Movies have indeed gone a long way. This year was no different offering a diverse selection of stories and visions that is true to the human vibe and spirit. The past year showed us many ideas and visuals we, probably, never seen before. It would come as a special year, as we witnessed some of the best Hollywood has yet to offer in this modern era of film.
Last year, we saw a black superhero join mainstream the likes of Iron Man and Captain America proving no color can define a true superhero. Later, humanity would have to brace themselves against the titan who would wreak massive destruction upon the collection of the six Infinity Stones. Box office records would be shattered by the aforementioned. The LGBT has to be so proud when a film targeted towards the harsh reality of coming out. It would be the first gay teenage romance to be released by a major studio in the United States, a landmark indeed. Horror had witnessed it's transition from merely jump scares and ghosts to more melodramatic tales of love and sacrifice amidst silence and mourning. Netflix would also bring us the mighty movie "Roma", a personal movie for director Alfonso Cuaron, focusing on a maid's life within the political and economic landscape of an old Mexico. This would make the first Netflix exclusive entry in my Movies of the Year list. The past year gave witness to Lady Gaga at her finest act as Ally Maine and Rami Malek at his fabulous portrayal of the fabulous Freddie Mercury proving musicals are not dead and still damn worth the watch. And finally, we would fall in love with the unlikely fairy tale between man and fish and enrage in fury with a mother's failed attempt at justice. To the tears I shed and goosebumps I felt, here now are my picks for the 10 movies that defined 2018. For the first time, no animated film makes the cut.
Summary of the List:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
Intro | Methodology | Records | Data Sources | Photo Credits
- Films included in the list must have been released on an international scale including the Philippines. Filipino films aren't included, however, as they are entitled on a list of their own.
- Films that saw their release on an online streaming platform (such as Netflix) have also been included in this year's edition of the list, provided they are accessible in the Philippines.
- The selection of movies must have been released in the Philippines between 01 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 regardless if the film was released within the year 2017 in the United States and in any other country.
- No movie re-releases on HD or IMAX were included in the list (such movies had already been premiered in the past).
- The list is non-reflective of scores obtained on their corresponding reviews but rather on the movie's impact and influence within the year as weighed by JR.
JR's Movies of the Year - 2018
| Rank |
Movies of the Year
|
Movie Genre | Month of PH Release | JR's Score |
| 1 | Fantasy | Feb 2018 | 10.0 | |
| 2 | Drama | Oct 2018 | 10.0 | |
| 3 | Action | Feb 2018 | 10.0 | |
| 4 | Comedy | May 2018 | 10.0 | |
| 5 | Comedy | Feb 2018 | 9.9 | |
| 6 | Horror | Jun 2018 | 9.9 | |
| 7 | Drama | Dec 2018 (NF) | 9.9 | |
| 8 | Biography | Oct 2018 | 9.7 | |
| 9 | Action | Apr 2018 | 9.5 | |
| 10 | Horror | Apr 2018 | 9.5 |
Get back to previous JR Late Night Blogs' Movies of the Year lists:
#1
|
THE SHAPE OF WATER
(February 2018) |
JR's Score:
(10/10)
"OUTSTANDING"
|
Movie Genre:
|
Fantasy
|
Director/s:
|
Guillermo del Toro
|
Producer/s:
|
Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale
|
Writer/s:
|
Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor
|
Distributors:
|
Fox Searchlight
|
MPAA Rating:
MTRCB Rating: |
R
R-13 |
Total Running Time:
|
1 hour, 59 minutes
|
Cast Overview:
|
Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Octavia Spencer
|
"They Lived Happily Ever After...""
"The Shape of Water" is, hands down, the best motion picture I have seen from the past year. It's an epic fairy tale starred by a mute woman (Elisa) and a beautiful amphibian who are just but pawns. An unlikely love story would spruce from the two which would spawn a plan for escape with the help of a black co-worker and gay confidant, which are symbolic of minorities being heroes. I have to give it to Guillermo del Toro for bringing me one of the best experiences of the past year. I would remember the time I watched the movie at a local SM Cinema ready in anticipation to what this Best Picture of yesteryear's Academy Awards has to offer. It really did not disappoint. I never anticipated such a hopeful story in what seems to have been a tragic one. Prepare to shed tears of joy and sadness when watching this one.
