#10: Paddington 2
This was the year's surprise. I personally didn't find the original Paddington to be Top 10 worthy back in 2014. Yet, Paddington 2 was the first movie I saw in 2018. I've watched it three times since then and I have found it to be way better than the original. It carries an old-fashioned charm similar to that of classic family films from the 90's. There's little in the way of anything too modern, and it carries a children's storybook feel in its execution that is irresistible. I'm excited to see if they make a third movie!
This was the year's surprise. I personally didn't find the original Paddington to be Top 10 worthy back in 2014. Yet, Paddington 2 was the first movie I saw in 2018. I've watched it three times since then and I have found it to be way better than the original. It carries an old-fashioned charm similar to that of classic family films from the 90's. There's little in the way of anything too modern, and it carries a children's storybook feel in its execution that is irresistible. I'm excited to see if they make a third movie!
#9: Ralph Breaks the Internet
While it made my Top 10 in 2012, Wreck it Ralph is not among the most memorable Disney films of recent memory. That being said, Ralph Breaks the Internet was even better than the original. It had an emotional story, some terrific twists, great characters and some of the funniest pop culture jokes yet (it's even more impressive that Disney mostly resists its own temptation here to boast about what they have). All this adds up to a movie that ranks alongside some of the best Disney movies of the past 5 years.
While it made my Top 10 in 2012, Wreck it Ralph is not among the most memorable Disney films of recent memory. That being said, Ralph Breaks the Internet was even better than the original. It had an emotional story, some terrific twists, great characters and some of the funniest pop culture jokes yet (it's even more impressive that Disney mostly resists its own temptation here to boast about what they have). All this adds up to a movie that ranks alongside some of the best Disney movies of the past 5 years.
#8: Alpha
It might not be an easy movie to watch sometimes, but Alpha wildly succeeds in twisting the boy-and-his-dog tale. This is an intense, man vs. nature tale that is one of the riskiest and most fascinating films I've seen this decade. None of the dialogue is in English, and Kodi Smit-McPhee and his wolf friend succeed in captivating us despite that disadvantage. It's exciting, heartfelt, and has one of the best endings also for a movie in quite some time. Definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen it yet.
It might not be an easy movie to watch sometimes, but Alpha wildly succeeds in twisting the boy-and-his-dog tale. This is an intense, man vs. nature tale that is one of the riskiest and most fascinating films I've seen this decade. None of the dialogue is in English, and Kodi Smit-McPhee and his wolf friend succeed in captivating us despite that disadvantage. It's exciting, heartfelt, and has one of the best endings also for a movie in quite some time. Definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen it yet.
#7: Mary Poppins Returns
Another surprise this year was how great this sequel turned out to be. I don't think anyone asked for this one. Yet, instead of a cash-grab, Returns felt like a carefully thought-out and put-together sequel. Rob Marshall clearly was the right man for the job, and Emily Blunt was the right person to succeed Julie Andrews in the title role. With a solid pace, some terrific moments (including a stunning animated sequence), and an emotional ending, Returns carries a joyful vibe more movies could definitely use today.
Another surprise this year was how great this sequel turned out to be. I don't think anyone asked for this one. Yet, instead of a cash-grab, Returns felt like a carefully thought-out and put-together sequel. Rob Marshall clearly was the right man for the job, and Emily Blunt was the right person to succeed Julie Andrews in the title role. With a solid pace, some terrific moments (including a stunning animated sequence), and an emotional ending, Returns carries a joyful vibe more movies could definitely use today.
#6: Avengers - Infinity War
I can't call this my favorite superhero movie ever made, but it is one of the most daring and emotional ones made to date. Infinity War continues MCU's trend of defying the odds for superhero movie tropes. With several shocking moments, and emotionally-convincing story, solid attention for most characters, and an ending that haunted movie fans, Infinity War is definitely one of the most impressive and memorable movies made in the genre to date.
I can't call this my favorite superhero movie ever made, but it is one of the most daring and emotional ones made to date. Infinity War continues MCU's trend of defying the odds for superhero movie tropes. With several shocking moments, and emotionally-convincing story, solid attention for most characters, and an ending that haunted movie fans, Infinity War is definitely one of the most impressive and memorable movies made in the genre to date.
#5: Isle of Dogs
This is another fascinating film that is among the most underrated animated movies ever. Wes Anderson's attention to detail and character is absolutely astounding. The film's look is among the most unique for a film in quite some time, and there's a quirky sense of humor that works wonders. Add to that a few solid twists, an emotional moment or two, a stirring beginning and a memorable music score, and you've got something that's close to an instant classic.
This is another fascinating film that is among the most underrated animated movies ever. Wes Anderson's attention to detail and character is absolutely astounding. The film's look is among the most unique for a film in quite some time, and there's a quirky sense of humor that works wonders. Add to that a few solid twists, an emotional moment or two, a stirring beginning and a memorable music score, and you've got something that's close to an instant classic.
