My Top 15 of 2018
I wish I had been more disciplined in posting reviews throughout the year. I have managed to see 162 films, which marks the most I’ve ever seen in a year.
This was an interesting year in film, as many box office records were broken. There were also a number of pleasant surprises from films that weren't on my radar to start the year. A couple even ended up making my list, which you will be glimpsing shortly. Also included are my 5 least favorite films of the year.
As always, my top/bottom films are subjective. What worked for me might not have worked for others. I always welcome healthy discussion if y’all want to talk about this year in film more!
Honorable Mention (in no particular order) : A Quiet Place, Widows, Colette, Incredibles 2, Annihilation, Blaze, Thoroughbreds, Cam
15. Three Identical Strangers
What begins as a joyous documentary celebrating three brothers who didn't know about each other until college, quickly delves into intrigue and ultimately heartbreak. It's a bizarre story that will seem made up.
14. Game Night
A pleasant surprise and maybe one of the better studio comedies to come out for quite a while. Rachel McAdams is a pure delight, as is a scene stealing Jesse Plemons.
13. First Man
Ryan Gosling is incredible in such a subtle way. Chazelle puts you right in the cockpit with the astronauts, which adds a very claustrophobic nature to the film that I quite enjoyed.
12. Bad Times at the El Royale
Colorful characters, well paced, and well written film that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Jeff Bridges gives one of his best performances in a long time. Also can Cynthia Erivo be in everything? Such a major talent.
11. Leave No Trace
A heartbreaking film with two powerhouse performances. I wish more people were talking about Ben Foster for his performance. It also announces a major new talent in Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie. Debra Granik is great at finding young female talent (She gave Jennifer Lawrence her first leading film role).
10. If Beale Street Could Talk
A slow, beautiful film about love with a story that is very relevant today, despite the James Baldwin book it's based on being written in 1974. The performances are excellent, with the standouts being Regina King and Brian Tyree Henry.
9. Won't You Be My Neighbor?
I spent the majority of this film in tears. Fred Rogers was an incredible man and this documentary was a fitting tribute and an uplifting film for the times we live in.
8. First Reformed
A career best performance by Ethan Hawke wrapped in a thought provoking story about faith. This film isn't for everyone but those willing to stick it out will be greatly rewarded.
7. The Favourite
The film features a trio of delightful performances from the leading ladies as well as unorthodox cinematography and Yorgos Lanthimos's first foray into comedy.
6. You Were Never Really Here
A film that really sticks with you well after it's over. Joaquin Phoenix is terrifying in the role and director Lynne Ramsay makes some bold directing choices. She deserves more award attention for her work.
5. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
I really enjoyed this movie! Not only is it a stunning animated feature, it's well written and has staggering character depth. Run out and see this if you haven't already!
4. Cold War
Joanna Kulig is a delight and should be getting way more attention from awards than she is. Shot in gorgeous black and white, the movie covers a lot of ground, spanning maybe 10-15 years in only 85 min, but still tells a fulfilling love story.
3. American Animals
Part documentary, part re-enactment, this film engrossed me the entire way. Featuring great performances, this simple, true art heist film has quite a few tricks up its sleeve.
2. Eighth Grade
This film wrecked me. Bo Burnham brought a fantastic maturity to a story about an eighth grade girl. Elsie Fisher, in the lead role, is a heartbreaking delight, as is Josh Hamilton as her dad. I can't say enough positive things about this film.
1. Blindspotting
The energy in the film is undeniable and features two star making turns, one from Daveed Diggs and the other from Rafael Casal. The film also features some stunning imagery that really sticks with you. A thought provoking film in every sense and I was floored the entire time.
And now the bottom five:
5. Venom
A real "turd in the wind" (actual dialogue from the movie that I can't help but think was a moment of self awareness). Incoherent and filled with many baffling plot holes. Not even enjoyable in a bad way. Tom Hardy should fire his agent.
4. Robin Hood
Jamie Foxx couldn't even save this movie. A bland attempt to modernize Robin Hood that rips off music and plot elements from The Dark Knight. Could have been saved if it could have put together fun or coherent action scenes.
3. Holmes and Watson
Such a disappointment considering the talent involved. All the jokes were painful and felt like first draft material with many missed opportunities. Also, how do you put Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan in a movie and not give them any scenes together?
2. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
There was a lot that I hated about this movie, which mostly stemmed from where J.K. Rowling has decided to take the story. A final "twist" didn't help and left me very angry.
1. Sorry to Bother You
I haven't had such a negative reaction to a movie since Interstellar. A bizarre and off-putting film that’s not as hip or inventive as it likes to think it is. Things really fly off the rails once Armie Hammer shows up, all leading to one of the worst endings I've seen in a long time.
And that's my list! As always I welcome discussion and look forward to hearing what people think!