The Blu-ray Community Top 25 Films of 2018 (Please Read 1st Post)

[blu blood]

Originally Posted by stvn1974

I saw three films in 2018 so I won't be contibuting but I am curious of what I missed and should check out so I will be checking the thread often.

You can watch 17 movies between now and 2/28

[LaughOGram]

1. Green Book
2. Avengers: Infinity War
3. The Other Side of the Wind
4. Roma
5. Bohemian Rhapsody
6. The Favourite
7. Burning
8. Mowgli
9. If Beale Street Could Talk
10. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
11. Isle of Dogs
12. Shoplifters
13. Cold War
14. Vice
15. First Man
16. Blackkklansman
17. Ant-Man and the Wasp
18. Black Panther
19. Aquaman
20. The Party’s Just Beginning
21. Leave No Trace
22. Mission Impossible - Fallout
23. Bad Times at the El Royale
24. Mandy
25. A Star is Born

[Hucksta G]

1. Suspiria
I loved this but I can totally understand why someone wouldn’t. My kind of messed up. Loved the historical (or is it?)context to the film as well, always enjoy films set in Germany during the time of the Berlin Wall. And Thom Yorke’s music...beautiful. Looking forward to some rewatches. Hopefully this at least gets nominated for sound design.
2. Hereditary
I can already see this film becoming a victim of its own hype. While it didn’t live up to the scare hype for me, it was a far different film than I expected, and an excellent one at that. I’ve never felt so emotionally connected to a horror film. Colette deserves all the praise she’s getting. Reminded me of a 70s style psychological horror.
3. BlackKklansman
A different film than was advertised I think, but all the better for it as it caught me off guard, I should have known, being a Spike Lee joint. Very powerful stuff. Intriguing story. Terence Blanchard is one of the great composers, love hearing a new score (and familiar scores) from him. Loved the film’s style. Makes me want to do a Lee retrospective.
4. Minding the Gap
Probably hyperbole but I don’t care - the most human documentary I’ve ever seen. It felt so honest and unjudging.
5. First Reformed
Feels like an instant classic. Hawke better be in the conversation come Oscar time because that’s a performance for the ages, same for the script.
6. Burning
Another classic piece of South Korean cinema. Beautifully shot and a great score. I gots to thinking about it more after the film had finished and added half a star. Looking forward to a rewatch.
7. Mandy
Wow, what a fun experience. Probably the score of the year. Some may find the style and pacing a hinderance but others (much like myself) will lap it up. Some of the shots of Cage’s face toward the end gave this an extra half star. Saw it in a smaller theatre, would have loved to have seen it with a bigger crowd on a big screen. Some of the bad reviews I have seen obviously weren’t familiar with Beyond the Black Rainbow.
8. Roma
Beautiful, mesmerising, subtle and heartbreaking. Has to have the best cinematography of the year. You really feel for Cleo.
9. Lean on Pete
That was right up my wheelhouse (is that a saying?) Very sad and heartfelt and brilliantly acted by all involved. My wife said it felt long but I think it was necessary.
10. The Favourite
Brilliantly bizarre. Excellent performances from all involved. Fun characters. Loved the dialogue.
11. Isle of Dogs
I loved every minute of this. Funny, well made and heartfelt. Very Wes Anderson, who I think is one of the most consistent directors working today. It was maybe a bit unfair to cats but I’ll let it slide.
12. American Animals
Impeccably put together and brilliantly acted across the board (though I wouldn’t expect anything else from Keoghan and Peters, both of whom I hope to have bright futures). Soundtrack was on point too. Didn’t expect to like it this much, probably my biggest surprise of the year (film-wise).
13. We the Animals
Mesmerising to watch. Has a unique flow to it. Another contender for score of the year. I would have liked to have more character development of the supporting players.
14. Apostle
I love this kind of bonkers atmospheric horror film. The only thing that bugged me was I felt the score was over-used.
15. Overlord
The most fun I’ve had at a cinema all year. I had a big goofy smile on my face the entire time. Grabbed me from the start with its brilliant opening sequence and never let go, yet still had room for good character moments along the way. I hope this does well. I’d be surprised if it wasn’t a crowd pleaser. See this at a theatre with a great sound system - it’s worth it. It's war and horror film elements blend perfectly.
16. First Man
Very effectively made intense character study. Great cast. Gosling was on point (as always) and Foy was equally impressive (I need to watch The Crown). I found some of the close ups initially jarring but soon got used to it.
17. Private Life
Felt painfully honest and personal. Giamatti and Hahn knock it out the park.
18. Three Identical Strangers
I can see why Hollywood wants to make this, what a story! Lots in there to think about, there are a few things I feel were a little skimmed over.
19. You Were Never Really Here
I really dug this but definitely not a film for everyone, I can understand people not liking it as it’s quite a messy (the best kind) and ‘artsy’ film. Very well made and acted, with a great score. Star rating could go up on repeat viewings, there’s a bit to unpack in there.
20. Shoplifters
I love this kind of ethically murky stuff in films. Slow and quiet but always had my attention. Each character was interesting. Some of it didn’t seem to ring true and there was some exposition dialogue that holds it back a little. But still a great film and worthy of all the praise coming its way, hits hard and I had to wipe a tear or two away at the end.
21. The Rider
Gorgeously shot and beautifully performed. In lesser hands this could have been terrible but Zhao has made something really sweet and heartfelt here without ever being corny or falling into melodrama.
22. Upgrade
That was a lot of fun, pretty sure it’ll gain cult status. Loved the score.
23. Leave No Trace
Foster gives a heartbreaking career best performance in a career full of excellence. Promising breakthrough performance from Mackenzie Harcourt, I imagine she has a solid career ahead of her. The film felt very unjudging and human. Always Nice to see Dale Dickey pop up!
24. Capernaum
An absorbing but depressing look into a very different life from my own. The kid actors were all excellent.
25. Annihilation
Atmospheric and creepy af. Production design and cinematography are top notch. Also what a great score. I hope this gets a physical release because I’d definitely like to own it. Reminded me of an Aronofsky film. They did a good job of balancing the feeling of a dream v a nightmare. Some weak spots in the script hold it back from getting a higher rating.

