Round-Up of the Year - Film Review Edition

2018 has been a banner year for the film industry, having seen the biopic rise to higher heights than ever before, and of course, I can't not mention the astounding success of Avengers: Infinity War, crossing the $2 billion mark.

Being as I am, a massive film nerd, I could think of no better post to close out the year than a mass film review round up. So here, in UK release order, are the films I saw over this past year:

Darkest Hour:
The most worthy Oscar wining film (in my opinion). Darkest Hour is now one of my favourite war time films. Gary Oldman's performance as Churchill is so spectacular, and his transformation so complete, that I had to remind myself that I wasn't really watching Churchill himself. Of course, with such an all-encompassing brilliance being showcased, the film does occasionally suffer - mostly from other characters being outshone - however this does not massively inconvenience the plot, and as such, I am happy to continue to sing the praises of this film.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri:
This is the film that made me really question how I would write and direct a film. Another worthy Oscar winner, this film is one that I have attempted to review a couple of times, however, I struggle every time to write a piece that I feel does justice to this incredible film. Therefore, in the interests of keeping this brief, I shall just say this: Three Billboards is a film that I believe everyone should see, because everyone should have an opinion of this film.

Coco:
Disney really started their year on a high point with this heartwarming movie. Coco was exactly what Disney Pixar do best. Good family fun with excellent original songs, beautiful animation and a surprise twist that breaks your heart into a million tiny pieces, and leaves you sobbing in the cinema as a 20 year old surrounded by 5 year olds who look at you like you've gone insane.

Journey's End:
This film is an adaptation of my favourite First World War based work of fiction, and as such, I went into it with high expectations and a lot of apprehension. I was worried that the filmmakers would decide that a group of men sitting around in a dugout would be too boring to watch, and as such they would add in more action shots, which would have undermined the point that the original script was making. Luckily however, the film is almost shot for shot an exact remake of the original play script, and I couldn't have been happier. This film is a must see for anyone whose interested in seeing a different take on the war film.

Black Panther:
Marvel's first film of this year, Black Panther set the stage for the incredible success Marvel Studios has enjoyed this year. Black Panther has been hailed as one of the most important films of this year and I have to say, I agree. This film is a showcase of Black Excellence at its finest. The displays of Afro-Futurism (the vibranium based country of Wakanda) and especially the Black Feminist narrative - the strong and capable Dora Milaje, the fact that there are no damsel's in distress, not to mention the character's of Nakia and Okoye, who both put their lives and their personal ideologies on the line in service of their country - this film really exemplifies the importance of representation in mainstream media, and I for one hope this film's success makes Hollywood execs realise this.

The Shape of Water:
This film is weird. I really don't know what else I can say about it to be honest. Yes, it's visually stunning, particularly the architecture of the set design, and yes, all of the actors are quite clearly giving their all in their performances, but... what????? I really don't know how Guillermo Del Toro got this film greenlit, but to each their own I guess.

Lady Bird:
Greta Gerwig's directorial debut, Lady Bird is a wonderful presentation of the traditional 'coming of age' film. Saoirse Ronan's portrayal of the main character 'Lady Bird,' really gets to the heart of a teenager. All of the worries, stresses, melodrama and self-reinvention that you go through when you're 17 and have no idea that, while you think you know everything, you really know nothing. Lady Bird is one of those films that stays with you, despite the fact that everything about it has been done before in some shape or form. A definite love letter to its genre, and one for every struggling teenager - it might not get better, but at least you're not alone.

Annihilation:
I know this film didn't get a cinematic release, but its one I wanted to talk about all the same. Annihilation is the latest addition to the genre 'the New Weird,' and if you're one for hard, confusing science fiction, then this one is for you. I won't lie, I really did not understand, or even particularly enjoy this film, but its worth a watch, if only for the brilliance of Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson and Oscar Isaac.

Love, Simon:
Another for the 'coming of age' genre, but this one has a twist that is VERY needed for the current times we are living in. Love Simon is a quirky, funny, cute and absolutely heartwarming story, that is very enjoyable to watch and makes the perfect lazy Sunday viewing.

Isle of Dogs:
Wes Anderson's latest offering Isle of Dogs, is as whimsical as his previous works, and whilst it doesn't quite reach the heights of The Grand Budapest Hotel, it is extremely charming and definitely one for the whole family to enjoy.

Avengers: Infinity War:
Inarguably the biggest film of the year, Avengers: Infinity War is the beginning of the end of the first era of Marvel Studios films and also the culmination of ten years of popular superhero movies. I have loved comic books for most of my life and been a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for at least 8 years. Infinity War is essentially the swan song of my childhood, and WOW what an end to it! I love this film with all of my heart. Yes, from a film-making point of view, its not the best film ever made, and with 52 main characters(!) the middle of the film does become slightly convoluted and messy. But I really can't bring myself to care. Infinity War is everything I thought I wanted and more that I never knew I did. For me, Infinity War is the best film of the year, and I can only hope that Avengers: Endgame will be on the same level. (Although from what I've seen of the trailer, I think it will be.)

Deadpool 2:
Following on from Avengers: Infinity War, the sequel to 2016's bafflingly brilliant anti-hero movie was a breath of fresh air with its light-hearted tone and hilarious content. Deadpool 2 definitely won't be winning any awards, nor is it as good as the first installment, however, Ryan Reynolds continues to be thoroughly entertaining as the titular character and the added characters really only strengthened what has become Marvel's secret weapon.

