2018 Film Rankings
This is a list of all the films I have seen from 2018, in order from best to worst. All films listed come with a rating out of 10.
1= Absolute garbage (Make sure nobody ever watches it)
2= Terrible (Please don't watch this)
3= Very bad (Watch if you absolutely must)
4= Quite poor (Watch if you want to)
5= Average (Might be worth watching)
6= Quite enjoyable (Worth watching)
7= Good solid film (Try and go see it)
8= Very good (Make sure you watch it)
9= Brilliant (An absolute must see)
10= Perfection (You and everyone you know must see it)
Obviously this list is all my opinion, so you may not agree. If there are any films you want me to add, comment. I will be adding to it continuously.
1= Absolute garbage (Make sure nobody ever watches it)
2= Terrible (Please don't watch this)
3= Very bad (Watch if you absolutely must)
4= Quite poor (Watch if you want to)
5= Average (Might be worth watching)
6= Quite enjoyable (Worth watching)
7= Good solid film (Try and go see it)
8= Very good (Make sure you watch it)
9= Brilliant (An absolute must see)
10= Perfection (You and everyone you know must see it)
Obviously this list is all my opinion, so you may not agree. If there are any films you want me to add, comment. I will be adding to it continuously.
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- DirectorDamien ChazelleStarsRyan GoslingClaire FoyJason ClarkeA look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.Damien Chazelle continues his rise as one of the finest directors in the business. Vastly different from the other films he has made, First Man is one of the most intense visual and audial experiences to hit cinemas since Dunkirk. Written by talented writer Josh Singer, the film focuses on the life of Neil Armstrong rather than the mission itself. It is raw, emotional, intense and visually incredible.
Score: 9.5 - DirectorBob PersichettiPeter RamseyRodney RothmanStarsShameik MooreJake JohnsonHailee SteinfeldTeen Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his universe and must join with five spider-powered individuals from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities.This film is like something I've never seen from a Hollywood animated film. It's fresh comic book inspired animation style was inventive, vibrant and stylish. Every frame was gorgeous to look at. However, it is the story that makes this film so incredible. Miles Morales is the flawed, but sympathetic young protagonist who discovers he is a new Spiderman. Not only does he have the a great hero arc, but several other characters, including Miles' father and Peter B Parker have character arcs of their own. There is also one of the most heart-breaking twists I have ever seen in a superhero movie.
Score: 8.9 - DirectorBradley CooperStarsLady GagaBradley CooperSam ElliottA musician helps a young singer find fame as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.The third musical drama of the same name is certainly the best. The chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga is electric. Cooper in particular puts in one of the best performances of the year, which is made more impressive considering he is also director. Its a bonus that the soundtrack is also fantastic.
Score: 8.9 - DirectorBo BurnhamStarsElsie FisherJosh HamiltonEmily RobinsonAn introverted teenage girl tries to survive the last week of her disastrous eighth grade year before leaving to start high school.This painfully true to life look at the lives of young teenagers at school was brought to the big screen by youtuber Bo Burnham. Elsie Fisher plays the lead and is incredible as a shy introverted girl who just wants to be confident and make friends. Her struggles with making friends and her angsty relationship with her Dad made for some of the most painful to watch scenes I've seen all year. The intentional cringe factor is off the charts in this movie. However, you grow to care so much about the main character that it makes the nicer moments that much greater.
Score: 8.8 - DirectorAlex GarlandStarsNatalie PortmanJennifer Jason LeighTessa ThompsonA biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don't apply.Alex Garland is making a name for himself as one of the greatest sci-fi minds in cinema history. It is difficult to explain quite how brilliant this film is. It has so many layers of mystery, interesting sci-fi concepts, and deeper meanings. The first two thirds play out as a mystery-thriller. It is intriguing, builds tension and contains some horrifying moments. But it is all set up for what is one of the most cerebral, visceral, haunting and crazy final acts to a sci-fi film. Additionally, the special effects, production design, sound design and score are all superb.
Score: 8.7 - DirectorAri AsterStarsToni ColletteMilly ShapiroGabriel ByrneA grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.This wonderfully directed horror movie was the debut film from writer/director Ari Aster. The first 2/3 of the film is the epitome of building tension. Aster has wonderfully constructed a feeling of dread, or impending doom for the characters. There are moments in it that are shocking, but it very much stays grounded in reality. Then the final third of the film happens and it goes a bit crazy. You can either go with it like I did, or you will find it frustrating.
Score: 8.6 - DirectorSpike LeeStarsJohn David WashingtonAdam DriverLaura HarrierRon Stallworth, an African American police officer from Colorado Springs, Colorado, successfully infiltrates the local Ku Klux Klan branch aided by a Jewish surrogate who eventually becomes its leader. Based on actual events.Of course it had to be Spike to produce such a powerful piece of cinema that no only tells an incredible true story, but also reflects upon the fractures there are in modern society. In particular the race relations in modern day USA. He wonderfully tows the line of black comedy and drama, in a story that seems ridiculous, but is also extremely sensitive. The films script is excellent, but Spike Lee's direction elevates this piece of quality cinema.
Score: 8.5 - DirectorBart LaytonStarsSpencer ReinhardWarren LipkaEric BorsukFour young men mistake their lives for a movie and attempt one of the most audacious heists in U.S. history.Off the back of the disappointing 'Oceans 8', 'American Animals' was a much needed refreshing take on the heist movie. Intermitted with interviews from the real people, this film tells the true story of a library heist carried out by 4 students in over their heads. The film starts off like the typical slick and stylish crime movie, but slowly morphs into a tense and anxiety fuelled thrill ride, where we really fell the fear that courses threw the character's veins.
