As the decade closes, and everyone starts compiling their lists, I decided to take a different approach.

We're nearing the end of our review of the decade in box office. Today: May through August 2009.

The highlight of yesterday's box office is that the number one film, Avatar, surpasses Star Trek's $257.7 million total to become one of the five most successful releases of 2009.

This week: Christopher Nolan returns (sans Batman), Tracy Morgan enforces the law and Brendan Frasergets attacked by raccoons.

As the sun arose on the first day of the last year of the 2000s, filmdom was about to enter the single most astonishing month of box office I have ever lived through.

Tuesday's box office results played out almost exactly like Monday's had. In fact, the resemblance is eerie.

The memorable theme song is a key part of the television viewing experience. Occasionally, the song will outlive the show to which it is associated. We've listed 25 opening themes to well-known TV shows, and to make things easier, we've provided the name of the artist that performed the song. How well do you know TV Theme Songs?

Curt David offers his Year and Review and issues some prestigious awards.

Welcome to How to Spend $20, BOP's look at the latest DVDs to hit stores nationwide. This week: Eric hates on Paranormal Activity and Glee. Also, Megan Fox shows off that body of her's.

There is a lot to talk about this week as we move into the second half of the Twelve Days of Box Office. As you can see from Avatar, things happen fast at this time of year.

As the decade draws to a close, here's a chance to test your knowledge on all things Oscars. From directors to screenwriters, from songs to animated features, from nominees to winners, how well do you know Oscars in the 2000s?

For purposes of this quiz, we'll include the Oscars awarded in 2000 (American Beauty won Best Picture) as part of the decade

Watching Avatar is like gazing upon a cityscape from a high-rise building — you find yourself looking up, down, left, right and eventually all over. If any film demands to be seen in the theater, this is it.

In celebration of the holiday season, FOX has decided to burn off most of the remaining second season order of the canceled Dollhouse before packing it up and shoving it into The Attic...

This week: Urban isn't resigning, the Colts aren't perfect, a coach isn't a fan of Christmas and Pacquiao-Mayweather isn't happening. Here comes our weekly sports quiz, as we seek sponsorship from one of several somewhat obscure fast food franchises.

Any concerns that Warner Bros. had that Sherlock Holmes might get buried by Avatar are gone. Any concerns that Fox had about Avatar's opening weekend are gone.

The 8th film in the Star Trek franchise. And the most popular featuring the TNG cast. Picard and the Enterprise crew square off against their most feared enemy, the Borg, who are attempting to prevent the historic first warp flight. The film features James Cromwell, Alfre Woodard, and Alice Krige originating the role of the Borg Queen. How well do you know Star Trek First Contact?

Guy Ritchie and Robert Downey Jr.'s Sherlock Holmes is Christmas Day's biggest winner with $25.5 million, a Christmas Day record.

This week: An actor that spies, couples that split and a family that gets blessed. Plus: which star really wants to to each chicken salad? Here's our weekly pop culture review, presented in an intriguing quiz format.

There was a time when Disney 2-D features were a big deal. Each picture was an event, presented immaculately with an energetic style and indelible songs.

Some time ago, Walter Kirn was making small talk with a man on a plane bound for Los Angeles. He'd asked the man where he was from. The man told him that he wasn't actually from anywhere.

If you're not already at a movie today, you may be celebrating with your family in non-movie-related fashion, but whatever the case is, the Oscar season has not slowed down completely for the holidays.

The first Tuesday of the lucrative holiday period saw anticipated behavior across the board.

I don't know if I can write a straightforward review that praises it, defiles it, or effectively captures the unnerving/ arresting/hilarious/boring experience of watching it.

Most people are worried about creating the top-ten lists of the decade, as opposed to paying attention to movies that didn't get so much when they were first released.

Anyone who really believes that It's a Wonderful Life is all about unbridled optimism probably needs to give the film a second look.

Welcome to the third day of the twelve days of box office. We're starting to get into the heart of it now.

