2018: A Year in Review

To say 2018 has been a rollercoaster year is putting it mildly. Marvel once more ruled the summer roost with both Infinity War, Black Panther, and Ant-Man and the Wasp ringing the box office bell. Lady Gaga showed that she is worthy of awards contention and movies like Hereditary and A Quiet Place showed us that a new breed of horror is rising. There were welcome returns for both Spike Lee and Paul Schrader and Damien Chazelle became a Hollywood elite at only 33!

Here is Closer to the Edge's Best of 2018

Top 10 Movies of 2018 

1. A Prayer Before Dawn (UK, USA, France, China, Dir: Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire) 

Quite possibly the most overlooked treasure of 2018, Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire created a masterpiece which blended gut-churning tension with a thoroughly uplifting theme of redemption. Based on British prisoner Billy Moore's experience being locked in Thailand's notorious Bangkok Hilton, the movie orbits around a stunning central turn from Joe Cole. Often a shockingly violent and unpleasant watch, Sauvaire makes us unable to look away.

2. Green Book (USA, Dir: Peter Farrelly) 

A road trip movie with a big heart, Peter Farrelly takes the story of two men traveling the deep south and steals our hearts. With two big central performances from a hulking Viggo Mortensen and a refined yet introverted Mahershala Ali, the movie finds its fair share of laughs. An effective and moving story about the friendship of renowned pianist Don Shirley and Tony Vallelonga- Farrelly shows us how two men from vastly different worlds can forge a bond that will last a lifetime.

3. First Man (USA, Dir: Damien Chazelle) 

Unlike many biopic films, First Man showed us a very different side to the legend that is Neil Armstrong. Ryan Gosling was out of this world as the famed Commander and showed us with gritty realism the shy side of this man and his reluctance to embrace the celebrity thrust upon him. Chazelle also did a fine job of emphasizing the danger and risk that the 'Space Race' bestowed upon its pilots and how a safe return to Earth wasn't guaranteed. Riveting viewing which put its audience through the wringer.

4. BlacKkKlansman (USA, Dir: Spike Lee) 

After so many years of providing middle of the road movies, Spike Lee finally remerged triumphantly. One of the most unusual yet utterly engaging concepts of 2018, Lee provided a social commentary which extends to the volatility of Trump's America. John David Washington excels as the charismatic Ron Stallworth- a 1970's black cop who convinced KKK officials he was white. Adam Driver also turned in a complex performance as Filip Zimmerman. Part ticking time bomb, part detective thriller- it feels great to have the real Spike Lee back!

5. First Reformed (USA, Dir: Paul Schrader) 

Paul Schrader was another filmmaker who found his way back this year and gave us an absorbing thriller. Ethan Hawke turned in a multi-layered performance as the deeply conflicted priest Ernst Toller. Tending to a slowly decaying church and facing a crisis of faith Toller's disgust with the world slowly becomes increasingly potent. Schrader showed us the darker side to humanity and how sometimes even people of faith question their own role in the world. With an atmospheric soundtrack by Lustmond, this was one thriller which left us with our own crisis of conscience afterward.

6. Roma (Mexico/USA, Dir: Alfonso Cuaron) 

Emotionally harrowing and thoroughly relatable, Alfonso Cuaron went back to his roots for this portrayal of family life. Set in 1970 Mexico City, Cuaron made full use of the difficult political backdrop and coaxed a magnificent performance from newcomer Yalitza Aparicio. The notion of having to keep strong when everyone around you is falling apart gave this movie a more devastating feel. A slow burner but worth each moment of your time, this piece showed us why Hollywood needs more filmmakers like Cuaron.

7. Annihilation (UK/USA, Dir: Alex Garland) 

After experimenting in the director's chair with his previous effort Ex Machina, Alex Garland showed he is meant for a life behind the lens. Anchored by a strong turn from Natalie Portman, Garland's sci-fi was one of utter suspense. It's setting 'The Shimmer' provided all kinds of bizarre and disturbing scares. Animals crossing with humans and a chilling sequence when Portman comes face to face with a chrome mimic. Garland has arrived on the big stage and his future looks bright.

