it manages the trick of making the super hero film into a war movie while still being a super hero film. My review.
• The Muppets – Jason Segal manages to bring back the Muppets into relevance without damaging anything that came before. Not really science fiction or fantasy, but a good, fun film. My review 
• Rise of the Planet of the Apes – Surprisingly good prequel to Planet of the Apes that was a lot smarter than the previews made it out to be. My Review
• Alphas  – After several disappointing super hero shows on the major networks, Syfy shows everyone how it’s done. Interesting characters that fight bad guys, but the show focuses on the characters more than the super hero schtick. My review.
• Once Upon A Time – Interesting but a little flawed fairy tale show that distinguishes itself from the charge that it is a bad Fables ripoff. But it’s dark side might harm it’s family audience. My review.
• Batman Arkham City – OK. I haven’t had a chance to actually review this one yet. But if you liked the Arkham Asylum game, then you are going to love this one. They take the best of the first game and add to it with more tricks and goodies as well as multiple storylines, multiple characters and more powers.

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