*watched on 09 March 2018 at SM Cinemas (SM Rosales)
Read JR's Full Review of The Shape of Water:
https://jrlatenight.blogspot.com/2018/03/moviereviews-TheShapeOfWater.html
#2
|
A STAR IS BORN
(October 2018) |
JR's Score:
(10/10)
"OUTSTANDING"
|
Movie Genre:
|
Drama
|
Director/s:
|
Bradley Cooper
|
Producer/s:
|
Bradley Cooper, Bill Gerber, Jon Peters, Todd Phillips
|
Writer/s:
|
Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters
|
Distributors:
|
Warner Bros.
|
MPAA Rating:
MTRCB Rating: |
R
R-13 |
Total Running Time:
|
2 hours, 16 minutes
|
Cast Overview:
|
Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle
|
"A Modern Take on a Timeless Classic"
While Lady Gaga would prove her acting skills on TV, she would up the ante with such an amazing performance on "A Star Is Born". So versatile and so impressive that she might earn a Best Actress nod in the upcoming Oscars. The movie is a representation of modern day celebrity culture. Alcoholism, drug addiction and also mental health are just a few of the problems explicitly shown in this film. This modern rendition of "A Star Is Born" is a masterpiece worthy of your attention.
*watched on 13 October 2018 at SM Cinemas (SM North Edsa)
Read JR's Full Review of A Star Is Born:
https://jrlatenight.blogspot.com/2018/10/moviereviews-AStarIsBorn.html
#3
|
BLACK PANTHER
(February 2018) |
JR's Score:
(10/10)
"OUTSTANDING"
|
Movie Genre:
|
Action (Superhero)
|
Director/s:
|
Ryan Coogler
|
Producer/s:
|
Kevin Feige
|
Writer/s:
|
Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Coole
|
Distributors:
|
Buena Vista
|
MPAA Rating:
MTRCB Rating: |
PG-13
PG |
Total Running Time:
|
2 hours, 20 minutes
|
Cast Overview:
|
Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, Forest Whitaker, Andy Serkis, Sterling K. Brown
|
"Wakanda Forever"
Wakanda Forever, indeed. While we already know the worlds of Iron Man and Captain America, Marvel would bring us to one new superhero's in particular, Black Panther. It was one hell of a ride, indeed being brought to a futuristic eutopia that is Wakanda, home to the indestructible Vibranium metal. Black Panther would prove that no color or race would justify a hero's capability to save our universe. This film served as a warm-up before the war against humanity which was "Avengers: Infinity War." (#9, by the way, in this list)
*watched on 14 February 2018 at SM Cinemas (SM Baguio)
Read JR's Full Review of Black Panther:
https://jrlatenight.blogspot.com/2018/02/moviereviews-BlackPanther01.html
#4
|
LOVE, SIMON
(May 2018) |
JR's Score:
(10/10)
"OUTSTANDING"
|
Movie Genre:
|
Comedy
|
Director/s:
|
Greg Berlanti
|
Producer/s:
|
Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Isaac Klausner, Pouya Shahbazian
|
Writer/s:
|
Elizabeth Berger, Isaac Aptaker, Becky Albertalli
|
Distributors:
|
Fox
|
MPAA Rating:
MTRCB Rating: |
PG-13
R-13 |
Total Running Time:
|
1 hour, 49 minutes
|
Cast Overview:
|
Nick Robinson, Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Garner
|
"The Complicated Reality of Coming Out"
The title may seem to be the end of a letter written by Simon for us ready to read. Well, in fact it is. The movie is an ode to any member of the gay community's coming out to friends and family. It's a difficult film to watch especially if you experienced the same ridicule as Simon but you have to give it to the studios who made this film for encapsulating something that is too real and relatable. We would be treated to a feel good ending that is full of hope and love. No one has the right to out anyone unless they are ready for it; and this film just tackles that dilemma. This movie by the way is the first teen gay romance to be produced by a major US studio.
