K.T Simpson
Everyone knows there’s nothing more I like than reviewing a crap film, but I’d much rather watch a decent one – and there were quite a lot in 2018! Unfortunately the hours in a day divided by full time work times by household chores, minus social life plus annoying the boyfriend = not enough time to watch every movie released in a calendar year.
That said, I’ve considered the movies I did get the time to watch, and put together a nice little list of my favourite films of 2018.
Bohemian Rhapsody – not going to top everyone’s list, but it will top mine for 2018. A Queen biopic that is beautifully executed. It doesn’t just highlight how incredible Freddie Mercury was, but also his bandmates. Loved it!
A Star is Born – ahh the tearjerker of the year. I’m not ashamed to admit I spent a good 30 minutes sobbing in my shower after this one. The music is incredible, the acting on point and Bradley Cooper nailed his directorial debut.
First Man – I’m surprised how much I enjoyed “First Man”, and felt it really did justice to Neil Armstrong’s story. I think we should all take a step back and recognise how significant it was to land man on the moon, way back in 1969 before technology was like it is today. Incredible direction by Damien Chezelle, also.
A Quiet Place – I love a good horror, and this is a great horror. Such a unique concept, and fabulous direction from John Krasinski, who also stars in the film alongside wife Emily Blunt. Sequel please?!
Boy Erased – a big surprise for me, going in blind and not knowing what to expect, and another newcomer to the directing chair with Joel Edgerton taking on the role – as well as acting. Despite being surrounded by a big cast, including Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe, Edgerton outshone the others in an emotionally powerful film.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout – biggest surprise of the year. What a film! Action, adventure and surprises from beginning to end. Perfect cast and definitely one of the best films of the year.
Black Panther – a superhero film that is SO much more than a superhero film!
Ralph Breaks the Internet – I don’t usually resonate with kids’ films (yes I’m one of THOSE people), so I was pleased to laugh my way through this one. Clever in so many ways, so much so that the YouTube generation will get a massive kick out of it.
Game Night – does anyone else just expect to hate certain movies, and then find it in their top 10 of the year? “Game Night” is that film for me – hilarious and we all love Jason Bateman.
Creed II – Rocky always brings the feels. “Creed II” is perhaps not as good as its predecessors, including “Rocky IV”, but it’s still a solid feel-good flick.
Of course with the good comes the bad, and given my odd enjoyment of trashing films that deserve it, here’s the worst of 2018 – note this is the author’s opinion only, so no hate mail please and thank you.
Holmes and Watson – top of the worst list. Absolutely pointless and unfunny, and I still haven’t worked out what that vegetable was. Write me please.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – just a mess of a movie. Probably only good if you love “Harry Potter”, but the storyline was messy and I still am not sure what Grindelwald’s crimes actually were?
Ocean’s Eight – to be honest I completely forgot I’d even seen “Ocean’s 8” this year. It was so forgettable, I couldn’t even remind you what the plot was. Snooze fest.
The Predator – had the makings of a good film, and for half of it – it was. But the latter half fell apart in a spectacular fashion and should never have made theatres. 2018’s biggest disappointment.
Life of the Party – I’d like to say Melissa McCarthy is better than this, but I’m not quite sure, she’s been in some stinkers lately.
Tag – the best part of “Tag” was the footage at the very end of the real Tag players.
I Feel Pretty – so cliche and passive-aggressive, I don’t think anyone in the movie realised it had the opposite effect of what it intended. I actually hate myself more as a woman having seen it.
Blockers – feels like everyone except me loved this movie. Oh god I hate teen comedies, and it was just crass and cliche.
When We First Met – did anyone else watch this, or was it just me? Alexandra Daddario stars with Adam Devine in some weird friend-zoned time travel monstrosity. Don’t waste your time.
Venom – I never expected to enjoy this, and I just didn’t. Again a bit pointless and over-contrived. However it killed it at the box office, so what do I know??