Score: 8.3 - DirectorEthan CoenJoel CoenStarsTim Blake NelsonWillie WatsonClancy BrownSix tales of life and violence in the Old West, following a singing gunslinger, a bank robber, a traveling impresario, an elderly prospector, a wagon train, and a perverse pair of bounty hunters.I think this might be my new litmus paper for Coen Brother's movies. As an anthology movie with 6 parts it includes all of the Coen's distinctive filmmaking styles. The wild slapstick comedy, to the darker black comedy, all the way to the more sinister and depressing themes. My two favourite stories were the "All Gold Canyon" and "The Gal Who Got Rattled", but all six of them were enjoyable for various reasons.
Score: 8.2 - DirectorBarry JenkinsStarsKiKi LayneStephan JamesRegina KingA young woman embraces her pregnancy while she and her family set out to prove her childhood friend and lover innocent of a crime he didn't commit.Barry Jenkins really does make some of the most beautiful films. But he does so in a way that feels natural and intimate. The way he uses music, plays with time, has the actors look into the camera. As a viewer he makes you feel connected. 'If Beale Street Could Talk' is no different. The film embodies love, family and relationships. It doesn't have the sticking power that Moonlight did, but it is another tremendous piece of work. My only complaint was that a couple of the long dialogue scenes felt a bit stagey.
Score: 8.2 - DirectorMarielle HellerStarsMelissa McCarthyRichard E. GrantDolly WellsWhen Lee Israel falls out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception.Melissa McCarthy produces the performance of her career as writer Lee Israel, who starts to create forgeries of letters to help make ends meet. This has one of the best scripts of the year. It is witty, but never feels fake. You can tell McCarthy and Richard E Grant had a blast filming this. I also really like the classical feel that the film had, created by its fabulous set design and pleasant score.
Score: 8.1 - DirectorWes AndersonStarsBryan CranstonKoyu RankinEdward NortonSet in Japan, Isle of Dogs follows a boy's odyssey in search of his lost dog.This gorgeous and visually interesting Wes Anderson movie is the reason I love stop motion animation. As a dog lover I really connected with this story. It is charming and fun, but manages to not get too sappy which dog movies often do. The filmmaking behind this is impeccable. That goes for the gorgeous animation and camera work, the outstanding voice cast and the fast paced adventurous score. 'Isle of Dogs' is a film that anyone can enjoy.
Score: 8.1 - DirectorSteve McQueenStarsViola DavisMichelle RodriguezElizabeth DebickiFour women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands' criminal activities take fate into their own hands and conspire to forge a future on their own terms.With a writer as talented as Gillian Flynn and a director as brilliant as Steve McQueen this film was always going to be great. From a filmmaking perspective this is one of the finest pieces of cinema produced all year. The direction and cinematography are some of the best I've seen all year. It is wonderfully edited and its incredible ensemble cast fail to disappoint. This film is also one of the most important of the year. It manages to finely balance themes such as corruption, race relations, sexism, domestic violence and police brutality. My one knock on this film is that for whatever reason I never felt that emotionally invested in the characters or the story.
Score: 8.0 - DirectorLynne RamsayStarsJoaquin PhoenixJudith RobertsEkaterina SamsonovA traumatized veteran unafraid of violence tracks down missing girls for a living. When a job spins out of control, Joe's nightmares overtake him as a conspiracy is uncovered leading to what could be his death trip or his awakening.Lynne Ramsey directs with such control, but never in a way that feels engineered. Every shot is like the stroke of an artist's brush. I particularly like the way she shot the action, in which a greater emphasis is put on Joe's inner torment and less on the violence. The film is a character study on the affects of childhood trauma, disguised as an action thriller. However, it is still very bare bones, and left me wanting a little more meat. Definitely one to re-watch.
Score: 8.0 - DirectorGustav MöllerStarsJakob CedergrenJessica DinnageOmar ShargawiA police officer assigned alarm dispatch duty enters a race against time when he answers an emergency call from a kidnapped woman.A wonderfully simple thriller that confines itself entirely to an emergency call centre, as our protagonist, who is dealing with his own demons, is tasked with helping a kidnapped woman and her abandoned daughter. This is my type of movie. One that knows how to craft tension and hold you there. You are quite literally itching as you wait for calls to arrive. The lead Jakob Cedergen is excellent at selling the pressure that his character would be feeling. It also has fantastic voice performances which is so important for a film like this. There is very little to critique here. A really solid movie with a twist that I didn't see coming. Excellent.
Score: 8.0 - DirectorJacques AudiardStarsJohn C. ReillyJoaquin PhoenixJake GyllenhaalEli and Charlie Sisters, an infamous duo of gunslinging assassins, chase a gold prospector and his unexpected ally in 1850s Oregon.A modern take on the Western by a European filmmaker, 'The Sisters Brothers' isn't an homage to the classic films of old, but rather is being its own thing entirely. The bickering, slightly juvenile brothers aren't the typical lead cowboys, the gun fights are exciting and great to look at, and the ending isn't a big action sequence, but a much slower and intimate ending. Audiard is certainly trying to do a lot with this movie and there certain experimental elements that weren't fully fleshed out. But I loved the cast of characters and the changing relationships they have with one another. A film that is worthy of multiple viewings.
