This year I saw 120 new releases in the theater so, once again, I thought I would compile a list of my top ten of 2018. This list is a rather unusual one because it includes some unexpected choices but each one of these movies really resonated with me in one way or another (click the title to read my original review).
This movie was definitely the biggest surprise of 2018 because, since I wasn't a fan of the original, I didn't even plan on seeing it. The second trailer caught my attention so I decided to give it a chance. I am so glad that I did because I enjoyed this feel-good movie from the first number ("When I Kissed The Teacher") to the end credits ("Super Trouper"). I loved the charismatic performance of Lily James (who can really sing and dance) and Donna's story is actually quite poignant. Also, how can you not love Cher singing "Fernando?"
It is unusual for me to include an action/blockbuster in a year-end list like this but I really loved this movie. The action sequences are intense and unrelenting, including the much hyped HALO jump (which is spectacular), multiple car and motorcycle chases through Paris, a foot race across the roof of the Tate Modern, and an aerial helicopter chase through the mountains of Kashmir. It goes without saying that Crusie, who performs the majority of his stunts, is absolutely amazing in the action sequences but he also gives Hunt some unexpected vulnerability as he deals with the consequences of his actions in both the present and in his past.
8. Green Book
This is a movie that I liked more and more after thinking about it for days after watching it. The story is a bit formulaic but it works on the strength of the lead performances. Ali and Mortensen have great chemistry as their characters banter back and forth and it is a joy to watch them interact. I also really enjoyed the message of overcoming prejudices by getting to know someone who is different which is something that is very important to me.
This is a darkly comedic film in which a deeply flawed character eventually finds a sort of redemption (one of my favorite themes). Melissa McCarthy gives a brilliant performance (earning some early Oscar buzz), turning Lee into an incredibly sympathetic character despite her behavior. I liked the juxtaposition between Lee and Jack (Richard E. Grant) because Lee is misanthropic and difficult while Jack is full of charisma and charm. They have some fantastic dialogue as two lonely people who only have each other banter back and forth. I actually found the character of Lee to be refreshing in that she is unapologetic and I really enjoyed this film.
6. First Man
This is the very human story of Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) and his journey from a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base to be the first man to walk on the moon with the Apollo 11 mission. It is incredibly intense, putting the audience right in the middle of the action with Armstrong as he experiences the claustrophobia of being in a tiny space capsule, the jarring vibrations of lifting off, and the disorientation of being in space. I think this is a brilliant film and I am now in awe of what Armstrong and the other astronauts accomplished. I wish more people had seen it.
This film is a brutal portrayal of a man in torment with an incredible performance by Ethan Hawke that left me completely shattered. It grapples with ideas of despair and hope (I really struggle with the darkness in the world tight now and sometimes I lose hope) but the ambiguous ending can be interpreted as either damnation or salvation. It is brilliant because I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.
This film is incredibly powerful and thought-provoking. I had an almost visceral reaction to some of what I saw on the screen but I also laughed out loud in many places. Spike Lee does a masterful job in creating a film that is funny and entertaining but also has a definite message that is particularly salient for our times. I love John David Washington's riveting portrayal of Ron Stallworth and I love the idea that fighting hate needs to come from within rather than through violence.
I was completely blown away by my emotional response to this tragic love story. Bradley Cooper gives an incredible performance and I was particularly impressed by the fact that he co-wrote many of the songs and that he sings and plays the guitar live on screen. I've always respected Lady Gaga as a gifted musician despite her rather outlandish stage persona and she, as expected, gives a tour de force performance while on stage but she is also very believable in the role of a singer who doubts herself. It is an intimate portrait of two flawed characters that has a sort of redemption at the end.
I had a huge smile on my face while watching this heart-warming and whimsical movie about how Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) returns to help save Michael Banks and his family. Blunt and Miranda are absolutely delightful, the children are adorable, the songs are a lot of fun, the choreography is spectacular, and the visuals are stunning! It is practically perfect in every way and I suspect that I will watch this again and again whenever I need a dose of happiness in my life.
It should come as no surprise that this is my favorite movie of 2018! I don't know when I have been so emotionally impacted by a movie as I have been by this one. I know it has flaws but I love it so much. I love the music of Queen and I find Freddie Mercury's ultimate redemption (reconciling with his family, resolving his differences with the band, coming to terms with his sexuality, finding someone to love, and giving the performance of his life) to be so affecting and life-affirming. I also love Rami Malek's tour de force performance as Freddie because he not only captures his incredible showmanship in every staging of a Queen performance but he also brilliantly portrays his vulnerability. I am so impressed with Malek's passion for this role and everything he did to prepare for it. I continue to be so obsessed with this movie!
Honorable Mentions: You Were Never Really Here, Blindspotting, Leave No Trace, Eighth Grade, and The Death of Stalin.
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