Obama's inauguration I think is a notable highlight held up steady progression of some of classes during the spring as a result on some days. :P Granted, I don't attribute its importance to being a mere distraction like that though despite some criticisms the past year I'd like to think 2010 will be much better.
Though quite a few big names passed on MJ in particular was a huge shock, I almost thought it was some joke when I first heard it on the radio but I subsequently left the radio on the rest of the day just for the music they played in tribute.
Monsters vs. Aliens (IMAX), Star Trek, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Inglourious Basterds, 2012, Avatar and some others I surely forgot... first year in some time where I considered heading out so often for theatrical releases.
SFIV, Punch Out!!, NSMBWii, A Boy and His Blob... seeing of the classics finally trotted out or revamped for a new generation was a welcome surprise. I'll be rining in the new year with some mutliplayer NSMBWii on my end with that being said. :P
Would type more, but gotta run...