The Gold Knight presents our Top 10 films of 2018 by our correspondents Jake and Heather, and editor James.
Before the Academy announces its winners for 2018, it’s our turn to honor the best of the year.
The Gold Knight presents our Top 10 films of 2018. Per tradition, we each present our lists, which we find to be a great conversation starter. Join in on the discussion and share your thoughts and favorite films from 2018 by commenting on this post, on Facebook or by interacting with us on Twitter.
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TGK Correspondent
10. “The Other Side of the Wind”
Hopefully the reputation of "The Other Side of the Wind" will not precede it when it is talked about and analyzed in the future, as it surely will be. Orson Welles' infamous unfinished film has been finalized here, maybe not the way he would've done, but I would guess close. The film's esoteric structure is a fine compliment to some of his later works (F for Fake comes to mind.)
9. “The Favourite”
Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos' latest film is, like his others, a formally playful, idiosyncratic study of power and control. This one stars Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman, the latter of whom deserves an Oscar for her bratty queen.
8. “Avengers: Infinity War”
Even amid the glut of superhero films in theaters, especially in 2018, most entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe forge their own identities and commercial appeal (think the social justice themes of "Black Panther" or the comedy of "Ant-Man and the Wasp.") Either of those films could've taken this Top 10 spot, but I'll give it to "Infinity War," plot-wise the most consequential film in the MCU thus far.
7. “First Reformed”
Hugely devastating, but not without hope, Paul Schrader's late-career effort is his best in years. Ethan Hawke is great as a priest grappling with his faith after a distressing meeting with an environmental activist, and a subsequent act of violence. "First Reformed" touches on the politics of its major themes, but even more so the moral and soul-touching aspects that come with the existential threat of climate change.
6. “BlackKklansman”
Funny and sadly relevant, "BlackKklansman" can stand with Spike Lee's best work. A director somehow still working at the top of his game, Lee proves himself here to be a vital voice in a country gripped with reinvigorated racism.
5. “Suspiria”
Luca Guadagnino's remake of Dario Argento's 1977 Giallo classic works precisely because it revels in its madness, never shying away from its predecessors morbid complexities, yet is something entirely new and startling.
4. “Mission Impossible: Fallout”
The "Mission Impossible" franchise is, for my money, the most consistently fun action series of all time, and "Fallout," the sixth installment therein, is the best yet. This is the movie you get when you take all the good parts from other action movies and smoosh them together. Like its leading man, this series just seems to get better with age.
3. “Hereditary”If you haven't seen "Hereditary" yet, I won't spoil it for you here. But you're doing yourself a disservice. Not only is it one of the scariest movies of all-time, "Hereditary" is also a smart, cynical portrait of a family being torn apart by … something beyond their control, featuring Toni Collette in a career-best performance.
2. “Roma”
A sprawling, yet intimate, semi-autobiographical portrait of upstairs-downstairs life in a Mexican city set against the backdrop of social unrest, Alfonso Cuarón has crafted another gem with "Roma." A masterwork of visual storytelling, the film's Netflix acquisition could mean big changes for the way films are released.
1. “Annihilation”
A loose, cerebral adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer's cold and calculated first entry in his Southern Reach Trilogy, "Annihilation" the film proves a more fully-realized picture of the mysterious Area X, a landscape as ethereal and haunting as the film itself. Alex Garland's tour de force is a stunning achievement in sci-fi excess which, by its conclusion, reaches "2001: A Space Odyssey" levels of existential grandiosity.
Notables:
“Blockers,” “Burning,” “First Man,” “Hearts Beat Loud,” “Private Life,” “Revenge,” “Searching,” “Sorry to Bother You,” “Wildlife” and “Zama”
Heather LeszczewiczTGK Correspondent
Better late than never right? We're quite aware these Best of 2018 movie lists are late, but it's just in time for the Oscars. And to keep it fair, I've only considered movies I saw in 2018, and not anything I've been able to catch in the last month and a half. I saw a lot of good films in 2018 and I'm trying to keep it to a Top 10. Let's get started!
10. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Mr. Rogers had to have been one of the purest souls to ever have existed. "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" celebrated his life and his message of love. Growing up watching him on TV, this just gave me such a better perspective of the man. I wore a smile on my face the entire time and got teary eyed at certain points.
9. “The Favourite”
Talk about royal politics. The tug of war between the two women vying for the queen's attention is enthralling, but the storyline sort of petered out towards the end. I could have watched the interactions between Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone go on for much longer.
8. “Bohemian Rhapsody”
Rami Malek embodied Freddie Mercury. You could tell he studied all of his movement and mannerisms. And a movie sitting atop Queen's illustrious history was bound to be great as you mouthed the words in your seat. I took a bit of issue with how the film glossed over some pretty important parts of Mercury's life. But the Live Aid scene is just beautiful to watch.