5 Runners Up
Alpha
Vice
Sorry to Bother You
El Angel
The World is Yours

Dropped Off Because Don't Qualify
Climax
Dogman

Dropped Off After New Additions
Alpha
Vice
Sorry to Bother You

Five Movies I Still Need to See in Order of Preference
The House That Jack Built (probably won't be able to see this before deadline - March release in NZ)
Eighth Grade (possibly be able to see it before deadline - only cinema that seems to have this is a 10 hour drive away)
Mid90s (probably won't be able to see this before deadline - no release date)
If Beale Street Could Talk (probably won't be able to see this before deadline - March release in NZ)
Vox Lux (Hopefully will be able to see this before the deadline. 21 February release)

Will be updated up until the deadline, let me know if something doesn’t count ��

[StarWarsIsAwesome123]

1. Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
2. Avengers: Infinity War
3. Mission: Impossible - Fallout
4. Aquaman
5. Deadpool 2
6. Incredibles 2
7. Creed II
8. Solo: A Star Wars Story
9. Venom
10. Bumblebee
11. Ant-Man and the Wasp
12. Upgrade
13. Black Panther
14. Overlord
15. Ralph Breaks the Internet
16. A Quiet Place
17. Skyscraper
18. Rampage
19 The Meg
20. Ready Player One
21. Maze Runner: The Death Cure
22. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
23. The Commuter
24. Sicario: Day of the Soldado
25. The Grinch

[Adcatalano]

2018 Rankings (in order):

1. A Quiet Place - absolutely perfectly crafted pop-horror
2. The Night Comes For Us - possibly the most brutally violent movie I’ve ever seen
3. Assassination Nation - wonderfully cynical and has one of the best long takes ever
4. Hold The Dark - the best snowy set horror movie ever made
5. 22 July - tragic and fascinating
6. Deadpool 2
7. Avengers: Infinity War
8. The Polka King
9. Paddington 2
10. Arizona
11. Upgrade
12. Halloween
13. Hell Fest
14. Bipolar Rock N Roller
15. The Ritual
‪16. Mission Impossible: Fallout‬
17. Ant-Man and the Wasp
18. Teen Titans Go! To The Movies
19. Love, Simon
20. I Kill Giants
21. Den of Thieves
22. LEGO Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis
23. Cam
24. Incredibles 2
25. ‪Sicario: Day of the Soldado‬

[CelluloidPal]

My Top 25:

1. They Shall Not Grow Old
Peter Jackson brings the past back to life and delivers an WWI doc unlike any that's been done before and it's pure cinematic bliss.

2. A Star is Born (2018)
Bradley Cooper delivers a masterpiece in his directorial debut. Top notch performances all around plus an awesome soundtrack adds to what is an emotional powerhouse of a film.

3. Upgrade
Despite its low budget, this is a flat out sci-fi action masterpiece, pure and simple.

4. Overlord
An intense Nazi zombie flick that's pure unadulterated (and well done) action horror entertainment and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

5. Paterno
A magnificent film from start to finish and a return to form for Al Pacino, delivering one of the best performances he's given in a long while.

6. The Death of Stalin
A witty, cleverly done and razor sharp satirical dark comedy that's delivers many, many good laughs thanks to a strong ensamble cast.

7. Free Solo
A jaw dropping documentary about free solo climber Alex Honnold that not only serves as a true nail biting, edge of your seat outdoor adventure but as a portrait of an truly unique and complicated human being.

8. Searching
An excellent and clever hybrid of a techno-mystery/thriller and a family drama. It was engaging from start to finish full of suspense, twists and turns and a large amount of heart. Excellent performances from John Cho and Debra Messing.

9. Vice
Adam McKay uses the same storytelling technique he used for The Big Short with success to make a clever and thoroughly entertaining film about former Vice President Dick Cheney.

10. Mission: Impossible-Fallout
A great ride and among the best in an action franchise that amazingly remains consistent in its awesomeness.

11. Ready Player One
A true return to the old school Spielberg flicks we all know and love with all the excitement, humor and touching moments that'll make you well up. A total blast.

12. Isle Of Dogs
Quite imaginative and innovative and in true Wes Anderson style. Despite some heavy themes and dark elements, it was a still a joy to watch.

13. Teen Titans GO! To The Movies
Like Deadpool 2, it plays like a parody of the superhero genre and like Deadpool 2, it had me laughing so hard and it had cleverness and heart to go with it.

14. First Man
Engaging and enthralling from start to finish. Not a dull moment anywhere.
Just as great of a film as The Right Stuff and Apollo 13.

