Happy Oscar Day! So I thought 2018 was a pretty decent year for movies. Admittedly, I didn't get out to the theaters as much as I would have liked. I missed a lot of the big hits in theaters like Creed II, Solo, and Mission Impossible. But there is one movie that I did see in theaters, and I am very proud that I did. It didn't make my top ten, but it did make an impact on me for being the first all Asian cast movie in 25 years. Of course I'm talking about Crazy Rich Asians! The movie meant a lot to me personally and I'm so pleased the film was such a huge hit! Now, on to the list!
10. Deadpool 2
I loved the first Deadpool and I am so happy that the sequel is just a good as the first! Did you guys see the Celine Dion music video? Oh my god, that was brilliant!! I love how the Deadpool movies completely has its head up its own ass and doesn't even apologize for it. It walks such a fine line between comedy and parody. Writing this, I suddenly remembered the whole "baby legs" scene and I'm laughing my ass off just thinking about it! This movie is just too much!
9. Bohemian Rhapsody
The scene where Freddie Mercury is writing "Bohemian Rhapsody" in his apartment on his piano and sings, "I don't wanna die / Sometimes wish I'd never been born at all" gave me chills. Absolute chills. Honestly, that scene - that moment - made the film for me. Don't get me wrong; I was enjoying the film up to that point, and I enjoyed everything after, but that scene in particular - Wow. Rami Malek. I am torn between Malek and Christian Bale for Best Actor. They both killed it. Absolutely killed it. If it was up to me, though, I would give it to Rami Malek. Queen was before my time, so I'll admit that although I know their hits, I knew hardly anything about Freddie Mercury, or even the band itself. Watching Bohemian Rhapsody was a lesson in rock n roll history as much as it was fun entertainment. I came out of the theaters wanting to listen to all of Queen's music. I am really excited to see them perform tonight! If only Rami Malek could perform with them as Freddie!
8. Roma
Roma is a gorgeous, simple yet epic, nuanced, carefully crafted, beautiful film. I think it is going to win Best Picture tonight. And if it does, what a HUGE win for Netflix! I also think Alfonso Cuaron is going to win for Best Director. He's my pick hands down! Roma is less of a film and more of an experience. When you watch it, you are transported to 1970's Mexico City and into the world of Cleo, a house maid to an upper class family. It's been quite some time since I've noticed cinematography in a movie, but Roma definitely made me take notice. The first shot of the movie was pure cinematic artistry. The puddle, the reflection of the plane in the puddle, the soapy water washing it away. I just looked up who the cinematographer was for Roma - it's Alfonso Cauron himself! The man is a multi-talented genius! He and this film definitely deserve wins tonight!
7. The Hate U Give
"Who is Amandla Sternberg? She's fantastic! She's gorgeous, extremely captivating, and very talented. Oh wait...it's Rue from The Hunger Games!" That was my thought process while watching The Hate U Give. Miss Sternberg made the film! She carried it - she carried VERY heavy subject matter - and elevated the film to something truly special. She plays Starr, a teenage girl who has two versions of herself. Starr version 1 lives in a poor, predominately black neighborhood. Star version 2 attends a rich, predominately white prep school. Starr version 1 grew up with gangs and frequent drive bys. Starr version 2 has white friends and a white boyfriend. Starr version 1 got "the police talk" from her father at age eight. Starr version 2 won't use black slang because when white kids say it, they sound cool, but when she says it, she sounds hood. When Starr version 1 witnesses one of her best friends get shot and killed by a cop, her two worlds collide and she has to figure out which version of herself she is going to be.
6. Paddington 2
If adorableness could be harvested in its purest form and turned into a film, it would be Paddington 2. It's so disgustingly precious that I hate myself for liking it! I've seen the first Paddington and enjoyed it, but this one takes cuteness to another level. Paddington comes across a very rare pop up book in an antique store that he wants to buy for his aunt. Unfortunately, Paddington doesn't have enough money to buy the book, so he asks the store owner to hold on to it for him until he can earn enough. Unbeknownst to him, the book is actually a map to hidden treasure. Hugh Grant plays an actor who knows about this book and steals it from the store. Caught in the crossfire, Paddington is mistaken as the thief and goes to prison. The scenes with Paddington in prison interacting with all the convicts are hilarious. While Paddington is serving time, his family works diligently trying to solve the case and track down the real thief. It's truly a delightful film!
