Top 15 Best Movies of 2018 (So Far)
We have officially hit the halfway point of the year, people! It is now July and oh so many fantastic films have been released between January and June. There are surely many more to come, but since we are six months into 2018 (bear with me, I was supposed to post this in July), let's reflect as I express my top 15 best movies of 2018 (so far). I did a list like this last year, so let me do it again! Unfortunately, I can’t put several films I saw at Tribeca 2018 on here because... well, some haven’t been theatrically released or even picked up by a distributor yet.
15) Upgrade - Remember those nostalgic 80s action movies with ultra violent action and a narrative that was more complex than what it seemed on the surface? Well, horror-writer-turned-director Leigh Whannell bursts onto the scene in his directorial debut with this balls-to-the-wall sci-fi action thriller. Not only does the film look amazing, from the fight choreography to the futuristic setting, but it’s even more impressive once you realize that this was done on a small budget of 3 to 5 million dollars, whereas major studios would’ve spent nearly 100 million. It is downright remarkable. And since the film embodies so many relations to the upcoming “Venom” movie, we can always go back to this if that film ends up sucking. I mean as we speak, "Venom" is aiming for a PG13 rating while this is gleefully rated R so
14) Unsane - If you thought that only Sean Baker could make feature-length movies with an iPhone, it’s time to experience legendary director Steven Soderbergh. AND IT’S NOT ANOTHER HEIST MOVIE! Honestly, this movie came out of nowhere for me but I’m glad I didn’t skip out on it. This psychological thriller is intense, gripping, and is helmed by a powerful performance by Claire Foy (whom I’ve never seen in a film before). At first, you think the iPhone cinematography done by Soderbergh would come across as a gimmick but, surprisingly, Soderbergh utilizes it as a realistic layer of nuance.
13) Love, Simon - Queer cinema is in it’s renaissance period right now and one of the biggest game changers of the year is “Love, Simon” based on the book “Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” which I hear is not as good as the film adaptation. It is rare to hear that a film is better than its source material. Anywho, this modern day teenage coming-of-age comedy is charming, incredibly funny, romantic, and heartfelt from beginning to end. You rarely get PG-13 comedies that focus on a homosexual central character yet, for a major studio like Fox to distribute an amazing story like this, it is a nice, bold step for both Hollywood and the LGBT community.
12) First Reformed - Here is a movie I never got the chance to review, but it made an impact on me since my viewing of the newest feature to come from Paul Schrader. It’s coincidental that I got a chance to see this after watching one of his earlier written works in a film class of mine (and no, it was not “Taxi Driver”). This modern day variation of “Taxi Driver” (Schrader has personally admitted to me that each script comes from a version of “Taxi Driver”) starring Ethan Hawke is a haunting character study of a man pressured by his beliefs. The storytelling is incredible, the acting is phenomenal, and the finale is disturbingly powerful. Even though the digitally squared aspect ratio is a bit off-putting, “First Reformed” is a film you don’t want to miss.
11) Disobedience - Here is another film I didn’t get a chance to review. “Disobedience” is a queer romance film centered on a forbidden love between two religious Jewish women. Once one of them returns to mourn the death of her father, the romance blossoms yet again. What drives “Disobedience” to such a great ranking is primarily the storytelling and characterization of the performers Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Alessandro Nivola. Coming from director and Academy Award Winner Sebastián Lelio, who just won for his foreign film “A Fantastic Woman”, this drama doesn’t only tackle thought-provoking themes of religion, lust, and love, but at the core is a story about self identity and being free of who you are.
10) A Quiet Place - Jim from “The Office” has finally made his magnum opus film! After 2 attempts, John Krasinski finally knocked it out of the park with this sci-fi horror film/family drama that hits you:
The story is emotional, smart, and intensely gripping from beginning to end. It is one of those rare movies that makes you appreciate the beauty of sound design.
9) Isle of Dogs - Without a doubt there hasn’t been a better animated movie that had a brilliant, emotionally heartfelt story that matched it’s gorgeous animation. Believe me when I say I went out of my way to see Wes Anderson’s latest masterpiece, not once, but three times in the theater because of how in awe I was with both the story and animation. There are several movies that I can watch with the sound off and admire the artistry, effort, and work that was put into the production and “Isle of Dogs” is one of those movies.
