Top Films of 2018

20. “Incredibles 2” (USA) – It is a fun, fast-paced, moving and fully entertaining sequel, headed by the illustrious voices of Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter. The breadth and depth of the Parr family is tested by roles, tradition, xenophobia and the meaning of fame in a film for all ages.

19. “First Reformed” (USA) – Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried and Cedric the Entertainer offer subtle and inspired performances in a drama about loss, torment and concern. It is carefully, somberly and meticulously crafted by the writer/director, Paul Schrader.

18. “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” (USA) – Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin are brilliant in a sequel which captures the misunderstandings, pitfalls, victories and multi-levels of a drug war; the tension is crisp, the action sequences are ear-splitting and the direction is seamless.

17. “A Quiet Place” (USA) – John Krasinski, Emily Blunt and Millicent Simmonds create an inventive, involving, creepy and wildly entertaining sci-fi thriller which delves deep into the preciousness of family and love.

16. “Bad Times at the El Royale” (USA) – This film seethes with clever humor, mystery, violence and smarts; all of this is bolstered by a fantastic cast led by Jeff Bridges, Jon Hamm, Dakota Johnson and Chris Hemsworth. The biggest player in the film is the lovely music which is heightened by the talented Cynthia Erivo.

15. “Wildlife” (USA) – In his fantastic directorial debut, Paul Dano crafts an engaging and beautifully composed story of a teenage boy in the middle of his family’s crisis. The picture is bolstered by the bravura performances of Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal.

14. “Searching” (USA) – Timely, twisty and taut, “Searching” delves into the pitfalls and benefits of digital lives while examining the delicate and precious relationship of parent and child. Again, John Cho chose a film with a smart script and evocative themes.

13. “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (USA) – It serves as a love letter to NYC’s literary world and a tribute to creativity, which are all heightened by Melissa McCarthy’s and Richard E. Grant’s dedicated, engaging and mesmerizing performances. Marielle Heller, like the precious letters it showcases, creates a crisp, insightful and private look into an author-turned-counterfeiter.

12. “Blackkklansman” (USA) – Unapologetic, angry and unforgiving, this picture about the wild true story of Ron Stallworth is elevated by the smooth Adam Driver and the up-and-coming John David Washington. Spike Lee thrusts a tale of relations, values, communities and current events into the forefront.

11. “Black Panther” (USA) – Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Guria and Ryan Coogler complicate and twist the hero/villain archetype through a story of Wakanda, in a composite story of tradition, family, honor, technology, wealth and life. It lifts the superhero genre to new heights by grounding itself in tradition, culture and community.

10. “The Favourite” (Ireland) – Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone shine, compliment and deliver captivating performances in this transformative period piece by the splendid director, Yorgos Lanthimos. The story, directing, cinematography and picture are witty, delightful, cynical and fantastic.

9. “Upgrade” (Australia) – A cool and suave gem from Down Under which winds its way through a well-executed plot, artificial intelligence and the lure of vengeance. It is lifted higher by a driven Logan Marshall Green and quick-witted direction by Leigh Whannell.

8. “If Beale Street Could Talk” (USA) – It is both a heartwarming tribute to the illustrious author, James Baldwin, and the city of Harlem; its timely and sardonic themes are keenly written into a passionate love story. Barry Jenkins, again, is careful with his craft and wisely chooses Kiki Layne, Stephan James and Regina King to light up the film.

7. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse” (USA) – Graphic novel films are taken to a new level by the web-slinger in this animated gem. Rich voices, pulsating soundtrack, phenomenal scenes, creative storytelling and comic-book lore are combined to craft a film about the personal risk of heroism and the inevitable struggles of adolescence.

6. “Bodied” (USA) – Joseph Kahn weaves a thoroughly enticing, sharply written, intensely performed, entirely self-aware and hard-edged film about words, rhymes, culture and relationships. The knotty themes and vigorous humor are cleverly delivered by Calum Worthy, Justin Long and Shoniqua Shandai.

5. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (USA) – This is a sincere, poignant, honest, wholesome and honorable homage to a man who loved the world and all its people. It never loses sight of its main character in Fred Rogers who dared to lift-up every child and make sure they know they are loved.

4. “Leave No Trace” (USA) – Ben Foster, Thomasin McKenzie and Debra Granik create a lovely, deep and largely affecting picture about family, nature and delicacy of the human spirit. It is unapologetic and unsentimental in its rendition of a painful story.

3. “Eighth Grade” (USA) – Bo Burnham and Elsie Fisher alertly, smartly and cleverly twist the coming-of-age story through a deftly heart-warming picture about an American teenager growing up with the beauty, dread and energy of adolescence.

2. “Blindspotting” (USA) – Lifelong friends, Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, bring to life a tale of friendship, gentrification, class and status through edgy humor, wild energy, unique style and seething dialogue; the impact of the characters’ stories, goals, insights and interests last long after the credits roll.

1. “Roma” (Mexico) – Alfonso Cuaron, in full control of his craft, flexes his directing, visual, editing and cinematic talents in the marvelous “Roma.” Each piece, intimate to vast, is meticulously crafted, measured and placed; it is a visual and narrative masterpiece. All are augmented and broadened by Yalitza Aparicio in her debut.