Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to my countdown.
Last time, i covered my list of worst movies that i wanted to get off my chest, wither is a poorly cash-in based on arcade game, a mecha vs Kaiju with a poor joke and one of the worst animated movie since "The Emoji Movie".
But i won't stay longer in negative, i wanna go to the positive way to looking back of some good films that i watched.
I wanted to be a simple 10 movies, but i decided to narrowing to 13, because 10 isn't good enough with some films that i liked. And not to mention, its the year with so many superhero films, which most of them will easily be on my list.
For this list, its only my pick that i watched and talked about, so some films like "Isle of Dogs" won't be on my list, because i wanted to see it, but pulled the plug that i wasn't ready. Also some films like "Mary Poppins Returns" and "Bumblebee" won't be here too, which although Mary Poppins Return is nice to see her again, while Bumblebee that i was not happy that i expected the worst, but it was surprisingly good.
Oh well, lets get started with the goodies, shall we?
But, il start with one Honorable mentions.
Honorable Mention: Dr. Seuss's The Grinch
This Illumination's version of The Grinch had a potential, despite people (like me) are questioning for why another one since Ron Howard's version. But in fairness, its probably better than Ron Howard's version.
The animation looks pretty cool and colorful, since this movie came out for preparing Christmas, a very cool decoration and colorful in the Whoville. And the climatic stealing decoration with The Grinch is nice see it again since before, but more creative with his gadgets, its a pretty good execution sequence what we like to see in the third act.
But the reason why i didn't put on the list, is that sometimes the character designs feels like a similar designs of other Illumination films, which i maybe understand why people noticed, but its not worst character designs i've ever seen, they're rather alright, some are nice design, some are cute or some that its limited.
Speaking of limited, most of the characters aren't have anything special and rather remain the same from the book. Like Max is a loyal dog, Cindy Lou is a cute and curious girl and some new characters are rather limited for their appearance like Fred is just a generic fat reindeer. But as far as i know, the movie mainly focus about The Grinch, though me may not as iconic like Chuck Jones's version nor even over-the-top like Jim Carrey. Grinch is more loner, grouch and sometimes pulling humiliations at the Whos. But of course, i think Benedict Cumberbatch's role of The Grinch is actually not bad that i can say for his role.
However, the story is pretty much the same as the book, but like expending where Grinch wondering around for his shopping and pulling humiliations as i mentioned before, and even setting up his plan to stealing Christmas decorations. And having an origin about The Grinch is although its nice to have it, but its pretty vague that i was questioning for why he's all alone in the orphanage. The music is pretty bellow average that i forgot to point out in my review, the narration of Pharrell is "meh".
This Christmas isn't the worst, but its rather an ok film, even if the kids will like this movie for Christmas.
Honorable mention: First Man
We always fascinated of going in space since our childhood, but sometimes going in space could be dangerous. In the 90's a failed mission movie called "Apollo 13" was big deal with great reviews and box office success.
And the, the one that some people like to see (like myself in curiosity) is "First Man". This is the true story was a big deal of a first man of the moon, namely Neil Armstrong.
The plot is more about Neil's life and his training of going in space, which its nice to see how he went, but it takes a while before we reach to the third act where Neil and his partner going to the moon for the first time.
The writing is maybe interesting, since like i said, it mainly focuses on Neil's life, his mission and his truth to his wife and kid, which its nice, but i still care about the mission in space with NASA.
Though the rest of characters aren't as anything to say, but the presentation looks pretty impressive what it looks like what i was wondering from our main hero's mission, from space mission then to the moon, they did a pretty good job for the production.
Simple and kinda flawed, this is the film that you'll like to see if you ever familiar of "First man of the moon".
Number 13: Halloween 2018
Lets start with the one that it maybe disappointed, but i kinda like it more than "The Happytime Murders".
The horror genre pretty much mixed in nowadays, some has cool idea and a good adaptations, but others are a basically a cash-in or even made a stupid story.
And the slasher genre feels like its dying after the 70's and 80's. But one series came back for 40 years is Halloween. I enjoyed watching the first Halloween from 1978, and its no wonder why it became a horror classic and it was debatable for a first Slasher film that brought a new genre.
With this one, its a sequel from the first Halloween, ignoring all previous installments and even the remake by Rob Zombie, which it makes a lot more sense. Anyway, 40 years after the first Halloween, Michael Myers is been sanitarium from many years for murdering people and escaped from Dr. Loomis, but then he was escaped from the bus. Meanwhile, Laurie Strode is suffered a PTSD, living herself in isolation house to be safe, but with Michael is on the loose, Laurie had enough that not only she buys weapons, but also warning to his daughters and granddaughters from the masked killer.
Even though its nice to bring back the old root, the presentation looks pretty cool that even though its peaceful, but went into the horror in the Halloween night with Michael Myers's killing, the killing scene are impressive, but also brutal and kinda gruesome. And Michael Myers's appearance is welcome return too with his old dirty mask and his boiler suit.
The only reason why its on lower list, its because although it has some good characters like Michael Myers, Laurie Strode and Dr. Ranbir Sartain, but the rest of the characters are rather forgettable for the cliche tokens like many horror films. Not to mention, its more of a vengeful story for Laurie, we all know the vengeful plots is always done before.
Even though its a nice return, but i don't call a perfect horror film, thats why its only number 13.
Number 12: Aquaman
DCEU are always having bad shape for a lot of disappointed films for what they tried so hard to competing MCU. But like i said, did have a good one, such as Wonder Woman.
After "Justice League", i've been begging to have something good, the result is half right for Aquaman.
To give a credit, they did a nice work for how Atlantis look like in a big budget film and the filming in Morocco and Canada are pretty cool location choices. Even though some CG are pretty nice for the sea creatures and the lighting of Atlantis and colorful. And the action scenes are pretty cool with the powers and fighting skills, even though it could be a bit violent with stabbing and Atlanteans bleeding out from a battle armor for losing the breath.
Though story is basically a typical adventure with Aquaman and his love interest Mera, but movie just goes whatever it wants by switching the main plot to an origin back and forth about Arthur Curry's training and learning the truth about his lost mother, which it droves us confusion from the messy transition.
And the characters, while we like our main hero Aquaman and Mera, but the rest are ok, but others ended up in waste of potential, most notable is Black Manta, which we expected to see Black Manta as a main villain for seeking revenge over his dead father? But no, he's basically a throw away villain that the real main villain is Orm (aka Ocean Master), an arrogant douchebag king who wants bring war of Atlantis by killing all the kingdoms. Black Manta is pretty much like The Joker in Suicide Squad.
Even though this film is not bad, but its not as great as Wonder Woman.
Number 11: Ant-Man and The Wasp
Marvel films in 2018 was a big year that they made some great films. Well, most of them.
The First Ant-Man is rather ok, despite its a similar story from the first MCU film, Iron Man. But when they made "Ant-Man and The Wasp", it had a potential and it was not only better than the first one, but i don't think i called an epic one.
Picking up after "Ant-Man" where Hope is gonna be the next generation of The Wasp, Scott Lang was free from the prison, but lives in arrest house because of "Civil War". However, he was called up from Hank Pym and Hope van Dyne, which they heard that Hank's wife Janet van Dyne isn't dead, but probably still alive in the quantum realm. But Scott didn't heard about, its up to him to reunite with Hank and teaming up with Hope in order to not only saving Hank Pym's headquarter, but also defending from Ghost.