15. Chappaquiddick
A well made and well acted political drama that's engaging and riveting with an great performance by Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy plus some really good dramatic work from Ed Helms and Jim Gaffigan.

16. Bad Times at the El Royale
A phenomenal Tarantino-esque potboiler with no dull moments to be found. Jeff Bridges and Cynthia Ervio are the highlights among the other excellent performances here.

17. Can You Ever Forgive Me?
An fascinating true story turned into a even more fascinating movie with Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant delivering career best level performances.

18. A Quiet Place
A high class and effectively minimalist creature feature that uses its sounds or lack thereof, in this case to ratchet up some major tension and suspense.

19. Game Night
A rare mainstream comedy that's actually clever, witty, creative and funny and didn't rely on lazy, raunch humor for its laughs, thanks to a great cast that brought it all to life. A true comedic surprise.

20. Alpha
One of the year's most underrated movies. A simple yet intriguing and effective story with the feel of the old school Disney wilderness survival films. Credit to director Allen Hughes and crew for taking a shot and going for something unique and different here.

21. Deadpool 2
Neat action, lots of really funny, funny moments from start to finish and a surprisingly nice amount of heart as well but still manages to be good parody of the genre. One of the few sequels that surpasses the original.

22. American Animals
A unique, fascinating and well crafted heist film. Uses narrative form and documentary form in order to tell the story and it worked very well here.

23. The Guilty
This is what Brad Anderson's The Call should've been. A slow build but it slowly builds the tension and grips you all the way to the finish line.

24. Three Identical Strangers
This astonishing and outright haunting doc is one that's better going into sight unseen as it heightens its impact on the viewer.

25. Halloween (2018)
While not perfection, David Gordon Green and Danny McBride delivers a strong sequel worthy of the original 1978 classic.
They managed to make Michael Myers a real Boogeyman once again.

Honorable mention:
Hell Fest

Movies I didn't get to before the deadline:
The Favourite
BlackKKlansman
Paddington 2
First Reformed
The Old Man and the Gun
Unsane
A Private War
Vox Lux

[Sector Drone]

1. The Night Comes For Us
2. Avengers: Infinity War
3. Ready Player One
4. A Quiet Place
5. Overlord
6. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
7. Upgrade
8. Deadpool 2
9. Revenge
10. Annihilation
11. Solo: A Star Wars Story
12. Den of Thieves
13. Adrift
14. I Kill Giants
15. BuyBust
16. The Lodgers
17. Mission: Impossible - Fallout
18. Tomb Raider
19. The Ritual
20. Sicario: Day of the Soldado
21. Hereditary
22. What Keeps You Alive
23. Halloween
24. The Great Battle
25. A Simple Favor

[imsounoriginal]

My Top 25 Films of 2018

1. Avengers: Infinity War

While easy to dismiss as simply the latest big-budget sound-and-light show, Avengers: Infinity War is a stunningly well-made crossover event that deftly blends characters and storylines from multiple franchises into an exhilarating and emotional two-and-a-half-hour spectacle. In a banner year for Marvel Studios, Avengers: Infinity War not only validated their 10-year gambit, it shows that the studio that revolutionized the industry in 2012 isn't done setting new records and placing higher goals for itself. This was the most complete moviegoing experience of 2018.

2. Three Identical Strangers

I'm not sure I can put into words what this movie did to me on so many levels. To borrow a cliche, it's a roller coaster. Not just narratively, although it's certainly that, but on an emotional and psychological level, Three Identical Strangers puts you through the wringer and leaves you thoroughly drained, heartbroken, and disturbed. I felt physically ill by the end of it. This is a legitimately great movie, documentary or otherwise. And this is a movie that demands to be seen blind; no trailers, no reviews, nothing. Just watch the damn thing.

3. A Star is Born

Who would've guessed that the fourth remake of A Star is Born, with both a first-time director and a first-time "Star," would end up being this good? Take away the fantastic music and you've still got a powerhouse melodrama that's brimming with passion and angst. That it's a little rough around the edges (Ally's meteoric rise to the top seems almost too quick, and the third act is arguably rushed) is almost part of the charm. Bradley Cooper cares about one thing: boring through the cynical shell we as a society have placed around ourselves to tap into something deep and soulful. This is a movie that hurts, and I mean that in the best way possible. I loved every minute of A Star is Born.

4. Solo: A Star Wars Story

Speaking of cynicism, perhaps nothing in all of moviedom engenders cynicism these days more than Star Wars. I'm not gonna get into yet another debate about how well the franchise is doing under Disney's stewardship, or which of the movies are even any good in the first place. All I know is that for a franchise that's been (both at-large and for me personally) up-and-down in so many ways, Solo restored my faith in a galaxy far, far away. Fun characters, quirky dialog, narrow escapes, bittersweet victories, charming romance, and some of the best (if most controversial) photography of the year, Solo is probably the most purely entertaining and rewatchable movie of 2018.

5. Widows

The best thriller of the year, bar none. I love when auteur-minded directors decide to go genre. We've seen what can happen when David Fincher decides to make a B-movie (Panic Room) or adapt a trashy beach read (Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl). Here, we have Gillian Flynn adapting a BBC miniseries under the helm of Steve McQueen, who takes the opportunity to ask questions about race relations, gender politics, the relationship between political establishments and underserved communities, and a host of other topics -- all wrapped up in a tense, violent, and unforgettable thriller. Of all the movies this year not to get an Oscar nomination, this one stings the most.