8. The Guilty (Denmark, Dir: Gustav Moller) 

One of the most claustrophobic pieces of 2018, Gustav Moller's single room setting provided tension by the bucket load. Jakob Cedergren made for a fine anti-hero as Asgar, a cop forced to man the phones who eventually comes across a call which will change his life. Moller provides his audiences with many twists and turns with devastating results. Sadly already slated for US remake with Jake Gyllenhaal, this movie shows how Europe still provides superior thrillers!

9. Whitney (USA/UK, Dir: Kevin MacDonald) 

Many of us thought we knew of the story of Whitney Houston. Kevin MacDonald however, lifts the lid on this starlet's dramatic rise and fall and show us a far more difficult story. Seeing her descend from a fresh-faced singer with that powerful belting voice to becoming the permanently sozzled source of media mockery is horrific. Let down by those closest to her, MacDonald shows the audience that the root cause of her problems began long before she laid eyes on Bobby Brown!

10. Black Panther (USA, Dir: Ryan Coogler) 

WHAT, NO INFINITY WAR! Yes, yes I understand that many Marvel fans will be shocked that I left off the ultimate showdown that was Infinity War. Black Panther was a superhero movie of a very different kind. Embracing the African heart and soul of the character, Ryan Coogler brought Wakanda to life in stunning fashion. Chadwick Boseman was the strong yet charismatic king that this franchise so badly needs and thanks to a fantastic rivalry with Michael B Jordan this was an action movie that felt almost Shakespearean! Wakanda Forever!

Best of the Rest 

11. A Star is Born (USA, Dir: Bradley Cooper) 

Narrowly missing the top 10- Bradley Cooper brought us a movie that threatens to give remakes a bad name. Excellent in front of the camera as well as behind it, Cooper found the perfect vehicle to show of the talents of Lady Gaga. Together the result is a movie that shows how love can tear us apart. Currently an awards front-runner, it would be hard to disagree if this swept the Oscars.

12. McQueen (UK, Dir: Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedqui) 

Designer Alexander McQueen was a man who was capable of providing fashion shows that disgusted, amazed and always captivated us. Directors Bonhote and Ettedqui go deep into his simple past as an East End boy in London to show the desire and hunger that propelled him to the top and would eventually lead to his tragic suicide. His shows are the real star of the piece and years on they still stand up.

13. A Quiet Place (USA, Dir: John Krasinski) 

Possibly the most unique concept of this year, John Krasinski emerged as a multi-talented performer after one. Set in a world where Monsters kill based on sound, this whole movie was a bucket of tension which kept even its audience silent. With wife Emily Blunt helping to anchor this piece, this was one family affair which kept us lost for words long after the credits rolled.

14. Hereditary (USA, Dir: Ari Aster) 

Despite not being the out and out horror that fans expected, Ari Aster's movie was two hours of sheer mind fuck. Delving into ancient mythology of demons and examining how family problems go far beyond the surface, Aster gave us a newer and more intriguing breed of horror. Toni Collette gives an excellent lead performance which scares as much as it captivates us.

15. You Were Never Really Here (UK/USA/France, Dir: Lynne Shelton) 

Lynne Shelton is a director who never seems in a big hurry to make movies- seven years had passed since We Need To Talk About Kevin. The long wait was worth it as thanks to Joaquin Phoenix's morally complex turn, this was a picture that took us to the dark depths of humanity. In one part this is a story of a man trying to redeem himself, the other part is a movie that shows the desperate length some men will go to attain their desires. Come back sooner next time Lynne!


Male Star of 2018: Chadwick Boseman

Starring in not one but two of 2018's biggest films, this year belonged to Chadwick Boseman. Always a capable actor in biopics like 42 and Get On Up, Boseman became the new Marvel king in swift fashion. Having an undeniable presence on screen and capable of stealing the show away from Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, Boseman is a big star for the future.