Ain't no party like a Scranton Christmas party. This time around, Dwight attempts to cash in on the holiday's must-have toy, while Michael attempts to conduct an intervention after Meredith gets a little wily. How well do you know The Office: Moroccan Christmas?

Thinking of giving some comics as a Christmas gift? Check out this week's new releases for ideas.

Hey, it's the trailer for Hot Tub Time Machine! Oh, and also something called Iron Man 2.

So, this is it for 2009.

Thanks to Home Improvement, Tim Allen landed his first major movie role in The Santa Clause, a 1994 classic about an average joe who takes over as Santa Claus after the former Father Christmas dies. How well do you know The Santa Clause?

It seems the cultural significance of being Italian is on the rise right now.

This week: Zooey Deschanel sings for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, District 9 introduces a new kind of prawn and Jason Bateman tries his luck at blue collar comedy.

There is one story that will dominate the 12 Days of Box Office and it is of course Avatar.

Among other things, Home Alone gave us the iconic image of Macaulay Culkin holding his hands to his face and screaming bloody murder. In many households, it's tradition to watch the 1990 classic during the week leading up to Christmas. How well do you know Home Alone?

Now the story of Michael’s polygraph test, Buster’s rivalry with Annyong and Tobias’ many literary fans. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Let Em Eat Cake.

From the obscure to the obscurest to the merely overlooked or underappreciated; they all have a home in the TiVoPlex!

Is there a universal human need to feel loved and connected? Hollywood seems to think so.

Who wants to talk about Did You Hear About the Morgans? Anyone? Anyone? Okay, we can spend a couple of minutes on Avatar.

Another edition of Survivor is in the books. The past season featured one of the more memorable players in the game's history, and resulted in plenty of hard feelings. Rain, chickens, medical evaluations and immunity idols all impacted the fortunes of the players. How well do you know Survivor: Samoa?

Now the story of Lindsey’s new outfit, Tobias’ new job and how to steal clothes from a store. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Not Without My Daughter.

This week: Bobby Knight lashes out, Carl Landry gets busted up, Denver flames out and a kick returner goes dashing by. Check in with our weekly sports quiz, going for its 102nd consecutive victory.

After James Cameron spent 12 years developing the supposed movie game changer Avatar, an unexpected roadblock hit the biggest movie of the year in the form of snow on the US East Coast.

Previously on Survivor, Galu absolutely destroyed Foa Foa, then Foa Foa was able to return the favor after being one of the most incompetent tribes ever in Immunity Challenges.

Now the story of new money for the Bluth company and Michael’s ill-advised lemon grove purchase from a newly-introduced uncle. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Whistler’s Mother?

One of the enduring Christmas classics, Miracle 34th Street tells of a man claiming to be the real Santa Claus and his efforts to win over those who doubt him. Need a little holiday spirit? Revisiting this gem will do the trick. How well do you know Miracle on 34th Street?

James Cameron's Avatar, the biggest wildcard to hit theaters in a long time earned $26.8 million on Friday, with $3.5 million attributed to midnight showings.

Now the story of a father-son fishing trip, Gob’s bachelor party and the musical past of the Fünke family. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Best Man for the Job.

The first Muppet movie to be produced after the death of creator Jim Henson, this version of the beloved Charles Dickens novel allows the Muppets to put their own spin on this classic tale. Michael Caine plays the bitter, cruel miser Ebeneezer Scrooge, who transforms one Christmas Eve into a charitable, generous and caring man with the help of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. How well do you know The Muppet Christmas Carol?

When The Princess and the Frog won the box office battle this past weekend with about $24 million, a small but very significant battle was won in a war being forged in the cinematic universe.

I suppose that, with Christmas coming up in just a week, it's absolutely appropriate that the 2009 movie season gives us a huge heap of awards and nominations so close to the holiday.

Wondering about Avatar's box office prospects? Read the Weekend Forecast

Here are some of the ingredients to this week’s pop culture holiday fruitcake: a gaggle of newsmaking singers, a kooky King, a busted Lohan, some Golden Globes love, a useful Sesame Street lesson and a new Kardashian to keep up with. We hope you were paying attention.

