Is it just me or has 2018 felt more like 3 years? It’s been a long slog, but on the bright side, it means there have been countless films to enjoy throughout the year. Given I began this review caper part way through the year, I haven’t had the opportunity to see quite as many films as Leigh this year, but I have seen a respectable 89 (with maybe a few more that I’ve missed from my list).  The following are the Top 20 highlights (followed by some low-lights) in my 2018 cinematic journey.

#20

A surprisingly humorous film given the subject matter. Spike Lee tells the true story of Ron Stallworth; an African-American, Colorado Springs Detective who remarkably went undercover in the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970’s. A must watch film for the story alone.

#19

If 2018 is remembered for anything in film, it will be the resurgence of the Rom-Com. Thanks to Netflix as well as movies such as this, the much maligned (but secretly loved) genre is back with a vengeance. Not only did Crazy Rich Asians do a lot for the genre, it also broke much needed ground in the battle for diversity as the first Hollywood film in 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast.

#18

One that largely flew under the radar is this brilliant little indie comedy about a gay couple (played by Steve Coogan and Paul Rudd) who take custody of the Grandson of one of the men. Funny and heartwarming, it’s one to add to the list if it’s escaped your attention until now.

#17

One of the sweetest and most watchable Australian films in a number of years, this little gem is sure to please on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

#16

A return to form for Keira Knightley, it’s disappointing it isn’t getting the kudos it deserves in terms of award nominations. I’ve seen much worse performances nominated in recent years, and Knightley was brilliant in the titular role.

#15

One of the most magnificently original horror movies in some time, A Quiet Place was 2018’s crowning achievement in the genre. John Krasinski is quickly becoming one of the best up and coming directors in Hollywood following on from his moving directorial debut, The Hollars, in 2016.

#14

Whilst probably not a film for everyone, this superb Ian McEwan adaptation takes subtle repression and flawed communication and produces an achingly beautiful story of  ill-fated newlyweds in the 1960’s.

#13

Whilst not a perfect movie, it is a perfect ensemble of three vivacious and talented actresses, putting on a masterclass in their craft. It’s hard to separate Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman in this witty yet uncomfortable portrayal of Queen Anne and her favoured subjects…although Colman just gets the nod for mine.

#12

A transformed Melissa McCarthy delves into the serious side of acting and surprises many who had her written off as a comedic actor only. Whilst still possessing the mannerisms unique to her style, McCarthy delivers an honest and insightful look into the life of author Lee Israel, who used her underappreciated skill as a writer to reinvent herself as a master literary forger.

#11

I went into this film expecting little and came out with tears in my eyes and a pain in my stomach from laughing so much. It’s silly, it’s irreverent and it’s the comedy hit of the year.

#10

Margot Robbie shines in this interesting take on the biopic genre. The somewhat true story of Tonya Harding is an exceptionally fresh take on storytelling.

#9

With its killer soundtrack and heartbreaking performances from Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, it’s hard not to fall in love with this Star.

#8 

In addition to being a particularly successful year for the Rom-Com, 2018 was also the year that made giant strides in diverse representation of both content and characters in Hollywood, one such example was Love, Simon. On the surface it’s just another teen romance movie, but given the lead character is gay, it meant a whole lot more for generations of under-represented members of the LGBTQI+ community. Not only was it great in terms of representation, it was actually a beautifully written and performed film that made many of us feel like a teenager again….or maybe that was just me.

#7 

Has another actor had such an impressive body of work by the age of 24 as Saoirse Ronan?  With three Oscar nominations and a Golden Globe to her name, it’s an impressive resume, and there no signs of slowing down in 2019. In this coming of age story, Lady Bird was Ronan at her best.

#6

I know I’ve already said it, but the ground breaking trends continue. In a major stride for POC representation, Black Panther, smashed box office records around the world. This Marvel production lived up to the studio name in every way.