*watched on 18 May 2018 at SM Cinemas (SM Manila)
Read JR's Full Review of Love, Simon:
https://jrlatenight.blogspot.com/2018/05/moviereviews-LoveSimon.html
#5
|
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI
(February 2018) |
JR's Score:
(9.9/10)
"IMPRESSIVE"
|
Movie Genre:
|
Comedy
|
Director/s:
|
Martin McDonagh
|
Producer/s:
|
Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Martin McDonagh
|
Writer/s:
|
Martin McDonagh
|
Distributors:
|
Fox Searchlight
|
MPAA Rating:
MTRCB Rating: |
R
R-13 |
Total Running Time:
|
1 hour, 55 minutes
|
Cast Overview:
|
Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Abbie Cornish, Peter Dinklage, John Hawkes, Frances McDormand, Kathryn Newton
|
"A Mother's Obsession For Seeking Justice"
What would you do if faced with the dilemma of seeking justice from a corrupt police system? If you would copy what Mildred Hayes did, she would rent three billboards sensationalizing her daughter's rape and eventual murder to capture the attention of the media and the police. This mastercraft by Martin McDonagh exemplifies superb acting by Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell to bring a story full of social commentary and also, female empowerment. It's a strong movie that demands a strong rooting for the characters. It's a movie representative of a weak justice system prevalent in modern society. You have to get mad at the end else you're not a true human being.
*watched on 14 December 2018 through DVD
Read JR's Full Review of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri:
...review coming out soon...
#6
|
HEREDITARY
(June 2018) |
JR's Score:
(9.9/10)
"IMPRESSIVE"
|
Movie Genre:
|
Horror
|
Director/s:
|
Ari Astor
|
Producer/s:
|
Kevin Frakes, Lars Knudsen, Buddy Patrick
|
Writer/s:
|
Ari Astor
|
Distributors:
|
A24
|
MPAA Rating:
MTRCB Rating: |
R
R-13 |
Total Running Time:
|
2 hours, 6 minutes
|
Cast Overview:
|
Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Ann Dowd
|
"Disturbing and Damn Scary Indeed"
Oh this movie, oh this movie, indeed. This movie shocked the hell out of me from beginning to end and up to now disturbs me with how unholy and profane it was. While several horror movies bank on jump scares, this one terrorizes with use of jump scares, psychological horror and a demonic villain that is unlike any other. Let's just put it this way, a family is cursed with having to have a male host for the demon their grandmother have embraced in the past. There are too much horror references and symbolisms also that are just waiting for horror fanatics to be found. Toni Collette's performance is astounding that she might contend with Lady Gaga for the Best Actress during the Oscars. I hope the movie also gets a well-deserved nomination too as horror as masterful like this are once in a blue moon.
*watched on 28 June 2018 at SM Cinemas (SM Sta. Mesa)
Read JR's Full Review of Hereditary:
https://jrlatenight.blogspot.com/2018/07/moviereviews-Hereditary.html
#7
|
ROMA
(December 2018 - Netflix) |
JR's Score:
(9.9/10)
"IMPRESSIVE"
|
Movie Genre:
|
Drama
|
Director/s:
|
Alfonso Cuarón
|
Producer/s:
|
Alfonso Cuarón, Gabriela Rodriguez, Nicolas Celis
|
Writer/s:
|
Alfonso Cuarón
|
Distributors:
|
Netflix
|
Netflix Rating:
|
16+
|
Total Running Time:
|
2 hours, 15 minutes
|
Cast Overview:
|
Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira
|
"Emotional Portrait of a Domestic Worker's Journey"
Netflix describes this film as a vivid, emotional portrait of a domestic worker's journey set against domestic and political turmoil in 1970s Mexico. It's a movie too close to the director as it reflects a part of his childhood. Growing up without a father himself, director Alfonso Cuarón presents in this film two distinct versions of a father leaving behind his family: one due to cheating and another due to fear of responsibility. The focus of the movie though would us being on the same boat with the domestic worker named "Cleo" on her journey staying with a blessed and bountiful family. While at it, we are exposed to the protests either due to tensions from land or politically caused ones. Every scene in Roma is a painting that is alive and bustling with details that are just too beautiful. The panning from left to right are a first for me but it proved to be effective in this movie. Don't just join Netflix to watch Birdbox and Riverdale but also to watch an Oscar-quality film like this one. This movie, by the way, is the first exclusive from Netflix that I listed on my Movies of the Year list.