Now for the story of Michael’s continuing affair with George Sr.’s prosecutor, the Bluth family struggle against the Ten Commandments and the death of Surely Fünke. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Justice is Blind.

We close out our look at the box office of 2008 with September through December.

Armored is what you might consider solid, mediocre entertainment.

The Royal Tenenbaums came across to me as a tragi-comedy, one that's more tragi and less comedy.

A-List takes a look at some of the more underrated movies of the decade.

Previously on Survivor, there were two Immunity Challenges and two Tribal Councils, yet the episode managed to be one of the dullest and predictable in the history of the show.

Community and 30 Rock don't have much in common, save for one significant thing: Both NBC comedies premiered with a promising, albeit weak pilot but over the course of its first season grew into something really special. We're halfway through Community's freshman season, and already it's gone from "I'll watch if it's convenient" to "I must frickin' see it, damn it!" How well do you know Community: Season One?

Now for the story of Maeby’s first double life, Michael’s unsuccessful one-night stand and scenic drives down to the City of Industry. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Altar Egos.

Sean Connery returns to the role of Bond in Diamonds Are Forever to seduce women, perform outrageous stunts and trade quips with Blofeld. Unfortunately, no one told watch the last Bond movie, so Blofeld is now a camp villain and Bond doesn’t seem remotely peeved that his wife was shot dead! At Blofeld’s hand! On their wedding day! How Well Do You Know... Diamonds Are Forever?

Comics make great Christmas gifts! Check out this week's new releases here.

Having seen Ocean's 11 and 12 three times each now, I wish I was closer to a working definition of what I prefer about one over the other.

This week: Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant take Wyoming by storm, Kristen Bell steals some pocket change and Chris Rock has a daddy with secrets.

At the start of the decade (we're going to call this 2000...please don't be a nerd and get into the 2000/2001 debate), the biggest opening weekend ever was $72.1 million. A movie has now earned more than that in a single day. Much has changed in the realm of box office over the past ten years. How well have you kept up with the revolutionary changes in our industry?

In season four, John Lithgow offered up one of the most chilling roles in television history as homicidal mastermind, Trinity. Among other things, we saw him bludgeon a man to death, coax a woman to commit suicide by plummeting to the ground and, well, his bare backside. How well do you know Dexter: Season Four?

Now the story of Gob’s disappearing yacht trick, Kitty getting fired and Lucille’s new use for Annyong. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Missing Kitty.

Read all the staff's box office discussion.

This week: Brad Pitt snags some Nazis, Ed Helms loses a tooth and Demetri Martin takes Woodstock.

With James Cameron's follow-up to Titanic about to hit theaters, now seemed the perfect time to take a critical look at the biggest blockbuster of all-time.

Now the story of the Bluths having to actually work and Tobias going undercover. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Staff Infection.

Of all the kids in the graduating class of High School Musical, Zac Efron has seen the most success. After appearing in a supporting role in Hairspray, he moved on to a headlining role in this teen comedy that is a lot better than you'd probably expect. You may swoon over Zac and know all the dances to High School Musical, but how well do you know 17 Again?

Perhaps The Office's darkest season to date, season six of the acclaimed NBC Thursday night comedy has put new leadership in charge of the Scranton Branch, as well as a threat of bankruptcy for all of Dunder Mifflin. Let's not forget, though, the wedding between Jim and Pam, a sweet one-hour episode earlier this fall. How well do you know The Office: Season Six?

From the obscure to the obscurest to the merely overlooked or underappreciated; they all have a home in the TiVoPlex!

There are some very powerful moments found in Jim Sheridan's Brothers, which get buoyed by one significant problem.

What if the desolate world of post apocalyptia was all you'd ever known? What would separate a man from an animal if he'd never learned the value of being human to begin with?

