Top Films of 2018

Let’s first start with great films of 2017 that I didn’t see until 2018 that deserve mentioning.

All the Money in the World – Christopher Plummer and Charlie Plummer (no relation) are both fantastic in this film based on the true story about the Getty family. Riveting.

Columbus – One of the most aesthetically beautiful films I’ve ever seen. Every shot could be a photo to hang on your wall. Plus there is a great story here with great performances. This is one to check out for sure.

Molly’s Game – another film based on a true story about high stakes poker in New York. Loved it.

Landline – a quiet family dramady with Edie Falco and John Turturro. If you are looking for something light and off the beaten path.

Super Dark Times – coming of age film, kind of River’s Edge, kind of Mean Creek, and it’s dark.

OKAY, 2018 the Best films I’ve seen this year. The top ten in no real order.

1. Lean on Pete – Charlie Plummer (a name to watch) stars in a story about a boy and his horse. It’s heart wrenching stuff.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lean_on_pete

2. White Boy Rick – based on a true story of a 14 year old kid turned FBI informant, growing up in 1980s Detroit poverty. Matthew McConaughey’s best performance since Mud/Dallas Buyers Club. It’s dark, sad, and one of the best films of the year. “We are lions.” It haunts me.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/white_boy_rick

3. American Animals – docudrama told by the players themselves, this fascinating film about bored white kids trying to pull off an art heist. I found it captivating.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/american_animals

4. Annihilation – Imagine John Carpenter’s The Thing, but set in Maine with an all-female cast. This is a smart movie that will leave you thinking.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/annihilation

5. Puzzle – A housewife learns she is really good at doing puzzles and she meets someone who is also really good at doing puzzles. It’s a drama. It’s really good. Watch it.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/puzzle_2018

6. Under the Silver Lake – Reminded me of The Player, Burn After Reading, to name a few. There is homage to Hitchcock, Film Noir, and films of the 30s, 40s, and 50s. It’s a stoner comedy with the backdrop of a mystery set in the Hollywood Hills. I had a lot of fun with this one. If you like old movies and own a twisted sense of humour, check it out.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/under_the_silver_lake

7. First Man – Neil Armstrong goes to the moon. I was completely pulled in. I felt like I was in the capsule with him. As good as The Right Stuff or Apollo 13.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/first_man

8. Hereditary – My favourite horror film of the year. It’s a bit bananas. My hand actually covered my mouth during one scene – I was like, “Oh my God! I can’t believe they did that.” They did.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hereditary

9. Revenge - #Metoo on steroids. This is what should happen when you rape a girl and leave her for dead (not that you should be doing that obviously). This is a film Tarantino would have proud to have made. It’s way over the top and bloody as all hell, and I absolutely loved it. (female director Coralie Fargeat)
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/revenge_2018

10. Mission Impossible: Fallout – I can’t believe this made my top 10, but it did. I fell out of love with the Mission Impossible franchise a few films back. This one is as good as any of the Bourne movies or as good as any of the great Bond films. It was non-stop action and I was always on the edge of my seat. Impressive. It’s hands-down the best action picture of the year.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mission_impossible_fallout

The 2018 Honour Roll

All of these movies could easily be in somebody else’s top ten. They would be part of my top 22 of 2018 and worth your time.

First Reformed, Blackkklansman, A Prayer Before Dawn, Sorry to Bother You, Three Identical Strangers, RBG, You Were Never Really Here, Mandy, Eighth Grade, The Endless, Green Book, and The Old Man and the Gun