2018 was a year for diversity in movies. Studios have paid lip service to its importance in the past but in 2018 we finally got Marvel Studio’s first standalone Black superhero movie, the first major motion picture with a predominantly Asian American cast in years, and the 4th Spider-Man reboot finally gave us Miles Morales instead of Peter Parker. Movies are starting to more accurately reflect the real world, and that helps them connect to more people.
Ben is Back
A heartbreaking look at how a drug addict destroys his life and how that affects his family. The performances by Lucas Hedges and Julia Roberts are among the best of 2018.
BlacKkKlansman
Spike Lee has gotten some flak for how the truth was bent for this “Based on True Story” film. But Lee’s intention was to show the parallels between the overt racism of the 70s and the racism still present today. This movie is funny, exhilarating, and infuriating, and Lee gets his point across.
Black Panther
I wouldn’t have thought that superhero movies could make political statements before this. But Black Panther proved that a Marvel movie could and that there could be nuance in both a hero and villian’s motivations. It was also all-around the best looking, best sounding, and most exciting superhero movie of the year.
Crazy Rich Asians
It is hard to evaluate this movie without considering what it means to Asians and Asian Americans to see themselves represented in mainstream movie. But even removing that element, this will go down as a classic rom-com with its splendid visuals, memorable characters, and stand-out moments. And the clash between Michelle Yeoh and Constance Wu as her would-be in mother and daugher-in laws was dynamic.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
It’s hard to describe but this movie has something like a young energy. It feels like a standout debut album or first release from an auteur director. It takes the worn-out Spider-Man story and really mixes it up. Which actually makes the story feel relevant again. Also, this is such a stylish movie, not weighed down by expectations or a desire to look “proper”.
A Quiet Place
This is such an effective thriller. You’re on the edge of your seat the whole time, you can feel the suspense and the terror.
Honorable Mention – Blockers, Creed II, Isle of Dogs, Ocean’s 8, To All the Boys I Loved Before, Vice
Notable Misses – Cold War, If Beale Street Could Talk, First Reformed, Mirai, Mission Impossible