Even though the story is rather interesting for a whereabouts of Janet, but it went into confusion for directions, especially that Ghost needs HQ in order to save her life from the affection of molecular instability.
Despite of confusion story, but the characters are rather interesting like Ant-Man, Hank, Janet and The Wasp, but the main villain like Ghost is rather forgettable, she tries to have a sympathy from the molecular instability, but execution is confused from the story.
But at least the presentation looks pretty cool, along with action scenes with shrinking, which i find it impressive and kinda funny for how it goes with shrinking gadgets. And its also colorful when we went into quantum realm. And the suits is outstanding with Ant-Man, The Wasp and even Ghost.
Ant-Man and The Wasp is rather better than the first one, but ended up with some flaws with some forgettable and possibly a semi confusion.
Number 10: Solo: a Star Wars story
After "The Last Jedi", its no wonder the new era of Star Wars started to be concerned following a "pissed off" killing some characters what we expected like Luke Skywalker, even Mark Hamill admitted that killing his character might ruined his reputation.
Anyway, following the success of "Rogue One" (aside of awkward CG edited to old characters like Grand Tarkin and Princess Leia), they made the second anthology series with the origin of Han Solo, but the development was in trouble, which it was originally to be directed by the duo Phil Lord Christopher Miller in order to have a comedy, but they got fired from creative differences which they're replaced by Ron Howard in order to change writing and finishing the project.
As a result, its actually better than Rogue One, the plot is basically the origin of Han Solo that he wants to leave his home planet Corellia with his Wookie best friend Chewbacca and other members to teaming up together for crime adventure for money. Its rather an interesting story for the early space adventure with young smuggler, especially for not only how we see the first meet with Chewie and Lando. But even if the story could be predictable.
The production is impressive for the action scenes with gun shooting in western style, space shooting and a speeder chase on Corellia, which its impressive for some highlights. And of course, im very surprised for the designs of the Millennium Falcon for how it introduced in the early time, which it looks rather nice and clean, before it turned into the design that we all know and love in the original trilogy. Even the acting is pretty good for Alden as Han Solo and Donald Glover as Lando. Not only them, but they did have some likable characters not just Han, Chewie or Lando, but also L3-37.
Despite the effort that they made this movie with a positive review, but the movie aren't safe for box-office bomb. Which the budget was estimated 275–300 million dollars, while the box office is over 392.9 million dollars, even though its a nice way to reaching over at the end, but the damage was already done for the poor commercial, especially the first trailer was pretty dull. And because of that, Disney lost the range of 50 to 80 million dollars, resulting a cancellation of an anthology film with Boba Fett and change the project to the show in Disney+ called "The Mandalorian".
Solo, a good movie with a bad reputation of box-office.
Number 9: Bohemian Rhapsody
As a fan of Queen since my childhood, i was very surprise and curious to hearing about a movie based on the true story of the band Queen and the life of Freddie Mercury. And this exactly what we have.
The movie actually nice to see where did Freddie begin to meet his fellow members from the club that Brian May and Roger Taylor after having a hard time with former member Tim Staffell who left the group "Smile" to a formation of Queen with inclusion of John Deacon. Even though they started with a mixed reaction, especially with the title song "Bohemian Rhapsody" due to the questionable lyric, but became a smash hit. Not to mention, it also goes with a love triangle for our main lead of Queen, because as we all know, he was gay that he's making out with Paul Prenter, causing a difficulty relation with Mary Austin.
What i like this movie is aside the story that i like to see how it goes in origin, but also the montage with our familiar songs, colorful stages and more, it is quiet of fun ride. And of course, the concert of Live Aid is easily the best part of the movie that we all know and love.
Unfortunately, it doesn't mean it had a perfect story, because some moment are inaccurate to follow, including the lack of appearance of Jim Hutton, the first meet of Mary Austin in the same night of the formation band, when in reality, she was first meet in 1969 when she worked as receptionist in the clothing store called Biba, or the infamous of all Freddie was diagnose of AIDS took place before Live Aid, when in true story, he had AIDS in 1986, one year after Live Aid.
Despite the botchy history, but its the presentation, a development and the focus of Freddie is always enjoy to see this adaptation of the origin of Queen.
Number 8: Ready Player One
Oh man, this one had a lot of potential of a crossover in the VR world of internet.
With a movie directed by Steven Spielberg caught a lot of attention from me, VR users and crossover fans as well and it definitely shows.
Taking place in future in a slum city, where our main hero Wade Watts was not only enjoy video games, but also fascinated about the secrets in the online of OASIS, that it was originally created by James Halliday, but the online digital world was ruled by douchebag CEO name Nolan Sorrento is keeping his eyes in the digital world in peace, its up to Wade Watts as Parzival along with his members of "High Five" to find the secret keys in order to find the Easter Egg.
Its an interesting story where we like to finding an Easter Egg in various video games, but in a fictional game hub in OASIS, that will be like a big deal, aside to chasing away from the authority. Even though the story is rather simple, just an adventure to finding a secret treasure in the world of video game.
But what it makes this film so unique, its the presentation how it takes place in OASIS, it has a lot of cool moments of racing, battles, going to the museum about the history of James Halliday, the party club, the war against the authority and even a noticable characters and other stuff from various series and cultures, like Tracer from Overwatch, a Mobile suit Gundam, Iron Giant, a time machine Delorean, a monster truck Bigfoot and so much more others.
With an impressive setting and awesome presentation, but the characters is a different story, mainly because most of them are pretty much under developed, like Wade Watts is a user who's fascinated about Easter Eggs, Nolan Sorento is an A-Hole CEO, Samantha Cook is an ally user and possibly Wade's love interest and James Halliday is a visionary of virtual reality. Despite the flaws of development, the acting are actually good in honesty.
Despite the lack of character developments what we want likability, but its the story, the setting and the presentation is the best part of the film, even though it would've been better to be higher in the list.
Number 7: Venom
Alright, i know that this is the film that the critics didn't like the movie for the reasons of questionable tones and other stuff.
But personally, i don't its not a bad movie, i mean its rather a good film, i mean its like my wish is come true that i like to see a standalone movie with an anti-hero name Venom. Ok, maybe not a perfect film, but again, its not the worst movie ever.
As i said before, Venom on the big screen started in Spider-Man 3 and it has one of the worst depiction ever for making Peter Parker look emo and having a worst casting ever for Eddie Brock.
Thankfully, Sony decided to changing during the development of Venom that Eddie will be played by Tom Hardy and i think it suited nicely for him.
The story is where Brock was used to work as a reported on the TV news, but got fired for crossing the line during the interview with the CEO of Life Foundation name Carlton Drake and having a break up from Anne Weying, leaving him all alone and put the blame about losing his job and Life Foundation. That is until when he broke in from the employee of Life, he was bonded by the Symbiote that he's gonna be the host of Venom, that is when there's another Symbiote broke out called "Riot".
Although its an interesting story, but the tone is questionable that it doesn't know what its gonna be, is it dark tone, light tone, comedy tone or... Whatever the heck the other tone genre it goes. It just plain random and confusion where it goes. Don't give me wrong, i did laugh at some moments, especially when Eddie doesn't want to jump off, but decided to use the elevator for "safety". (Pussy...!)
Though Tom's Eddie Brock/Venom is easily the likable character in the movie, while the rest aren't as interesting what we expected to be likable, especially with Carlton, he's easily the most forgettable villain ever, he's just a big boss who wants to change the world and thats it.
