2018, you sure have been an incredible adventure at the movies.
Whether you were into romantic comedies, chilling scares or watching your favorite superheroes vanish to dust (too soon? It’s okay, Avenger: Endgame is around the corner), there has been something for everyone.
Here are my top films of 2018…
10. Paddington Bear 2: At the very beginning of the year, one of my favorite childhood characters came back to life only to give us the most sweet-natured, cheerful and genuine family films of all time. Yes. The 100% on Rotten Tomatoes rings true. This film is beautiful with a colorful production and heartwarming story about acceptance. Not to mention, Paddington 2 provides us with Hugh Grant’s BEST performance of all time, and just for that becomes a top film of 2018.
9. Blindspotting: There have been so many powerful stories to share this year, but none felt as unique as Blindspotting. The storytelling blends comedy, wit and raw truth as it shed light on all the cultural injustices and imbalances of our society. The writing by Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal (who also star in the film) was honestly some of the best of the year.
8. Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse: If you’re looking for one of the most creative films of the year, I give you Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse. With bold and colorful animation, an entertaining story and spectacular superhero antics, this film is one of my favorite films of the season. If it doesn’t win the top prize for animation this year, I’ll riot.
7. Roma: I know I may have complained about its pacing, however, there is no doubt that Roma is one of the most beautifully crafted films of the year. And if you don’t believe me, look at the list of awards its already won (and will probably continue to as the season progresses). Director, Alfonso Cuaron’s story about house worker, Cleo, is raw, heartbreaking and emotional.
6. Blackkklansman: When the credits start rolling and the entire audience is still sitting in silence, that means there has been a significant impact. No film was as impactful, uneasy and entertaining as Spike Lee’s Blackkklansman. The film speaks volumes to our society, our politics and our world. Even if this one will sit like lead in your stomach and bother you for weeks, it is one of the year’s most masterful films.
5. Crazy Rich Asians: No film was as deliciously fun this year as Crazy Rich Asians. I’m not ashamed to share that I saw Crazy Rich Asians five times in theatres and loved EVERY SECOND of it. The highest grossing romantic comedy of the decade is not only sheer decadent joy on screen but smart, strong and progressive. It will have you cheering and then desperately wanting Peik Lin to take you shopping.
4. Widows: If there is one movie that deserved more hype this year, it is Steve McQueen’s Widows. Not only was this heist film complex and intelligent, but it was a lot of fun to watch on screen – complete with a powerhouse cast and twists around every turn. I am disappointed that Widows hasn’t been making an appearance during these recent awards, however, it doesn’t stop the fact that this spitfire of a film is incredible.
3. Black Panther: There are superhero movies and then there’s Black Panther. Beautifully created with engaging characters, strong political messages and incredible action, Black Panther is boldly taking the superhero genre to new heights. The journey to Wakanda and story of T’Challa taking his place as king is one of the most unique and entertaining films of not just the year but of all time. Black Panther is breaking boundaries and has not stopped momentum since it’s release in February gaining nominations at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. Oscars, here we come!
2. A Star is Born: From the moment we heard Lady Gaga belt in “Shallow”, I knew we were in for a wild ride. Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut of the classic Hollywood tale, A Star is Born, is a marvelous, powerful and heartfelt cinematic experience that you need to see to believe. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. And you’ll be singing its music for weeks.
1. The Favourite: With spitfire wit, exceptional storytelling, brutal characters and some of the best dance moves you’ll see all year, it’s no surprise that The Favourite takes the top spot for 2018. Yorgos Lanthimos’s award winning period piece is smart, relevant and wickedly entertaining. Because what could be more fun than characters outwitting one another to get what they want?
Honorable Mentions: Green Book, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, A Quiet Place, Avengers: Infinity War, Mission Impossible: Fallout
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