Female Star of 2018: Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman already has an Oscar and is highly regarded as a Hollywood elite actress. However, 2018 produced some of her best work to date. Tough and unrelenting in Annihilation and jaded, vulnerable and insecure in Brady Corbet's Vox Lux (review incoming), Portman showed a whole new side to her talent. Also, let's not forget that second brilliant rap on SNL!

Best Director: Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman) 

While I so badly wanted to give this honour to Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire- Lee just sneaks it here. BlacKkKlansman saw him finally getting back to the socially conscious and thought-provoking movies he previously delivered. This picture shows how the ongoing issue of racism and violence is still alive over 40 years later. If anyone deserves an Oscar this year its definitely Spike Lee.

Scene of the Year: First Man- Agena Spin 

Damien Chazelle gave us a scene that was beautiful as it was frightening to watch. When Neil Armstrong and David Scott attempt to dock their Gemini 8 ship with the vessel Agena- what starts as a by the book effort eventually descends into something far worse. Rarely does the camera leave Gosling's face and audiences will feel as if they've taken a ride in a spinning top.

The Last Stand: Review of Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers: Infinity War

Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo

By Alex Watson

Marvel fans everywhere have been waiting for the day their heroes would square off against big bad Thanos. Well, Avengers: Infinity War is unlikely to disappoint. Throwing in everything but the kitchen sink for the ultimate showdown, directors Joe and Anthony Russo pull off one hell of a balancing act. While its conclusion may polarize viewers, no one can deny the sheer thrill levels of this instalment.

Overlord Thanos (voiced by Josh Brolin) is continuing his reign of terror while seeking the rest of the infinity stones. The Avengers are attempting to put a halt to his progress, but their efforts are proving futile. Not helped by the strained relations between Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and Captain America (Chris Evans). Also, the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) seems to be suffering from severe performance anxiety.

From the first frame of Avengers: Infinity War the Russo Brothers shoot to thrill. The arrival of Thanos was forever teased in early instalments, but his first full outing is a major success. A hulking purple monster, this man is a pulverising force to be reckoned with. However, there is also a depth to him at key points which is surprising. Especially when examining his difficult relationship with adopted daughter Gamora (Zoe Saldana). Rather than beginning with an orgy of CGI, Infinity War war starts with a jolt as certain characters we know and love are... dealt with. In this instalment, our love is truly tested and there will be gut-wrenching moments. Thanos is a ruler whose madman tendencies are weirdly philosophical and his logic comes off as cold and calculated.

Our Avenger teams are broken up into several brilliantly formed factions. Stark and Dr Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) must not only contend with their own ego's but also with Peter Parker (Tom Holland),  Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista) and the other Guardians. Thor forms a delightful and hilarious threesome with Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel). Finally, the exiled warriors of Civil War Steve Rogers, Hulk, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Bucky (Sebastian Stan), Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and the King himself T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) take up fighting residence in Wakanda.  The sheer quality of this cast alone could power this picture, but instead, each of these teams brings their own unique brand of charm. Thanos knows how each character ties into each group and this is where he emerges as a formidable opponent. Each time one of the squares off against him, it can mean potential ruin for the earth. Emotions run deep in this one and there will be many acts of sacrifice- prepare yourself for some hard moments.

The best aspect of Avengers: Infinity War is how the Russo's are able to make this such a fun ride. There are little moments throughout which are simply brilliant such as Thor and Quill attempting to one-up each other at family backstories. Also, several minor MCU characters make wonderful reappearances to leave no stone unturned. The third act is usually a problem is most Marvel movies, but this time the Russo Brothers brilliantly pull each character together for one hell of a finale. Making so much look so cool and effortless is not an easy task, but this time excitement levels are through the roof. However, then comes an ending which will likely floor its audience. I won't give away a sliver of information, but I will advise the audience to expect everything and be prepared for some tragic moments. Thanos is not considered the ultimate bad guy for nothing and squaring off against him will leave severe damage.