#4: Incredibles 2
Disney and Pixar's long-awaited sequel to one of their best films did not disappoint. The strong animation and action sequences are one thing. But the film also carries a clever, subversive story with strong characters, an effective script and one of the most interesting villains I've seen in a movie in recent memory. With Edna Mode and Jack-Jack stealing the show and a retro 60's vibe that is irresistible (including Michael Giacchino's score), this is one of the most flat-out entertaining and engaging movies Pixar has put together.
Disney and Pixar's long-awaited sequel to one of their best films did not disappoint. The strong animation and action sequences are one thing. But the film also carries a clever, subversive story with strong characters, an effective script and one of the most interesting villains I've seen in a movie in recent memory. With Edna Mode and Jack-Jack stealing the show and a retro 60's vibe that is irresistible (including Michael Giacchino's score), this is one of the most flat-out entertaining and engaging movies Pixar has put together.
#3: I Can Only Imagine
Every now and then, a faith-based movie comes along that truly rises to the occasion from a production and emotional point of view. This was that movie. Not since Miracles from Heaven have I been emotionally-engaged this much in a story. J. Michael Finley has a terrific debut, and Dennis Quaid gives an Oscar-worthy performance here as Bart's dad. The Erwin Brothers have delivered their last three efforts (Woodlawn was in this same spot on my list for 2015), and I can't wait to see what they do next.
Every now and then, a faith-based movie comes along that truly rises to the occasion from a production and emotional point of view. This was that movie. Not since Miracles from Heaven have I been emotionally-engaged this much in a story. J. Michael Finley has a terrific debut, and Dennis Quaid gives an Oscar-worthy performance here as Bart's dad. The Erwin Brothers have delivered their last three efforts (Woodlawn was in this same spot on my list for 2015), and I can't wait to see what they do next.
#2: Christopher Robin
This was the most-anticipated movie for me in 2018, and it ends up pretty close to the top this year. Christopher Robin delivered on what I expected. A sweet nostalgia trip with a potent story and a low-key vibe. Pooh and his friends are excellently re-imagined, with several memorable moments and jokes. Marc Forster (who I knew would be right for this job) did a near-masterful job making this movie feel just as sweet, sincere and simple as anyone would expect out of Pooh and co.
This was the most-anticipated movie for me in 2018, and it ends up pretty close to the top this year. Christopher Robin delivered on what I expected. A sweet nostalgia trip with a potent story and a low-key vibe. Pooh and his friends are excellently re-imagined, with several memorable moments and jokes. Marc Forster (who I knew would be right for this job) did a near-masterful job making this movie feel just as sweet, sincere and simple as anyone would expect out of Pooh and co.
#1: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
It's not often I run into an animated movie that immediately screams "instant classic" from when I walk out of the screening. Frozen was like that for me in 2013, Big Hero 6 almost got to that point in 2014. Peanuts Movie was like that for me in 2015. And now, Into the Spider-Verse did that for me in 2018. It was on my list, but it surpassed my expectations. With groundbreaking animation, one of the best origin stories ever put on the big screen, hilarious side-characters, and a very heartfelt plot, Into the Spider-Verse is one of the most impressive, daring and enjoyable movies of the past decade.
It's not often I run into an animated movie that immediately screams "instant classic" from when I walk out of the screening. Frozen was like that for me in 2013, Big Hero 6 almost got to that point in 2014. Peanuts Movie was like that for me in 2015. And now, Into the Spider-Verse did that for me in 2018. It was on my list, but it surpassed my expectations. With groundbreaking animation, one of the best origin stories ever put on the big screen, hilarious side-characters, and a very heartfelt plot, Into the Spider-Verse is one of the most impressive, daring and enjoyable movies of the past decade.
Before I end this post, let's take a look at a few honorable mentions....
Early Man - Aardman's latest is a simple yet very effective caveman comedy that is reminiscent of The Flintstones more than Ice Age. It features some clever gags and a scene-stealing villain voiced by Tom (Loki) Hiddleston.
Bumblebee - I'll have my review posted for this by tomorrow. The best Transformers movie yet with a solid story, a strong lead character (in a great performance by Hailee Steinfeld), and surprising emotional heft.
Paul: Apostle of Christ - This Biblical drama is not an easy watch, but it's emotionally-convincing plot is well-paced, effective, and includes a fantastic performance from James Faulkner.
Black Panther - Not a fantastic movie, but it stands out as one of the most unique and interesting films Marvel has made to date. A very appealing cast, a unique visual palette, and a sophisticated villain make for an interesting watch.
Teen Titans GO! To the Movies - Not revolutionary filmmaking, but this TV series adaptation makes for one heck of an entertaining ride. Loads of fun moments and some pretty ingenious creative decisions make for one of the year's most fun films.
Now it's time to start looking forward into 2019 with cautious hope and optimism...as usual, we shall see. :)