5. A Star is Born
I love Lady Gaga. If you had told me ten years ago that the crazy meat dress wearing singer of "Poker Face" is going to become an Oscar nominated actress, I'd be like, "I believe it." That's how talented she is! And she really shines in this movie. This was my first A Star is Born. There are four of them and I had not seen any other version when I watched this for the first time. So at that point, I was not familiar with the story. I didn't know it was about addiction and depression. I was not expecting such heavy themes. I honestly thought it was going to be fun, fluffy movie with a lot of scenes of Lady Gaga singing. But I got more than I bargained for! Bradley Cooper did a great job acting and directing, however, his competition is too tough. I don't think he is going to win Best Actor. Lady Gaga won't win Best Actress, either. Glenn Close has that one in the bag. I do, however, know that Lady Gaga is going to win for "Shallow." After tonight, Lady Gaga is going to be one step closer to an EGOT!
4. Black Panther
Black Panther is a very big deal. And the fact that it is nominated for Best Picture is a very big deal! Not just because it's the first super hero movie to be nominated, but because it is the first black film to be nominated for Best Picture that is happy! That isn't about pain and suffering and the hardships that come with being black. It celebrates black people, and brings the black experience into a positive, inviting light. Not to mention that the movie simply kicks ass! The story is good, the action is good, the costumes and production design are good. It's an all around great movie! I can't end this without making a comment about Michael B. Jordan. Here is my comment: droooooooooool!!
3. Green Book
What an absolutely delightful film! Green Book is definitely right up my alley! An interracial buddy road trip movie? Sign me up! I knew it was a comedy, but I honestly was not expecting it to be as funny as it was, given the heavy subject matter. Mahershala Ali (who is easily becoming one of my most favorite actors of all time!) plays real life black pianist Don Shirley who goes on tour in the deep south in the 1960's. Viggo Mortensen plays his driver, a no-nonsense Italian bouncer of a nightclub who is known for his unorthodox ways of handling escalated situations. The green book is a tour guide, essentially. A list of black friendly establishments in the south. The two travelers reference the book frequently on their journey, sometimes unable to stay in the same motels or eat at the same restaurants. It's a fantastic film, and my favorite of the Best Picture nominees. It's not going to win the statue, but it won my heart.
2. Eight Grade
So accurate it hurts. It's literally like watching your middle school self as an adult. Your body is cringing the whole time, while your heart aches for Kayla because you know her. You WERE her! YOU STILL ARE HER. That is truly what hits you hardest about watching this film. Because it makes you realize that painfully awkward, insecure girl you were in middle school never truly went away. Oh sure you've come a far way since then. You have a good job, you're making your own money, you're married, you own a house, you're an independent woman, but shiiiiiiiit. I still feel out of place at parties when I don't know anyone; I get giggly and excited when I think I'm making a new friend with someone who I find cool; I post stuff online (like this blog!) in hopes that a lot of people see it, when in reality probably only two people pay attention, one of them being my mom! Kayla's experiences are all too real. I discovered Bo Burnham on Netflix. I think his stand up, though not for everyone, is incredibly creative and hilarious! He's a genius. And he's made a film that cuts deep.
1. Sorry to Bother You
***May contain spoilers***
Rarely does a film come along that awakens the hibernating filmmaker in me. I feel like movies these days have become formulaic and predictable. We've been bombarded so much by endless comic book movies and franchises that we rarely see a truly original film anymore. But then along comes Boots Riley with his masterpiece, Sorry to Bother You busting out of your screen!
LaKeith Standfield plays Cassius Green, a man who takes a job as telemarketer. Once he perfects his "white voice" he quickly becomes a Power Caller and gets promoted to the top floor of the building. As a Power Caller raking in a ton of dough, Cassius enjoys his new life until he learns what the CEO of the company wants Cassius to sell next. And let me tell ya, it ain't good.
I watched this movie with a goofy smile on my face. It's brilliant! The visual story telling is like nothing I've ever seen. Every single creative decision made in this movie was fantastic and so unique. For example, in the scenes where Cassius speaks on the phone with clients, the film doesn't just cut back and forth between Cassius and the person he is calling. Oh no. He literally "crashes" into the client's home - desk and all! To show Cassius's success with the passage of time, they could have done a simple montage, but they didn't. Instead, Cassius's apartment literally changes like a Transformer into a nicer apartment. Stuff like that just blew my mind!
I have heard many people say that the film lost them at human horse dicks. That's fair. But in my opinion, the human horse dicks was totally believable within the realm of the film. Boots Riley really pushed the envelope with this one. He pushed it further and further toward the edge, and just when you think the envelope is going to fall down, he pushes the entire table, and crashes it through the wall.
Here are my thoughts on the rest of the Best Picture nominated films:
BlacKkKlansman: This was a great film! It's entertaining and very well acted. I think Spike Lee is going to lose to Alfonso Cuaron, but I wouldn't be upset if he didn't!