Josh Brolin's voice alone gives shivers down our spine whenever Thanos appears on screen. A thumping and unpredictable villain, his whole logic of splitting the universe in half is skewed. However, in the hands of Brolin he makes it look so compelling and underneath his exterior, we see a tortured soul. The rest of the cast, as usual, works wonderfully together. Having Downey Jr and Cumberbatch share screen time makes for some wonderful and egotistical petty squabbles. Chris Hemsworth has now given Thor such natural on screen humour that he wins each scene he appears in. Mark Ruffalo is also scene stealingly brilliant as Bruce Banner and his frustration and embarrassment at the Hulk not wanting to come out is consistently funny.

Avengers: Infinity War is the big get together Marvel fans have always wanted. On sheer enjoyment alone- this is unmissable.

Long Live The King: Review of Black Panther

Black Panther

Director: Ryan Coogler

By Alex Watson

When first introduced in Captain America, no one had any idea the kind of impact T'Challa would make in his own outing. Black Panther under the direction of Ryan Coogler is arguably one of the Marvel franchise's best efforts. Giving a whole new spin and embracing the African identity of the character, Coogler combines thrills and comedy with a great big heart. It also taps into the notion of family and the mistakes we make along the way.

Recently crowned King of Wakanda after the demise of his father, T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) hopes for a long and fruitful reign. But an old problem rears its head in the form of mercenary Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) who is keen on giving the world Wakandan weapons. Also, there is the added problem of former soldier Eric Stevens aka 'Killmonger' who has a score to .  with the new King!

Opening on a stunning CGI recreation of the past, the deceased king T'Chaka tells his son about the history of the nation, the black panther and how precious vibranium is to Wakanda. In a seemingly meaningless prologue scene set in 1992 Oakland, we are shown how the old king is forced to deal with his traitor brother. At first, this appears nothing more than backstory but the consequences of this set Black Panther's wheels in motion. T'Challa wants nothing more than fulfil his destiny but is also still dealing with his feeling for ex-lover Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o). The scenes set in Wakanda are a visual feast of glowing purple plants, a brightly lit metropolis city and a coronation against a rushing waterfall with tribes wearing different vibrant colours.

Coogler gives us thrills early on when Klaue and Stevens make a daring raid on the British Museum in London. He always able to expertly turn the excitement on and off when necessary. Particularly during a pulsating chase sequence through the neon-lit Busan, Korea. Channelling Fast and the Furious style manoeuvres, Coogler somehow finds a way to make this one of the funniest scenes of 2017.  Wakanda's glorious and advanced technology is truly game beating here. Family legacy is very much the heart of this picture. T'Challa has some ballsy female figures as siblings with his hard as nails General sister Okoye (Danai Gurira) and his tech-savvy sister (a hilarious Letitia Wright). Shamen Zuri (Forest Whitaker) hints at some potentially dangerous actions by his father in the past.  Frequently the new king has his authority and right to rule contested. Emerging as an emotionally pained but steadfast regent, Wakandan seems like it is in firm hands.

Little by little Killmonger's plan becomes increasingly more unstable and risky. Determined to share Wakanda's resources with the world, his a killer with a humongous chip on his shoulder. He also has the physical threat down as well and in one brutal beatdown, he asserts his dominance over the new king. A radicalised crusader who unlike T'Challa has seen the oppression of his race over and over again. Killmonger emerges as one of the universe's most underrated villains. Unlike the other more notable villains intent on global domination, this guy's intentions run to a much deeper core. Coogler has formed a fascinating new franchise, may T'Challa's reign with confidence for years to come.

Chadwick Boseman gives a high-calibre turn which is surprisingly deep for a Marvel film. Through the pained expression in his eyes, we see a king getting to grips with his new responsibility and dealing with the consequences of his ancestors. Boseman has always had great presences on screen from when played Jackie Robinson in '42' and as James Brown in 'Get on Up'. A tough but noble warrior, Boseman is a welcome addition here. Michael B Jordan matches his co-star blow for blow as the vengeful Killmonger. Bringing the natural swagger he brought to Coogler's previous outing 'Creed' Jordan is a compelling nemesis. Full of blunt force and adept at getting down to business, T'Challa is right to be sweating when this guy comes to town.

Black Panther once again shows that the Marvel universe works best when it takes an unorthodox approach. Coogler has made a picture that is both thought-provoking and immensely entertaining all at once. Wakanda Forever!