7. “A Simple Favor”
I love Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. The twists, turns and salaciousness of this little mystery thriller was just fun.
6. “Avengers: Infinity War” / “Ant-Man and the Wasp
I also love Marvel. Even though I felt personally attacked by "Infinity War," I can't help but immerse myself in the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe.
5. “The BlacKkKlansman”
I felt this film. Does that make sense? How this film tied back to present day … it hit me like a punch. Not that I've ever been punched. But the performances, direction and story were brilliant and poignant.
4. “A Star is Born”
It's a well-tread path for "A Star is Born," but Lady Gaga was magical and Bradley Cooper did a great job at the helm. Plus, the music? Like, the movie could have stunk, but the music would have still been perfect.
3. “To All The Boys I've Loved Before”
A Netflix film making my list? Uh, yes. The best film produced by a non-traditional production company. This sort of leads into my top film of the year, but you can read that below. I fell in love with Peter Kavinsky and Lara Jean (moreso with Peter). And I've watched this movie several times so far. Still not tired of it! It actually might be the best rom-com to come out in a long time.
2. “Deadpool 2” / “Once Upon a Deadpool”
I saw this film twice in the theater, plus one viewing of "Once Upon a Deadpool." Frankly, stick with the original for the movie itself and then watch "Once Upon" for the after credits tribute. The wit and irreverence of this film crack me up to no end.
1. “Crazy Rich Asians” / “Black Panther”Splitting the top spot on my list, I know! But both these films are here because this is where I say representation matters. Full stop.
I thought "Crazy Rich Asians" was just going to be a fun romp in the theater. I loved the book. But I found myself with tears running down my face unexpectedly. How could I have predicted that seeing other faces similar to mine would actually affect me so? When I'm thinking back on how I gravitated to Jasmine, Pocahontas and, finally, Mulan (I'll throw Moana in here too, but she was a bit too late for me personally). You know you're like other girls (and boys) who want to see themselves in some way on screen.
And then similarly, "Black Panther." I know there are so many children who now have a superhero to look up to. And Black Panther had an amazing storyline and characters. And I can't wait to have Marvel explore Wakanda more.
That's my Top 10! Agree? Disagree? Would love to hear.
Worst Films
And if you want to know the worst films of the year:
1. “The Crimes of Grindelwald” – Simply put: This was a travesty.
2. “Venom” – This movie didn't get good until it was basically over.
3. “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” – I liked the previous version better, you know when it was “The Lost World: Jurassic Park.”
TGK Editor
Let me start by saying that being in grad school has absorbed most of my movie time but I still was able to watch some incredible films in 2018.
I have a lot of catching up to do, but the following films helped me escape finance and accounting, and take me to another world:
10. “Wonder”
While this movie came out in 2017, I finally caught up with this film and wanted to include it, per tradition of including an older film. What a Wonder-ful story of kindness and perseverance. Tissues required.
9. “A Quiet Place”
A really neat concept with phenomenal acting. Emily Blunt is just incredible, per usual. The story and editing also were quick-paced and didn’t waste any time. Great length, too.
8. “Avengers: Infinity War”
A dramatic ending that had our jaws on the floor and tears in our eyes, but ultimately, these stories have become so complex, with so much going on, it may just be too much at times. The editors and writers know how to juggle it all for thrilling results.
7. “The Wife”
What an unexpected journey with a tour de force performance from Glenn Close and facial expressions that may just win her the Oscar.
6. “Bohemian Rhapsody”
What a wonderful performance by Rami Malek! While the story and its accuracy (or lack thereof) leave something to be discussed, the music and the rockin’ performances easily drive the movie home and made it a joy to watch on the big screen in surround sound.
5. “Ocean’s 8”
A twist on the original film that brings in the slick editing, style and production we’ve come to expect. Sandra Bullock and her gang of smart, successful women add character and personality to this story. I enjoyed every minute.
4. “Tully”For whatever reason, I was hesitant to see this movie but I’m glad I finally watched it. What incredible acting and a compelling story about being a mom and dealing with all the stress and lack of sleep.
3. “Black Panther”
A truly enjoyable and refreshing story with an entire world to explore.
2. “Mary Poppins Returns”
What a wonderful return to the classic tale and the nanny who is just a whole lot of fun and whimsy. I'm not crying, you're crying.
1. “Love, Simon”
Thank you, Greg Berlanti, for bringing us this wonderful film and thank you Nick Robinson for your touching performance. This film made my year. What makes it so special is that it’s a standard teenage love story. I will echo what Heather said above. Representation on the big screen and in media matters. And that seemed to be a great theme about 2018. Now, let get representation behind the camera, too.
Here's to 2019!
Thanks for reading! Join in on the discussion and share your thoughts and favorite films from 2018 by commenting on this post, on Facebook or by interacting with us on Twitter.
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