6. Black Panther

What can I possibly say about this movie that hasn't already been said? This is a tremendous movie by any standard, superhero or otherwise, and another proud addition to the growing MCU catalog.

7. Green Book

An endlessly charming movie, even if it does perhaps take too facile an approach to a very touchy subject (I'm not gonna call racism "complex," it's not complicated to not be racist). A lot of mainstream cinema in 2018 tackled racism; Green Book wasn't the best or worst, but it's perhaps the most accessible. If movies can bring people together, I hope that's what Green Book does.

8. BlackKklansman

It's nice to see Spike Lee return to form with BlackKklansman. While the ending is a bit too on-the-nose and an early college rally goes on a bit too long, this is an otherwise incredibly tight and well-told story, equal parts thriller and dark comedy, with a disturbing amount of truth to speak about where we still are as a country in terms of our treatment of racial minorities. This was among the bigger surprises of the year for me.

9. The Old Man & the Gun

If this is to be Robert Redford's final outing in front of the camera (and the ending seems to suggest as much), then it was a hell of a way to cap off one hell of an acting career. A lot of movies this year felt like throwbacks to a simpler time, when storytelling was less cynical and audiences were willing to just be entertained for a couple of hours. The Old Man & the Gun is one of them, a sweet and funny thriller about the Over-the-Hill Gang in the early 1980s.

10. The Kindergarten Teacher

Netflix made it a point in 2018 to drastically increase the quality of their original movies. While that's yielded some good results (most famously, Roma), The Kindergarten Teacher was an under-the-radar surprise for me that I hope more people check out. The movie stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as a New York City-based kindergarten teacher who discovers that one of her students is a prodigy; when she repeatedly fails to make the child's parents understand that the kid's gifts should be cultivated, she decides to take matters into her own hands, leading her down a road of questionable moral and, eventually, legal choices that threaten both herself and the child. Both an introspective character drama and a tense thriller, The Kindergarten Teacher defies easy classification and easy answers. It's well worth the time.

11. Isle of Dogs

Can Wes Anderson please just devote himself entirely to stop-motion animated films? I mean seriously, the man's two-for-two now with this and Fantastic Mr. Fox, and while I've mostly enjoyed his live-action ventures, there's something about animation that lends itself more naturally to Anderson's idiosyncratic style. Full of dry wit and charm, Isle of Dogs reminded me that while I've mostly lost interest in animated movies, Wes Anderson's name being on one should automatically make it a priority.

12. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Didn't get the hate with this one, I thought it was a blast. A slight improvement over the already-good Where to Find Them, the sequel manages to be both darker and breezier. Yes, there's a lot of seed-sowing for future installments, and the movie doesn't really accomplish much narratively. But it's a fun and light-footed adventure that offers enough moments of Rowling's signature magic to make it work. Curious to see if the Extended Cut makes much of a difference for better or worse.

13. Ready Player One

I grow increasingly sure that we'll never get a great video game movie. But a great movie about video games? Well, we've had some of those, and Ready Player One is among the best of them. Then again, did we expect any less from Steven Spielberg?

14. Annihilation

Maybe a tad overrated, but I don't blame Annihilation's most ardent supporters for fawning over it as they do. It's rare we get sci-fi like this anymore, so the temptation to call something like Annihilation a new masterpiece is high. It's a very good movie, a thought-provoking trip led by a hell of a cast and showcasing even more of Alex Garland's directing prowess. I still prefer Ex Machina to this (Arrival too, which shares some similarities with the first reel or so of Annihilation), but I can't wait to see what he does next.

15. Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Shh, no one tell Tom Cruise that CGI exists. The first Mission: Impossible to be helmed by a returning director, Fallout shows McQuarrie still struggling (or just not caring) to craft a coherent story for Ethan Hunt and his band of merry spies. But unlike Rogue Nation -- which blew its action load early and had neither a strong enough story nor a strong enough villain to make up for it (despite Rebecca Ferguson doing her damndest) -- Fallout sets a new standard for action filmmaking while bringing back some well-chosen elements of previous Missions to add an emotional touch the series hasn't had in over a decade. If Fallout is the price we had to pay for MustacheGate, it was worth it.

16. A Quiet Place

A fun little thriller that took me by surprise. Between this and A Star is Born, 2018 was a good year for actors-turned-director from Pennsylvania. Oh wait, John Krasinski isn't actually Jim Halpert. My bad.

17. Beirut

I love spy movies and I love political thrillers, so I had a good feeling about Beirut. While it won't go down as a genre classic, the movie has enough intrigue and a strong enough cast to make it worth checking out. And it's nice to see a movie about a region/conflict that we don't often see.

18. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

I'm not sure if I understood The Ballad of Buster Scruggs at the end of its six amusing, violent, and weirdly melancholy vignettes. I'm not sure I was really supposed to. But that's kinda what the Coen Brothers do, I guess. I thought the Zoe Kazan one was best, while the Brendan Gleeson one didn't do much for me.

19. The Favourite

What a weird movie, not that I'd expect any less from Yorgos Lanthimos -- even if this is easily his most accessible English-language feature. Sort of a cross between Foxcatcher and Bridesmaids, The Favourite takes an Amadeus-like approach to historical re-enactment, favoring absurdist anachronism over staid fidelity because it understands the tale it's telling isn't one that's tied to a specific time period. Themes of jealousy, desire, and resentment have always been around, and always will be. The Favourite will likely win a host of awards this year that highlight its superlatives as a costume drama, but it's so much more than that. And Emma Stone should've been nominated as the lead actress; this is also arguably her best work yet.

