MAKING THE CUT IN 2018

The beginning of the new year offers time to reflect upon my favorite films of 2018. I don’t call this list “the best” because what is best is subjective. The list represents films I thought most successfully combined skill and entertainment value. It includes only films I saw. I missed some films because they did not play in Tyler or were not available for streaming.

1 “HEREDITARY”

“Hereditary,” the feature film debut of Ari Aster, is a nightmarish family drama that is unlike anything else released all year. I believe the vast majority of people hated it, but if you don’t mind venturing away from the beaten path, look no further.

2 “BLACKKKLANSMAN”

Spike Lee returned to form with his adaptation of the true story of Colorado Springs Officer Ron Stallworth’s infiltration of the Ku Klux Klan. The film balanced humor, real-life horror and satire into a wonderful experience that is, at times, all too relatable today.

3 “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE — FALLOUT”

How does the sixth film in a franchise turn out to be its best entry yet and one of the best movies of the year?

“Mission: Impossible — Fallout” is a near perfect, totally entertaining action movie that proved the dream team of writer/director Christopher McQuarrie (“The Usual Suspects,” “Jack Reacher”) and Tom Cruise would do whatever it took, including breaking an ankle, to entertain audiences.

4 “SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE”

Four months ago, I wouldn’t have believed that this would be one of the best films of 2018. Now, I am devoting my life to writing letters to Sony and Marvel until I get a Spider-Ham movie.

5 “A STAR IS BORN”

While “Bohemian Rhapsody” tried to tell the story of a rock star, “A Star is Born” succeeded, from the opening note to the finale. I have a feeling this is going to get lots of awards-season attention.

6 “BLACK PANTHER”

This was almost the best superhero movie of 2018. It got knocked down a peg thanks to “Spider-Man.” Still, it remains one of the best and most consistent Marvel movies ever, with equal parts origin story and sequel to a larger story.

It also features the best Marvel villain to date and a killer soundtrack produced by Kendrick Lamar. Wakanda forever!

7 “THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE”

I can hear it now. “Isn’t this a TV show?” No! It’s not TV. It’s a 10-hour movie that is broken into episodes. Still, Mike Flannigan’s (sort of) adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s beloved novel is one of the best experiences I had.

I still think this is one long movie, in the same way David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks: The Return” was an 18-hour movie and not TV. It’s both horrifying and heartwarming, which is not easy to do.

8 “WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?”

This wonderfully produced documentary about the life of Fred Rogers is the most touching film of 2018. You’ll laugh, cry and have the theme song to “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” stuck in your head long after the credits roll.

9 “SORRY TO BOTHER YOU”

Rapper turned director Boots Riley made an incredible satire about racism and possibly the most absurd film of the year in the same story. It often felt reminiscent of Spike Lee’s early work when he managed to get a point across but was also a bit wacky and experimental. Its climax has to be seen to be believed.

10 “VICE”

Adam McKay, the man responsible for “Step Brothers,” continued his streak of smart, slick satire, following his Oscar-nominated film, “The Big Short.” While the politics of the film will be divisive, Christian Bale is to be commended for his portrayal of Dick Cheney.

McKay also needs praise for a sharp screenplay that never shies away from being funny and deadly serious.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

This was a decent year for the horror genre with offerings such as “A Quiet Place,” “Summer of ’84,” “Mandy,” “The Strangers: Prey at Night,” “The House With a Clock in its Walls,” “Overlord” and “Halloween,” a sequel that brought glory back to the franchise.

Comic-book movies hit it big with “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Deadpool 2” and “Ant-Man & the Wasp.”

Other high points included “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Widows, “Instant Family,” “Creed II,” “A Simple Favor,” “The Incredibles 2,” “Tag,” “Game Night,” and “Annihilation.” It was a good year.

WORST OF 2018:

“Holmes & Watson”

The idea of a comedic Sherlock Holmes tale sounds delightful but this dreadful and humorless dreck with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as the titular characters is not only the worst film of the year, it’s one of the worst I’ve ever seen.

COMING THIS YEAR

“The Irishman”

If I could only watch one film this year it would be this one. The Martin Scorsese-directed drama is based on the true story of Frank Sheeran, the hitman who allegedly killed Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa. The film stars Robert de Niro, Al Pacino (in his first Scorsese film), Harvey Keitel and, because they found the magic number that would pull him out of retirement, Joe Pesci.

“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

Quentin Tarantino tells the story of an actor (Leonard diCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) working on their big break while a dangerous cult is on the prowl in 1969 Hollywood.

“Us”

Academy Award winner Jordan Peele unleashes his follow-up to “Get Out.” It is the story of a family on vacation terrorized by a group of people who appear to be … them. The trailer dropped Christmas morning and it looks more terrifying than its predecessor.

“It: Chapter 2” and “Pet Semetary”

Stephen King is hotter than ever, thanks to whatever genius in Los Angeles came up with the idea of adapting his works into films, but with the novel twist of making them, well, good. This year we will get the second half of the blockbuster “It” in which the now adult members of the Losers Club enter into one last battle with Pennywise, the Dancing Clown.

We also will get an awesome new adaptation of “Pet Semetary” with John Lithgow in the role played by Fred Gwynne.

“Star Wars Episode IX”

After the divisive “The Last Jedi,” I’m curious to see where returning director J.J. Abrams takes the story. Bonus points if he brings back “The Yubnub Song” from “Return of the Jedi.”

COMIC BOOK MOVIES

We will be getting “Captain Marvel,” “Avengers: Endgame” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” “Shazam!”, a Martin Scorsese-produced “Joker,” a reboot of “Hellboy,” and the long-awaited and delayed “X-Men” films, “Dark Phoenix” and “The New Mutants.”

“Happy Death Day 2U”

If ever a film was better than it had a right to be, it was the more-comedy-than-horror, “Groundhog Day”-inspired “Happy Death Day.” It was an underrated film. I can’t wait to spend more time in this universe.

“Frozen 2”

After the massive success of the original, I can’t wait to see more adventures of … OK, I’m kidding. Why is it on the list? I feel it is my duty to warn all the parents out there. You have 11 months to prepare.