Movies 2018
January
The Square- an
avant garde dark comedy that will make you uncomfortable in absurdist
situations.
In the Fade-
terrific performance by Diane Kruger anchors this sad tale of the aftermath of
a bombing that kills the husband and son of a German woman.
Darkest Hour-
Gary Oldman is sensational as Winston Churchill. Terrific historical film.
Call Me by Your Name-
beautifully filmed drama of first love and sexual awakening.
12 Strong- Very
exciting military drama based on a true story of our first response against the
Taliban after 9/11.
February
A Fantastic Woman- a remarkable and brave performance by
transgender star Daniela Vega anchors this powerful new drama from Chile
Black Panther- The latest Marvel superhero story is culturally significant
for it’s African American cast and strong roles for women. It’s a mash up of
Lion King, Star Wars and a little James Bond thrown in for good measure.
The Insult- terrific Lebanese about how a war of words can easily
escalate especially in a country torn apart by religion and politics.
March
Game Night- mindless escapist fun comedy with some really good
laughs.
Foxtrot- Mesmerizing Israeli drama about war, family, love and
grief.
Annihilation- A trippy sci-fi adventure notable for its all female
lead cast.
Isle of Dogs- Charming and utterly enjoyable stop motion film from
director Wes Anderson featuring an all star vocal cast and amazing animated
dogs.
April
Ready Player One- A frenetic sci-fi romp thru a virtual reality of
pop culture.
Beirut- A tense political thriller set in the volatile city of Beirut
Avengers: Infinity War- Well balanced with equal time for everyone,
it’s a true blockbuster.
May
The Rider- life meets art in this haunting and poetic contemporary
western.
Tully- Charlize Theron is excellent as an overworked mom with a
fairy tale nanny.
Deadpool 2- Still funny and still violent but lost its edge.
Life of the Party- Melissa McCarthy acting keeps improving but too
many jokes fall flat and the film takes no chances.
Solo: A Star Wars Story- The early adventures of Han Solo make for
a perfect “popcorn” movie. Fun and exciting.
Disobedience- Unusual love story set inside the Orthodox Jewish
community of London
June
First Reformed- A bleak drama from Paul Schrader with an incredible
performance by Ethan Hawke.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?-Wonderful documentary about Fred Rogers, the
pioneering children’s TV Host.
Ocean’s 8- High gloss and glamorous, this is a fun heist flick that
goes down easy like the summer cocktail it is.
The Incredibles 2- A terrific sequel that surpasses the original.
Great visuals, fun story with a positive message.
Hereditary- Interesting take on the haunted house/possession
formula with a few really creepy moments.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom- Same formula, different scenery but
who doesn’t love dinosaurs?
July
The Catcher Was a Spy- Paul Rudd and a great cast are wasted in
this rushed little know true story of WWII.
Leave No Trace- excellent chemistry between Ben Foster and Thomasin
McKenzie drive this film about a father & daughter living on the outer
fringes of society.
Woman Walks Ahead- Another great performance from Jessica Chastain
in this fact based story of the last days of Sitting Bull.
Ant-Man and the Wasp- action pack and very funny. Another hit for
Marvel.
Sorry To Bother You- a scathing social satire that is very funny
and very surreal.
August
Three Identical Strangers- a remarkable true story of three
brothers separated at birth that will ultimately anger and sadden you.
BLACKkKLANSMAN- Easily the best movie of the year. Spike Lee’s best
film in years is powerful, entertaining and clearly a wake up call to America
The Meg- Jason Statham vs. a 75 foot CGI shark…how can you not pass
this up?
September
Crazy Rich Asians- bland generic “Rom-Com” saved only by excellent production
values and its Singapore
The Wife- a tour de force performance from Glenn Close in this
power domestic drama.
Operation: Finale- a fine historical drama based on the true story
of the capture of Adolf Eichmann with excellent performances by Sir Ben
Kingsley and Oscar Isaac.
Lizzie- Excellent reimagining of the true story of Lizzie Borden.
It works on every level.
Old Man & the Gun- Robert Redford’s still got the twinkle in
his eye and is utterly charming in this true story of an senior bank robber.
October
Venom- Tom Hardy is a good choice to play the lead but the movie can’t
decide on its tone and is a bit of a mess.
A Simple Favor- A fun sexy mystery starring perfectly cast Anna
Kendrick and Blake Lively.
A Star is Born- Bradley Cooper is terrific as star and director and
Lady Gaga emerges as a real actress in this remake.
First Man- A remarkable account of Neil Armstrong and the race to
the moon. Ryan Gosling is outstanding.
The Sisters Brothers- An unconventional western featuring great chemistry
between Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly.
Wildlife- Interesting domestic drama from actor Paul Dano starring
an excellent Carey Mulligan and Ed Oxenbould.
November
Bohemian Rhapsody-terrific bio of Freddy Mercury and Queen starring
a perfect Rami Malek.
Outlaw King- Chris Pine stars in this blood and mud historical
adventure based on the life of Robert the Bruce.
The Girl in the Spiders’ Web- Lisbeth Salander as played by Claire
Foy, returns in a weak sequel.
Fantastic Beast: The Crimes of Grindelwald- the second in the
series build nicely from the first but is much darker in character and tone.
A Private War- Excellent drama about war correspondent Marie
Colvin, as portrayed by Rosamund Pike.
Boy Erased- Strong drama based on the true store of one boy’s
conversion therapy. Great acting by Lucas Hedges.
Widows- A “heist” film with surprising depth.
Green Book- based on a true story, this is a remarkable film and
one of the year’s best.
The Favourite- historical comedy/drama with wonderful performances
from Olivia Coleman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz.
December
Creed II- The inevitable and fairly predictable sequel still has
some thrilling boxing sequences.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs- Authentic and original, these six
western tales from the Coen Brothers are uneven. Boring at times and
entertaining at other times. Tom Waits story was the best and the only one that
was written from another source.
Shoplifters- A Japanese import about a “family” of shoplifters
living on the poverty line in Tokyo
The Mule- interesting plot but too slow
Bird Box- another post apocalyptic thriller but with a new twist.
If Beale Street
Roma- a beautifully shot and acted story of love, family and class
struggle.
Mary, Queen of Scots- Excellent performance by Saoirse Ronan but
otherwise a disappointment. Expected fireworks and got none.
Stan & Ollie- Tremendous tribute to the comedy legends with
drop dead perfect performances from Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse- Fun animated version of
Spider-Man freed from the constraints of live action.
Vice- Neither a comedy or a drama but almost a documentary, this is
the story of Dick Cheney’s rise to power. Christian Bale is excellent.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment