Best Of 2018 - Movies

As we say goodbye to 2018 I thought I would share my top ten list of the best movies I saw in 2018. I kept this to movies that came out this year to help narrow it down.

These are in no particular order (as that would be impossible). There are also some movies that have come out in 2018 that I haven't had a chance to see yet (like If Beale Street Could Talk, Vice, On The Basis of Sex to name a few).

Here is my Best Movies of 2018 list:

1. A Star Is Born

My gushy review (or the fact that I saw this four times in theatres) probably already indicated this movie would be on this list. I love this movie and I will totally be rooting for it to do well this awards season. It was a critical and commercial success and is filled with a stunning, career best performance from Bradley Cooper, a fantastic supporting turn for Sam Elliott, and introduces Lady Gaga as an actress to watch.

2.The Favourite

Three powerhouse performances from Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone are the heart of this movie. It's a darkly humourous, feminist look at the ways in which these ladies use and are used. It flips the genre of period drama on its head and offers up a refreshing take. Watch out for Coleman to clean up during awards season!

3. BlacKkKlansman

An important movie whose gut punch ending is the stuff that stays with you. This movie has lots of humour, but it is the more serious elements that make you realize the message of this movie. Things, sadly, have not changed all that much in the years since this movie was set. All this combined with solid performances from the whole cast make this an easy one to put on this list.

4. A Simple Favor

Possibly the most fun I had at the movies this year in terms of sheer enjoyment. Blake Lively gives a career best performance as the 'bad girl' to Anna Kendrick's equally well done 'good girl'. This movie has more twists than I could count, ensures that Henry Golding will continue to see his star rise, and is more funny than you're expecting.

5. Love, Simon

This movie is a joy to watch. It's a sweet, heartfelt rom-com that also has some great family stuff at its core. Nick Robinson charms as Simon and you'll easily be rooting for him to get his happy ending.

6. Crazy Rich Asians

This movie not only had cultural significance but was another movie that offered a fun night out at the movies. Constance Wu shines as Rachel Wu. Henry Golding charms as Nick Young. The romance is sweet and filled with just enough angst. The movie itself is gorgeous to look at with a bright colour palette and beautiful Singapore setting.

7. Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse

My personal pick for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars this year. If you're a fan of Spiderman, superhero movies, or just good animation I highly recommend this one. It's a classic origin story, complete with epic moments, and it hits all of the right notes.

8. Boy Erased

A powerful movie filled with solid performances. This one may not have been a 'fun' time at the movies, but it was one that lingered with me long after I had finished watching it. It is one that I wish would be seen by those who most need to see it (which sadly will not happen).

9. Avengers: Infinity War

This one is on my list for the experience of seeing it alone. There is nothing like experiencing a huge pop cultural moment with a theatre full of fellow fans. The movie was big, loud, and pretty much everything I wanted it to be. The humour was pitch perfect, and the characters and the bonds built between them were used to great impact. This was a hard movie to pull off and Marvel not only did it, but they nailed it. The heartbreaking ending ensure that everyone will be just as eager to see Endgame and I cannot wait.

10. Black Panther 

Michael B Jordan's villainous turn as Killmonger is only one of the stand out elements of this excellent superhero movie. Ryan Coogler's directing makes this feel both familiar and unique with his attention to the little details that set this apart from the other Marvel movies. 

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Last week's lack of reveals was made up for in a big way this week. So many exciting things were revealed and it'll only continue as we get closer to the fall season.

TV/MOVIE

A Simple Favor Trailer

There were some teaser trailers for this movie released previously but we now have a full length one which gives us a little bit more detail about the actual plot.

I also did not realize that this was based off a book. I discovered this fact and now want to read it as soon as I can. It's by Darcey Bell and shares a title with the movie. 

Mary, Queen Of Scots Trailer

Here we have another trailer for a movie with some Oscar buzz already attached to it. I was instantly hooked and bumped it up my 'must watch list' a few spots after this solid trailer.

Both Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan seem to be delivery impressive performances and I could easily see Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress nominations in their future. Expect the blog to have a few reviews of Oscar bait movies in the fall. 

A Simple Favour Movie Poster

A new movie poster for A Simple Favor was also released with the full length trailer. I love everything about the marketing for this movie. The balance of something sinister with such bright colours just works really well here. 

I also love the martini theme that Blake Lively's character has got going on. 

The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina Key Art

With the official key art for season one being unveiled I think we can expect a trailer and release date in the near future. I am guessing Netflix will reveal something at Comic Con and that it might be an October release (which would be all kinds of perfect).

Salem takes central focus along with the iconic headband from the comics of the same name. I am so excited for this darker revamp and that I can binge it all at once. 

You Key Art

You also release its key art and the tagline is pretty spot on for the novel this is based off of. It also make Penn Badgley seem extremely creepy (which is the entire point).

I hope that Penn nails this role because it could be a meaty one with a lot of flash. I also hope that the show leans into the more ridiculous elements of the novel. I want it to be what the book was and hope the show lets itself go to the dark and ridiculous. 

OTHER

Entertainment Weekly's Breaking Bad Reunion

Breaking Bad is one of my favourite television shows of all time. I also really like whenever Entertainment Weekly does reunion issues. I was so excited when I saw that they had reunited the cast for  the most current issue!

Canada always seems to be really behind on Entertainment Weekly issues so we probably won't get it for another week or two but I am looking forward to reading the article  (especially what Anna Gunn has to say about all that Skyler hate).

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

A very small Weekly Obsessions post this week. I am in New Orleans for ALA this week so everything else is just kind of a blur.

TV/MOVIE

Posters For A Simple Favor

These immediately caught my attention. I love the colour scheme that is being used, and how Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are sort of in shadow. They also really make me want a martini.

       

 

I've seen two trailers for this movie and I only vaguely know what it is about but it's quickly becoming one of my must sees for the fall season.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

A small Weekly Obessions post this week. I am looking forward to all of the movie trailers that are coming next week so expect it to be a little bigger next week!

BOOK

Cover Of Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte (goodreads)

I immedately loved the look of this cover and how eye catching it is. It also helps that the book sounds amazing (it just happens to now come in pretty packaging).   

I really like the colour scheme of the cover. It makes the crowns stand out sharply against the backdrop.

TV/MOVIE

A Simple Favor Teaser Trailer

This trailer pretty much shows next to nothing about the plot of this movie, but I am so in. It has a mystery at its core and seems like it might be dark and twisty.

I look forward to seeing if the full trailer gives a little more insight into the plot. Either way I'll be going to see it when it's released.

OTHER

ALA 2018

It is June so that means that I will be in New Orleans THIS MONTH! I am getting pretty excited. I cannot wait to see everyone, go on some ghost tours, and basically be surrounded by people who love books as much as I do!

Novelly Yours' Welcome To Hawkins Limited Edition Box (link)

My reaction when I came across the announcement that Novelly Yours was going to be releasing a Stranger Things themed box for June would not suprise anyone who follows this blog. It would be an understatement to say that I thrilled. A box full of amazing things inspired by my fave TV show? SIGN ME UP!

photo copyright @ Britany from Novelly Yours

I love my Friends Don't Lie candle from this shop and fully intend to try to snag one of these limited boxes. It comes with 5 candles (which is worth the price all on its own) and other goodies! Check out the link as I am sure there will be something you immediately want to buy. The Stranger Things box goes on sale soon for those who are interested! 

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.