*watched on 21 December 2018 through Netflix
Read JR's Full Review of Roma
https://jrlatenight.blogspot.com/2019/02/moviereviews-Roma.html
#8
|
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
(October 2018) |
JR's Score:
(9.7/10)
"IMPRESSIVE"
|
Movie Genre:
|
Biography
|
Director/s:
|
Bryan Singer
|
Producer/s:
|
Graham King, Jim Beach
|
Writer/s:
|
Anthony McCarten
|
Distributors:
|
Fox
|
MPAA Rating:
MTRCB Rating: |
PG-13
PG |
Total Running Time:
|
2 hours, 14 minutes
|
Cast Overview:
|
Rami Malek, Aidan Gillen, Mike Myers, Tom Hollander
|
"Ecstatic, Born To Be A Performer"
It's because of this movie that I fell in love with Freddie Mercury and Queen that for weeks their songs became an earworm for me despite these same songs being released 30 to 40 years ago. Freddie Mercury's life was an inspirational one, not listening to his parents, and instead focusing on his own ambitious dreams by all means necessary. This movie would give a visual on how several of their iconic songs came to fruition such as "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You." One in particular, "Love of My Life", was a touching one. While his life would reach an untimely end due to AIDS, his and his band's legacy are still felt today thanks to Freddie's ecstatic performances soon to be idolized by many singers and stars today. Rami Malek gave due justice on portraying Freddie Mercury's life story. Tears I shed when Freddie Mercury would be performing live for the Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium as we already know that this movie is destined not to have a happy ending.
*watched on 15 November 2018 at SM Cinemas (SM San Lazaro)
Read JR's Full Review of Bohemian Rhapsody:
...review coming out soon...
#9
|
AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR
(April 2018) |
JR's Score:
(9.5/10)
"IMPRESSIVE"
|
Movie Genre:
|
Action
|
Director/s:
|
Joe Russo, Anthony Russo
|
Producer/s:
|
Kevin Feige
|
Writer/s:
|
Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
|
Distributors:
|
Buena Vista
|
MPAA Rating:
MTRCB Rating: |
PG-13
PG |
Total Running Time:
|
2 hours, 36 minutes
|
Cast Overview:
|
Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Mackie, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle, Sebastian Stan, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Peter Dinklage, Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Samuel L. Jackson, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, William Hurt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Benicio Del Toro
|
"Thanos Wins and Deserves A Thunderous Applause"
The snap that wiped half of humanity and half of living creatures in the universe would be forever iconic and memorable to all Marvel fans. While we are still in limbo for its upcoming sequel this year, this first one was already marvelous, ambitious and grand. Avengers: Infinity War would be part one of two concluding what has transpired for 10 years of Marvel which started with just six of their superheroes: Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye. Now, it has an ensemble cast which includes Black Panther (#3 on the list, by the way), Dr. Strange, Spider-Man and even the Guardians of the Galaxy to fight against their greatest threat so far, Thanos. While I know many of you already knows the story, "Avengers: Infinity War" remains one of the best for the year. We are yet to see it that would continue with "Avengers: Endgame."
*watched on 28 April 2018 at SM Cinemas (SM Baguio)
Read JR's Full Review of Avengers: Infinity War:
https://jrlatenight.blogspot.com/2018/04/moviereviews-Avengers03.html
#10
|
A QUIET PLACE
(April 2018) |
JR's Score:
(9.5/10)
"IMPRESSIVE"
|
Movie Genre:
|
Horror
|
Director/s:
|
John Krasinski
|
Producer/s:
|
Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller
|
Writer/s:
|
Bryan Woods, Scott Beck, John Krasinski
|
Distributors:
|
Paramount
|
MPAA Rating:
MTRCB Rating: |
PG-13
R-13 |
Total Running Time:
|
1 hours, 35 minutes
|
Cast Overview:
|
Emily Blunt, John Krasinski
|
"Never Make A Sound"
Even the sound of a pin drop can mean the end of your life in this movie by John Krasinski. Horror is on a roll after last year's "Get Out", this year we had another unique story where the rule is you have to be silent or else an alien would hunt you. This I just watched recently, and thankfully, I did. This wouldn't even make the cut. The experience of watching "A Quiet Place" was so intense that you, yourself, would also be forced to keep silent with jaws open and hands clasped together for prayer. It's a roller coaster ride that is just waiting for you to scream at the right moment but you wouldn't for dear life. While the loss at the beginning was a sad one, you have to anticipate the baby's birth in the middle as it will be the most thrilling in the film. Oh, by the way, in comparison with "Birdbox's" no sound rule, "A Quiet Place" is so much better.
*watched on 25 December 2018 through HBO TV Channel
Read JR's Full Review of A Quiet Place:
...review coming out soon...
