By STEFANIE HILL

Staff Writer

This year the entertainment industry has been one of drama, which is apparent in celebrity relationships, religious controversy and, of course, the Jackson family.

"The Passion of the Christ" was the top movie for the beginning of 2004, grossing over $360 million. Though it was the most seen movie of the year, much controversy surrounded it. Many people, like Greg Hester, a junior mechanical engineering major, think the religious aspects of the movie were taken too far.

"I think the hype around the movie was too much," Hester said. "Don't get me wrong. I really like the movie, but to start religious movements because of it is ridiculous. People should have already been religious and shouldn't have to have a movie to encourage it."

Helen Armstrong, a freshmen speech major, said the movie could have made more of an impact had it not focused on the death of Christ.

"I know that 'The Passion of the Christ' was centered around Christ's last hours, but I believe that if it was more centered around Christ's lessons, rather than his horrid death, it would be a better film and would have had a better impact," Armstrong said.

"The Passion of the Christ" was not the only movie to make such an impact on its viewers. "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" also reached high numbers and was No. 1 in 2003.

Caleb Baumgardner, a junior English and speech double major, has seen all of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy films but said this last one was definitely his favorite.

"Though all the 'Lord of the Rings' films were brilliant, the last one was the best," Baumgardner said. "In addition to the superb acting, great visuals and [an] awesome score, you got a real sense of impending climax that explodes in the final scenes."

Speaking of "The Lord of the Rings," Hollywood saw a change in box-office stars with the rise of the newcomer Orlando Bloom, a star of "Lord of the Rings." And let us not forget Jennifer Garner, the break-out star of "13 Going on 30."

The box office was not the only thing that saw a change. Through the year Ben and Jen were off and on. Affleck and Lopez spent one minute together, the next apart, but the final verdict, at least for now, is the engagement and the couple are officially off.

Those two were not the only couple to go their separate ways. Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz called it quits, and no more full house for John Stamos. More like empty house since his split with wife Rebecca Romjin-Stamos.

Oh, and do not forget about Britney Spears trying out the married life for, oh, about five minutes. However, not all celebrity relationships went so bad.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher have been going strong since they hooked up last year.

Movie stars were not the only ones to make the news this year. The music industry also had its moments. Mostly, those moments revolved around the ever-present Jackson family.

We definitely have seen a lot of Michael on the news since his indictment for child molestation, but during the Super Bowl, every viewer definitely saw a lot of his sister Janet. Unlike Michael, she's not that keen on keeping things hidden.

After Janet's stunt, the Federal Communications Commission started cracking down on radio and TV shows. Some of these changes included satelite delays for award shows and the removal of the infamous Howard Stern from radio stations.

In the wake of the Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction," many accused Janet of trying to take the attention off her brother, who was, at that time, being investigated for claims of child molestation. Some feel Michael Jackson is being taken advantage of and being judged unfairly because of his fame and wealth.

"Yes, the man has issues with reality and his past, but it's not right for everyone and anyone to come down on him," Hester said. "Because of his financial means and difference, he's an easy target for green-eyed, money hungry thieves."

So between Mel Gibson showing off his directing talent and Janet showing off her assets, this year already seems unforgettable.