Another problem of this movie is that although the presentation and the action scenes are pretty cool with the bike chase and fighting sequences, but rating wasn't supposed to be like that. Because it was originally to be R rated movie like we had such as Logan or Deadpool, but it was downgraded to PG-13 in order to toning down the violent, which it doesn't suited for this movie, mainly because Venom is an anti-hero for killing people and hungry for flesh.
Despite the flaws that it concerns the potential, but at least its nice to see my favorite human in an alien being on the big screen, better than the one in Spider-Man 3.
Number 6: Deadpool 2
Speaking of Deadpool, here's another one of another favorite anti-hero of mine, the merc with the mouth himself.
After the success of the first Deadpool (despite its pretty average, due to the generic story), its no secret that we like to have another movie with Deadpool, as a result, its easily better than before.
Picking two years after the first movie, Deadpool lost his girlfriend, Vanessa, he's left alone and probably put the blame for losing his girlfriend (what's the matter? She's pretty much useless that we don't care about her), he was being called by X-Men members like Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead in order to dealing at an orphan mutant with fire power name Russell Collins (though he's Firefist, but he's still referred as Russell) that he's trying to stop him, but went too further that Russ and Deadpool are taken to the isolation prison for mutants. Just then we meet the cybernetic soldier from the future name Cable, where's targeting at Russell before becoming a mutant murderer.
Even though the story is pretty much an escort like before, but instead of typical damsel in distress, its a mutant boy in distress for get away from the future soldier, when in reality, Russell is gone mad that he killed the staff members when he was abused. Which its rather a nice twist. They also including the element for the birth of X-Force, but didn't last long, even though its kinda funny. Though X-Force will never happen, until we get the third one in the future.
The characters are enjoyable to see in the movie, like Deadpool himself, Cable, Domino (despite the questionable mutant what she has that i don't get it), Colossus and probably Juggernaut, Beeyatch! And the acting is also impressive as well, its almost like they like to have a fun time, including Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, like Ryan. Though some are rather forgettable for me, like Russell.
With some not so interesting character and having a X-Force too soon, this is the film that we can all agree that its better than the first one.
Number 5: Ralph breaks the internet
Wreck-It Ralph is easily a good film with video games, because, its rather original and it has a feel like "Who frame with Roger Rabbit?", but in video game elements, likely the arcades.
Since it was so successful, we've never expected to have a sequel , which Disney did, rather than in similar fashion im arcade world, we're going to the internet. Yup, picking up after the first movie from six years later, Vanellope is left homeless, due to broken down glitch that it destroyed a steering wheel, which Ralph though it will be a good idea to make a shortcut. Due to the malfunction, Ralph though it will be a good idea to going into the digital world known as "Internet", in order to buy an expensive steering wheel on eBay.
Even though its about where she's going whether she 'll going back to Sugar Rush or even change her life to "Slaughter Race", what it does work for the story is the relation between Ralph and Vanellope, they always want to deal the decision about the plan, since they're in the internet.
But what it makes soo impressive is the presentation of the digital world of Internet, its so imaginative what we've expected, i like how they made, its looks creative, colorful and fun in the same time, The characters are also enjoyable like Ralph, Vanellope, Shank, Yesss, Knowsmore and even some cameos in "Oh My Disney!", including the Disney Princesses, i love what they included.
Though the downside is that some characters like Felix and Calhoun appeared small, but they're easily forgettable that il easily skip ahead and it have a lack of villain. Well, debatable if its really Ralph or not.
"Ralph breaks the Internet", despite the lack of villain, but it is a fun ride to visiting to the Internet.
Number 4: Black Panther
With the first film of 2018, i was predicting that its gonna be a good film, but since this is MCU, its pretty obvious that its a great start.
Picking up after Civil War where T'Chaka died, T'Challa returns to Wakanda that he come the king of the land, not before he was aware about his sovereignty was picked up by Erik Stevens (aka Killmonger) in order not only become a king, but also providing a global revolution.
The story is pretty cool and what is Wakanda about, which its actually pretty cool for a fictional land in Africa and what the African representing in Wakanda, its pretty impressive and its also significant for MCU.
The characters are always likable in the movie, with T'Challa being an aware for his responsible as the king of the land, Okoye is an extremely proud of Border Tribe and T'Challa's bodyguard, which she's easily a badass sidekick, Killmonger is thoughtful, patient and strategist villain, Shuri is the brain of Wakanda for the technology and M'Baku as a ruthless leader of mountain tribe, even though he was never referred ad "Man-Ape, which it doesn't fit as the leader of the mountain. Even though some who's pretty much useless for comic relief like the CIA member name Everett K. Ross.
And of course, lets not forget about the presentation, the setting of Wakanda is pretty huge as a city, especially it created barrier to keep the land safe, which is pretty impressive what they created of the land, the action scene is also pretty cool with car chases, fight scenes and the battle between Black Panther and Killmonger. Even the Black Panther and Gold Panther are pretty cool for their suits
But the reason why i never pick it up on the podium, its because some moments has a problem, aside of CIA member, but some CG effect that although its a nice looking, but others has some issue of the quality that ended up look like video game, but some background got frozen when i noticed.
Even though it had a tiny flaws, but its a pretty nice to have an African-American hero on the big screen, aside when first appeared in Civil War two years ago.
Number 3: Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse
As a fan of Spider-Man, im surprised that i've never heard when Marvel invented "Spider-Verse", which im overly curious if there's a movie about it, well Sony Pictures Animation did for their adaption, which im kinda concerned at first, since they made a lot of stupid comedy movies, but with this one, im glad they've done better what they changed.
With this, its about where Miles Morales lives with his family, but he was rather fascinated about Spider-Man, despite his parents doesn't believe about Spidey hero, but as a vigilant much like Jonah Jameson's statement in Daily Bugle. But once Miles was bitten by a radio-active Spider and the news where Spider-Man was tragically died, he was trying to figure out for how and what Spider-Man is about, not to mention, he meets the different versions of Spider-Man, such as Peter B. Parker (aka the downward version of Peter), Gwen Stacy (aka Spider-Gwen), Spider-Man Noir, Peni Parker and Spider-Ham from the sake of the main villain Kingpin.
I find the story is actually well written that our main hero Miles has to know for what makes him to become as the next Spider-Man, and of course, the movie also gives a heart for what we care or rooting for Miles or the other versions of Spider-Man, especially with some moment with a father and son relation, it makes it reasonable and emotional if Miles is about to lose. Even though the could could be a little bit fast paste.
But what it makes it spectacular, its the animation, which its easily the biggest development what Sony Animation have ever done for a collaboration with Sony Pictures Imageworks, in order to make a different styles of animation, whether its the monochrome appearance of Spider-Man Noir, an anime style for Peni Parker or even Looney Tunes style of Spider-Ham. While the normal characters designs are also pretty good looking, kinda like a comic book comes to life. Though sometimes some movements are kinda like in stop-motion thingy.
The characters are enjoyable what we like to see like Miles, Peter Parker, Gwen, with some side characters like Jefferson Davis, May Parker or even Aaron Davis, as well with some villain cool looking villains like Prowler, Scorpion, Tombstone or even Olivia Octavius. Though Kingpin may have a potential, but not as best villain, which his goal is bringing back his own family like his wife and his son.
A very surprisingly great film by Sony Pictures animation, "Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse" is easily a better film than "Hotel Transylvania 3".
Number 2: Avengers Infinity War
Let me start off by saying that, yes, i know this film would've been a number one spot of my list of 2018. But don't give me wrong, i love this movie, its just that its a great, but would've been considered to be 100% perfect some teeny tiny problems.
This is the film what many MCU fans considered as one of the best installment of the series, and i probably agree with them, it is a very impressive film what we like to see. But i wanted to put a spoiler alert, because its the one that everyone are talking about in the end.
Sometimes picking up after Thor Ragnarok, Thanos and his four lieutenants invade the ship of Asgards to killing (including Loki, sadly) and knocking down Thor and Hulk when Thanos retrieve a cosmic cube that happens to be Space Stone into his gauntlet. Its up the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy team up together to stop Thanos before he destroys the living in half.
The story of this film is easily the big deal that we like to see a battle with the group of heroes and Thanos's lieutenants, its easily the best story of the movie from the comic. But my problem is that if they called "Infinity War", it has nothing to do with the comic with a same name, instead it was an MCU version of the comic "The Infinity Gauntlet". Despite the identical confusion, but at least its a well-written the story.
The action scenes if once again the highlights of the film with all the cool fight scenes, like the epic war in Wakanda, the new weapon of Thor, the battle in Titan and the presentations is a popcorn entertainment. What i like is the setting place of the planet Titan, Nidavellir where Thor is making a new weapon to replacing Mjolnir, which i really like the changing weapon with an ax called "Stormbreaker".
Though we always like some characters that we're familiar with like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Black Widow, Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Panther, Bucky Barns and few others. Despite some would've been better like Bruce Banner (aka The Hulk) and the lieutenants.
But easily the most talked about is Thanos himself, he's easily the big deal and probably nearly a main focus to know for how he wants to capturing Infinity Stones, which not only he's a pose a threat, but he's also has a sympathy figure for what he care for changing the universe with his own gauntlet, which we think ourselves "Maybe Thanos isn't really a bad guy, but more either a good guy or maybe neutral". Which it makes no wonder why we cared so much about Thanos, especially some moments not only it was shocking, but also heart broken, like one point where he literally kill his adopted daughter Gamora in order to get a Soul Stone from the keeper Red Skull.
And of course, the final act is another most talked about of the film, when after Thanos completed his goal to collecting Infinity Stones, we though that our heroes is lost, but then out of nowhere, Thor reappeared with Rocket Racoon and pre-mature Groot, where he uses his Stormbreaker to wounding Thanos that we though he finally win, but it was too soo that Thanos uses his gauntlet for a snap, which it was even more shocking moments, after all that, half of livings of the universe are all disintegrated like almost every members of Guardians of the Galaxy (minus Rocket and Nebula), Dr. Strange, Black Panther and even more sadly, Spider-Man.
When i saw it the ending, i was shocked and feared that half of livings of the universe are killed off, which we ask our questions, what happened now after a huge disaster from Thanos's snap? The answer, is we're in Endgame, meaning our original heroes have to find the way to back to do a rematch against Thanos in the hardest way as possible, but we have to wait, with Captain Marvel (aka Carol Denver).
But in fairness, as i stated from previous list, i don't call "The movie of the year 2018", i specifically called "The live-action film of the year 2018", without causing a chaotic debate, just to clarify. With so much potential, so successful, so impact and yet shocking, this is the film that its easily the biggest installment of MCU.
And now, my number one film of the year 2018 goes to...
Number 1: Incredibles 2
Out of all the sequels, superheroes or even Pixar's film, this is easily the best animated film of the year 2018 and of course, my new favorite film by Pixar.
So whats it make so special to put this on top of the list, its because we always like to see what happened next after the first movie with a cliffhanger, even Brad Bird really wanted going back to Pixar to make sequel after 14 years, with the result, it was pure success.
Picking up after the cliffhanger, the family of Incredibles failed to catch The Underminer when he ran away with a loads cash from the bank and the drill damages the city hall (despite Frozone's effort to protect the hall), the government is forced to shut down "Superhero Relocation Program" from the damage and believe the superheroes are illegal, causing our main heroes sent back to hotel and no longer having financial assistance from Rick Dicker (and risky reveal where Tony's unnoticed of Violet's identity for erasing his memory), causing them for what to do without profit. Thankfully, Bob and Helen noticed the offer where Frozone found is to going to DevTech, a corporation for not just telecommunications, but also planning to bringing back the superheroes in peace from the owner Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn. Elastigirl was chosen from Winston, saying that she never cause damages than Mr. Incredible and also help to providing home. Not only that, she also have to looking for the main antagonist name "Screenslaver".
Though the story feels like the same element from the first movie, but rather focus on island to dealing with Syndrome, but more focus in the city for the whereabouts of Screenslaver for his hypnotic hack. Not to mention, it also have a plot element for family, which not only Elastigirl will be the main role, but Bob has to take his kids for any reasons, where Dash has a hard time for the math, Violet has a complicated feeling about Tony from before, and Jack-Jack has a full of surprise of multiple powers what we like to see, in a hilarious way. Which not only it execute for some funny moment, but also the heart for how Bob have a hard time to take care and probably the truth for why he wanted to go back as a hero than being stuck in home. It understandable, but i guess its no wonder that i like the role reverse after the first movie.
Like usual for Pixar, the animation is outstanding, especially to the upgrade of the details, the designs, the action scenes and so much more, which i really what they've done for a movie taking place in vintage era of superheroes, which its like having a nostalgia feel if you're a fan of old school comics. I mean, i really like what they give for the update of our main heroes.
And the characters are likable and nice to see them again after nearly 15 years, with Helen Parr (aka Elastigirl) being the main focus, but also being feisty and well respect mother, Bob (aka Mr. Incredible) is although he could be any risk, but also caring about his kids and superheroes, even he might losing himself after spending days for the math, difficulty relation (despite his accidental exposure truth to Violet) and Jack-Jack's multiple powers.
Speaking of kids, while some of them remain the same like Dash is a troublemaker and Jack-Jack is a comic relief for his powers, but Violet is also likable for her new development, she was trying to be with Tony for the date, bit again, due to her accidental revealing her identity, that might cause to losing her hope of relationship and being a superhero. But thankfully, she does to get better for understanding for her father's mistake and become leader to her brothers to working together as a heroes.
While the new casts are nice to see, even some have flaws. For Winston, i find him to be a very fascinated new character, which he wanted to bring back the old roots of superheroes for peace and legal again, which i find him to be a well written character, Evelyn is also interesting, being the technological genius and sometimes a nice friend with Elastigirl, but i think we all know what happen next for her (which once again, il give a Spoiler Alert). While the other superheroes are although rather cool like Voyd while others, despite they have some interesting powers, but they're probably gimmicky.
As for the villain, Screenslaver, though he may have a potential for his dark appearance and manipulative monologue for why he's hacking any screens for hypnotism, but he's probably shot-lived and reveal to be controlled by Evelyn for the whole thing. its rather a cliche unexpected twist like Disney did, but despite Screenslaver may have potential, but he's not as good than Syndrome.
Even though it has flaws for short-lived villain and gimmicky other heroes, but the animation thats nicely updated, the likable old and new casts and the good role-reverse story makes it so good that im very happy them again after the first movie, it will always holding to my heart that it makes a good reason what i considered as my number one movie of the year 2018.
Got any other good films that i missed? Let me know in the comments bellow.
If you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.
Tune it next time, il go with the video games with good and bad that i like to share my opinion what i've seen or even played, but il taking about it next year after the celebration.
Thanks for reading and im Anthony, signing out and Happy New Year (even though its early, but this will be my final post in 2018).
But i won't stay longer in negative, i wanna go to the positive way to looking back of some good films that i watched.
I wanted to be a simple 10 movies, but i decided to narrowing to 13, because 10 isn't good enough with some films that i liked. And not to mention, its the year with so many superhero films, which most of them will easily be on my list.
For this list, its only my pick that i watched and talked about, so some films like "Isle of Dogs" won't be on my list, because i wanted to see it, but pulled the plug that i wasn't ready. Also some films like "Mary Poppins Returns" and "Bumblebee" won't be here too, which although Mary Poppins Return is nice to see her again, while Bumblebee that i was not happy that i expected the worst, but it was surprisingly good.
Oh well, lets get started with the goodies, shall we?
But, il start with one Honorable mentions.
Honorable Mention: Dr. Seuss's The Grinch
This Illumination's version of The Grinch had a potential, despite people (like me) are questioning for why another one since Ron Howard's version. But in fairness, its probably better than Ron Howard's version.
The animation looks pretty cool and colorful, since this movie came out for preparing Christmas, a very cool decoration and colorful in the Whoville. And the climatic stealing decoration with The Grinch is nice see it again since before, but more creative with his gadgets, its a pretty good execution sequence what we like to see in the third act.
But the reason why i didn't put on the list, is that sometimes the character designs feels like a similar designs of other Illumination films, which i maybe understand why people noticed, but its not worst character designs i've ever seen, they're rather alright, some are nice design, some are cute or some that its limited.
Speaking of limited, most of the characters aren't have anything special and rather remain the same from the book. Like Max is a loyal dog, Cindy Lou is a cute and curious girl and some new characters are rather limited for their appearance like Fred is just a generic fat reindeer. But as far as i know, the movie mainly focus about The Grinch, though me may not as iconic like Chuck Jones's version nor even over-the-top like Jim Carrey. Grinch is more loner, grouch and sometimes pulling humiliations at the Whos. But of course, i think Benedict Cumberbatch's role of The Grinch is actually not bad that i can say for his role.
However, the story is pretty much the same as the book, but like expending where Grinch wondering around for his shopping and pulling humiliations as i mentioned before, and even setting up his plan to stealing Christmas decorations. And having an origin about The Grinch is although its nice to have it, but its pretty vague that i was questioning for why he's all alone in the orphanage. The music is pretty bellow average that i forgot to point out in my review, the narration of Pharrell is "meh".
This Christmas isn't the worst, but its rather an ok film, even if the kids will like this movie for Christmas.
Honorable mention: First Man
We always fascinated of going in space since our childhood, but sometimes going in space could be dangerous. In the 90's a failed mission movie called "Apollo 13" was big deal with great reviews and box office success.
And the, the one that some people like to see (like myself in curiosity) is "First Man". This is the true story was a big deal of a first man of the moon, namely Neil Armstrong.
The plot is more about Neil's life and his training of going in space, which its nice to see how he went, but it takes a while before we reach to the third act where Neil and his partner going to the moon for the first time.
The writing is maybe interesting, since like i said, it mainly focuses on Neil's life, his mission and his truth to his wife and kid, which its nice, but i still care about the mission in space with NASA.
Though the rest of characters aren't as anything to say, but the presentation looks pretty impressive what it looks like what i was wondering from our main hero's mission, from space mission then to the moon, they did a pretty good job for the production.
Simple and kinda flawed, this is the film that you'll like to see if you ever familiar of "First man of the moon".
Number 13: Halloween 2018
Lets start with the one that it maybe disappointed, but i kinda like it more than "The Happytime Murders".
The horror genre pretty much mixed in nowadays, some has cool idea and a good adaptations, but others are a basically a cash-in or even made a stupid story.
And the slasher genre feels like its dying after the 70's and 80's. But one series came back for 40 years is Halloween. I enjoyed watching the first Halloween from 1978, and its no wonder why it became a horror classic and it was debatable for a first Slasher film that brought a new genre.
With this one, its a sequel from the first Halloween, ignoring all previous installments and even the remake by Rob Zombie, which it makes a lot more sense. Anyway, 40 years after the first Halloween, Michael Myers is been sanitarium from many years for murdering people and escaped from Dr. Loomis, but then he was escaped from the bus. Meanwhile, Laurie Strode is suffered a PTSD, living herself in isolation house to be safe, but with Michael is on the loose, Laurie had enough that not only she buys weapons, but also warning to his daughters and granddaughters from the masked killer.
Even though its nice to bring back the old root, the presentation looks pretty cool that even though its peaceful, but went into the horror in the Halloween night with Michael Myers's killing, the killing scene are impressive, but also brutal and kinda gruesome. And Michael Myers's appearance is welcome return too with his old dirty mask and his boiler suit.
The only reason why its on lower list, its because although it has some good characters like Michael Myers, Laurie Strode and Dr. Ranbir Sartain, but the rest of the characters are rather forgettable for the cliche tokens like many horror films. Not to mention, its more of a vengeful story for Laurie, we all know the vengeful plots is always done before.
Even though its a nice return, but i don't call a perfect horror film, thats why its only number 13.
Number 12: Aquaman
DCEU are always having bad shape for a lot of disappointed films for what they tried so hard to competing MCU. But like i said, did have a good one, such as Wonder Woman.
After "Justice League", i've been begging to have something good, the result is half right for Aquaman.
To give a credit, they did a nice work for how Atlantis look like in a big budget film and the filming in Morocco and Canada are pretty cool location choices. Even though some CG are pretty nice for the sea creatures and the lighting of Atlantis and colorful. And the action scenes are pretty cool with the powers and fighting skills, even though it could be a bit violent with stabbing and Atlanteans bleeding out from a battle armor for losing the breath.
Though story is basically a typical adventure with Aquaman and his love interest Mera, but movie just goes whatever it wants by switching the main plot to an origin back and forth about Arthur Curry's training and learning the truth about his lost mother, which it droves us confusion from the messy transition.
And the characters, while we like our main hero Aquaman and Mera, but the rest are ok, but others ended up in waste of potential, most notable is Black Manta, which we expected to see Black Manta as a main villain for seeking revenge over his dead father? But no, he's basically a throw away villain that the real main villain is Orm (aka Ocean Master), an arrogant douchebag king who wants bring war of Atlantis by killing all the kingdoms. Black Manta is pretty much like The Joker in Suicide Squad.
Even though this film is not bad, but its not as great as Wonder Woman.
Number 11: Ant-Man and The Wasp
Marvel films in 2018 was a big year that they made some great films. Well, most of them.
The First Ant-Man is rather ok, despite its a similar story from the first MCU film, Iron Man. But when they made "Ant-Man and The Wasp", it had a potential and it was not only better than the first one, but i don't think i called an epic one.
Picking up after "Ant-Man" where Hope is gonna be the next generation of The Wasp, Scott Lang was free from the prison, but lives in arrest house because of "Civil War". However, he was called up from Hank Pym and Hope van Dyne, which they heard that Hank's wife Janet van Dyne isn't dead, but probably still alive in the quantum realm. But Scott didn't heard about, its up to him to reunite with Hank and teaming up with Hope in order to not only saving Hank Pym's headquarter, but also defending from Ghost.
Even though the story is rather interesting for a whereabouts of Janet, but it went into confusion for directions, especially that Ghost needs HQ in order to save her life from the affection of molecular instability.
