Top 5 Films of 2018

Top 5 Films of 2018...

Braden White

As it goes when making an end of year list a full two months after the year ended is that everyone has already moved on from 2018. The ship has sailed, come back and left again on this one. Even the Oscars almost beat me to the punch, an award's show so far behind that up until 2019 it didn't air until 1/4 of the way through the following year. The only reason to still work on a "best of the year" list at this point isn't to celebrate 2018, but rather to encapsulate it. To leave a reminder for down the line of where my perspective on film was at the time. So here are the top five films I enjoyed the most, was most captivated by, most affected by, and/or appreciated the most of 2018:          

#5 Avengers Infinity War

Marvel/Disney©

From an unapologetic critic of Marvel movies, it feels a little strange to place the culmination of a decade of box office domination and meticulous universe building on my list of favorite films of the year. Especially since their other two offerings of 2018 were amongst their most painfully mediocre to date. Maybe its the quick pacing necessitated by the huge cast. Maybe it's the way the diversity of personalities and powers takes full advantage of the idea of a cinematic universe. Maybe its the smart decision to focus the film on the villain you've been building up for six years. Or maybe it's the guts to end a film killing off half of your cast scarring the millions of children who aren't aware of their certain return. I don't know but, it made me thoroughly indulge in a franchise as associated with the term "overrated" as it is with "box office record". 

#4 Eighth Grade

A24©

Bo Burnham is something special. Whereas the transition from standup to movies usually goes along the lines of bland, forgettable, and childish comedy sitting comfortably in the 20-40% range on rotten-tomatoes (a la Kevin Hart). Burnham instead chose to step behind the camera crafting the most genuine and heartfelt film of the year. The "childish comedy" is reworked to be a witty and relatable dive into the horrors of middle school, ditching the screaming and physical tormenting of your main star in the search for cheap laughs (a la Kevin Hart). Most remarkable is the way a 28-year-old man wrote the most accurate dialogue of any 13-year-old shown on film. Hitting the perfect balance of awkwardness, desire to be popular, and "like" without harming the film by coming off as irritating ...(a la Kevin Hart). 

Full review here

#3 Isle of Dogs

Fox Searchlight©

My crush on Wes Anderson isn't one that I'd attempt to hide. The quirky characters and camerawork form a style that is distinctly his and for that, he earns a spot high up on my list of favorite directors working today. His first venture into stop motion, Fantastic Mr. Fox proved that his style could transition over, as well as pushed the art form forward in a way not seen since Burton in his prime. Given this, it only speaks to the quality of Isle of Dogs that it surpasses its predecessor in almost every way. The painstaking attention to detail shows in the crisper animation, characters, and sets. However, the film offers far more than just being good looking. Anderson crafts a heartwarming love letter to man's best friend with an insightful examination of language, culture, and communication. 

Full review here

#2 Sorry to Bother You

Universal©

Hitchcock believed that the director's job was to inject their personality into their films to make it their own distinct work of art. By this description rapper Boots Riley did his job flawlessly, as his directorial debut is undoubtedly his and only his. Sorry to Bother You proves very similar to Riley's discography: Drastic changes in tempo, high concept allegories, and quiet societal anger. The film tackles relevant social issues and race relations against a unique sci-fi backdrop with just the right amount of horse genitals. Weird is the best way to describe Sorry to Bother You, an example of the deviant beauty that comes with complete creative control. All this combines to create possibly the greatest film about telemarketing ever made. 

#1 The Favourite

Fox Searchlight

The Favourite is difficult to describe. I'm not sure where to begin with a film so excellent in every sector of filmmaking. The fantastic script has more than enough of Yorgos Lanthimos' eccentric wit, creating a story which juggles comedy, drama, and absurdity better than any film this year. From the first scene, it is clear this is a different kind of period piece. Lanthimos has no interest in portraying real people or real events but rather uses the 18th century England setting and for its lavish sets and costumes while mocking the aristocracy the whole time. Olivia Coleman gives possibly the best performance of any actress this year. Stone and Weiz were also phenomenal, blurring the line between hero and villain in a battle of wits within a society where everyone is gunning for either power or sex. Then there's the unique and inspired cinematography, which should serve as a textbook example of how to still produce continually innovative shots despite being confined to the same few rooms for most of your runtime. It's great to see Lanthimos get some attention while also confirming that he is well adept at handling bigger projects. It's my clear pick for best film of the year and its success was an all too rare jolt of optimism within the film industry.