It was supposed to be the new, relevant M.J., but Invincible arrived with the same shots at the paparazzi, cheesy rap cameos and creepy children's choirs in the background that marked his decline. Jackson did break some ground, shattering the record for artistic egomania by holding two tribute concerts to himself in September.
Animated actors dominated the box office, Barry Bonds hit 73 and 'It' turned out to be a scooter. TIME picks the bests and the worsts of this year...