Despite of confusion story, but the characters are rather interesting like Ant-Man, Hank, Janet and The Wasp, but the main villain like Ghost is rather forgettable, she tries to have a sympathy from the molecular instability, but execution is confused from the story.
But at least the presentation looks pretty cool, along with action scenes with shrinking, which i find it impressive and kinda funny for how it goes with shrinking gadgets. And its also colorful when we went into quantum realm. And the suits is outstanding with Ant-Man, The Wasp and even Ghost.
Ant-Man and The Wasp is rather better than the first one, but ended up with some flaws with some forgettable and possibly a semi confusion.
Number 10: Solo: a Star Wars story
After "The Last Jedi", its no wonder the new era of Star Wars started to be concerned following a "pissed off" killing some characters what we expected like Luke Skywalker, even Mark Hamill admitted that killing his character might ruined his reputation.
Anyway, following the success of "Rogue One" (aside of awkward CG edited to old characters like Grand Tarkin and Princess Leia), they made the second anthology series with the origin of Han Solo, but the development was in trouble, which it was originally to be directed by the duo Phil Lord Christopher Miller in order to have a comedy, but they got fired from creative differences which they're replaced by Ron Howard in order to change writing and finishing the project.
As a result, its actually better than Rogue One, the plot is basically the origin of Han Solo that he wants to leave his home planet Corellia with his Wookie best friend Chewbacca and other members to teaming up together for crime adventure for money. Its rather an interesting story for the early space adventure with young smuggler, especially for not only how we see the first meet with Chewie and Lando. But even if the story could be predictable.
The production is impressive for the action scenes with gun shooting in western style, space shooting and a speeder chase on Corellia, which its impressive for some highlights. And of course, im very surprised for the designs of the Millennium Falcon for how it introduced in the early time, which it looks rather nice and clean, before it turned into the design that we all know and love in the original trilogy. Even the acting is pretty good for Alden as Han Solo and Donald Glover as Lando. Not only them, but they did have some likable characters not just Han, Chewie or Lando, but also L3-37.
Despite the effort that they made this movie with a positive review, but the movie aren't safe for box-office bomb. Which the budget was estimated 275–300 million dollars, while the box office is over 392.9 million dollars, even though its a nice way to reaching over at the end, but the damage was already done for the poor commercial, especially the first trailer was pretty dull. And because of that, Disney lost the range of 50 to 80 million dollars, resulting a cancellation of an anthology film with Boba Fett and change the project to the show in Disney+ called "The Mandalorian".
Solo, a good movie with a bad reputation of box-office.
Number 9: Bohemian Rhapsody
As a fan of Queen since my childhood, i was very surprise and curious to hearing about a movie based on the true story of the band Queen and the life of Freddie Mercury. And this exactly what we have.
The movie actually nice to see where did Freddie begin to meet his fellow members from the club that Brian May and Roger Taylor after having a hard time with former member Tim Staffell who left the group "Smile" to a formation of Queen with inclusion of John Deacon. Even though they started with a mixed reaction, especially with the title song "Bohemian Rhapsody" due to the questionable lyric, but became a smash hit. Not to mention, it also goes with a love triangle for our main lead of Queen, because as we all know, he was gay that he's making out with Paul Prenter, causing a difficulty relation with Mary Austin.
What i like this movie is aside the story that i like to see how it goes in origin, but also the montage with our familiar songs, colorful stages and more, it is quiet of fun ride. And of course, the concert of Live Aid is easily the best part of the movie that we all know and love.
Unfortunately, it doesn't mean it had a perfect story, because some moment are inaccurate to follow, including the lack of appearance of Jim Hutton, the first meet of Mary Austin in the same night of the formation band, when in reality, she was first meet in 1969 when she worked as receptionist in the clothing store called Biba, or the infamous of all Freddie was diagnose of AIDS took place before Live Aid, when in true story, he had AIDS in 1986, one year after Live Aid.
Despite the botchy history, but its the presentation, a development and the focus of Freddie is always enjoy to see this adaptation of the origin of Queen.
Number 8: Ready Player One
Oh man, this one had a lot of potential of a crossover in the VR world of internet.
With a movie directed by Steven Spielberg caught a lot of attention from me, VR users and crossover fans as well and it definitely shows.
Taking place in future in a slum city, where our main hero Wade Watts was not only enjoy video games, but also fascinated about the secrets in the online of OASIS, that it was originally created by James Halliday, but the online digital world was ruled by douchebag CEO name Nolan Sorrento is keeping his eyes in the digital world in peace, its up to Wade Watts as Parzival along with his members of "High Five" to find the secret keys in order to find the Easter Egg.
Its an interesting story where we like to finding an Easter Egg in various video games, but in a fictional game hub in OASIS, that will be like a big deal, aside to chasing away from the authority. Even though the story is rather simple, just an adventure to finding a secret treasure in the world of video game.
But what it makes this film so unique, its the presentation how it takes place in OASIS, it has a lot of cool moments of racing, battles, going to the museum about the history of James Halliday, the party club, the war against the authority and even a noticable characters and other stuff from various series and cultures, like Tracer from Overwatch, a Mobile suit Gundam, Iron Giant, a time machine Delorean, a monster truck Bigfoot and so much more others.
With an impressive setting and awesome presentation, but the characters is a different story, mainly because most of them are pretty much under developed, like Wade Watts is a user who's fascinated about Easter Eggs, Nolan Sorento is an A-Hole CEO, Samantha Cook is an ally user and possibly Wade's love interest and James Halliday is a visionary of virtual reality. Despite the flaws of development, the acting are actually good in honesty.
Despite the lack of character developments what we want likability, but its the story, the setting and the presentation is the best part of the film, even though it would've been better to be higher in the list.
Number 7: Venom
Alright, i know that this is the film that the critics didn't like the movie for the reasons of questionable tones and other stuff.
But personally, i don't its not a bad movie, i mean its rather a good film, i mean its like my wish is come true that i like to see a standalone movie with an anti-hero name Venom. Ok, maybe not a perfect film, but again, its not the worst movie ever.
As i said before, Venom on the big screen started in Spider-Man 3 and it has one of the worst depiction ever for making Peter Parker look emo and having a worst casting ever for Eddie Brock.
Thankfully, Sony decided to changing during the development of Venom that Eddie will be played by Tom Hardy and i think it suited nicely for him.
The story is where Brock was used to work as a reported on the TV news, but got fired for crossing the line during the interview with the CEO of Life Foundation name Carlton Drake and having a break up from Anne Weying, leaving him all alone and put the blame about losing his job and Life Foundation. That is until when he broke in from the employee of Life, he was bonded by the Symbiote that he's gonna be the host of Venom, that is when there's another Symbiote broke out called "Riot".
Although its an interesting story, but the tone is questionable that it doesn't know what its gonna be, is it dark tone, light tone, comedy tone or... Whatever the heck the other tone genre it goes. It just plain random and confusion where it goes. Don't give me wrong, i did laugh at some moments, especially when Eddie doesn't want to jump off, but decided to use the elevator for "safety". (Pussy...!)
Though Tom's Eddie Brock/Venom is easily the likable character in the movie, while the rest aren't as interesting what we expected to be likable, especially with Carlton, he's easily the most forgettable villain ever, he's just a big boss who wants to change the world and thats it.