Score: 7.9 - DirectorGus Van SantStarsJoaquin PhoenixJonah HillRooney MaraOn the rocky path to sobriety after a life-changing accident, John Callahan discovers the healing power of art, willing his injured hands into drawing hilarious, often controversial cartoons, which bring him a new lease on life.Gus Van Sant's biopic of quadriplegic cartoonist John Callahan is perhaps the truest drama this year. This honest portrayal of alcoholism, self destruction and forgiveness is heart-felt and funny, but at no point does it feel contrived. As you would expect Joaquin Phoenix is brilliant and carries this movie. But there is a supporting performance from Jonah Hill that deserves awards consideration. My only major criticism of this movie is how it jumps around in time without much of a hint as to where you are along the timeline.
Score: 7.9 - DirectorRyan CooglerStarsChadwick BosemanMichael B. JordanLupita Nyong'oT'Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country's past.There was an enormous amount of pressure on Black Panther to be a success. It was such a culturally significant moment, not only in the super hero genre, but for blockbuster films in general. Thankfully, writer/director Ryan Coogler pulls it off. Despite being part of the Marvel Universe, it very much stands on its own as an individual comic book movie. Many of the beats and stylistic choices we have come to expect from Marvel are slightly different here and means we are left with a refreshing, but still entertaining movie.
Score: 7.9 - DirectorJon M. ChuStarsConstance WuHenry GoldingMichelle YeohThis contemporary romantic comedy based on a global bestseller follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's family.Featuring a rare all Asian cast, this romcom is one of the best and freshest in recent years. Vibrant, funny and charming this film was a joy to watch. The different cultural setting brought new characters and ideas to the stale genre.
Score: 7.9 - DirectorAneesh ChagantyStarsJohn ChoDebra MessingJoseph LeeAfter his teenage daughter goes missing, a desperate father tries to find clues on her laptop.I think this could be the beginning of a new trend. A film which takes place entirely on the screens of computers. While it wasn't the first to do it, it is the first to make it feel more than a gimmick. As a father tries to solve the mystery of his missing daughter, you feel completely involved as you spot things at the same time that the character does.
Score: 7.5 - DirectorJonah HillStarsSunny SuljicKatherine WaterstonLucas HedgesFollows Stevie, a thirteen-year-old in 1990s-era Los Angeles who spends his summer navigating between his troubled home life and a group of new friends that he meets at a Motor Avenue skate shop.An impressive debut film from actor, now director, Jonah Hill. Mid90's tells the coming of age story of a boy in 90's LA where skateboarding and an older group of friends impact his life. The film doesn't tread any new ground in the coming of age genre, but it is grounded, heart-felt, and boasts a tremendous hip-hop inspired soundtrack. It is evident that Jonah Hill's upbringing played a huge part in the making of this film, so it will be interesting what his next project will be.
Score: 7.5 - DirectorDrew GoddardStarsJeff BridgesCynthia ErivoDakota Johnson1969. Four strangers check in at the El Royale Hotel. The hotel is deserted, staffed by a single desk clerk. Some of the new guests' reasons for being there are less than innocent and some are not who they appear to be.It would be very easy to knock this film as a poor Tarantino copy. It is flashy, theatrical, full of vibrant characters doing shocking things and has a cracking soundtrack. While it may be a bit showy and contrived, there is no doubt it is entertaining and full of twists. The cast are all having a blast as they get to chew on fun dialogue. Even though it isn't perfect, it has the feel of a movie that will grow in popularity as time rolls on.
Score: 7.3 - DirectorJohn Francis DaleyJonathan GoldsteinStarsJason BatemanRachel McAdamsKyle ChandlerA group of friends who meet regularly for game nights find themselves entangled in a real-life mystery when the shady brother of one of them is seemingly kidnapped by dangerous gangsters.This fun, but dark comedy was a pleasant surprise this early in the year. To have a studio comedy this well written and constructed is become far too rare. All the cast do a terrific job with the script, both dramatically and with their comedic timing. Overall, this leaves us with a really good adult comedy.
Score: 7.2 - DirectorDavid LeitchStarsRyan ReynoldsJosh BrolinMorena BaccarinFoul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (a.k.a. Deadpool) assembles a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg Cable.Deadpool 2 continues in the same vain as its hugely influential predecessor. In many ways this is actually a better movie than the first Deadpool. The action scenes have been improved and there is a pleasantly surprising character arc for the titular character. Its biggest issue is that the shock factor that the original had has somewhat waned. A lot of the jokes, while funny, I felt like I have heard before.
Score: 7.2 - DirectorGreg BerlantiStarsNick RobinsonJennifer GarnerJosh DuhamelSimon Spier keeps a huge secret from his family, his friends and all of his classmates: he's gay. When that secret is threatened, Simon must face everyone and come to terms with his identity.A middle-class high school comedy that has all the usual stereotypes, but one. The lead male is gay. This is a perfectly good coming of age film, heart-warming, funny, relatable and full of nostalgia. However, Simon's coming out story separates this from the others. For lots of young people this will be an extremely important film and will likely inspire lots of teenagers to come out and feel free to be who they want to be.
Score: 7.2 - DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsClaire FoyJoshua LeonardJay PharoahA young woman is involuntarily committed to a mental institution, where she is confronted by her greatest fear - but is it real or a product of her delusion?Steven Soderbergh's second return to directing comes in the from of a small budget psychological thriller, shot entirely on an I-phone. The film is extremely frustrating to watch and I mean that in the nicest possible way. When Claire Foy's character is essentially imprisoned in a mental institution, it will have you screaming at the screen. This is not only a testament to the screenplay and direction, but also to Clair Foy who puts in a very real and sympathetic performance. If you ignore a few of the unrealistic aspects of the story and go along with it, there is a lot of fun to be he had watching this film.
