2018 was a year full of new turns on classic formulas, from uncompromising political comedies such as 'Blackkklansman' and 'Sorry to Bother You', to the under the skin horrors of 'A Quiet Place' and 'Hereditary' and the much anticipated 'Avengers: Infinity War', many of these films took something we were familiar with and then added a whole new ingredient, making us want more from the type of stories we want to hear.
Please be aware that this list is based on UK release dates, some of these films came out earlier in other territories. This list is based on my own personal preference and I am in no way in saying one film is 'better' than the other.
As with every year I am unable to fit every film I want into a top ten so here are my honorable mentions which didn't quite make the list.
Please be aware that this list is based on UK release dates, some of these films came out earlier in other territories. This list is based on my own personal preference and I am in no way in saying one film is 'better' than the other.
As with every year I am unable to fit every film I want into a top ten so here are my honorable mentions which didn't quite make the list.
Honorable Mentions:
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The Top 10 List:
10: A Quiet Place
When I go and see horror films in the cinema, I am usually cautious about the audience who is in the screening, the genre unsurprisingly attracts many teenagers who have no sense of how to behave in the church of cinema. This film made them all shut up and sit completely still. From the first ten minutes this film grabs you into a vice, violently shakes you and never lets you go until the credits roll. Playing on our sense of sound the film makes you pay more close attention to what we are seeing, making the scares that much more immersive and real. Easily my favorite horror film of the year.
When I go and see horror films in the cinema, I am usually cautious about the audience who is in the screening, the genre unsurprisingly attracts many teenagers who have no sense of how to behave in the church of cinema. This film made them all shut up and sit completely still. From the first ten minutes this film grabs you into a vice, violently shakes you and never lets you go until the credits roll. Playing on our sense of sound the film makes you pay more close attention to what we are seeing, making the scares that much more immersive and real. Easily my favorite horror film of the year.
9: Avengers: Infinity War
As echoed in my review, the MCU never made much of an impression on me until 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (2014), even still I have never looked forward to a Marvel release until this film. There isn't much to say about this film that hasn't already been said, but the way it connects it's story from each character arch is commendable as is their effort in writing an interesting and influential villain in Thanos. The end result is a film which puts far more emphasis on it's characters than attempting to create a spectacle for the sake of it. Ultimately a solid blockbuster film.
8: Incredibles 2
The first Incredibles directed by Brad Bird was a huge hit for Pixar Animation, not only did it make a lot of money, but it also drew quite the fan base, cut to 14 years later and finally the sequel is released, which proves that the best things are worth waiting for, no doubt that this was my favorite film of the Summer. This installment does what every sequel should do by further exploring the characters while creating a story which they learn to adapt more deeper ideas than in the previous film, while I do still believe the villain has a weaker motive than syndrome, the way the Parr family interact with each other feels surprisingly realistic despite the superhero spectacle of the film. Similar to Infinity War, this film is a character piece first and a blockbuster second.
7: The Shape of Water
Part Romantic Drama, part noir thriller, part science fiction, above all, Guillermo del Toro's 'The Shape of Water' is a love letter to cinema, so it's no surprise that it won the 'Best Picture' Oscar earlier this year. What I loved particularly about this film is that by using old fashioned techniques and storytelling it achieved in portraying beauty and romance in a hostile environment. Ticking the checklist of brilliant performances, memorable and meaningful characters, beautiful cinematography and outstanding production design, 'Shape of Water' delivers on everything you could want from a Hollywood romance and then some.
6: Lady Bird
Probably the most personal film on this list 'Lady Bird' is a coming of age story about a teenage girl who wants to escape her home city of Sacramento to find enlightenment. Funny, heart warming, dramatic and affectionate Lady Bird is a film full of characters which are identifiable and relateable, I can guarantee that you will of come across these people in your teenage years, perhaps you will even see yourself. 'Lady Bird' takes the coming of age formula and applies it with an age old message, one that is becoming more and more relevant with everyone in our times. A thoroughly enjoyable film which is worth repeat viewings.
As echoed in my review, the MCU never made much of an impression on me until 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (2014), even still I have never looked forward to a Marvel release until this film. There isn't much to say about this film that hasn't already been said, but the way it connects it's story from each character arch is commendable as is their effort in writing an interesting and influential villain in Thanos. The end result is a film which puts far more emphasis on it's characters than attempting to create a spectacle for the sake of it. Ultimately a solid blockbuster film.
The first Incredibles directed by Brad Bird was a huge hit for Pixar Animation, not only did it make a lot of money, but it also drew quite the fan base, cut to 14 years later and finally the sequel is released, which proves that the best things are worth waiting for, no doubt that this was my favorite film of the Summer. This installment does what every sequel should do by further exploring the characters while creating a story which they learn to adapt more deeper ideas than in the previous film, while I do still believe the villain has a weaker motive than syndrome, the way the Parr family interact with each other feels surprisingly realistic despite the superhero spectacle of the film. Similar to Infinity War, this film is a character piece first and a blockbuster second.
