Well we've reached that time of the year. The time when we're (sort of) halfway through the year and we can take a quick look back at the best we've seen so far at the pictures. I don't see an awful lot which is why my list is my top 5 as opposed to the more common top 10, because if it were, there would be a few films which, despite me liking, would make this list less of a genuine top 10 and instead just a plain rundown of all the films I've seen so far, with the best not getting the recognition they deserve. Also, many of the films I choose to see aren't exactly the most critically-acclaimed. So it will make perfect sense if you disagree and/or don't see the supposedly best reviewed films. I'm more into the entertainment side of film as opposed to the artful side. Anyway, without further ado, let's take a look at my Top 5 movies of 2018 as of July...
5. Coco
Small Lego recreation of some of this year's highlights
5. Coco
While technically released in 2017, it came to the UK in January 2018, so it counts as a 2018 movie. Pixar have been up and down lately. Once their Golden Age (1995 - 2010) finished, they had a period of time where their films just weren't at the same standard (2011 - 2013). However, since 2015 they have leapt back on track and not disappointed me at all, and Coco is no exception. Of course, it has all the emotional depth and dazzling visuals we've come to expect from the studio, but it also takes a somewhat predicatable story and makes it very poignant and heartwarming, appealing to all ages. The film is also funny, engaging and enjoyable. Once again, it goes to show that as soon as you see that little lamp jump on the 'I', you're in for a great film. I cannot wait to see what they have with Incredibles 2.
4. Black Panther
Marvel certainly are doing a great job at the moment. Even though the superhero genre is slowly becoming over-saturated, the studio proves that they can add something new to the table, and Black Panther does exactly that. It makes a standalone and refreshing genre movie with very powerful performances from everyone, a clever and nuanced story unlike some of its peers topped off with more exhilarating action scenes and occasional funny moments. Judging by this and one other movie on this list, the Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn't show any signs of slowing in the near future.
3. Deadpool 2
It is always great to have a film that just makes you laugh. I enjoyed Deadpool (2016), but not nearly to the extent of its follow-up. By the end of this film, my friends and I were crying with laughter. It offers laugh-out-loud jokes, particularly in the end credits scene which you must stay around at the end for, entertaining and gory action and more of Ryan Reynolds in a role that only he could play. Josh Brolin was also terrific in his second menacing Marvel villain of 2018. Plus, my viewing of the film added to my ranking because it was the first 15 I saw in the cinema as it coincidentally came out on my 15th birthday weekend. So, me and two of my best friends saw it on the biggest screen in the whole country, the spectacular BFI IMAX in Central London, which was overall a magical experience. So whenever I think of this film, it reminds me of a great day and time.
Ticket for Deadpool 2
2. Avengers: Infinity War
I doubt anyone has heard of this film, but it was a real treat. I was so excited for Avengers: Infinity War. I remember the week running up to it, so keen to see it. Then reviews flew in, overwhelmingly positive, people at school beginning to throw spoilers around (which I managed to avoid), but best of all, walking into the packed screening room on opening night with one of my best friends / fellow Marvel fans, ready to be blown away. Not only was the movie funny, exciting, explosive and joyous like we'd expected, it also shocked the two of us and the plethora of Marvel fans when it ended, I won't say why of course. It genuinely moved me and gave me one of the best experiences at the cinema in my entire life. I cannot wait for what comes next and I bet it can only get better, BUT WHY DOES THE UK HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AUGUST TO SEE ANT-MAN AND THE WASP??!? WE NEED ANSWERS NOW!
1- Ticket for Avengers: Infinity War
2- Recreation of trailer shot in Lego
1. Ready Player One
In all honesty, I'm just as surprised as you are to see this film top the list. If you told me this time last year that my favourite film of 2018 in July would be this, I would've replied with: "Oh, I guess Infinity War's gonna be rubbish..." But the teaser for this film seemed intriguing so I picked up a copy of the acclaimed book and began to read it. Over the 2 months it took me to complete, I remember the trailers gradually being released, and me thinking about how it looked so similar to how I imagined. However, they also raised a lot of concern. After finishing the book, certain things like character / story additions had me wondering as to whether this film would have anything to do with the book and rely solely on the name and pop culture references to sell tickets. However, I needn't worry. While certain things are shuffled around / changed, this great adaptation maintains the engaging plot of its source. But, it also adds some of the year's most wondrous visuals and popcorn-perfect action scenes, even more so than Marvel. It was also awesome to see some well loved properties collide in one film, despite it annoying some other people. But above all, it was such a joy to see how this enchanting tale had been interpreted on the big screen. It brought a huge smile to my face. I even saw it twice in the cinema and enjoyed it just as much on second viewing. I bet it's going to live inside my TV on constant repeat once the DVD is released. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
1- Ticket for Ready Player One
2- Recreation of characters in Lego
Well, there you go. Those are currently the 5 best films of the 2018 as of July. But, there are a couple of honourable mentions which I feel I should give a shout out to before signing off:
- Early Man - The definitive Aardman film - and it made me tolerate football!
- Maze Runner: The Death Cure - A roller-coaster final chapter of a great trilogy
- Solo: A Star Wars Story - Decent round of thrills with neat performances
- Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - Chris Pratt and Dinosaurs, need I say more?
- Isle of Dogs - Not only funny, but visually mesmerizing and beautifully animated
Also, if we're now halfway through the year, what is there left to come?
- Incredibles 2 - All I need to say is FINALLY
- Ant-Man and the Wasp - Of course I can't miss this, I need answers from IW
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - Enjoyed the first, might check it out
- Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck it Ralph 2 - Loved the first, this one looks cool
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - Loving the style, looks quite intriguing
What are your favourite films of the year so far? What are you most looking forward to? Let me know down below!
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