20. Roma

Easy to admire and respect, but I never really engaged with it. It may very well win Best Picture (and a slew of other categories) at the Academy Awards, and I won't complain. I'd understand that artistry like this is more important now than ever because of how rare it seems to be (at least in mainstream cinema). I just wish the movie grabbed me the way it apparently has for so many others. Oh well.

21. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The most minor of the three 2018 MCU releases (and yes, pun very much intended), Ant-Man and the Wasp is little more than a fun and relatively unambitious reminder that, well, Ant-Man still exists. After the epic cataclysm of Infinity War, Marvel hit us with some breezy fun and a new kickass heroine to help lead the MCU into its next Phase. Their ability to shake things up like this and still keep audiences invested in the larger MCU narrative would be so much more widely appreciated if Marvel didn't make it look so easy.

22. Halloween

I'm by no means a hardcore Halloween (or even horror movie) fan; I've literally only seen the three movies titled "Halloween" and, despite owning a copy of Halloween II, I still haven't bothered to watch it. But I'm surprised that so many of the hardcore Halloween fans are "meh" on this one. I thought this was a perfectly good movie, a slasher with enough reverence for the original but enough modern touches to bring in new fans, which I think is all it was ever really meant to do. But where they go from here, I have no idea.

23. The Wife

Little more than a showcase for a legend (Close), but damn, does she take every single moment and knock it out of the park. A good example of one actor/performance being enough to elevate an otherwise fine-if-unexceptional movie. I guess that's what an Oscar-winning performance ought to do (though as much as I like Close and have for years, I think Gaga deserves the award this year).

24. Sicario: Day of the Soldado

I was one of those that never particularly liked 2015's Sicario. While Deakins can do no wrong and Del Toro deserved an Oscar nod, the movie as a whole managed to be a weird mix of pedantic and shallow, belaboring points about America's War on Drugs that had been made for the better part of 20 years already. So color me surprised to find that Day of the Soldado largely eschews the pointless pontificating of its older brother, opting for more straight-forward, action-driven popcorn fare. It's still far from perfect, mainly because of a third-act "he's dead but not really dead" development that nearly sinks the entire operation, but the tension and performances are more than enough to make up for any narrative deficiencies (which reportedly aren't even the fault of writer Taylor Sheridan anyway).

25. Bad Times at the El Royale

A glossy Tarantino homage that throws an interesting collection of reprobates together and lets the pieces (and bodies) fall where they may. I was apprehensive about this after Goddard's The Cabin in the Woods did nothing for me, but Bad Times at the El Royale is an enjoyable little romp. It lacks the staying power of its obvious influences, but as far as slick cinematic junk food goes, you could do a lot worse.

Movies I didn't get to see before finalizing my list:

[Show spoiler]If Beale Street Could Talk
Cold War
Creed II
At Eternity's Gate
First Man
Free Solo
The Mule
Outlaw King
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

[Creed]

Reserved.

[Damon1281]

1. Avengers: Infinity War #3
2. The Green Book #22
3. Mission: Impossible - Fallout #1
4. Ant-Man and the Wasp #41
5. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
6. Mary Poppins Returns #37
7. Alpha
8. Black Panther #14
9. Overlord #39
10. Bad Times at the El Royale #25
11. Deadpool 2 #20
12. The Mule
13. Aquaman #5
14. The Meg
15. Venom
16. The Equalizer 2
17. Instant Family
18. Annihilation #4
19. Red Sparrow
20. Mortal Engines
21. Bumblebee #31
22. The House with a Clock in Its Walls
23. A Simple Favor
24. Mandy #26
25. The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs #35
    

[Comicman494]

1. Mission: Impossible - Fallout
   

   My favorite film of the year is rarely the indie darlings or awards-bait that gets Film Twitter in a panic. I'm a spectacle film kind of guy, and there may be none better than Mission: Impossible - Fallout. I was hesitant when McQuarrie was announced to return. I really liked this series as a directorial sandbox, and I wanted to see what a fresh talent could bring. Not only did cast and crew top the previous effort however, they took the series to new heights, literally and figuratively, even besting Ghost Protocol, itself one of my all-time favorite action movies. Any sequence in this film is worth being discussed for years to come, but the bathroom brawl takes the cake for me, and not just for that iconic Henry Cavill fist reload. Sharply written and tightly plotted, Fallout accomplishes a mission most impossible, as this long-in-the-tooth franchise has never felt more exciting. I hope it never ends, but I also hope it ends here. Hands down, my favorite theatrical experience since Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and the most sure I've been of my #1 pick since that film.

2. Avengers: Infinity War
   

   Eighteen films. Ten years. "An entire universe...once and for all." The cinematic event I've been waiting to see my entire life. Marvel changed the landscape of superhero movies and Hollywood in general six years ago with The Avengers, driving everyone to the cinematic universe at the cost of nearly everything else. But what those studios still haven't quite grasped is that it worked for Marvel because they made sure we were devoted to the main players first. Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, these were all B- and C-list characters that became movie stars almost overnight thanks, in large part, to perfect casting. And Marvel did that again, and again, and again, and yet again. And now they reap the rewards. Infinity War is 2.5 hours of Comic-Con injected into your bloodstream, a huge, sprawling splash page of everyone's favorite superheroes, including freakin' Spider-Man! In the MCU! Talking to Star-Lord, man! Countless rewatches later and I still can't believe this thing exists in my lifetime. By flipping the script on who the main character of these movies can be and how they're supposed to end, Marvel has once again changed the superhero movie. However The Decimation is resolved, one thing's for sure: their universe, and ours, will never be the same.

3. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
   

   I wrote once that I find Spider-Man 2 to be the definitive Marvel movie, most representing the type of storytelling that has come to define the brand for several decades. I still think that's true. But with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse we have what could be the definitive Spider-Man movie. By placing Miles Morales, rather than Peter Parker, as the protagonist, this film more than any in Spidey's cinematic history is able to explore and reaffirm the core tenet of why the character has endured for over fifty years. Spider-Man isn't just one of us; he's all of us.

4. Black Panther
   

   Infinity War is the cinematic event of the year, but here is the cinematic event of a generation; a generation of people ready to see themselves as the hero in a grand, expensive mega-blockbuster. Although even that's not accurate, as millions from every generation, even those who have never seen a comic book movie, attended the coronation of Wakanda's newest king. The highest-grossing solo superhero smash in history, Marvel has once again turned an unknown (to casual audiences) character into a global superstar and a pop culture icon. And Ryan Coogler, fresh off the lightning-in-a-bottle Creed, has once again crafted a deeply personal and important film out of a franchise play and cemented himself as one of the definitive directors of the 21st century. Wakanda doesn't just represent a never-before-seen movie world, but a whole new world for the millions of people whom you can sense just witnessed their new favorite movie this past February. In 20 years, filmmakers will be discussing how Black Panther birthed their love of cinema. Quite simply, the impact of this film cannot be overstated.

5. A Quiet Place
   

   I think this is the year in which I finally admit to myself that I outright love the horror genre, and this film is what finally pushed me over the edge. The second time in as many years an actor known for TV comedy delivers a knockout horror/thriller. It accomplishes what the best of horror does: spins knuckle-whitening thrills out of our everyday struggles and fears. In this case, a family's fight to continue after an unspeakable tragedy becomes a literal battle for survival in what has to be one of the strongest premises in recent memory. Grief is only powerful if you give it power by hiding from it. Only by embracing the pain, the sound, by finally speaking about it, do you have a fighting chance. One of my favorite theatrical experiences of the year; five minutes in, we'd all given up our popcorn, our drinks, anything that could make a sound. Any film that demands that kind of respect from an audience has earned its place in my Top Ten. A stripped-down thriller that works as perfect entertainment and a universal truth.

6. Bad Times at the El Royale
   

   •soundtrack
   •villainous Chris Hemsworth
   •Dakota Johnson

7. Creed II
   

   You were never going to top the original Creed, let’s just get that out of the way. Star-making turns from Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson, a performance for the ages from Sylvester Stallone, and amazing direction from Ryan Coogler proved not only does this once-retired franchise have plenty of gas left in the tank, but with new voices behind the wheel, it could feel as fresh as Rocky did decades earlier. The sequel always faced an uphill battle then, but the returning cast and newcomer director Steven Caple, Jr. have spun gold out of one of the silliest fan-fic premises imaginable. In fact, it’s the relationship between Ivan and Viktor Drago that stands as the surprise knockout, told almost exclusively through silent vignettes. Jordan and Thompson once again prove to be total OTP material (holy shit Bianca performing Donnie’s intro could be my scene of the year). The fights can’t quite compare to the last round - those long takes in Creed are a thing of beauty - but they’re still visceral and heart-pounding. This film understands at its heart, this isn’t a franchise of boxing films, but of very human dramas that happen to have boxing. I hope we get one of these every three years for the rest of time.

8. Aquaman
   

   I’m still trying to gain my footing after the dizzying assault on the senses that is Aquaman. You won’t find any proclamation here that Aquaman is finally cool, as he’s always been one of the coolest superheroes ever, regardless of the jokes. What’s not amazing about being able to physically manipulate 70% of the earth and communicate with some of the most powerful and awe-inspiring creatures in existence? And now, he has the huge film he deserves. Director James Wan and company have crafted not a new universe, but several of them. Every scene contains images we’ve never seen on screen before, and each feels more sprawling, more overwhelmingly gigantic than even Infinity War or Star Wars. In fact, I really felt like I was witnessing the second coming of that franchise, as Aquaman takes decades of pulp influence and turns it into something fresh, something that will inspire the imagination for millions of kids for years to follow. And by casting Jason Momoa, who certainly doesn’t match the standard physical portrayal of the character, the film finds a perfect entry point into the heart of a story of a king born of two worlds. He’s terrific, bringing exactly the right mix of roguish charm, dudebro charisma, and honesty to the role. Amber Heard is right there with him, ever the more capable and intelligent match. I loved their relationship; it’s probably my favorite in a superhero movie since Steve and Peggy. I have no idea how Wan could ever create a bigger sequel to this movie, but hot damn I cannot wait to find out. He should probably rest though, I can’t imagine how exhausted he is, I’m tired just from watching the thing.