Part Romantic Drama, part noir thriller, part science fiction, above all, Guillermo del Toro's 'The Shape of Water' is a love letter to cinema, so it's no surprise that it won the 'Best Picture' Oscar earlier this year. What I loved particularly about this film is that by using old fashioned techniques and storytelling it achieved in portraying beauty and romance in a hostile environment. Ticking the checklist of brilliant performances, memorable and meaningful characters, beautiful cinematography and outstanding production design, 'Shape of Water' delivers on everything you could want from a Hollywood romance and then some.
Probably the most personal film on this list 'Lady Bird' is a coming of age story about a teenage girl who wants to escape her home city of Sacramento to find enlightenment. Funny, heart warming, dramatic and affectionate Lady Bird is a film full of characters which are identifiable and relateable, I can guarantee that you will of come across these people in your teenage years, perhaps you will even see yourself. 'Lady Bird' takes the coming of age formula and applies it with an age old message, one that is becoming more and more relevant with everyone in our times. A thoroughly enjoyable film which is worth repeat viewings.
5: FilmworkerStanley Kubrick will be the name which will get you into this film, but it is Leon Vitali's which you will leave with. A documentary film about one of the most humble and hardworking people in the film industry. Granted if the film industry doesn't particularly interest you than this film may not spark your interest, but to any aspiring filmmakers and film buffs, this is certainly a film worth seeing as it shows the truths of working in the industry as well as being a personal story of how two very different characters work together to create some of the most memorable and aspiring films of the 20th century.
4: Sorry To Bother You:
Boots Riley's scathing and uncompromising surreal satire is funny as it is thought provoking. Not to pander or preach his views Riley's story finds a balance of morality between Socialism and Capitalism. While some of accused Riley's film of having a anti-capitalist message, I believe the film creates an active debate between what the pros and cons are of each political stance. What makes this film stand out from other political films is just how sheer creative and entertaining it is. It's the funniest film I have seen this year and it's also one of the most bizarre.
3: Bad Times at the El Royale
With a cast of character actors, Drew Goddard's latest film is a cinema lovers dream featuring gorgeous nostalgic visuals, colourful performances and sharp dialog. Reminiscent of the 60's and 70's films that inspired it, this films hypnotic and witty charm has stayed with me for the past few months since I first saw it. This film manages to keep one step ahead of the audience and uses it's storytelling effectively to keep the tension building as we understand more about the characters. Like this year's theme, it feels familiar, but it's far enough removed to be a thrilling ride from start to finish.
Boots Riley's scathing and uncompromising surreal satire is funny as it is thought provoking. Not to pander or preach his views Riley's story finds a balance of morality between Socialism and Capitalism. While some of accused Riley's film of having a anti-capitalist message, I believe the film creates an active debate between what the pros and cons are of each political stance. What makes this film stand out from other political films is just how sheer creative and entertaining it is. It's the funniest film I have seen this year and it's also one of the most bizarre.
3: Bad Times at the El RoyaleWith a cast of character actors, Drew Goddard's latest film is a cinema lovers dream featuring gorgeous nostalgic visuals, colourful performances and sharp dialog. Reminiscent of the 60's and 70's films that inspired it, this films hypnotic and witty charm has stayed with me for the past few months since I first saw it. This film manages to keep one step ahead of the audience and uses it's storytelling effectively to keep the tension building as we understand more about the characters. Like this year's theme, it feels familiar, but it's far enough removed to be a thrilling ride from start to finish.
2: Three Billbords Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Martin McDonagh is known for his witty and morbid black humored writing and each film he has done has not only been hilarious, but also has engaging drama and memorable characters. I am pleased to say that his latest film could be his best yet. From the performances, story, dialog, characters, directing etc, every element works together beautifully to create a comedy drama which hits hard and stays with you. The most impressive feat is the way that McDonagh perfectly sets the tone for a film which is really a tragedy disguised as a comedy, a tone that I would imagine requires quite a few shifts, however this film transitions them beautifully. Not only that but each character from this assemble cast, even the smaller supporting roles; is fleshed out and feels interesting. 'Three Billboards' is a brilliant example of what you can do with a dark comedy and is a film which I hope will be remembered for years to come.
1: Coco Surprised? Well, it's the most deserving in my eyes.
A truly colourful and expressive vision of Mexican culture 'Coco' aims high and always seems to exceed it's grasp all the while keeping focused on a compelling story that is filled with pure emotion. The music is the driving focus of this story and Michael Giacchino's score and the musical soundtrack doesn't disappoint, the music and songs in this film really make it feel as if the film is leaping from the screen. I believe that 'Coco' is Pixar's most emotional film yet, trying to hold back the tears is a challenge for any grown adult, never mind children.
'Coco' is a truly fantastic film which is a heart warming and spiritual experience which will give both children and adults a new perspective on life and death, the virtues of following your passion and the value of family. A heartfelt message which I think we can all get behind.
Of course I haven't seen every good film this year, they're a good number of films which I've probably missed here, but these 10 films felt the most rewarding of all the movies I have seen this year.
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