Another problem of this movie is that although the presentation and the action scenes are pretty cool with the bike chase and fighting sequences, but rating wasn't supposed to be like that. Because it was originally to be R rated movie like we had such as Logan or Deadpool, but it was downgraded to PG-13 in order to toning down the violent, which it doesn't suited for this movie, mainly because Venom is an anti-hero for killing people and hungry for flesh.
Despite the flaws that it concerns the potential, but at least its nice to see my favorite human in an alien being on the big screen, better than the one in Spider-Man 3.
Number 6: Deadpool 2
Speaking of Deadpool, here's another one of another favorite anti-hero of mine, the merc with the mouth himself.
After the success of the first Deadpool (despite its pretty average, due to the generic story), its no secret that we like to have another movie with Deadpool, as a result, its easily better than before.
Picking two years after the first movie, Deadpool lost his girlfriend, Vanessa, he's left alone and probably put the blame for losing his girlfriend (what's the matter? She's pretty much useless that we don't care about her), he was being called by X-Men members like Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead in order to dealing at an orphan mutant with fire power name Russell Collins (though he's Firefist, but he's still referred as Russell) that he's trying to stop him, but went too further that Russ and Deadpool are taken to the isolation prison for mutants. Just then we meet the cybernetic soldier from the future name Cable, where's targeting at Russell before becoming a mutant murderer.
Even though the story is pretty much an escort like before, but instead of typical damsel in distress, its a mutant boy in distress for get away from the future soldier, when in reality, Russell is gone mad that he killed the staff members when he was abused. Which its rather a nice twist. They also including the element for the birth of X-Force, but didn't last long, even though its kinda funny. Though X-Force will never happen, until we get the third one in the future.
The characters are enjoyable to see in the movie, like Deadpool himself, Cable, Domino (despite the questionable mutant what she has that i don't get it), Colossus and probably Juggernaut, Beeyatch! And the acting is also impressive as well, its almost like they like to have a fun time, including Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, like Ryan. Though some are rather forgettable for me, like Russell.
With some not so interesting character and having a X-Force too soon, this is the film that we can all agree that its better than the first one.
Number 5: Ralph breaks the internet
Wreck-It Ralph is easily a good film with video games, because, its rather original and it has a feel like "Who frame with Roger Rabbit?", but in video game elements, likely the arcades.
Since it was so successful, we've never expected to have a sequel , which Disney did, rather than in similar fashion im arcade world, we're going to the internet. Yup, picking up after the first movie from six years later, Vanellope is left homeless, due to broken down glitch that it destroyed a steering wheel, which Ralph though it will be a good idea to make a shortcut. Due to the malfunction, Ralph though it will be a good idea to going into the digital world known as "Internet", in order to buy an expensive steering wheel on eBay.
Even though its about where she's going whether she 'll going back to Sugar Rush or even change her life to "Slaughter Race", what it does work for the story is the relation between Ralph and Vanellope, they always want to deal the decision about the plan, since they're in the internet.
But what it makes soo impressive is the presentation of the digital world of Internet, its so imaginative what we've expected, i like how they made, its looks creative, colorful and fun in the same time, The characters are also enjoyable like Ralph, Vanellope, Shank, Yesss, Knowsmore and even some cameos in "Oh My Disney!", including the Disney Princesses, i love what they included.
Though the downside is that some characters like Felix and Calhoun appeared small, but they're easily forgettable that il easily skip ahead and it have a lack of villain. Well, debatable if its really Ralph or not.
"Ralph breaks the Internet", despite the lack of villain, but it is a fun ride to visiting to the Internet.
Number 4: Black Panther
With the first film of 2018, i was predicting that its gonna be a good film, but since this is MCU, its pretty obvious that its a great start.
Picking up after Civil War where T'Chaka died, T'Challa returns to Wakanda that he come the king of the land, not before he was aware about his sovereignty was picked up by Erik Stevens (aka Killmonger) in order not only become a king, but also providing a global revolution.
The story is pretty cool and what is Wakanda about, which its actually pretty cool for a fictional land in Africa and what the African representing in Wakanda, its pretty impressive and its also significant for MCU.
The characters are always likable in the movie, with T'Challa being an aware for his responsible as the king of the land, Okoye is an extremely proud of Border Tribe and T'Challa's bodyguard, which she's easily a badass sidekick, Killmonger is thoughtful, patient and strategist villain, Shuri is the brain of Wakanda for the technology and M'Baku as a ruthless leader of mountain tribe, even though he was never referred ad "Man-Ape, which it doesn't fit as the leader of the mountain. Even though some who's pretty much useless for comic relief like the CIA member name Everett K. Ross.
And of course, lets not forget about the presentation, the setting of Wakanda is pretty huge as a city, especially it created barrier to keep the land safe, which is pretty impressive what they created of the land, the action scene is also pretty cool with car chases, fight scenes and the battle between Black Panther and Killmonger. Even the Black Panther and Gold Panther are pretty cool for their suits
But the reason why i never pick it up on the podium, its because some moments has a problem, aside of CIA member, but some CG effect that although its a nice looking, but others has some issue of the quality that ended up look like video game, but some background got frozen when i noticed.
Even though it had a tiny flaws, but its a pretty nice to have an African-American hero on the big screen, aside when first appeared in Civil War two years ago.
Number 3: Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse
As a fan of Spider-Man, im surprised that i've never heard when Marvel invented "Spider-Verse", which im overly curious if there's a movie about it, well Sony Pictures Animation did for their adaption, which im kinda concerned at first, since they made a lot of stupid comedy movies, but with this one, im glad they've done better what they changed.
With this, its about where Miles Morales lives with his family, but he was rather fascinated about Spider-Man, despite his parents doesn't believe about Spidey hero, but as a vigilant much like Jonah Jameson's statement in Daily Bugle. But once Miles was bitten by a radio-active Spider and the news where Spider-Man was tragically died, he was trying to figure out for how and what Spider-Man is about, not to mention, he meets the different versions of Spider-Man, such as Peter B. Parker (aka the downward version of Peter), Gwen Stacy (aka Spider-Gwen), Spider-Man Noir, Peni Parker and Spider-Ham from the sake of the main villain Kingpin.
I find the story is actually well written that our main hero Miles has to know for what makes him to become as the next Spider-Man, and of course, the movie also gives a heart for what we care or rooting for Miles or the other versions of Spider-Man, especially with some moment with a father and son relation, it makes it reasonable and emotional if Miles is about to lose. Even though the could could be a little bit fast paste.
But what it makes it spectacular, its the animation, which its easily the biggest development what Sony Animation have ever done for a collaboration with Sony Pictures Imageworks, in order to make a different styles of animation, whether its the monochrome appearance of Spider-Man Noir, an anime style for Peni Parker or even Looney Tunes style of Spider-Ham. While the normal characters designs are also pretty good looking, kinda like a comic book comes to life. Though sometimes some movements are kinda like in stop-motion thingy.
The characters are enjoyable what we like to see like Miles, Peter Parker, Gwen, with some side characters like Jefferson Davis, May Parker or even Aaron Davis, as well with some villain cool looking villains like Prowler, Scorpion, Tombstone or even Olivia Octavius. Though Kingpin may have a potential, but not as best villain, which his goal is bringing back his own family like his wife and his son.
A very surprisingly great film by Sony Pictures animation, "Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse" is easily a better film than "Hotel Transylvania 3".
Number 2: Avengers Infinity War
Let me start off by saying that, yes, i know this film would've been a number one spot of my list of 2018. But don't give me wrong, i love this movie, its just that its a great, but would've been considered to be 100% perfect some teeny tiny problems.
