Hi there followers. Well, another year has come and gone. We are officially on day 365 of 2018. This year was full of highs and lows but overall the year was fun and memorable. The films released this year blew us away, broke our hearts, and shattered barriers and expectations. As we close the book on 2018 and look toward the New Year, let's reflect on some of the standout moments of the year and highlight my top 5 films of the year.
Top Takeaways of 2018
2018 marked a historic year for people of color and other demographics. A number of films were incredibly well received and acclaimed like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians while other movies delivered on drama and heart like The Hate U Give and Love, Simon. Almost every demographic was well represented in fan-pleasing films that showed that the people involved in good storytelling can be any shade and any gender.
10 years of storytelling resulted in one of the most incredible years for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From the groundbreaking phenomenon of Black Panther, the monumental event of Infinity War, and the light-hearted antics of Ant-Man and the Wasp, Marvel had a year to remember as they prepare to usher in a new erase for the franchise here's to many more years.
It's weird to say that an entire fanbase has been spoiled with incredible content but that is the case with fans of the Spider-Man brand. From the incredible performance of Tom Holland in Infinity War, the surprising performance of Venom, and the animated masterpiece that is Into the Spider-Verse (not to mention the awesome Spider-Man game from PlayStation), the Web-slinger had a year to remember and gave longtime fans hope for the future.
Two of the biggest films of 2018 showcased stories of musicians and their journey to legendary status. From the crowd-pleasing biopic Bohemian Rhapsody to Oscar darling A Star Is Born, these cinematic experiences showcased amazing dramatic and musical performances that were felt the world over
Before I Announce My Top 5 Films, Here are My Top Five Honorable Mentions/Runner-Ups
Based on the popular novel by Ernest Cline, Steven Spielberg brought the world of the oasis to life in a wild ride filled with action, adventure, and mountains of nostalgia. In the end, Ready Player One delivered a fun dose escapism from one of cinema's most treasured storytellers
After the demoralizing events of Infinity War, Scott Lang swooped in to bring some sunshine to a world turned to ash. Building on the elements that made its predecessor memorable, Ant-Man and the Wasp was a worthy sequel that built on the first and became a fun-filled ride all its own. Now to figure out how a certain someone escapes the quantum realm?
Ralph came back and wreaked havoc in a new arena. Leaving behind the arcade, Venellope and Ralph took to the Internet and encountered new and familiar faces while testing their friendship. A hilarious and heartfelt movie that was every bit as funny as it was moving
The son of Adonis Creed stepped back into the ring for a second bout and rock audiences once again. Creed 2 pushed the story forward but emotionally challenging its characters while also delivering the goods in the form of intense and visceral boxing fights. The Rocky franchise is as strong as ever as it continues to thrill and deliver cheer-worthy moments that are always a knockout.
Full disclosure: in a movie about a superhero who swims underwater and talks to fish the signs don't really point to this being a standout movie. Despite all that, James Wan delivers is arguably one of the most entertaining superhero spectacles of the year in the form of Aquaman. Visually breathtaking and full of life in addition to Fast Pace visceral action and the Infectious Charisma of Jason Momoa, Aquaman is a crowd pleaser that is Wet n wild in all the right ways.
And Now Without Further Ado, Here are My....
Wakanda Forever
What more needs to be said for the cultural phenomenon that shattered barriers and defied expectations. Marvel Studios' groundbreaking installment in the MCU delivered a stellar predominately black cast, one of the franchise's best villains, and a socially relevant story and a message about the things we can accomplish if we all act as one Tribe. A cinematic event in every sense of the word and a real high point for the ever-growing Marvel hero verse.
Simply Incredible
14 years we waited for one of the most beloved superhero films of the year. When we finally got it, it was a worthy follow up that had fast-paced action, great heart and expanded the world within it in such an effective way. It's rare that something you wait so long for is every bit as memorable as the classic. But simply put, Incredibles 2 is simply the definition of its title.
Destiny Arrives
The culmination of the 10-year history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was arguably the most anticipated movie of the year. Little did we know what we were in for. Epic scale action, high impact tension, and soul-crushing emotional carnage unheard of for a superhero movie. When the dust settled (too soon?), we were broken, shocked and rocked to the core. In the end, Avengers Infinity War is one of the most enthralling cinematic experiences ever put to screen. God only knows what the next chapter holds.
A Leap of Faith
Sometimes a movie comes along that changes the landscape of the genre. I never thought it would come from the Spider-Man portfolio. Sporting game-changing animation, grounded storytelling, and a sense of joy and awe all while sporting a style all its own, Into The Spider-Verse, is a masterclass of animation storytelling that reinvigorates the series and shows that what makes you different truly makes you Spider-Man.
Back To Life
The history of the live-action Transformers films has been marred with scrutiny and resentment. Constant disregard for what makes the brand fun and memorable are replaced with controversial and sometimes divisive decisions in addition to lack of heart and soul. Thankfully, Bumblebee comes in as the God-sent antithesis to the previous installments. Still maintaining the explosive action the series is known for but with the addition of a heartfelt story and a structured plot, this prequel spinoff is The Cinematic Transformers experience fans have been waiting for. Needless to say that this movie indeed has all the touch and the power.