Score: 7.1 - DirectorLeigh WhannellStarsLogan Marshall-GreenMelanie VallejoSteve DanielsenSet in the near-future, technology controls nearly all aspects of life. But when the world of Grey, a self-labeled technophobe, is turned upside down, his only hope for revenge is an experimental computer chip implant.'Upgrade' has some of the most exhilarating, inventive and just pure fun to watch fight scenes I have seen in a long time. And while the fight choreography is decent, this stems from its use of fixed point tracking cinematography, that makes it feel that STEM is not only fighting bad guys, but shooting the movie as it does so. Now from a writing perspective, if feels very generic and artificially constructed. This results in some pretty easy to predict twists and some frustratingly one dimensional characters. All the same, it is a fun action Sci-Fi that is worth watching for the action alone.
Score: 7.1 - DirectorPaul FeigStarsAnna KendrickBlake LivelyHenry GoldingStephanie is a single mother with a parenting vlog who befriends Emily, a secretive upper-class woman who has a child at the same elementary school. When Emily goes missing, Stephanie takes it upon herself to investigate.This film is absolutely bonkers. Its tones and genre quite literally is all over the place. For this reason you could criticise the films direction. However, Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively really carry this film's crazy script and make it a really enjoyable watch. There is plenty of humour which you would expect from a Paul Feig film. But there is also enough mystery and intrigue to keep you hooked.
Score: 7.1 - DirectorPeter FarrellyStarsViggo MortensenMahershala AliLinda CardelliniA working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver for an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.This film has since come under some flak for it's historical inaccuracies, and in particular the misrepresentation of Don Shirley. It was then put under an even greater spotlight when it won 'Best Picture' at the Oscars. However, when you take all of this way, there is no denying that 'Green Book' is a crowd pleasing movie with good intentions. Its numerous cliché's and almost textbook structure means it is not one that lives long in the memory, but I can certainly see this film becoming a popular holiday time movie in the future:
Score: 7.1 - DirectorKay CannonStarsLeslie MannJohn CenaIke BarinholtzThree parents try to stop their daughters from losing their virginity on prom night.I had very low expectations for this movie. In the main, because I am so tired of American raunchy comedies where every character is just a caricature and the actors are expected to adlib half the movie. However, this film has a structure, a good script and the characters are actually quite funny. It isn't perfect. But, there are lots of laughs to be had with this movie and it will undoubtedly be better than most of the comedies released this year.
Score: 7.0 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTye SheridanOlivia CookeBen MendelsohnWhen the creator of a virtual reality called the OASIS dies, he makes a posthumous challenge to all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune and control of his world.This glossy, Sci-Fi, action filled popcorn movie, stuffed with pop culture references and easter eggs couldn't have a more suitable director at the helm. Steven Spielberg knows exactly how to pull these types of movies off and once again he has proved himself a master filmmaker. Narratively speaking the film is fairly safe and generic, but that doesn't matter because lots of people will have fun with this movie.
Score: 7.0 - DirectorAndrew BujalskiStarsRegina HallHaley Lu RichardsonDylan GelulaThe general manager at a highway-side ''sports bar with curves" has her incurable optimism and faith in her girls, her customers and herself tested over the course of a long, strange day.This understated comedy drama about girls who work at a bar & grill was a surprisingly pleasant watch. It doesn't floor you with its comedy or emotional moments, but it is a pleasure to be in their company for 90 minutes. Their were a handful of great performances from the likes of Regina Hall, Haley Lu Richardson and Shayna McHayle.
Score: 7.0 - DirectorJesse PeretzStarsChris O'DowdRose ByrneEthan HawkeAnnie (the long-suffering girlfriend of Duncan) has an unlikely transatlantic romance with once revered, now faded, singer-songwriter, Tucker Crowe, who also happens to be the subject of Duncan's musical obsession.Based off Nick Hornby's book of the same name, 'Juliet, Naked' is a charming Sunday afternoon film, that despite its contrived nature, has the joy and humanity for you to look past it. Its three leads are all perfectly cast, with Rose Byrne and Ethan Hawke in particular giving small, but delightful performances. It doesn't quite have the comedic punch that some might want from a romcom, but that's now what the film is aspiring to be.
Score: 6.9 - DirectorLars von TrierStarsMatt DillonBruno GanzUma ThurmanIn five episodes, failed architect and vicious sociopath Jack recounts his elaborately orchestrated murders -- each, as he views them, a towering work of art that defines his life's work as a serial killer in the Pacific Northwest.Lars von Trier has always been a divisive filmmaker, and this latest outing is perhaps his most polarising yet. There's no mistaking that he is a talented director. Some of the scenes were masterfully done, perfectly balancing horror, tension and absurdist comedy all at once. However, I feel like von Trier has become a reactionary filmmaker. More concerned with getting a reaction out of viewers and critics than actually producing a quality film. There were sections in this film that I felt were just there to shock the audience rather than really develop the story. At the end I knew I had watched a well made film, but wasn't sure it had been done for the right reasons or even that I enjoyed it.
Score: 6.9 - DirectorClaire ScanlonStarsZoey DeutchGlen PowellLucy LiuTwo corporate executive assistants hatch a plan to match-make their two bosses.As the industry struggles to find new ways to tell the romcom, 'Set it Up' is proof that the tried and tested formula still works so long as you have good characters and leads with chemistry. The premise that brings our two characters together is cute, as they set up and juggle a relationship between their two bosses. It's the type of thing I can see being used again. As for the romance, they really do make you wait for it, which is just how it should be.
