Top 5 favorite movies of 2018

1) The Shape Of Water :

Way back at the beginning of the year Guillermo Del Toro released The Shape Of Water which bagged him the Academy Awards for both director and best picture and deservedly so in my opinion. The Shape Of Water is a movie unlike any other I saw this year. It is breathtaking, ambitious, romantic and incredibly engrossing. Sally Hawkins performance as a mute woman was absolutely immense and at times had me even forgetting that she was playing a character. Michael Shannon put in a powerhouse performance that even made me a little bit afraid of him. The visuals were amazing, the acting was amazing and overall The Shape Of Water was cinema at it's absolute finest in 2018. If you haven't seen the movie I highly recommend it as I give it my favorite movie of 2018.

2) Mission Impossible Fallout :

Incredible action set pieces and over the top stunts. What more could you want from a major blockbuster?? Tom Cruise and everyone else involved delivered one heck of a ride over the summer of 2018. And for my money Mission Impossible Fallout is the best in the series. Tom Cruise really put everything on the line as he was jumping from 20,000 feet, taking on traffic head on in Paris and even piloting a helicopter whilst being chased. It was absolutely thrilling and easily one of the best action movies of not only 2018 but the past few years. My only question is how is the Cruise Machine going to top it??

3) A Star Is Born :

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. What more is there to say really?? as A Star Is Born has been done multiple times by now but none I don't think have done it with such rawness and packed quite an emotional punch. With a resounding performance from Gaga as an aspiring singer/songwriter. And Cooper on amazing form as a singer who falls on some rough times as Gaga's star rises A Star Is Born is essential viewing and one that will have you emotionally drained once it's credits begin to roll.

4) Spiderman: Into The Spider-verse

Shifting it's main character away from Peter Parker to Miles Morales was an interesting choice for me but boy did it pay off. Into The Spider-verse was funny, fresh, exciting and much much more. A movie unlike any in 2018 and something that every fan of Spiderman should make sure that they see as for my money this is one of if not the greatest movie ever made involving the character. An epic movie on and even more epic scale. Check this one out!

5) Crazy Rich Asians :

Now this is one that really came out of left field. Telling the story of an Asian couple who travel to visit the guy's family only for his mom to deem his girlfriend not worthy of being his wife. Crazy Rich Asians was heartbreaking and heartwarming all wrapped into one. The performances were spectacular and the soundtrack that played behind it all was so good. Believe me when I say that this is a movie you really must watch. It's a chick flick (romantic movie) for sure but don't let that decide if you'll see it or not. As not only is it heartwarming and breaking like I said earlier it is also really really funny at times. Crazy Rich Asians is something I bet slipped under a lot of people's radar this year and is essential viewing.


Honorable mentions :

 I,Tonya :

Also released early in 2018 I,Tonya tells the story of Tonya Harding an Olympic figure skater played by Margot Robbie. Robbie put in her best performance to date in my opinion as the movie bounced from one period of Harding's life to another. The only thing I didn't like was how some of the actual ice-skating scenes didn't really look right as Robbie's face was digitally added to an actual ice-skater but other than that I couldn't really fault I,Tonya. It has some really good performances and teaches it's viewers some life lessons along the way. Highly recommended.

Tomb Raider :

Alicia Viakander brought Lara Croft back to the big screen in a really big and impressive way. Eclipsing the previous movies by a country mile in my opinion, Tomb Raider was a lot of fun as it followed the story of the newer games which worked to it's advantage as Lara is seen running, swimming and fighting for her life as she ends up on an island located within the Devil's triangle. With some heart pounding action and a really good portrayal of Lara Croft from Alicia Viakander, Tomb Raider is one of my favorite video games to movie in recent memory. Well worth checking out.

Tully :

One of the year's most underrated movies in my opinion, as Charlize Theron plays an absolute blinder as a mother struggling to cope with her children as her husband is constantly away. She strikes up a unique relationship with a nanny and as the movie goes on it all just unravels into something quite unique. Another movie well worth your time.

Bohemian Rhapsody :

With all those Queen hits you know and love Bohemian Rhapsody was lifted to new heights by an incredible performance by Rami Malek as the legendary Freddy Mercury. Add to that the shifting dynamics between the band over the years and one of the best soundtracks of the year and you have a real winner. Be sure to check this out if you can.

Bad Times At The El Royale :

Various people visiting a hotel practically in the middle of nowhere? each with their own secrets? Bad Times At The El Royale sports a really strong cast and is entirely interesting throughout. A tense and at times funny acted out mystery thriller Bad Times At The El Royale was one of the year's biggest surprises in my opinion.

Aquaman :

I know what you're thinking. It's no surprise a DC comics related movie makes the list?? well Aquaman really was something special. James Wan brought the character away from being campy and something that was laughed at as he and Jason Mamoa delivered a truly epic action/adventure movie set beneath the sea and above it. Visually stunning Aquaman is a must see for all DC fans and fans of action movies in general as it showcases the rise of Arthur Curry. The child of a lighthouse keeper and Queen of Atlantis. With some incredibly set pieces including the first on screen battle between Black Manta and Aquaman everyone involved here made a comic book movie for the ages and one that surely won't be forgotten anytime soon.

And there you have it. This list took quite a while to break down as there was so many amazing movies to choose from. 2018 has been a big year for movies of all genres and I'm happy to say it's been a successful one. Thanks to everyone who read my reviews throughout the year it really means a lot to me. I hope you continue to enjoy my work in 2019 and beyond.

- D.C.