2018 has been a very interesting year at the box-office; several old records broken and new ones made. In this year, we saw movies that sprung up important, long side-lined conversations with rich cultural importance, like the groundbreaking ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ where both movies had majority of their casts from their eponymous races, finally addressed. In this same year, we had several low budget movies, like ‘A Quiet Place’ and ‘Blindspotting’ and indie movies like ‘Upgrade’ give us something new in terms of how movies should be made. All these for the betterment of the movie industry.
Below is my list of movies that struck, irrespective of genre or professional critics’ opinions.
PS: 2018 has a lot of great movies, it was tough limiting them to ten that really got to me. I apologize in advance if your favorite(s) don’t make the list. Do air your grievance in the comment box.
10. Love, Simon
What’s not to love about this coming of age movie that talks about forbidden love? The writing, pacing and acting makes this a beautiful watch. You can’t help but get immersed in the protagonist quest to find Blue, who could be the love of his life.
9. Upgrade
I loved everything about STEM; the badass artificial intelligence chip with a mind of its own. I’m still sad it went rogue; but if there’s ever a sequel, you can count I’ll be there on opening night.
Read my review here
Rinzy’s Rating: 4/5
8. Searching
I can only imagine the technicality that was required to visually tell this story. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that I watched a movie that was told through a display screen, from start-to-finish. And you’re wondering why it made my list.
Read my review here
Rinzy’s Rating: 4.5/5
7. The Hate U Give
Amandla Sternberg is a star, the world had better watch out for her ‘cos she hasn’t come to play.
Read my review here
Rinzy’s Rating: 4.5/5
6. A Quiet Place
This year’s a good one for power couple John Krasinski and Emily Blunt. Together, they use their off-screen chemistry and brawn to bring us something new and beautiful, for which we’re eternally grateful.
Read my review here
Rinzy’s Rating:
5. Crazy Rich Asians
Few years back, no one would’ve believed a movie with an entirely Asian cast would appeal to the whole world. But that’s what happened here with Crazy Rich Asian. Do you remember that wedding scene? We still grateful, Elvis Presley.
Read my review here
Rinzy’s Rating: 4/5
4. Bad Times at the El Royale
Chris Hemsworth continues to impress me with his acting. After seeing him in this movie as Billy Lee, I’m less worried about what his post-Thor career would look like.
Read my review here
Rinzy’s Rating: 3.5/5
Just before I unveil my top three, I’d list to list some honorable mentions. Please note that they’re in no particular order.
This movie sprung up conversations at every corner of this part of the world. I’m sure we’ll still be asked ‘who was right, Mel or Robert?’ in the new year. Asides the publicity it garnered, nothing about this movie is supposed to be heard as the years go by.
- Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Tom Cruise’s stunts continue to rise in the ranks of death-defying.
Did you catch that horse c*ck sock?
I wish I lived in Atlantis. It’s so beautiful.
Spielberg is still the greatest of all times.
- Spider-Man: Into The Spider-verse
Who would’ve thought an animated movie could be so interesting?
3. Black Panther
Wakanda forever!!!
Read my review here
Rinzy’s Rating: 4/5
2. Blindspotting
Let me tell you a secret. Before Blindspotting, I’d never heard of Daveed Diggs. But after watching this masterpiece, I’ll be following his career nonstop.
Read my review here
Rinzy’s Rating: 4.5/5
1. Avengers: Infinity War
Around this time last year, my most prominent mantra was “Thanos is coming”. Thanos did come, and made sure he turned half the population into dust before he left. It’s a good thing our remaining heroes still won’t go down without a fight. The Endgame is here.
Read my review here
Rinzy’s Rating: 4.5/5
I saw a lot of movies this year and it’s only fitting I liked some more than others, doesn’t mean those not mentioned are bad movies. As I said earlier, I’d like to know your thoughts in the comment box.
Banana Island Ghost, Up North, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai are some of the high-profile movies in recent years to follow this route. Awesome trailers which gets you nothing short of hopeful and willing to dole out those Naira notes you hold dear. Unfortunately, none of these movies ever lived up to the hype. And I fear Muna might follow suit.