Taking Sides: Review of Captain America: Civil War

Captain America: Civil War

Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo

By Alex Watson

There was a fear when Captain America: Civil War rolled around that too many cooks would spoil the broth. Joe and Anthony Russo do a marvellous job (no pun intended) of holding the show together amidst so many old and new Avenger additions. Unlike the previous installments, this one is made out to be simply a filler and it has a more morally complex feeling. The small acts of old and new films come ahead in this one and this sparks this summer's most enjoyable film.

After a mission in Nigeria goes disastrously wrong, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and Natasha Romanov (Scarlett Johansson) find the Avengers have now been regulated by the U.N. Although the Cap refuses to sign, Iron Man chooses to and in doing so creates a divided group. Tensions will boil over when Rogers chooses to rescue his assassin friend Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan).

Captain America: Civil War might just be the finest entry in the Marvel cannon yet. The Russo Brother unashamedly play it for thrillers and throughout the entertainment factor never dips. There is also the first appearance by the new Spiderman (Tom Holland) and T'Chilla/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) whom already are getting us excited for this new chapter. Without the Hulk or Thor, this group still packs a mighty punch and the mutual hostility between the Captain and Stark is electrifying. The lines between enemy and ally are blurred in this one as Black Widow finds herself conflicted towards keeping peace and joining the fight. Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) is struggling with her powers and is at fault for causing mass casualty during their heroic Nigerian mission. When Sam Ross (William Hurt) reappears with a U.N sanction signed by 117 countries, this elite team is grounded.

There might be a distinct lack of a main villain asides from Daniel Bruhl's ambiguous former soldier Helmut Zemo, but even he still plays a vital role in dividing the numbers. Bucky is very much the catalyst in this piece and is still wrestling between his Soviet programming and becoming the man he used to be. After being framed for a bombing in Vienna, Bucky's mere presence earns him the wrath of the new King of Wakanda T'Chilla who vows to take him down. Rogers refused to give up on his former childhood friend and his decision leaves many angered and vengeful. Despite the nostalgia, old Bucky is still a dangerous weapon and still has blood on his hands. From here the once steadfast group takes sides and a mini war breaks out. One huge battle against an airport strip becomes a punch and explosion filled venting ground for each. The Russo Brothers make sure they throw in everything but the kitchen sink- this case Antman (Paul Rudd) makes literally the biggest appearance.

What sets Captain America: Civil War apart is its well-written script and heart grinding finale. Often in this series the makers fall into the same trap of unnecessary plot devices, lackluster villains and the same default final battle in the air. The Russo's are aware of what flaws there have been and refuse to fall into the same trap. During a gut-wrenching final act, some hard truths are reveal and people's agendas become blurred. All the way through there is the big notion of who the Avengers should answer to? Well, it appears that the answer is each other because Stark's hatred and suspicion of Bucky come full circle. Watching the two former comrades do battle is both thrilling and devastating and they both equally influence different key players to join their side. Now this is very much what you call an ultimate showdown- Synder take notes.

Chris Evans has grown into this role well, but in this installment, it feels like he goes deeper. Rogers in Civil War is a morally conflicted yet dutiful friend and he is aware of his wrongdoing but refuses to back away. Evans handles the physical side of his character well but this one demonstrates the talent he has behind the mask. Robert Downey Jr gives perhaps his most convincing turn yet as billionaire stark because in this one he has left his cocky side at home. Throughout he attempts to stamp down his authority but his attempts at safeguarding the cause he bankrolled only cause trouble. It's his emotional vulnerability during the impressive third act that impresses the most as Stark wrestles with his past demons along with his new found fury. Chadwick Boseman also deserves a mention for his frowntastic Black Panther. In limited screen time, we have a glimpse of what could be an authoritative and slick new addition- hurry up Ryan Coogler.

Forget any competition for the number one summer film, Captain America: Civil War succeeds where Dawn of Justice failed miserably. Finally, Marvel has found its new strongest link and now can look forward to one hell of an Avengers 3!