The Favourite: I thought I would like this movie a lot more. I was super excited about it, but it turned out to be very cold, uninviting, and in the end, left me with a very bad taste in my mouth.
Vice: Not that great. I'm very surprised at its nomination. I do think Christian Bale will win tonight, and I think he does deserve it.
What were your favorite films of 2018?
10. Deadpool 2
I loved the first Deadpool and I am so happy that the sequel is just a good as the first! Did you guys see the Celine Dion music video? Oh my god, that was brilliant!! I love how the Deadpool movies completely has its head up its own ass and doesn't even apologize for it. It walks such a fine line between comedy and parody. Writing this, I suddenly remembered the whole "baby legs" scene and I'm laughing my ass off just thinking about it! This movie is just too much!
9. Bohemian Rhapsody
The scene where Freddie Mercury is writing "Bohemian Rhapsody" in his apartment on his piano and sings, "I don't wanna die / Sometimes wish I'd never been born at all" gave me chills. Absolute chills. Honestly, that scene - that moment - made the film for me. Don't get me wrong; I was enjoying the film up to that point, and I enjoyed everything after, but that scene in particular - Wow. Rami Malek. I am torn between Malek and Christian Bale for Best Actor. They both killed it. Absolutely killed it. If it was up to me, though, I would give it to Rami Malek. Queen was before my time, so I'll admit that although I know their hits, I knew hardly anything about Freddie Mercury, or even the band itself. Watching Bohemian Rhapsody was a lesson in rock n roll history as much as it was fun entertainment. I came out of the theaters wanting to listen to all of Queen's music. I am really excited to see them perform tonight! If only Rami Malek could perform with them as Freddie!
8. Roma
Roma is a gorgeous, simple yet epic, nuanced, carefully crafted, beautiful film. I think it is going to win Best Picture tonight. And if it does, what a HUGE win for Netflix! I also think Alfonso Cuaron is going to win for Best Director. He's my pick hands down! Roma is less of a film and more of an experience. When you watch it, you are transported to 1970's Mexico City and into the world of Cleo, a house maid to an upper class family. It's been quite some time since I've noticed cinematography in a movie, but Roma definitely made me take notice. The first shot of the movie was pure cinematic artistry. The puddle, the reflection of the plane in the puddle, the soapy water washing it away. I just looked up who the cinematographer was for Roma - it's Alfonso Cauron himself! The man is a multi-talented genius! He and this film definitely deserve wins tonight!
7. The Hate U Give
"Who is Amandla Sternberg? She's fantastic! She's gorgeous, extremely captivating, and very talented. Oh wait...it's Rue from The Hunger Games!" That was my thought process while watching The Hate U Give. Miss Sternberg made the film! She carried it - she carried VERY heavy subject matter - and elevated the film to something truly special. She plays Starr, a teenage girl who has two versions of herself. Starr version 1 lives in a poor, predominately black neighborhood. Star version 2 attends a rich, predominately white prep school. Starr version 1 grew up with gangs and frequent drive bys. Starr version 2 has white friends and a white boyfriend. Starr version 1 got "the police talk" from her father at age eight. Starr version 2 won't use black slang because when white kids say it, they sound cool, but when she says it, she sounds hood. When Starr version 1 witnesses one of her best friends get shot and killed by a cop, her two worlds collide and she has to figure out which version of herself she is going to be.
6. Paddington 2
If adorableness could be harvested in its purest form and turned into a film, it would be Paddington 2. It's so disgustingly precious that I hate myself for liking it! I've seen the first Paddington and enjoyed it, but this one takes cuteness to another level. Paddington comes across a very rare pop up book in an antique store that he wants to buy for his aunt. Unfortunately, Paddington doesn't have enough money to buy the book, so he asks the store owner to hold on to it for him until he can earn enough. Unbeknownst to him, the book is actually a map to hidden treasure. Hugh Grant plays an actor who knows about this book and steals it from the store. Caught in the crossfire, Paddington is mistaken as the thief and goes to prison. The scenes with Paddington in prison interacting with all the convicts are hilarious. While Paddington is serving time, his family works diligently trying to solve the case and track down the real thief. It's truly a delightful film!
5. A Star is Born
I love Lady Gaga. If you had told me ten years ago that the crazy meat dress wearing singer of "Poker Face" is going to become an Oscar nominated actress, I'd be like, "I believe it." That's how talented she is! And she really shines in this movie. This was my first A Star is Born. There are four of them and I had not seen any other version when I watched this for the first time. So at that point, I was not familiar with the story. I didn't know it was about addiction and depression. I was not expecting such heavy themes. I honestly thought it was going to be fun, fluffy movie with a lot of scenes of Lady Gaga singing. But I got more than I bargained for! Bradley Cooper did a great job acting and directing, however, his competition is too tough. I don't think he is going to win Best Actor. Lady Gaga won't win Best Actress, either. Glenn Close has that one in the bag. I do, however, know that Lady Gaga is going to win for "Shallow." After tonight, Lady Gaga is going to be one step closer to an EGOT!