Score: 6.8 - DirectorRon HowardStarsAlden EhrenreichWoody HarrelsonEmilia ClarkeDuring an adventure in the criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebel Alliance.There is no way to get around the fact this film is just one big piece of fan service. Anything you wanted to know about Han Solo is answered in this movie to varying degrees of satisfaction. It is also a film that shouldn't have been made, which is somewhat reflected in its poor box office return. However, I must say that this film is still an enjoyable action/Sci-Fi romp that will keep you entertained from start 'til finish. Credit must go to director Ron Howard who had to go in midway through shooting to fix the mess that was the production of this film.
Score: 6.8 - DirectorBrad BirdStarsCraig T. NelsonHolly HunterSarah VowellThe Incredibles family takes on a new mission which involves a change in family roles: Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) must manage the house while his wife Helen (Elastigirl) goes out to save the world.The long awaited sequel to one of Pixar's greatest films doesn't disappoint. Full of humour suitable for all ages and some extremely fun action sequences, this still has the magic of the original. What holds it back from being as good as the first is the standard of villain. The motives and evil plan of the new villain is not nearly as believable and clever as that of Syndrome. On re-watch, this falls short of what an Incredibles sequel could have been. There is so much fan service, that on first watch I got swept up in how much I love these characters and this world. It's only now I realise how much of a rethread this movie is. All the story beats are the same, and characters have regressed only to undergo the same, less fulfilling character arcs. Also, the art design seems a little off.
Score: 6.8 - DirectorBrett HaleyStarsNick OffermanKiersey ClemonsBlythe DannerA father and daughter form an unlikely songwriting duo in the summer before she leaves for college.A film about a father and his teenage daughter starting a band is as sweet and heart-warming as you would imagine. It is also as safe and predictable as you would imagine and that is part of its problem. The music was quite good, but it falls short of the standard that John Carney has set for this sub genre of film.
Score: 6.7 - DirectorSusan JohnsonStarsLana CondorNoah CentineoJanel ParrishA teenage girl's secret love letters are exposed and wreak havoc on her love life.Based of the best selling book, this teenage romcom was always going to be a big hit. It uses a very contrived, but naturally dramatic set up, where our likable protagonist Lara Jean begins a fake relationship with an old crush of hers. It sounds ridiculous and it is. But naturally, then begins a will they, won't they narrative that is light fun. There are a couple nice surprises, but it ultimately quite a standard teen romcom. It was nice to see an Asian romantic lead, in a film that isn't concerned about race.
Score: 6.7 - DirectorSusanne BierStarsSandra BullockTrevante RhodesJohn MalkovichFive years after an ominous unseen presence drives most of society to suicide, a mother and her two children make a desperate bid to reach safety.Bird Box had the great misfortune of being released on the same year as the superior 'A Quiet Place'. It has an interesting new premise for a monster movie, but through no fault of its own could only lead to an apocalypse style story that we have seen elements of many times before. The filmmaking and performances were carried out to a very high standard. My one gripe was the way they went back and forth between the scenes during the outbreak and the ones 5 years later. I don't think this poor editing helped either half of the story.
Score: 6.7 - DirectorDuncan SkilesStarsDylan McDermottCharlie PlummerSamantha MathisA picture-perfect family is shattered when the work of a serial killer hits too close to home.As serial killer movies go, this is fairly understated with disciplined pacing. It brings some fresh ideas to the sub genre, as well borrowing a fair few. I do think it gets slightly muddled with whether it wants to be a mystery or deal with a problematic character dilemma, and in the end doesn't fully commit to either. I feel like the audience knows before our protagonist does, but it doesn't play this in an interesting way. I did like the religious themes, which play a part in the story as well as help with the sense of place. As far as the killer goes, it is obviously a rip-off of the BTK killer. However, I appreciate that it uses the story for entertainment purposes without contributing to his notoriety. On the whole it was a a good watch. It didn't have me on the edge of my seat like you'd hope from this type of film, and I didn't personally love the ending.
Score: 6.5 - DirectorFelix van GroeningenStarsSteve CarellMaura TierneyJack Dylan GrazerBased on the best-selling pair of memoirs from father and son David and Nic Sheff, Beautiful Boy chronicles the heartbreaking and inspiring experience of survival, relapse and recovery in a family coping with addiction over many years.This film was a real mixed bag. Its structure from both a time perspective and with regards to story structure was unconventional. It gave the film a memory like quality, that took a little while to connect with, but once I did it was slightly hypnotising. Part of this was also down to the cinematography and direction, that was trying just that little bit to hard to be arch, but still produced some lovely moments. A lot of the difficulty I had with the film was the script. At times it works, but for much of the film it is just a bit off from the naturalistic tone the film is trying to achieve. My favourite part of the film is the performances. Timothee Chalamet has been getting a lot of praise for his work in this, but I think Steve Carrell is the true heart of the film. His portrayal as the hurt and confused, yet enabling dad was heart-breaking to watch.
Score: 6.4 - DirectorBryan SingerStarsRami MalekLucy BoyntonGwilym LeeThe story of the legendary British rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid (1985).Bohemian Rhapsody has been an enormous crowd pleasing hit and it is easy to see why. The story serves as the perfect compliment to what is the real star of this film. Queen's music. And it does this very well. However, if you strip away the fabulous songs there isn't much going on. Freddie's rollercoaster of a life isn't explored the way it could have been and there is almost no conflict throughout the whole story.
