My Favorite Films of 2018 (20-11)

Read my picks for 25-21 HERE

Continuing where I left off...

20. Blindspotting

2018 had numerous films that were socially, and culturally, relevant. Blindspotting, Carlos López Estrada's directorial debut, showcases a haunting story about a man that's three days away from the end of his probation and witnesses a white policeman gunning down a black man. This is a story that focuses on the struggle that the police, and law enforcement as a whole, have over the black community, contrasting the main character's experience perfectly with his white friend, as their privilege casts a shadow over the cast of characters in different ways. It's a beautiful, and stressful, look inside the United States growing problem that needs to be watched multiple times.

19. Crazy Rich Asians

Remember when the early 00s were filled with romantic comedies? This film brings the entire genre back from the dead with delightful characters, stunning production, and an all Asian cast that blew the water out of the box office with confidence like no other. This feel good romantic comedy is perfect. You'll laugh, cry, fall in love, and sigh in relief as Rachel meets her rich Boyfriend's crazy family. Not only is this a good romantic film, but it's a good comedic film, and talks about the struggle that an American-Asian character such as Rachel may experience when meeting a family with traditions out of her experience.

18. Filmworker

Stanley Kubrik was, and is still, one of the most influential filmmakers; however, one man does not make a film. Though if there ever was a man who could do it it'd probably be Kubrik's long time colleague Leon Vitali. After he starred in Barry Lyndon he desperately wanted to work with Kubrik again, and through his passion for film he started to learn other jobs that were required behind the camera such as editing, marketing, and so forth. This documentary talks about Leon and Stanely's relationship, giving insights into the late genius, but also showcasing Leon's loyal work ethic, and how underappreciated he was in making Kubrik's later films actually work and bringing all the necessary components to get said work out there. If you are interested in film then this is a must, must, must watch.

17. Let the Corpses Tan

Taking inspiration from the spaghetti westerns, this ode brings together a band of thieves in the most exhausting 90 minute art piece I had seen all year. The editing, visual metaphors, and quirky atmosphere will make your head buzz and feel light before the incredible shootout drains you of everything. It's quite difficult to talk about something that is so visual, and works entirely to fit the medium of film. One of the most daring of 2018 by a long shot, this foreign gem will either leave you cold or fired with excitement.

16. If Beale Street Could Talk

Barry Jenkins previously won for his film Moonlight, depicting the growth of a young gay black man. Here he outdoes himself with one of the most beautiful movies of the last year. Tied together with stunning performances from Kiki Layne and Stephan James accompanied by the most lyrical of scores that suit this tragic love story perfectly. And that's what I loved about this movie, while it is tragic it never focused on that aspect of the story. It's core is the love between the two characters, and surrounding them is a difficult world that made their lives harder because of how they looked.

15. McQueen

This documentary is breathtaking. Not because it does anything different from other docs, nor because the subject matter is extraordinary (though most doc subjects are), but because you are able to see it's subject Alexander McQueen's downward spiral from everything he did right. Being a huge name in the fashion world for his beautiful grotesque creations, McQueen looks at this man's life via his fashion shows that were filmed. Even non fashionistas will be blown away and breathless once they see his creations, but the emotional tug this documentary brings is about Alexander losing his sense of self the more famous he became, depicting a modern Greek tragedy if there ever was one.

14. Roma

The critic's 2018 darling, and Alfonso Cuarón's latest masterpiece. It's a powerfully stunning piece of cinema, especially with Cuarón taking over as cinematographer, as it presents the life of an indigenous live in maid named Cleo. While this film is technically amazing, and should win all the awards, the reason it is not in my top 10 is simply because I enjoy talking and analyzing it far more than I do watching it. It's slow, precise, and distant even though those are all conscious choices, but I couldn't put it any higher than this on my list.

For more detailed thoughts read my review HERE

13. Searching

Can John Cho just win best dad award already? He's spectacular in this movie that takes place over the course of computer screens. He does a superb job at acting with himself, and the music, cinematography, everything, perfectly supports him as he tries everything he can to find his missing daughter. The film is gripping, fresh, and edge of your seat that will far surpass any initial doubt that a movie about computer screen could work.

12. The Commuter

Is there any movie cooler than Liam Neeson's latest feature with frequent director Jaume Collet-Serra? Previously I thought the two's work were entertaining, though a bit messy. I thought Jaume Collet-Serra had difficulty with third acts by either ending the movie too soon without fully exploring, and rushing, its meaning like in Non-Stop, or adding something to the third act that didn't need to be there and took the pacing from the actual movie, like in Run All Night. Here, I thought he surpassed himself by presenting a movie with a satisfying third act, and a balance between the action and what he wants to say about it. A gripping, good time that only shows these two collaborators are only getting better as they years go on.

11. Assassination Nation

Holy shit. Like, really, Holy fucking shit is this movie bonkers. This film is packed with social commentary from how social media affects your job, livelihood, privacy, or how women are treated when still a teen, and expectations pushed upon them by men who don't really understand anything. There are so many aspects of the story to pick apart and talk about that you could write numerous essays on it. Not only that but the women, actresses, in this movie are phenomenal. Badass, feminine, and ready to shake the world. This is the type of film that'll stay with you and nest in the corner of your mind for months, maybe years, to come. I can't stress enough how much Assassination Nation is a must see movie for this generation, and it pained me so much that it didn't get into my actual TOP 10.

Phew~

So there's part two of my favorite movies of 2018. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing about them. I'm sure quite a few of these landed in your personal top 10s, so tell me what ones they were while also commenting below on if any of these are new to you. See you next time for the final part ;)