Favorite films from 2018 (25-21)
Last year had been very difficult for most people, myself included. Thankfully, 2018 was one of the best years for film in recent memory, sending out fantastic escapism, thoughtful indies, and timely films. Thus it made this list incredibly difficult that I kept putting it off, and putting it off, becoming simply daunted by the choices I'd have to consider and take off, or on. And so, after many broken promises I present my first of three posts dealing with my best films from 2018, which are my personal favorites mind you.
25. Upgrade
Science Fiction films have been a treasure trove this decade, and Leigh Whannell's Upgrade certainly made a statement by coming out of left field and delighting unsuspecting audiences across the nation. His interpretation of the man vs machine trope is a unique, fantastically bloody, and deeply concerning topic disguised as an action-revenge flick. Incredibly imaginative, this flick utilizes its small budget expertly and showcases Logan Marshall-Green's talent to the extreme. With fierce movements, and an endearing look at the human condition, this film certainly balances the fun and action with the philosophical discussions that Science Fiction is known for.
24. BlacKkKlansman
I have to admit that I had never seen a Spike Lee movie before this. I know that's blasphemous, especially coming from someone who's blog is dedicated to movies, but somehow his films always slipped passed my radar whenever I was catching up on assorted filmographies. But, that said, this film is incredible, timely, and poignant while also having fun with it all. Even though there are many laughs, and you're tagging along on an adventure that sounds stranger than fiction, Lee caps off the movie by getting right up in your face comparing what was happening in the past with what's happening in the present, leaving audiences to sit with their thoughts as funky 70s style music plays through the credits.
23. Sorry to Bother You
First time director Boots Riley arrives on the film scene with not just one of the weirdest movies of the year, but one of the most socially conscious movies about art, race, the creative dream, and so much more. This movie is packed with so many talking points to discuss that you'll have to watch it over and over again. Truly one of the most ballsy first features by a director I've seen, and one that'll be talked about for years to come, no doubt.
22. Three Identical Strangers
Documentaries were strong last year. 2018 had numerous ones that had people across the country talking about, and one of them happened to be this gem. Pieced together by news footage, newspapers, recreations, and talking head interviews, this documentary explores how triplets separated at birth somehow found each other in their college years. It's a wild story, and an upbeat good time as you learn how they got along and rekindled their long forgotten relationship with each other, but that's only the start of this documentary. It's certainly part of it, but really Three Identical Strangers tackles the question as to why these triplets were separated and the dark underbelly of a sinister plot that you'd only think crime novels would try. This documentary is easily one where you had to see it to believe it.
21. A Quiet Place
John Krasinski created one of the most talked about horror films of the last year, which is ironic if you've seen this. A film solely reliant on not speaking that it had audiences do something unimaginable, they were silent and engaged. Yes, this masterfully crafted suspenseful film will make you acutely aware of how much noise you make, and that itself becomes part of the film as it ramps up with monster attacks, family members trying to save each other while experiencing excruciating pain in the most silent ways possible. You'll be squirming in your seat while you watch this, and the birthing scene is one of the most intense sequences you'll experience from 2018. Not only will you be silent as you digest everything you saw when the credits roll, but you'll leave with an experience that only gets better after every watch.
Alright, folks, that's all for today. I know it's only a taste, but tomorrow and the next day you'll truly get to see what I thought of 2018. Don't be shy in the comments, tell me I'm wrong, tell me your favorites, and let's all have fun while giving thanks to a wonderful year in film.
Check out my favorites (20-11)
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