If Sports were Movie Titles - 2008

Sports dictate life, well my life anyway. If I could build my own cable package, it would include every channel that plays sports in HD, with maybe one news channel, the weather channel, and A&E.
Life is all about change, new beginnings, screw-ups, and bad decisions. Art imitates life, and my favorite type of artistic expression is through film. New Heroes are created. New Stars are cast. Here are my top moments of 2008 based on the top movies of the year.

Don't Mess with the Zohan

I did all of the Patriots fans a favor and didn't show "The Helmet Catch." Don't Mess with the Eli.
Eli Manning crawled from under Peyton's shadow and emerged as a true QB in leading the Giants to a Super Bowl win, and followed it up by winning their division. Hopefully, they will produce better than the Zohan ($100 million).

Madagascar: Escape to Africa

Usain Bolt blazed across our screens this summer faster than my LCD 120 hz could stay in focus. Bolt broke records, and broke strides slowing down to celebrate. Only fitting that Bolt would have fun, just like this kiddie movie that grossed $174.9 million at the box office.

Hancock

No one made a better image makeover than Kobe Bean Bryant. Going from the most hated teammate and me-first guy in the league to All-Star MVP, Season MVP, and Finals runner-up, only to make a heroic performance in the Olympics and carry 11 All-Stars to the Gold. Just like Will Smith in Hancock ($227.9 million), Kobe showed he could carry the torch.

Iron Man

Jack - he's coming for you. Tiger is four majors and eight PGA wins behind Jack despite playing 13 less years so far. Coming off this knee surgery, I doubt Tiger will come back at the top of his game, but if you see the red shirt on Sunday beware.

Tropic Thunder

One Shining Moment should have never took place for the Rock Chalk Jayhawks. I guess the dribble drive offense doesn't stop at the free throw line. Memphis missed key freebies down the stretch that set up this rainbow by Mario Chalmers and landed him in the backcourt with Dwayne Wade. There were probably more curse words by Calipari than in the opening of Tropic Thunder ($110.5 million) when this game went into overtime.

Sex and the City

Nothing is more attractive than a man in pinstripes. That must be Steinbrenner's model. He spent more money this Christmas than Sarah Palin did on clothes and Hilary spent on pants suits combined. The Yankees dished out $423.5 million on three players and probably aren't done yet. With Manny Ramirez still available for $20-25 million/year, the Yankees aren't trying to play third fiddle to the Rays and Sox next year. If the Yankees do get Manny, that will be three times more than Sex in the City grossed ($152.6 million)on four players.

Kung Fu Panda

Roger Clemens and other stars faced more questions than Bruce Lee in the Pit of Death. Clemens was swinging back and giving you the above death stare. So many athletes fell from grace this year (Plaxico shooting himself in the club, Montae Ellis and Mopedgate after signing for $66 million, Pacman - whewww..., Chad Ocho whatever, etc.) and this is the only slide you get from me.

Mamma Mia

Nadal and Federer played an epic match at Wimbledon to the tune of four hour 48 minute contest with Nadal enduring a 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 victory over defending champion Federer. Federer, the king of grass courts was upending by the prince of clay, Nadal in a match that actually made tennis relevant again. They are actually selling this match on DVD like the true championship title match it was. Maybe it could catch Mamma Mia ($148 million) or not.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

The Boston Three Party showed that three superstars could play together and sacrifice for the team. What the NBA didn't know, was that they would defend the 17th Championship banner with a iron clad fist. The Celtics are heading into the new year with a record of 28-4. Just like Hellboy ($75.8 million), you know what you get with the C's, tough defense, some loud smack talking, and Ubuntu magic.

Twilight

So many great athletes stay at the party a little past their prime. This is scene more often than not in boxing more than any other sport. Manny Pacquiao beat Oscar de la Hoya into retirement. Same goes with Roy Jones Jr, Evander Holyfield (we know you have a lot of kids to feed but please stop), and soon to be Shane Mosley. There is a reason people love MMA/UFC - it isn't a bunch of overmatched old men in the ring and somebody always goes down. You guys have made as much money as Twilight ($167.3 million), please walk away.

High School Musical 3: The Senior Year

Has anybody been a more overnight success than Michael Phelps? Maybe not overnight, but boy did Phelps and swimming take center stage during the Olympics. Phelps was an instant heart throb to 10-30 year old females and probably the only guy cool enough to walk around in a man-kini. He is like the super popular Senior in High School that all the guys hate and the girls love.

The Dark Knight

There were a number of dark horse teams that came out of nowhere to steal the show - the same way Heath Ledger took the Joker to another level. Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Rocco Mediate, New Orleans Hornets, and the list goes on and on - but the only one to complete the cycle were the Philadelphia Philllies. Everyone roots for the underdog (as long as they aren't playing their team) and the Dark Knight ($530.8 million) Joker had me at hello.