We’ve seen a lot of “2014: A Year in Review” projects this month — but I think this latest one wins the Best in Show award: Play-Doh re-created 2014’s biggest pop culture moments using its pliable, irresistible modeling compound, and they’re all kinds of awesome. True, the eight topics featured don’t include some of the heavier moments of the year; however, given that Play-Doh is, y’know, a kid’s toy, I’m willing to let it slide.
Although HuffPo U.K. commented that these doughy little scenes technically fall under the umbrella of “Things No One Asked For,” I would argue that they’re more in the vein of “Things You Didn’t Know You Wanted.” I mean, yeah, it’s probably true that no one has spent the past few months fervently wishing for an artistic representation of the Ice Bucket Challenge sculpted entirely out of Play-Doh to land on their lap as the year draws to a close…but that doesn’t matter. It’s hilarious — and also quite creative, as far as “Year in Review” projects go. Most folks go with a video (speaking of: Was anyone else a little disappointed in Twitter’s contribution this year?), but this? This is way better. Because, well...Play-Doh.
So in no particular order, here. Have a fun and nostalgic way to look back at 2014. Remember these moments?
1. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Following on the heels of Jay Leno, Jimmy Fallon took the reins of The Tonight Show in February. Clearly it was a good career move; I’ve enjoyed him far more as a late-night host than I ever did on SNL. Keep up the good work, Jimmy!
2. The Polar Vortex
The only thing that would have made this image better is if it had been a representation of the Poehler Vortex.
3. Normcore
Yep. That happened.
4. The Fault in Our Stars
Cue the collective sobbing.
5. The Ice Bucket Challenge
I can’t remember exactly when we stopped hearing about the Ice Bucket Challenge — but after a summer where it felt like it was all we were hearing about, the moment when I actually thought, “Gee, no one has said the words 'Ice Bucket Challenge' to me for ages!” was a welcome relief. At least it raised a boatload of funding for a good cause, though, right?
6. The 20th Anniversary of Friends
Complete with a real life, pop-up version of Central Perk (even if it wasn’t as accurate as it could have been).
7. The Apple Watch
I still want it to be the iWatch — but it never is. It persists in its Apple Watch-ness. At this point, I can only assume that it’s doing it just to spite me.
8. Selfies
Images: Play-Doh/Facebook (8)