#5

For me personally, 2018 will be the year I fell in love with Ian McEwan. Following on from On Chesil Beach, I was moved in ways I wasn’t expecting whilst being spellbound by the performance of Emma Thompson in The Children Act. In yet another McEwan adaptation, it was again the nuanced emotion of his own adapted script that was captivating in its heartbreak.

#4

I was nervous heading in to this long awaited Freddie Mercury biopic, but damn I was not disappointed one little bit. Rami Malek, you sir are going to take some beating this awards season.

#3

If you have not seen this film yet, do yourself a favour in 2019 and get a Prime Video subscription and stream this film pronto (while you’re there you might as well watch the first two seasons of The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel too….beucause, qualilty). The story of three Vietnam vets on a gut wrenching road trip is magnificent in all aspects. I do not understand how this movie isn’t more widely talked about.

#2

Ok so if Rami Malek doesn’t win the Oscar, Christian Bale is a dead certainty. Portraying Dick Cheney in his rise to be the most powerful 2IC in US political history, Bale has transformed himself yet again to bring an uneasy believability to the role.

#1 

Almost twelve months to the day since this hit Australian cinemas and it’s still the most incredible movie I’ve seen in 2018. Frances McDormand was perfectly deserving of her Best Actress Oscar earlier in the year, as was Sam Rockwell in the Supporting Actor category. Funny but gut punching, it was a film that surprised, delighted and broke your heart, often all in one scene. Not just a great 2018 movie, but one of the best I’ve had the pleasure to watch, period.

And now for all things terrible…..

 

The worst film of the year:

This steaming pile of pretentious art jizz is not only the worst film of 2018, but potentially the worst film I’ve ever sat through. Only to be watched as a means of torture.
Most disappointing film(s) of the year:

 

It’s a tie. Two incredibly disappointing films for fairly different reasons. Hereditary was meant to be this groundbreaking horror, but it was laughable when it wasn’t its intent and just plain bizarre when it could have been mind-blowing. A Wrinkle In Time could have been anything…I mean it had freaking Oprah in it, that should make it epic in itself. Unfortunately it was a convoluted snooze fest that failed to reach any demographic, and certainly wasn’t going to enthral kids.

Standout performances by an actor in 2018:

Rami Malek – Bohemian Rhapsody
Christian Bale – Vice
Bradley Cooper – A Star Is Born
John Krasinski – A Quiet Place

Standout performances by an actress in 2018:

Glenn Close – The Wife
Lady Gaga –  A Star Is Born
Emma Thompson – The Children Act
Keira Knightley – Colette
Olivia Colman – The Favourite

Looking Ahead: Movies that i’m excited for in 2019

• Mary Queen of Scots – Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie go head to head in the story of Queen Elizabeth I and her ill fated cousin. In Australian cinemas on January 17
• The Basis of Sex – The story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Supreme Court Justice and crusader for gender equality. In cinemas February 7
• Rocketman – The Elton John biopic with big shoes to fill following the success of Bohemian Rhapsody.  Scheduled for a mid-year release date.

Lastly, I accept Leigh’s challenge to watch 5 movies that I haven’t seen which I will rate at sometime throughout the year. In return I challenge him to watch 5 films that I know he hasn’t seen, that are films highly rated for one reason or another by myself. These films are:

1. Draft Day : One of the best sports movies I’ve ever seen, completely underrated.
2. The Sound Of Music : It’s a testament to our friendship that I still speak to Leigh knowing that he hasn’t seen this movie. My favourite film of all time and an absolute classic. Every film lover should have seen this at least once.
3. All About Eve : Another classic movie which has been re-sampled countless times in Hollywood. No one is better than Bette though.
4. What Dreams May Come : Not one of Robin Williams’ most famous films, but a visually spectacular little gem that basically sums up my views on the afterlife.
5. But I’m A Cheerleader : A queer cult classic with Natasha Lyonne, Ru Paul and Clea DuVall, it’s camp, hilarious and just as enjoyable now as it was 20 years ago.

So that wraps up 2018. I wish all of our loyal readers a Happy New Year, and I look forward to bringing you many more reviews in 2019.