9. A Star is Born
   

   If I’m a spectacle guy, I’m also a hopeless romantic, and it doesn’t get more romantic, or more hopeless, than A Star is Born. Ally and Jackson’s early courtship is some of my favorite romance ever. The easy, relaxed chemistry is infectious. Watching beautiful people exchange cute dialogue is like my drug, and I was high as a kite. It all crescendoes with the stunning first performance of Shallow, and while the film does peak there, I was already strapped in for the emotional roller coaster with no intention of getting off. Cooper delivers a remarkably assured directorial debut, quickly establishing himself as one to take seriously behind the camera, following close behind someone like Ben Affleck or Jordan Peele in that regard. Lady Gaga crafts Ally as one of the most authentic women I’ve seen in a romantic movie, confident and nervous, someone who knows what she wants but bends for the person she loves. One of my favorite moments was when she told Jackson she won’t come find him again after another bender, it’s one and done. That’s born out of a real love but also of someone who understands you can only stretch so far for someone else if they won’t meet you halfway. My only question, why is everyone acting so surprised that one of our most talented and theatrical performers can act? Y’all didn’t see that coming? With a killer soundtrack to boot, A Star is Born is a devastating romance that will resonate for years.

10. Blockers
    

    Here’s yet another directorial debut of a voice fully formed right out of the gate. What Kay Cannon has crafted isn’t just the latest Apatow sex comedy, though it’s certainly born from that generation. Instead, what we have is an honest look at young women on the brink of adulthood, and their parents who can’t reconcile that this stage of their work may be done. What are they preparing their daughters for if not this very moment? The comedy here is only a set up for some truly touching and emotionally honest payoff. Leslie Mann may be the definitive modern comedy mom and Ike Barinholtz reigns in his zany shtick to the perfect degree, but John Cena stands out as a true comedic force, and we should take him seriously as such. All three young leads deserve to be stars, too, but I think it’s Gideon Adlon who most stands out for me. I loved that all three were so different from each other, yet each absolutely felt authentic. It’s almost like, when you have multiple female characters, they aren’t saddled with representing a film’s view on an entire gender. One of the funniest movies I’ve seen in years, Blockers is a progressive, charming, and startlingly real look at sex and parenting. Give Kay Cannon all the sex comedies, and please watch this movie.

11. The Hate U Give
12. Won't You Be My Neighbor?
13. Love, Simon
14. I, Tonya
15. Bird Box
16. Incredibles 2
17. Widows
18. Annihilation
19. The Death of Superman
20. Vox Lux
21. Blindspotting
22. Beautiful Boy
23. Thoroughbreds
24. The Wife
25. Searching

[Trollhunter]

1. First Reformed
Hawke's thoroughly captivating performance undoubtedly ranks near the top of the list of his accomplishments as a actor.

2. Eighth Grade
If you want to relive the eighth grade this is definitely the movie to do it with.

3. Black Panther
A much deserved shout out to the women of the film – Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright and Angela Bassett for their characters that are critical to the film’s success. Also to one of the great villains in Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan. Wakanda Forever!

4. BlacKkKlansman
BlacKkKlansman is Spike Lee's most effective film since Do the Right Thing; and one of his best films to date.

5. A Star Is Born
Cooper's passionate directorial debut is beautifully acted and well shot, making it the best cinematic version to date of this heartbreaking story. My favorite moment, I could describe it in detail, but I’ll just let you watch the movie instead. All together now: I'm off the deep end! Watch as I dive in! I'll never leave the grooooound!

6. Hereditary
One of the most original and flat-out electrifying horror flicks to come around in awhile. Toni Collette's truly tormented performance should've been a serious contender for Best Actress this year.

7. Annihilation
Spellbinding, eerie and disturbing, all in good ways. Annihilation is another better-than-average sci-fi effort from director Alex Garland.

8. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
A beautifully animated, rousingly entertaining family movie that is laugh-out-loud funny. Easily this became my favorite animated film of the year.

9. Sorry to Bother You
Boots Riley, making his directorial debut here, an ambitious effort full of big ideas, unexpected twists and a compelling performance from Lakeith Stanfield featuring a supporting cast with strong performers like Terry Crews, Danny Glover, and Armie Hammer.

10. You Were Never Really Here
The script may be a touch confusing at times. But Lynne Ramsay's directorial approach is impressive, providing several thoroughly striking sequences making this movie one-of-a-kind experience. Along with the eye-catching visuals from cinematographer Thomas Townend and the outstanding score by Jonny Greenwood.

11. A Quiet Place
One of the big reasons for its success was the magnificent Emily Blunt's engaging lead performance in a strong contender for one of the 21st century's very best scary movies.

12. Mission: Impossible - Fallout
Mission: Impossible – Fallout brings together its usual talented group of actors, led of course by Tom Cruise in an impressive installment (a strong candidate for the best of the series) in this continuing series, that's rife with thrilling, eye-popping action sequences - including a brutal and electrifying bathroom brawl, an amazingly tense Halo jump, and a climactic helicopter chase that's nothing short of jaw-dropping.

13. Widows
The women at the center of the film were truly stellar and compelling, including Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo.

14. First Man
First Man is underrated to say the least, and I really cannot understand why. Thanks to Josh Singer's skillful script, Linus Sandgren's beautiful cinematography, and Gosling and Foy's excellent performances, First Man is a intimate, visceral biopic worth seeking out.

15. Won't You Be My Neighbor?
A touching tribute to Fred Rogers, a remarkable man who reminded generations of young children that they mattered and that they were loved. The film is an emotional and nostalgic experience for adults like me who grew up watching Mister Rogers. There's no such thing as a perfect human being, but there's no denying Rogers came pretty close.