Score: 6.4 - DirectorOl ParkerStarsLily JamesAmanda SeyfriedMeryl StreepFive years after the events of Mamma Mia! (2008), Sophie prepares for the grand reopening of the Hotel Bella Donna as she learns more about her mother's past.The sequel to the crowd pleasing 'Mamma Mia!' has the same spirit as it's predecessor. Lily James is brilliant as Young Donna in what is 'Godfather Part 2' like plot structure (I can't believe I just compared mamma Mia to the Godfather). Objectively, I believe this a better made film. The scene transitions and choreography are smooth and whimsical. The film looks incredible. However, it is lacking a little bit of the magic of the first film, not helped by the fact they had already used up most of Abba's greatest hits.
Score: 6.3 - DirectorSean AndersStarsMark WahlbergRose ByrneIsabela MercedA couple find themselves in over their heads when they foster three children.This heart-warming family comedy was surprisingly moving. It shines a light on a very important issue and I'm sure it will encourage many people to look into fostering. The main problem with the film is the tone. It struggles to get the right balance between comedy and drama. Often the attempts of comedy undermine the more dramatic moments, particularly because of the films' silly sense of humour. If it had a tone more similar to that of 'Juno' it could have been a great little film.
Score: 6.3 - DirectorDavid WainStarsFrank GingerichMorgan GingerichAnnette O'TooleIn the 1970s and '80s, National Lampoon's success and influence creates a new media empire overseen in part by the brilliant and troubled Douglas Kenney.It's a pretty standard comedy biopic about the creators of the National Lampoon; a comedy group I don't know much about, but who's influence is clearly very much still felt today. Refreshingly, the film doesn't care about making its characters likable. The tone of the film is completely fitting with style of comedy that is portrayed throughout. I didn't laugh as much as you'd expect. But there was a narrative device that I didn't see coming that completely floored me, and so I'll give major props for that.
Score: 6.2 - DirectorMichael NoerStarsCharlie HunnamDamijan OklopdzicChristopher FairbankWrongfully convicted for murder, Henri Charriere forms an unlikely relationship with fellow inmate and quirky convicted counterfeiter, Louis Dega, in an attempt to escape from the notorious penal colony on Devil's Island.At the time of watching I wasn't aware this was a remake. It's hardly surprising given how incredible a true story this is. Although it does make me wonder the purpose of the of this film considering how "by the numbers" the story-telling is as a historical biopic. There is a raw brutality to the tale that in the hands of the another filmmaker might have been a more oppressive and visceral experience. Considering the violence in this, it still feels like quite a safe movie. However, I was able to enjoy it, even if there were some pacing issues.
Score: 6.2 - DirectorJaume Collet-SerraStarsLiam NeesonVera FarmigaPatrick WilsonAn insurance salesman/ex-cop is caught up in a life-threatening conspiracy during his daily commute home.'The Commuter' is everything that I expected from a Collet-Serra and Liam Neeson collaboration. It is dumb, it is full of action, it is somewhat entertaining and this time it is set on a train. If you want a smart Hitchcockian thriller this isn't for you. But, if you need an easy to watch popcorn action movie with a charismatic lead then I would recommend this film.
Score: 6.2 - DirectorNicolai FuglsigStarsChris HemsworthMichael ShannonMichael Peña12 Strong tells the story of the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11; under the leadership of a new captain, the team must work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban.This true story from the modern day Afghan conflict is gritty and filled with plenty of action. It is lacking in character development and political statements, but for fans of action and war movies this film has you covered.
Score: 6.1 - DirectorMark RasoStarsEd HarrisJason SudeikisElizabeth OlsenSet during the final days of the admired photo development system known as Kodachrome, a father and son hit the road in order to reach the Kansas photo lab before it closes its doors for good.A very stereotypical road trip movie, populated with the usual family tensions and budding romance. If you want to be cynical about this movie it is very easy to, as the screenplay seems so classically structured, and the character arcs so generic that this almost feels like a pointless exercise. However, it is pretty well made. The characters are fairly well rounded, if not memorable, and it has a certain light-hearted pleasantness that makes it hard to dislike.
Score: 6.1 - DirectorJeff TomsicStarsJeremy RennerEd HelmsJake JohnsonA small group of former classmates organize an elaborate, annual game of tag that requires some to travel all over the country.'Tag' is based on the bizarre true story of a group of adults who have been playing a game of tag for 30 years. This comedy plays out like a series of comedy sketches and runs on for about 20 minutes too long. While the characters are all adult comedy clichés, there is enough daft humour and clever gags to make it a worthwhile comedy. It also has some heart-warming moments about friendship, something modern day adult comedies often don't.
Score: 6.0 - DirectorCraig JohnsonStarsMichael AbelaDaniel DohenyBrendan ArcherAlex, high school class president, nerd and a straight A student, has been dating Claire a long time. They decide to sleep together but then he meets a gay guy and he's confused.Coming out just after the successful coming out comedy 'Love, Simon', this film was always likely going to be compared to it. It isn't as narratively tight as 'Love, Simon'. Quite often I thought that segments of dialogue could have done with another look over. However, this perhaps added to the quirkiness of this film. My biggest compliment to this film is that it wasn't afraid to try some crazy things. There is one bit of gross-out comedy that particularly comes to mind.
Score: 6.0 - DirectorGary RossStarsSandra BullockCate BlanchettAnne HathawayDebbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City's annual Met Gala.This all female reboot of the oceans franchise is simply all gloss and no substance. We see eight underdeveloped female characters who all have specific jobs carry out a jewellery heist that's logic has seemingly been thrown out the window. Now that could be forgiven if the film was funny and wickedly clever. Unfortunately, there isn't enough of these moments. Just had to mention actors. Anne Hathaway was far and away the best thing about this film. On the other hand, suddenly appearing in the third act was a character played by James Corden, who was so terribly miscast he sticks out like a sore thumb.