Solo: A Star Wars Story:
The second of the new Star Wars Anthology movies, Solo got a very mediocre reception, probably due to the mixed reviews concerning The Last Jedi (Which I personally really enjoyed) and also the massive troubles it had during production. However, having said that, I think Solo was a very enjoyable movie, with a good cast (particularly Emilia Clarke and Donald Glover) and an engaging story, so don't dismiss it.

Oceans 8:
The all female heist movie was the highlight of the summer for me. Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett have been some of my heroes growing up so I always knew I would be seeing this film. But to see all those women, presented in a strong light, with all their different skills and all f them completely capable... it made me feel strong, and I would love to see more films like this one.

The Incredibles 2:
The very eagerly awaited sequel. This film is the one that probably had the most to prove of all the ones on my list (well other than Infinity War.) Honestly, I don't know if it lived up to the hype. Maybe its because I didn't see The Incredibles as a kid, but I just wasn't all that bothered about this film. It's good. Its enjoyable, family fun like all Disney Pixar films, but for me there was something missing. That's just my opinion though.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom:
I really enjoyed this film, the addition of the horror house element was honestly inspired, and Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard had even better chemistry in this movie. However, the entire film was essentially in the trailers and that completely ruined my enjoyment of the film because I already knew what was coming.

Ant Man and the Wasp:
I'm going to preface this with a disclaimer: I really am not a fan of Ant-Man. I don't know why, but I just can't get into the character at all, even though I think Paul Rudd was a brilliant casting. That having been said then, you'll understand why I don't have much to say about Ant Man and the Wasp. I enjoyed it, and I really liked Ghost (Ava Starr) but I find it kind of forgettable. Again, that's just my opinion though.

Mammia Mia: Here We Go Again!:
I absolutely adored Mamma Mia, so when I heard that a sequel was being made, there was no way I wasn't going to see it. And it did NOT disappoint! The sequel is packed full of more banging ABBA songs, it has Cher! Singing ABBA! and Lily James is just utterly, utterly phenomenal as a young Donna Sheridan. I don't see how anyone could watch the last scene of the film and not want to sing and dance along.

Christopher Robin:
I grew up with the characters from the Hundred Acre Wood. They taught me how to tell the time, they taught me the values of friendship, kindness and imagination. They broke my heart in The Tigger Movie, at the tender age of 5. Therefore, when hearing about a live action adaptation... I was hesitant I'll admit. I enjoyed Ewan Mcgregor's portrayal of the grown-up, downtrodden by life, Christopher Robin, and Hayley Atwell is just fantastic in every role I've seen her play. However, I just don't think the CGI versions of the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood were as good as their traditional 2D counterparts. But nonetheless, the film is an enjoyable trip down nostalgia lane.

Bad Times at the El Royale: I have already written a piece on this film if you'd like to read more about it. Bad Times, is one of the breakout films of this year and I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it gets nominated during awards season. An excellent addition to the thriller genre.

The Hate U Give: I have already written a piece on this film if you'd like to read more about it. All I will say about The Hate U Give is that its the most important film to come out this year. Please, if I influence you only the tiniest amount, please watch this film.

Bohemian Rhapsody: I have already written a piece on this film if you'd like to read more about it. Bohemian Rhapsody is without a doubt, more proof of the rising interest in the biopic film form, and whilst its not exactly completely truthful, the film is an interesting insight int one of Britain's most loved rock and roll bands. Not to mention that Rami Malek's performance of Freddie Mercury deserves to win an Oscar.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald:
The second installment in the Fantastic Beast's pentalogy. I am one of the biggest fans of the Harry Potter franchise. I grew up with the books and the films, and it's a love affair that I know is going to stay with me my entire life. I also really enjoyed Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and as such I went into this film with sky high expectations. They were not met. Crimes of Grindelwald would be two brilliant films or one excellent long-form novels, but as one film? There were so many plot lines that it was hard to stay interested in all of the characters individual stories, and most of the scenes at Hogwarts were... disappointing to say the least. That's not to say this isn't an enjoyable film. I genuinely did enjoy it. The performances of the returning cast were as strong as in the first installment, and the casting of Jude Law as a young Dumbledore was inspired. Best of all though, was Johnny Depp's portrayal of Grindelwald, he's so compelling and charismatic, I completely bought into his performance. I await the next film with some light apprehensions.

Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck it Ralph 2:
The sequel to Disney's unlikely success Wreck it Ralph is commercial capitalism's wet dream. A crass way to describe a children's film I know, but with the amount of advertising pay out's Disney is going to receive from this film, it will make a profit even if no one had gone to see it. Despite the awkward shoe-horning in of advertisements, the film is very entertaining, although far and away, the best part of the film is inclusion of the Disney Princesses. I also really want Aurora's nap queen t-shirt...

Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse:
Finally, the last film I saw this year, and what a film to leave on! Into the Spiderverse is the Spiderman origin story I have been waiting for. Yes, Tom Holland is the perfect live action Peter Parker, I am not arguing that in the slightest. However, we've had 3 versions of essentially the same character's story told to us in the past 16 years. It can get boring. Miles Morales' story however, is very far from boring. This film combines multiple, beautiful animation styles with a killer soundtrack and well written, well paced writing to give us, the most comic book accurate superhero film, EVER. There is genuinely nothing bad that I can say about this film and I am already ridiculously excited to know that a sequel is already in the pipeline, as well as several spin-offs. If there is any film I would be happy to bring into 2019, it would be this one.

So there you have it. My round up review of all the films released this year that I have seen. Do you agree with me? Let me know in the comments, and hopefully I'll be posting a lot more reliably in the future!

-The Act of Writing-