This is the film what many MCU fans considered as one of the best installment of the series, and i probably agree with them, it is a very impressive film what we like to see. But i wanted to put a spoiler alert, because its the one that everyone are talking about in the end.
Sometimes picking up after Thor Ragnarok, Thanos and his four lieutenants invade the ship of Asgards to killing (including Loki, sadly) and knocking down Thor and Hulk when Thanos retrieve a cosmic cube that happens to be Space Stone into his gauntlet. Its up the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy team up together to stop Thanos before he destroys the living in half.
The story of this film is easily the big deal that we like to see a battle with the group of heroes and Thanos's lieutenants, its easily the best story of the movie from the comic. But my problem is that if they called "Infinity War", it has nothing to do with the comic with a same name, instead it was an MCU version of the comic "The Infinity Gauntlet". Despite the identical confusion, but at least its a well-written the story.
The action scenes if once again the highlights of the film with all the cool fight scenes, like the epic war in Wakanda, the new weapon of Thor, the battle in Titan and the presentations is a popcorn entertainment. What i like is the setting place of the planet Titan, Nidavellir where Thor is making a new weapon to replacing Mjolnir, which i really like the changing weapon with an ax called "Stormbreaker".
Though we always like some characters that we're familiar with like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Black Widow, Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Panther, Bucky Barns and few others. Despite some would've been better like Bruce Banner (aka The Hulk) and the lieutenants.
But easily the most talked about is Thanos himself, he's easily the big deal and probably nearly a main focus to know for how he wants to capturing Infinity Stones, which not only he's a pose a threat, but he's also has a sympathy figure for what he care for changing the universe with his own gauntlet, which we think ourselves "Maybe Thanos isn't really a bad guy, but more either a good guy or maybe neutral". Which it makes no wonder why we cared so much about Thanos, especially some moments not only it was shocking, but also heart broken, like one point where he literally kill his adopted daughter Gamora in order to get a Soul Stone from the keeper Red Skull.
And of course, the final act is another most talked about of the film, when after Thanos completed his goal to collecting Infinity Stones, we though that our heroes is lost, but then out of nowhere, Thor reappeared with Rocket Racoon and pre-mature Groot, where he uses his Stormbreaker to wounding Thanos that we though he finally win, but it was too soo that Thanos uses his gauntlet for a snap, which it was even more shocking moments, after all that, half of livings of the universe are all disintegrated like almost every members of Guardians of the Galaxy (minus Rocket and Nebula), Dr. Strange, Black Panther and even more sadly, Spider-Man.
When i saw it the ending, i was shocked and feared that half of livings of the universe are killed off, which we ask our questions, what happened now after a huge disaster from Thanos's snap? The answer, is we're in Endgame, meaning our original heroes have to find the way to back to do a rematch against Thanos in the hardest way as possible, but we have to wait, with Captain Marvel (aka Carol Denver).
But in fairness, as i stated from previous list, i don't call "The movie of the year 2018", i specifically called "The live-action film of the year 2018", without causing a chaotic debate, just to clarify. With so much potential, so successful, so impact and yet shocking, this is the film that its easily the biggest installment of MCU.
And now, my number one film of the year 2018 goes to...
Number 1: Incredibles 2
Out of all the sequels, superheroes or even Pixar's film, this is easily the best animated film of the year 2018 and of course, my new favorite film by Pixar.
So whats it make so special to put this on top of the list, its because we always like to see what happened next after the first movie with a cliffhanger, even Brad Bird really wanted going back to Pixar to make sequel after 14 years, with the result, it was pure success.
Picking up after the cliffhanger, the family of Incredibles failed to catch The Underminer when he ran away with a loads cash from the bank and the drill damages the city hall (despite Frozone's effort to protect the hall), the government is forced to shut down "Superhero Relocation Program" from the damage and believe the superheroes are illegal, causing our main heroes sent back to hotel and no longer having financial assistance from Rick Dicker (and risky reveal where Tony's unnoticed of Violet's identity for erasing his memory), causing them for what to do without profit. Thankfully, Bob and Helen noticed the offer where Frozone found is to going to DevTech, a corporation for not just telecommunications, but also planning to bringing back the superheroes in peace from the owner Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn. Elastigirl was chosen from Winston, saying that she never cause damages than Mr. Incredible and also help to providing home. Not only that, she also have to looking for the main antagonist name "Screenslaver".
Though the story feels like the same element from the first movie, but rather focus on island to dealing with Syndrome, but more focus in the city for the whereabouts of Screenslaver for his hypnotic hack. Not to mention, it also have a plot element for family, which not only Elastigirl will be the main role, but Bob has to take his kids for any reasons, where Dash has a hard time for the math, Violet has a complicated feeling about Tony from before, and Jack-Jack has a full of surprise of multiple powers what we like to see, in a hilarious way. Which not only it execute for some funny moment, but also the heart for how Bob have a hard time to take care and probably the truth for why he wanted to go back as a hero than being stuck in home. It understandable, but i guess its no wonder that i like the role reverse after the first movie.
Like usual for Pixar, the animation is outstanding, especially to the upgrade of the details, the designs, the action scenes and so much more, which i really what they've done for a movie taking place in vintage era of superheroes, which its like having a nostalgia feel if you're a fan of old school comics. I mean, i really like what they give for the update of our main heroes.
And the characters are likable and nice to see them again after nearly 15 years, with Helen Parr (aka Elastigirl) being the main focus, but also being feisty and well respect mother, Bob (aka Mr. Incredible) is although he could be any risk, but also caring about his kids and superheroes, even he might losing himself after spending days for the math, difficulty relation (despite his accidental exposure truth to Violet) and Jack-Jack's multiple powers.
Speaking of kids, while some of them remain the same like Dash is a troublemaker and Jack-Jack is a comic relief for his powers, but Violet is also likable for her new development, she was trying to be with Tony for the date, bit again, due to her accidental revealing her identity, that might cause to losing her hope of relationship and being a superhero. But thankfully, she does to get better for understanding for her father's mistake and become leader to her brothers to working together as a heroes.
While the new casts are nice to see, even some have flaws. For Winston, i find him to be a very fascinated new character, which he wanted to bring back the old roots of superheroes for peace and legal again, which i find him to be a well written character, Evelyn is also interesting, being the technological genius and sometimes a nice friend with Elastigirl, but i think we all know what happen next for her (which once again, il give a Spoiler Alert). While the other superheroes are although rather cool like Voyd while others, despite they have some interesting powers, but they're probably gimmicky.
As for the villain, Screenslaver, though he may have a potential for his dark appearance and manipulative monologue for why he's hacking any screens for hypnotism, but he's probably shot-lived and reveal to be controlled by Evelyn for the whole thing. its rather a cliche unexpected twist like Disney did, but despite Screenslaver may have potential, but he's not as good than Syndrome.
Even though it has flaws for short-lived villain and gimmicky other heroes, but the animation thats nicely updated, the likable old and new casts and the good role-reverse story makes it so good that im very happy them again after the first movie, it will always holding to my heart that it makes a good reason what i considered as my number one movie of the year 2018.
Got any other good films that i missed? Let me know in the comments bellow.
If you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.
Tune it next time, il go with the video games with good and bad that i like to share my opinion what i've seen or even played, but il taking about it next year after the celebration.
Thanks for reading and im Anthony, signing out and Happy New Year (even though its early, but this will be my final post in 2018).