Score: 5.7 - DirectorNick ParkStarsEddie RedmayneTom HiddlestonMaisie WilliamsSet at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, Early Man tells the story of Dug, along with sidekick Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age City to save their home.The latest animated film 'Early Man' from the wonderful Aardman studios is possibly their most disappointing yet. That's not to say it was bad. It still has the charm and silly humour that Aardman films typically do. However, there wasn't the laugh out loud moments that their films usually have. Another disappointment was the generic nature of the film's plot which was nothing other than a basic underdog story. Kids will enjoy this, but it is unlikely one they remember.
Score: 5.6 - DirectorCory FinleyStarsOlivia CookeAnya Taylor-JoyAnton YelchinTwo upper-class teenage girls in suburban Connecticut rekindle their unlikely friendship after years of growing apart. Together, they hatch a plan to solve both of their problems-no matter what the cost.As much as I didn't like this film, I believe debut writer-director Cory Finley is one to watch out for. I really enjoyed some of his direction. Some of the long shots reminded me of bits from 'The Shining'. However, the screenplay didn't sit right with me. The characters dialogue felt extremely artificial. I didn't believe a word that was coming out of these two teenager's mouths. It is also missing clear intentions and obstacles for the first half of the film, which gave the film a lack of drive.
Score: 5.6 - DirectorMarcus H. RosenmüllerStarsDavid KrossFreya MavorJohn HenshawThe love story of a young English woman and a German PoW, who together overcome prejudice, public hostility and personal tragedy.This does have the feeling of BBC TV film, which is a very difficult thing to shake for any low budget British period film. Additionally, the story, that of a German POW making it big time as a goalkeeper in English football, isn't likely to have much appeal outside of the UK. However, as I am the film's target audience, I must admit how amazed I was by this man's incredible story. The film is at its strongest in the first act, when people struggle with the idea of a Nazi on their team, and we get budding romance between the films two leads. After that, like many biographical films, it grapples with structure and is desperately searching for a connective theme, which it finds, albeit quite sloppily, in guilt. It just tried to cram in too much.
Score: 5.6 - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsSteve CarellFalk HentschelMatt O'LearyA victim of a brutal attack finds a unique and beautiful therapeutic outlet to help him through his recovery process.Welcome to Marwen is a strange story, that seems like it would lend itself more to an indie filmmaker, but instead got the Robert Zemeckis treatment. Unsurprisingly, this meant we got a movie with strong visual story-telling and an interesting blend of live action and CGI. The incredible true story of Mark Hogancamp is equally compelling as it is heart-breaking. The nature of his therapeutic model making is complex and cerebral, which I think is why the filmmakers had to battle with how they were going to tell this story. Unfortunately, it is loud and unfocused, deciding to spend much of the film inside the model world, where they use big action set pieces as signposted metaphors. While there are some touching moments, all I could think of is how much I'd rather be watching the documentary.
Score: 5.5 - DirectorNash EdgertonStarsJoel EdgertonCharlize TheronDavid OyelowoGRINGO, a dark comedy mixed with white-knuckle action and dramatic intrigue, explores the battle of survival for businessman Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo) when he finds himself crossing the line from law-abiding citizen to wanted criminal.This crazy black comedy was brought to us by director Nash Edgerton, brother of star of the movie Joel. Its script is extremely inconsistent and to be honest a bit of a mess. There were elements of situational comedy that were really funny and clever. However, this was then spoilt by pieces of dialogue that fall flat and just come off as silly. This could be forgiven if the characters had been given more development, but they were never more than 2 dimensional deplorable people.
Score: 5.3 - DirectorBrad PeytonStarsDwayne JohnsonNaomie HarrisMalin AkermanWhen three different animals become infected with a dangerous pathogen, a primatologist and a geneticist team up to stop them from destroying Chicago.It boggles my mind that somebody came up with the idea to adapt the 1986 arcade game 'Rampage' into a feature length film. Somebody made it though, and to nobody's surprise it is one of the dumbest movies of the year. If you completely ignore all your logical thinking there is some fun to be had with this movie. This is in large to Dwayne Johnson, who is perhaps the only actor in Hollywood who could pull off a movie like this.
Score: 5.2 - DirectorWill GluckStarsJames CordenFayssal BazziDomhnall GleesonA rabbit sneaks into a garden to steal food, and they get a new challenge with a new owner.Packed with an annoying rabbit, the latest pop songs and scenes full of crassness this film barely resembles anything from the quaint and British children's books by Beatrix Potter. James Corden has been completely miscast in the lead role. His voice doesn't suit the character of Peter Rabbit and he even made him quite intolerable. Children might enjoy its silliness, but it won't have the magic or charm to stand the test of time. Besides a few good jokes the only saving grace for this film was the brilliant Domhnall Gleeson.
Score: 5.1 - DirectorAbby KohnMarc SilversteinStarsAmy SchumerMichelle WilliamsEmily RatajkowskiA woman struggling with insecurity wakes from a fall believing she is the most beautiful and capable woman on the planet. Her new confidence empowers her to live fearlessly, but what happens when she realizes her appearance never changed?The intentions of this film's premise is admirable: the idea that it is your personality and confidence that sets you apart, and not your appearance. Amy Schumer is the protagonist learning this lesson, as she tries to navigate her way through the vanity of the cosmetics industry, after banging her head and now seeing herself as the person she always wishes she was. Unfortunately, the script isn't as sharp as it needs to be. It stretches its main joke out thin, and yet it still doesn't produce the type of comedy that films of this type have done in the past. The comic standout was Michelle Williams, who was responsible for most my laughs.