Movies serve as an escape from reality to enter a world that is special on its own. 2018 just brings several of this adventures to screen. This 2019 we anticipate several releases most especially from Disney on their live-action takes for "The Lion King", "Dumbo", and "Aladdin." Marvel continues their Infinity War with the "Avengers: Endgame" bringing in "Captain Marvel" to the mix. With this year's list having no animated film, will "Toy Story 4", "How To Train Your Dragon 3", and "Frozen 2" prove to be effective for next year's list. "It" has it's chapter two while "Godzilla" would again step foot in Hollywood.
This has been the 2018 Edition of JR Late Night Blogs' Movies of the Year.
- - - END OF JR LATE NIGHT MOVIES OF THE YEAR 2018 - - -
DATA SOURCES
All data used in the details of each film used in this blog are from the following sites:
PHOTO CREDITS
01. The Shape of Water
>>> https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/509540145334334514/
>>> http://www.impawards.com/2017/shape_of_water_ver3.html
02. A Star Is Born
>>> https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/bradley-cooper-and-lady-gaga-on-bringing-a-star-is-born-to-life-1.779210
>>> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517451/
03. Black Panther
>>> https://wallpapersite.com/movies/black-panther-2018-hd-4k-8837.html
>>> http://www.joblo.com/movie-posters/2018/black-panther
04. Love, Simon
>>> https://www.moviemania.io/wallpaper/pm9ml4313f-love-simon
>>> https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/love-simon
05. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
>>> http://www.studiodaily.com/2018/01/film-editor-jon-gregory-ace-three-billboards-outside-ebbing-missouri/
>>> http://www.impawards.com/2017/three_billboards_outside_ebbing_missouri_ver3.html
06. Hereditary
>>> https://variety.com/2018/film/in-contention/a24-oscar-toni-collette-hereditary-exclusive-1202788209/
>>> http://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3492734/hereditary-poster-family/
07. Roma
>>> https://www.joblo.com/movies/database/2018/roma-02
>>> https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/971487-alfonso-cuarons-roma-poster-released
08. Bohemian Rhapsody
>>> https://cinemazero.it/movies/776/
>>> http://www.impawards.com/2018/bohemian_rhapsody_ver2.html
09. Avengers: Infinity War
>>> https://wallpaperstream.com/collection/avengers-infinity-war/Josh-Brolin-Thanos-in-Infinity-War
>>> http://marvelcinematicuniverse.wikia.com/wiki/File:Avengers_Infinity_war_poster.jpeg
10. A Quiet Place
>>> https://www.eater.com/2018/4/13/17230070/a-quiet-place-food-fish-vegetables
>>> https://teaser-trailer.com/a-quiet-place-movie-new-poster-from-australia/
>>> https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/509540145334334514/
>>> http://www.impawards.com/2017/shape_of_water_ver3.html
02. A Star Is Born
>>> https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/bradley-cooper-and-lady-gaga-on-bringing-a-star-is-born-to-life-1.779210
>>> https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517451/
03. Black Panther
>>> https://wallpapersite.com/movies/black-panther-2018-hd-4k-8837.html
>>> http://www.joblo.com/movie-posters/2018/black-panther
04. Love, Simon
>>> https://www.moviemania.io/wallpaper/pm9ml4313f-love-simon
>>> https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/love-simon
05. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
>>> http://www.studiodaily.com/2018/01/film-editor-jon-gregory-ace-three-billboards-outside-ebbing-missouri/
>>> http://www.impawards.com/2017/three_billboards_outside_ebbing_missouri_ver3.html
06. Hereditary
>>> https://variety.com/2018/film/in-contention/a24-oscar-toni-collette-hereditary-exclusive-1202788209/
>>> http://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3492734/hereditary-poster-family/
07. Roma
>>> https://www.joblo.com/movies/database/2018/roma-02
>>> https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/971487-alfonso-cuarons-roma-poster-released
08. Bohemian Rhapsody
>>> https://cinemazero.it/movies/776/
>>> http://www.impawards.com/2018/bohemian_rhapsody_ver2.html
09. Avengers: Infinity War
>>> https://wallpaperstream.com/collection/avengers-infinity-war/Josh-Brolin-Thanos-in-Infinity-War
>>> http://marvelcinematicuniverse.wikia.com/wiki/File:Avengers_Infinity_war_poster.jpeg
10. A Quiet Place
>>> https://www.eater.com/2018/4/13/17230070/a-quiet-place-food-fish-vegetables
>>> https://teaser-trailer.com/a-quiet-place-movie-new-poster-from-australia/
^JR Late Night Posts - JR Late Night Movies of the Year
Time Published: 12 January 2019 (5PM)
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