2018 is completely over and I am so glad because there is a lot of movies that sucked!
However, this past year we were blessed with films that defined the true beauty of cinema in more ways than imagined. As a result, I narrowed down the top ten films I believe were unique, enjoyable, and flawless.
First and foremost, you must know that this is my personal list, ranging from January to December. The films I believe rose to the occasion and surpassed my expectations. Meaning, a movie’s position on this list will not coincide with the rating it received in my review. Also, I did not review them all, so don't even worry about it! Lastly, you may disagree with the whole list, but trust me, I ensure you that these are all worth the watch.
So let’s get into it.
10. A Quiet Place
The first time I saw this film I hated it. I thought it was slow, long, and oddly enough boring. It’s 2018, why are we making silent films? Nonetheless, I unwillingly attended a second screening and was blown away. The intensity, the suspense, the thrill; it all balanced into one interesting experience that is memorable. John Krasinski directorial debut is a special one, and it surpasses previous and recent similar hits such as The Happening and Bird Box.
9. The Incredibles 2
The script alone shined the whole way through. The idea of enhancing characters such as Elastic girl and Jack Jack won over the hearts of many new and returning fans. Incredibles 2 was just as exhilarating as the first one with action scenes that demanded your eyes on the screen. Pixar never has an issue taking risks and I am so glad that they waited eleven years to tell the perfect story.
8. Searching
I came across this film just by fooling around on Google and I couldn’t be any happier. I read nothing but rave reviews and it did not disappoint. Being shown through computer screens and cellular devices, it’s nothing like I’ve seen before. At a certain point, the film reaches maximum intensity and I was left with my jaw dropped, wanting more. Parents and children can both learn a great lesson from this film, one that we must take heed of today.
7. Black Panther
History was made, and I was apart of it. Simple. There were moments where I was left with no words. This theater experience is probably something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
6. The Hate U Give
Following George Tillman Jr. as a director, I was hesitant about seeing this one because he created the wildly colorless film, Notorious. However, he did direct the southern classic Soul Food, so I did cut him some slack. The slack was far from needed because this film is spectacular. It is a motion picture solemnly created for the now; carrying steel emotions and clear messages. The Hate U Give is exactly the police brutality film we needed today, and don't underestimate it, because it packs a mean punch.
5. BlacKKKlansman
Created by one of my favorite directors Spike Lee, the anticipation for this film was at an all time high and I was not disappointed. He told a exclusive story with multiple elements that can come off as bit fictional but it is real, and it’s very well done. The clothes, the dialogue, and the last ten minutes is the epitome of “say what you mean to say”. Spike Lee’s message bleeds through every frame, slamming uncomfortable subjects from left to right and I loved every minute of it.
4. Green Book
This was the last film I saw in 2018 and it made my list in a heartbeat. It reminds me of 2011’s The Help. Completely different story, same feel-good premise. The history lesson on the actual green book is a great addition, but the true winner is the phenomenal performance by Mahershala Ali. When I can’t imagine anyone else taking on this role, then you know it was something special. Awards season here we come.
3. Upgrade
I have seen this film at least three times now and it still one of the most intense movies I have seen in the past four years. With extraordinary cinematography, this film takes sci-fi to a whole new level. We’ve seen human-like robots in indie films such as Ex Machina, and we’ve seen personality filled operating systems in award-winning classics like Her, but I don’t think we’ve ever meant a digital BEAST like stem. Without question, this film is the underdog of 2018 and it won’t be long until the word gets around that this is out. If you think you have the perfect movie for movie night, think again. Watch this immediately.
2. If Beale Street Could Talk
The next level of cinematography and storytelling is here, and it all includes the art of poetry. This film has some of the best performances of the year. The pace keeps you fully intrigued wondering how will it all unravel with hard-hitting scenes and strong dialogue. Regina King stole this one for me. She deserves every award one can throw at her. By the same token, this film's soundtrack is currently still on repeat. With that being said, I can now add Barry Jenkins to the top of my list of directors to look out for. He's just that good.
1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Today, I can still feel the rush from this film. It’s a masterpiece. It is the only film in 2018 that is truly flawless. The animation alone is worth the money, but the film demands respect bringing a marvelous story with impeccable characters. Miles received an exceptional introduction and I have no doubt that his sequels will choose the latter. I can watch this film over and over again and still laugh at the same jokes and cheer during all the action. Once this film gets going, it's moving high-energy from beginning to end and the excitement is just too real. Mark my words, this will be a classic.