Now the story of George Michael’s crush on his ethics teacher, a fan of Caged Wisdom and a new brother for the Bluth family. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Shock and Aww.

The Bulge. Jurassic Forks. Soulja Boy Tell 'Ems. The whiz palace. If these mean anything to you, then you're obviously familiar with the second season of Parks and Recreation, recently named sitcom of the year by GQ. How well do you know Parks and Recreation: Season Two (Part 1)?

This week: OPJ feels snubbed over not being invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Plus, streaks of the good and bad variety continue, Chad Ochocinco strikes again and the hot stove gets going. While you're trying to remember if you'd had an affair with Tiger Woods, how well do you know the last seven days in sports?

It's a tale of two weekends, this one and the next. In this frame, old school animation dominates the box office in the form of Disney's The Princess and the Frog.

We're coming to the end of the 19th season of Survivor, and Foa Foa has defied all odds. Will they continue their amazing run?

Now the story of George Sr.’s arraignment, George Michael finding out where Maeby came from and Michael and Marta going for it. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested development: Beef Consomme.

Paper Heart is a refreshingly different mockumentary about one girl's (Charlyne Yi) effort to learn about love. During her information gathering process, she meets Michael Cera -- and ends up falling for him. Also, Michael is just as awkward as you'd expect him to be. How well do you know it?

Now Playing on select Westbound American Airline flights in December: Post-Grad.

The Princess and the Frog, the non-computer animated film from Disney earned $7.2 million on Friday. This is a solid figure and sets it up nicely to be a big earner over the Christmas to New Year's money train.

The Road is one of the most absorbing films I've seen about the post-apocalyptic world, and I've seen a lot of them.

Let's take a long, yet completely healthy and not obsessed, look at the upcoming Oscar ceremony, airing on national television on March 7, 2010.

Wondering what movie to see? Check out This Weekend, Watch This

It’s groundbreaking, it’s unforgettable, but the third season of ABC’s “Lost” dealt with even more critical blowback than Season 2, as we got a huge burst of mythology about the Others, and no answers were given, making people think that the writers were spinning their metaphorical wheels. The show did improve as time went on, especially after an atrocious episode all about Jack’s tattoos. You may have tried to forget that the tattoos never happened, but dig deep and figure out… How Well Do You Know Lost: Season 3?

Now for the story of Michael and his publicist, the Bluth family’s new jobs and Tobias’ attempt to resuscitate his medical career. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Public Relations.

Now the story of Tobias and Lindsay’s anniversary party, Buster’s attempt to move out and some amateur detective work by Gob and George Michael. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Marta Complex.

This week's pop culture menu offered: two pregnancies (one sweet and one scary), three reality show finales, some decade recap fun courtesy of EW and Billboard, a ticked off Catholic Church, and a pair of bizarro romances. Hopefully, you were paying attention.

For all you Young Republicans out there hoping to explain why Michael Bay is the next Ronald Reagan, this is for you. And for everyone else, take these lessons as additional reasons to hate the Transformers movie.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us - putting an end to complaints that it's too early for Christmas decorations - Oscar season is in full swagger.

Let's take a last look at some of the best television shows of the last 10 years.

He Said/She Said takes a look at The Blind Side.

"You are Top Chef." We know Padma will say it, but who will she say it to?

If High Stakes Quickfires, sibling rivalry, breakfast in bed and Restaurant Wars are your thing, then Top Chef Las Vegas gave you exactly what you were looking for. Celebrities, from both the culinary and entertainment worlds highlighted the show's sixth season. You may know your Penn & Teller from your Pigs & Pinot, but how well do you know Top Chef Las Vegas?

Now the story of George Michael’s brush with marijuana, Maeby’s new brooch and Gob’s past life as a stripper. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Pier Pressure.

Comics make great gifts! See what's new this week to help with your buying decisions.

Freddy returned for a second chapter, way back when, before a reboot was even a notion in Michael Bay's brain.

Despite drops in the ratings, and unfair backlash in the second season, Lost remains one of ABC's flagship programs, and they seem determined to fill the sci-fi gap with two new shows.