4. Black Panther
Black Panther is a very big deal. And the fact that it is nominated for Best Picture is a very big deal! Not just because it's the first super hero movie to be nominated, but because it is the first black film to be nominated for Best Picture that is happy! That isn't about pain and suffering and the hardships that come with being black. It celebrates black people, and brings the black experience into a positive, inviting light. Not to mention that the movie simply kicks ass! The story is good, the action is good, the costumes and production design are good. It's an all around great movie! I can't end this without making a comment about Michael B. Jordan. Here is my comment: droooooooooool!!
3. Green Book
What an absolutely delightful film! Green Book is definitely right up my alley! An interracial buddy road trip movie? Sign me up! I knew it was a comedy, but I honestly was not expecting it to be as funny as it was, given the heavy subject matter. Mahershala Ali (who is easily becoming one of my most favorite actors of all time!) plays real life black pianist Don Shirley who goes on tour in the deep south in the 1960's. Viggo Mortensen plays his driver, a no-nonsense Italian bouncer of a nightclub who is known for his unorthodox ways of handling escalated situations. The green book is a tour guide, essentially. A list of black friendly establishments in the south. The two travelers reference the book frequently on their journey, sometimes unable to stay in the same motels or eat at the same restaurants. It's a fantastic film, and my favorite of the Best Picture nominees. It's not going to win the statue, but it won my heart.
2. Eight Grade
So accurate it hurts. It's literally like watching your middle school self as an adult. Your body is cringing the whole time, while your heart aches for Kayla because you know her. You WERE her! YOU STILL ARE HER. That is truly what hits you hardest about watching this film. Because it makes you realize that painfully awkward, insecure girl you were in middle school never truly went away. Oh sure you've come a far way since then. You have a good job, you're making your own money, you're married, you own a house, you're an independent woman, but shiiiiiiiit. I still feel out of place at parties when I don't know anyone; I get giggly and excited when I think I'm making a new friend with someone who I find cool; I post stuff online (like this blog!) in hopes that a lot of people see it, when in reality probably only two people pay attention, one of them being my mom! Kayla's experiences are all too real. I discovered Bo Burnham on Netflix. I think his stand up, though not for everyone, is incredibly creative and hilarious! He's a genius. And he's made a film that cuts deep.
1. Sorry to Bother You
***May contain spoilers***
Rarely does a film come along that awakens the hibernating filmmaker in me. I feel like movies these days have become formulaic and predictable. We've been bombarded so much by endless comic book movies and franchises that we rarely see a truly original film anymore. But then along comes Boots Riley with his masterpiece, Sorry to Bother You busting out of your screen!
LaKeith Standfield plays Cassius Green, a man who takes a job as telemarketer. Once he perfects his "white voice" he quickly becomes a Power Caller and gets promoted to the top floor of the building. As a Power Caller raking in a ton of dough, Cassius enjoys his new life until he learns what the CEO of the company wants Cassius to sell next. And let me tell ya, it ain't good.
I watched this movie with a goofy smile on my face. It's brilliant! The visual story telling is like nothing I've ever seen. Every single creative decision made in this movie was fantastic and so unique. For example, in the scenes where Cassius speaks on the phone with clients, the film doesn't just cut back and forth between Cassius and the person he is calling. Oh no. He literally "crashes" into the client's home - desk and all! To show Cassius's success with the passage of time, they could have done a simple montage, but they didn't. Instead, Cassius's apartment literally changes like a Transformer into a nicer apartment. Stuff like that just blew my mind!
I have heard many people say that the film lost them at human horse dicks. That's fair. But in my opinion, the human horse dicks was totally believable within the realm of the film. Boots Riley really pushed the envelope with this one. He pushed it further and further toward the edge, and just when you think the envelope is going to fall down, he pushes the entire table, and crashes it through the wall.
Here are my thoughts on the rest of the Best Picture nominated films:
BlacKkKlansman: This was a great film! It's entertaining and very well acted. I think Spike Lee is going to lose to Alfonso Cuaron, but I wouldn't be upset if he didn't!
The Favourite: I thought I would like this movie a lot more. I was super excited about it, but it turned out to be very cold, uninviting, and in the end, left me with a very bad taste in my mouth.
Vice: Not that great. I'm very surprised at its nomination. I do think Christian Bale will win tonight, and I think he does deserve it.
What were your favorite films of 2018?
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