16. Mandy
Mandy is a film containing one of the best performances by Nicolas Cage at his most unrestrained and brilliant in years.

17. Green Book
Mortensen and Ali both give fabulous performances in this feel-good road-trip drama that's part buddy comedy, part history lesson, and part social commentary on friendship and race.

18. Avengers: Infinity War
My favorite moment, in an unspoilery way, I'll named the scene as The Snap. Those who have seen the movie know why. It's the critical moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

19. Isle of Dogs
Alexandre Desplat is one of a favorite film composers, He’s responsible for some of my favorite scores of the past 20 years, including The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Shape of Water. But for me, he’s never better than when he works with Wes Anderson. His music is perfect for Wes Anderson’s animated films; Fantastic Mr. Fox and now 2018’s Isle of Dogs will join it as one of the great soundtracks for Anderson’s notable filmography.

20. Suspiria
This film has powerful, unsettling imagery and a tour-de-force performance from Tilda Swinton.

21. Crazy Rich Asians
Shout out to Michelle Yeoh. She not only deserves recognition for her wonderful career, but in Crazy Rich Asians, she is awesome and knocked it out of the park. Her character may have not been everyone's favorite, but you understood why she was the way she was.

22. The Hate U Give
This is one of the rare adaptations that does right by its source material, offering a powerful exploration of race, racism, and activism.

23. Searching
this mystery thriller is superbly constructed, emotionally satisfying and John Cho in the lead role is amazing.

24. Incredibles 2
A highly successful, action-packed superhero sequel that was worth the wait.

25. Game Night
The movie featuring scene-stealing appearances by folks like Michael C. Hall, Chelsea Peretti, and, in a performance that is a consistent highlight, Jesse Plemons.

[Sozo]

1. Avengers: Infinity War
2. A Quiet Place
3. Mary Poppins Returns
4. Spider-Man Into the Spiderverse
5. Ready Player One
6. Searching
7. Ralph Breaks the Internet
8. Incredibles 2
9. Mission Impossible Fallout
10. Creed 2
11. Aquaman
12. Can You Ever Forgive Me?
13. Black Panther
14. Solo
15. Annihilation
16. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
17. Beautiful Boy
18. Sicario Day of the Soldado
19. BlacKKKlansman
20. Christopher Robin
21. Eighth Grade
22. Alpha
23. Paddington 2
24. Isle of Dogs
25. Tag

[Darth Marcus]

My Top 25 of 2018

1. Mission: Impossible - Fallout




2. First Man




3. A Star Is Born




4. Avengers: Infinity War




5. Paddington 2




6. Mary Poppins Returns




7. BlacKkKlansman




8. Incredibles 2




9. Hereditary




10. Isle of Dogs




11. Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind




12. First Reformed




13. The Favourite




14. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse




15. Black Panther




16. Widows




17. A Quiet Place




18. Roma




19. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs




20. Eighth Grade




21. Vice




22. Green Book




23. Deadpool 2




24. The Death of Stalin




25. Bad Times at the El Royale






Still Need to See:
If Beale Street Could Talk, You Were Never Really Here, The Rider, Leave No Trace, Ralph Breaks the Internet, The Mule, Won't You Be My Neighbor, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Cold War, and Lean on Pete

[thelittleprince]

1. Avengers: Infinity War
2. Black Panther
3. Green Book
4. The Favourite
5. Roma
6. Solo: A Star Wars Story
7. A Star is Born
8. Bohemian Rhapsody
9. Aquaman
10. Ready Player One
11. Annihilation
12. BlacKkKlansman
13. First Man
14. Destroyer
15. Hereditary
16. Halloween
17. Deadpool 2
18. Crazy Rich Asians
19. Mary Poppins Returns
20. A Quiet Place
21. Leave No Trace
22. Eighth Grade
23. Beautiful Boy
24. Sorry to Bother You
25. A Simple Favor

[nashcameronn]

Reserved! Still need to try and see as much as possible before putting together my list.

1.) Bad Times at the El Royale
2.) Ready Player One
3.) Avengers: Infinity War
4.) Hereditary
5.) Mission: Impossible - Fallout
6.) American Animals
7.) Mandy
8.) Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
9.) Black Panther
10.) Overlord
11.) Revenge
12.) Annihilation
13.) Game Night
14.) Ant-Man & the Wasp
15.) A Quiet Place
16.) BlackKklansman
17.) Aquaman
18.) Thoroughbreds
19.) Creed II
20.) Hot Summer Nights

[LegacyCosts]

I'm impressed we got the divisive Mother on last year's list. Awesome!

[Skrazem]

1 Sorry to Bother You
2 Avengers Infinity War
3 Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
4 Incredibles 2
5 Assassination Nation
6 Isle of Dogs
7 Paddington 2
8 Annihilation
9 Eighth Grade
10 Ready Player One
11 Three Identical Strangers
12 Mid 90s
13 Deadpool 2
14 Vice
15 Solo
16 Halloween
17 Black Panther
18 RBG
19 Mandy
20 Tully
21 Searching
22 Bohemian Rhapsody
23 Oceans 8
24 Super Troopers 2
25 First Reformed

[The Debts]

Originally Posted by LegacyCosts

I'm impressed we got the divisive Mother on last year's list. Awesome!

It's the Aronofsky charm, mate.

[LegacyCosts]

Originally Posted by The Debts

It's the Aronofsky charm, mate.