This week: Parkour! Also, titans clash, Richard Gere plays a cop and Adam Sandler and his knucklehead friends spend the Fourth of July together.

I know there are millions of Twilight fans out there - particularly teenage girls - who are going to walk out of New Moon and believe it to be the greatest movie ever made.

In 2009, J.J. Abrams did the impossible when he redeemed and reinvigorated the Star Trek saga with a new take on the early voyages of the Starship Enterprise. The film earned glowing praise from critics on the way to becoming the most successful Star Trek movie ever. You have almost certainly seen it and we were wondering how well do you know it?

Now the story of the resurrection of Gob’s magic career, Tobias’ forays into the world of leather and George Sr.’s discovery of religion. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Storming the Castle.

I am getting a bit misty that the last leg of one the best seasons of Amazing Race is here.

Every once in awhile, there are movies, books, songs or shows that we really connect with.

This week: Lost is officially in "beginning of the end" mode, Harry Potter faces a familiar foe and Meryl Streep and Amy Adams face off.

As time passes and more films enter a performer's resume, it's interesting to see how certain films stack up against others. Today: Harrison Ford.

Better Off Ted's freshman season provided some brilliant sitcom television. BOT focused on the Research and Development team at evil corporation Veridian Dynamics. From mildly mal-adjusted characters to outrageous plotlines to brilliant faux-commercials, Better Off Ted was a surprising delight. You may live in distinct fear of the OctoChicken, but how well do you know Better Off Ted, Season 1?

In 2009, J.J. Abrams did the impossible when he redeemed and reinvigorated the Star Trek saga with a new take on the early voyages of the Starship Enterprise. The film earned glowing praise from critics on the way to becoming the most successful Star Trek movie ever. You have almost certainly seen it and we were wondering how well do you know it?

Now the story of Michael bonding with his mother, George Michael’s budding interest in French cinema and Lindsay’s attention-seeking behaviour. It`s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: My Mother, The Car.

Why yes, TiVo does make a wonderful gift this holiday season. Good call!

BOP's newest contributor, Bruce Hall, explains the premise of his fascinating column series.

BOP's -other- newest contributor, Daniel Pellegrino, offers his debut column as well. It's Noobie Day here at BOP!

Ah, the post-Thanksgiving blahs. We discuss the weekend's sad slate of openers as well as touching on some awards discussion.

Now the story of family plots to replace an incompetent lawyer, Tobias’s secret shame and George Michael’s muscle suit. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: In God We Trust.

Snowmen in the desert, golems in the streets, a tiny mandolin and Mr. Las Vegas: these ingredients plus more made for yet another entertaining edition of The Amazing Race. You may be able to decipher a 5-letter name (which you know starts with an F) before 4 hours elapses, but how well do you know The Amazing Race 15?

This week: a record fine, a winless record and a surplus of undefeated teams. Plus: Charlie Weis devalues his stock even further. You may feel personally responsible for setting Tiger Woods up with Elin, but how well do you know the previous week in sports?

Ahhh, the post-Thanksgiving weekend. Late November and early December at the box office is a trifecta of weekends.

In-Flight Entertainment brings you the movies now playing at a cruising altitude of 45,000 miles in the air. So put your tray table up, buckle your safety belt, and let's go.

As always, we begin as the tribe returns from Tribal Council. John is the voiceover telling us that he had no intention of picking stones to save Laura.

Let's get this out of the way first. It seems clear that many will view The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus simply to see Heath Ledger's final performance.

Now the story of Tobias and Lindsay’s marriage counselling, George Sr.’s conjugal visit and the beginning of the Arrested Development tradition of whoring Gob out. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Visiting Ours.

Piggy backing off the success of Mad Men, AMC went ahead and ordered a second original series, Breaking Bad. Its first season may be slim -- just seven episodes -- but the storyline and casts' acting abilities, especially that of Bryan Cranston, really make this one a must see. How well do you know Breaking Bad: Season One?

