My Films of 2018

It’s been a fairly strong year for the big screen - the House of Mouse continues to assert its celluloid dominance and we’ve had some surprise hidden gems. One thing that’s not a surprise, is that there’s no signs of superhero fatigue, with no fewer than six costumed capers making the global box office top ten.
Here’s the seven films I most enjoyed in 2018:

7. Searching
Films and TV depicting our use of technology have often felt woefully or even hilariously inaccurate. Searching then, is a surprise hit that deftly captures the unique ‘language‘ we have with our phones and computers, as a father frantically searches the web to find his missing daughter. Told almost entirely through digital screen, it’s an innovative take on how we communicate and behave online, with a range of emotions told through what we type, and what we don’t.

6. A Star is Born
An unlikely pairing make for one of the year’s best dramas. This generation’s A Star is Born had to contend with a trio of undertakings: making us believe in the chemistry of its leads, showing us that Bradley Cooper can pull off an ageing rock star, and testing out Lady Gaga’s acting chops. It’s a resounding success on all three fronts, with a rocking soundtrack to boot.

5. Mission Impossible: Fallout
Fallout is proof positive that a 56-year-old Tom Cruise is still a viable action lead. The story, revolving around nuclear bombs with the odd double and triple-cross, might be a tad convoluted, but by the end you’ll still need to pick your jaw off the floor as you see Cruise subject himself to all manner of insane stuntwork, including hanging off a cliffside, jumping out of a plane and dangling off a helicopter. It’s a thrilling action heavyweight as we’re made to feel every punch, crash and explosion.

4. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Frances McDormand turns a powerhouse performance as Mildred Haynes, a one-woman force of nature who rages against her local police chief’s ineptitude in solving her daughter’s rape and murder. Three Billboards combines a biting script with an engaging cast that includes Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell. Funny, dark and moving

3. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Spidey films have always touched upon the ‘hero within us all’ themes, and Spider-Verse takes this as its main theme as we’re introduced to newest web-slinger Miles Morales. Made with striking stop-motion CGI, Spider-Verse is unashamedly a comic-book film, with stylish fluorescents, thought bubbles and arresting effects that bring the screen to life. The writing sizzles and the humour is on-point, as we’re treated to not one but five other Spideys from the multiverse with their own graphical style and dialogue. A must-see cinematic experience.

2. A Quiet Place
Jim from The (US) Office only co-wrote and directed one of the year’s finest horror films for his feature debut. Emily Blunt and John Krasinski play mom and pop roles in rural America as a family under threat by an alien entity that hunts using sound. With a deaf daughter in tow they’ve managed to adapt to survive, although Emily is carrying a ticking timebomb in the shape of a yet-to-be-born baby. You’ll only be catching your breath during the film’s few ‘quiet’ moments. An instant horror classic.

1. Avengers: Infinity War
There’s few cinematic outings as ambitious as Infinity War. A cast list that redefines the word ‘ensemble’. A packed story that draws from each of its 18 previous films. Character arcs and real stakes that come from 10 years of MCU worldbuilding. With so much packed in, it could have gone so wrong, but the Russo brothers have managed to craft a crossover behemoth that packs some serious emotional heft and thrilling superhero action. Its success is due in no small part to Josh Brolin’s portrayal of Thanos - a giant, purple CGI big bad brought to life thanks to excellent motion-capture and voicing. And this is his movie without a doubt - on his quest to collect the Infinity Stones, he carries himself with sheer menace and gravitas, yet we see a human side of him and a logical argument for his motivations. It’s not a perfect movie, but as we’ve invested upto 10 years with many of these characters, we genuinely care for them as the film reaches its shocking climax.