Score: 5.0 - DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsJennifer LawrenceJoel EdgertonMatthias SchoenaertsBallerina Dominika Egorova is recruited to 'Sparrow School,' a Russian intelligence service where she is forced to use her body as a weapon. Her first mission, targeting a C.I.A. agent, threatens to unravel the security of both nations.With Jennifer Lawrence playing the lead as a sexy Russian spy, in espionage thriller, with a star-studded cast, you would think this film would be a blast. Well it is a slog to watch. The storyline is shockingly dull and drones on for 30 minutes too long. The accents are laughably inconsistent, especially Jennifer Lawrence's. And there is no chemistry between Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Lawrence what so ever.
Score: 4.9 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsEddie RedmayneKatherine WaterstonDan FoglerGellert Grindelwald plans to raise an army of wizards to rule over non-magical beings. In response, Newt Scamander's former professor, Albus Dumbledore, seeks his help to stop him.One could describe this as the 'Last Jedi' of wizarding world films. For fans of the franchise, this film has canon destroying plot points, breaks several of the established rules in this world and frustratingly ignores the events that happened before this film. What makes all of this worse is that it was written by J.K Rowling herself. Unlike 'The Last Jedi' however, this is all compounded by the fact it is a poorly paced, badly written, extremely misguided and overall just a disappointing movie.
Score: 4.8 - DirectorRoar UthaugStarsAlicia VikanderDominic WestWalton GogginsLara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she discovers the island where her father, Lord Richard Croft disappeared.A reboot I am not sure was really wanted, 'Tomb Raider' is another film based on the game of the same name. Alicia Vikander is the gorgeous, feisty Lara Croft and does a good job, albeit different to the version of the character we are use to. However, the action is underwhelming and the plot is generic. Unfortunately the film doesn't do anything to improve the success rate of video game based movies.
Score: 4.7 - DirectorDuncan JonesStarsAlexander SkarsgårdPaul RuddJustin TherouxA mute bartender goes up against his city's gangsters in an effort to find out what happened to his missing partner.Duncan Jones' passion projects has taken 10 years to get made, but still needed more time. This Neo noir thriller set in the near future has some interesting ideas that are enough to keep you hooked. However, its lack of clear direction leaves it feeling messy, and our protagonist is far less interesting than some of the other characters in this film.
Score: 4.6 - DirectorFede AlvarezStarsClaire FoyBeau GadsdonSverrir GudnasonYoung computer hacker Lisbeth Salander and journalist Mikael Blomkvist find themselves caught in a web of spies, cybercriminals and corrupt government officials.An adaption of the fourth book in the 'Millennium' franchise that was written by a different author, following Stieg Larson's untimely death, was marketed as a follow-up to David Fincher's 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', but in no way is. There is a different cast and crew, and is a completely different type of movie. Described as an action thriller, 'The Girl in the Spider's Web' is a combination of 'Mission Impossible' and 'Batman'. Don't let that excite you. It's a convoluted mess, with an eye-roll villain reveal, nonsensical hacking scenes and characters as complex as a primary school maths equation.
Score: 4.5 - DirectorBen FalconeStarsMelissa McCarthyMatt WalshMolly GordonAfter her husband abruptly asks for a divorce, a middle-aged mother returns to college in order to complete her degree.Clearly the producers behind this film, thought a fun idea and Melissa McCarthy would be enough for this film to work. What they forgot was that it needed a good script. The best way I could describe this film is that it plays out like the fantasy of an unhappy middle-aged women. I fully expected Melissa McCarthy's character to wake up at the end of it. There was the occasional funny gag, but it wasn't enough for me to ignore the terrible plot structure and inconsistent character traits.
Score: 4.3 - DirectorRuben FleischerStarsTom HardyMichelle WilliamsRiz AhmedA failed reporter is bonded to an alien entity, one of many symbiotes who have invaded Earth. But the being takes a liking to Earth and decides to protect it.This film is a mess. It is clear Sony is desperately trying to milk the money out of a franchise that they share with Disney's Marvel. There is no artistic direction to this movie. This is not a screenwriters passion project. It couldn't be more obvious that it is a money-grabbing studio film, hence why it is so dull and uninteresting. It gets a little better in the second half, but this film is a real bore and forgettable comic-book movie. Riz Ahmed's villain is also so comically bad I could never take this movie seriously.
Score: 3.6 - DirectorIain MorrisStarsJoe ThomasHannah TointonHammed AnimashaunAfter Nick's girlfriend dumps him, his best mate Shane has the perfect antidote to his break-up blues: three days at an epic music festival.The first word that comes to mind when describing this British comedy is dated. It was directed by the creator of 'The Inbetweeners' and you can tell. A lot of the comedy is recycled, crass and cringe-inducing. There doesn't seem to be anything new that the directors and writers are trying to tell. All of this is compounded by the fact Joe Thomas is playing the same whiney, pathetic, insufferable character that he always plays.
Score: 3.1 - DirectorVaughn SteinStarsMargot RobbieSimon PeggDexter FletcherA film noir taking place in a train terminal at night. Add two male assassins, a female assassin, a waitress, a teacher, a janitor, and a crime boss. Add revenge. Who says mystery is a lost art?It is easy to see that this film is Vaughn Stein's directorial debut. The script seems like it is from the mind of a film student who believes they can be the next Tarantino, but actually doesn't know a single thing about storytelling. There is literally no point to this film. On the bright side it certainly isn't boring. It verges on the so bad it is good. Also the actors are having a lot of fun with the roles, particularly Margot Robbie. Albeit actually being a pretty a terrible performance.
Score: 1.6