8) Three Identical Strangers - Theatrical documentaries have become mainstream again and “Three Identical Strangers” is a huge reminder of why this format of filmmaking needs to be seen on a big screen instead of just your Netflix queue. This true story doc is a mind blowing spectacle that doesn’t only have you intrigued by the story of the triplets, but leaves you flabbergasted as it progresses. Go see this movie while it is still in theaters because this is a phenomenal story that needs to be seen to be believed.
7) Tully - Reitman and Cody. Name a better director/writer duo. I’ll wait. The powerful performances by Theron and Davis carry this movie with the help of Diablo Cody’s original script. From beginning to end you can detect Cody’s personal outlook on motherhood being poured onto the screen and expressed through her characters. With a love it or hate it twist that I thought was genius, “Tully” is one of the most authentic comedies of the year.
6) Black Panther - Do I need to explain how groundbreaking “Black Panther” is? Everyone is quick to point out the terrible VFX or the familiar “Lion King” narrative, but what makes “Black Panther” stand out amongst every Marvel movie are the relevant and incredibly social themes and impactful narrative that never ceases to present complex characters. This was the world's cinematic introduction to a fictional country that had people clamoring to be real, much like Hogwarts. For so much cultural influence that celebrates the Black community and a powerful message about inclusion, this superhero solo Marvel movie revolutionizes the status quo of superhero movies. You don’t just witness a sympathetic antagonist that you lowkey root for, but you also have said antagonist shape the perception of the hero by the end of the movie. We may be making Killmonger memes, but he has to be one of the best Marvel villains to date (yeah, even better than Thanos).
5) You Were Never Really Here - Finally, another film that I never had the chance to review, but this is something that has haunted me ever since viewing it and it left me wanting more. Lynne Ramsay knew what the fuck she was doing. If this had been placed in the hands of a male director, the violence and explicit material that is subtle would’ve been fetishized and over-the-top. It would’ve been seen as another “Taxi Driver” rip-off. Thankfully, through Ramsay’s intricate direction, the movie is a subtle and quieter New York noir that is powered through the storytelling and Joaquin Phoenix's performance.
4) Won’t You Be My Neighbor - While the film is mostly a standard formatted documentary, the subject himself makes this movie shine. In a world of hatred and aggression, Mister Rogers’ kindness just touches your soul and leaves you broken inside, but in a happy way. This doc doesn’t just serve Fred Rogers justice, but is a great education opportunity for the newer generation of people who had no knowledge of “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” especially those who grew up with cable and never heard of PBS Kids.
3) Leave No Trace - There’s an episode of “Animaniacs” where Slappy and Skippy go see a Bambi type movie called "Bumbi". Once Bambi’s mom dies, Skippy starts crying uncontrollably when it’s brought up. That is exactly how I am with the ending of this movie. Every time I think of it, I start bawling because of how poignant and mature it is for a PG movie. “Leave No Trace” is the second movie this year with a PG rating that was so moving, I’m ready to start campaigning for it during it’s awards season run. “Leave No Trace”? More like LEAVE NO TRACE OF MY TEARS AS I LEFT THE THEATER!
2) American Animals - Have you ever seen any of those ID channel mystery shows (don’t ask which specific show, they’re all interchangeable)? Think of “American Animals” as a theatrical version of an episode of one of those shows. The primary difference is that “American Animals” is extremely creative in it’s narrative format. That doesn’t only go for true crime films, but the biopic genre in general. The way this story is presented is mind-blowing in a way that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before in cinema. This is one of those films where it’s storytelling is the carrier of the movie and never ceased to surprise me all the way through. From it’s style, the crafty writing, and the performances. This is one of those movies that reminded me of why I love movies I begin with.
1) Paddington 2 - For me, the best movies are the ones that keep me smiling from beginning to end. “Paddington 2” is that movie. This sequel is fueled by nonstop charm, mesmerizing visuals, and the rarity where nearly everyone is not only likable, but lovable including the antagonist. It doesn’t go bigger or more extravagant, but remains as grounded as possible with having such a creative style mixed with wit and imagination from beginning to end. It doesn’t go for being a cash grab but being a fun and heartwarming sequel that doesn’t only stand on its own but also exceeds its already great predecessor. My smile never left once the film began and once it ended. "Paddington 2" is a sequel filled with childhood wonder that had me going back to the theater the day after.
Thus concludes my list of the best movies of 2018 (so far). What are your top 15 or top 10 movies of the year so far? Any films you would’ve liked to see on this list? Feel free to write in the comment section below!