After two weekends behind New Moon, The Blind Side's word of mouth finally puts it on top as it earned $6.8 million on Friday to the top earner at the box office.

It’s groundbreaking, it’s unforgettable, but the third season of ABC’s “Lost” dealt with even more critical blowback than Season 2, as we got a huge burst of mythology about the Others, and no answers were given, making people think that the writers were spinning their metaphorical wheels. The show did improve as time went on, especially after an atrocious episode all about Jack’s tattoos. You may have tried to forget that the tattoos never happened, but dig deep and figure out… How Well Do You Know Lost: Season 3?

Now the story of Lindsay gets in touch with nature, George Michael’s life of crime and Michael refusing to give his own brother a free frozen banana. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Charity Drive.

Beautiful Girls plays like a guys' instruction manual on relationships, albeit a basic, four-page one.

In some parts of the country, December means that it's time for the yearly awards push for some of the biggest and best movies out there: it's Oscar season once again.

Trying to decide which movie to watch this weekend? Here's a handy guide to help you decide.

December has arrived. Read the latest forecasts.

Now the story of Gob’s daring prison escape, Michael falling for Gob’s girlfriend, and Buster getting his flirt on at the Desi Awards. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Key Decisions?

This week: a teen wolf, wacky music award stunts, a lesbian mother and a music star trying to kick the habit. Plus: dead movie stars do pot, and get to know Kylie Bisutti. Here comes yet another edition of our weekly pop culture quiz.

Over the course of the seeming eternity since the finale, I've come to realize that we pretty much know the secret of the Island now.

It's finally here. The Top Chef finale in Napa has finally arrived.

Our box office review of 2007 concludes with a look at the final portion of the year.

Over the past decade, being part of a TV show hasn't been a black mark on most actors' records.

Now the story of Buster working with Michael, Tobias directing Maeby’s school play and the dangers of cornballing. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Bringing Up Buster?

When Pixar Animation Studios makes a movie these days, you can pretty much guarantee that it will be wildly successful, critically beloved, and sure to bring you to tears. This past summer, though, Pixar bucked the trend just a bit: instead of ensuring the audience waterworks would flow at its new film’s finale, they chose to do just the opposite. This film’s opening 15 minutes got most of the adults weeping, even if the kids weren’t completely clear on what was going on. If you can stop crying, try out this quiz and figure out: how well do you know Up?

Blackest Night. Blackest Night. Blackest Night. Wonder Woman is about to regret snapping that one dude's neck.

Take Five is here to quicken your search for reliable entertainment (or at least movies that I deem entertaining) so you can enjoy what little free time you have.

Michael Lynderey continues his exemplary evaluation of box office in the 2000s. Today's subject matter is the summer of 2007.

This week: Tim Allen makes up for Old Dogs, Amy Adams proves she wears the pants in her relationship and Ben Stiller dials it down.

Now the story of a burning banana stand, George Michael’s crush on his cousin and Tobias’ quest to be an actor. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Top Banana?

One director, four films. He (or she) helmed three of the four. Which is the odd film out? To which film would the director say, "That's Not My Movie?" (Caution: we're looking for the one he/she didn't *direct.* If the named person just wrote/starred in/etc. the film, it doesn't count.)

This penultimate episode starts with Meghan and Cheyne once again because they once again finished in first.

This week: Charlyne Yi falls for a dork, ABC slots something completely wacked and Ben Stiller overdoses on sequelitis.

We're coming to the end of our decade in review series, with this week looking at 2007's box office highlights (and lowlights).

Now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together. It’s How Well Do You Know Arrested Development: Pilot?

Three years after Tokyo Drift and a full eight years after the original became a surprise blockbuster, several characters from the first film returned. Even better, Cole Hauser did not return. North American audiences showed up in droves to make the fourth film in the franchise the biggest April opener of all-time. You may be a good driver, bro, but you still may be a buster instead of a gearhead. How well do you know Fast & Furious?