Rating History
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BlacKkKlansman (2018)
Spike Lee's latest joint is a film that needs to be seen to be believed, especially if it claims to be based on 'fo' real events!' XD First off, it handles it's subject matter straight on bulls-eye like a Robin Hood arrow addressing the issues of race within some American heritage and the 1970s especially for a black-cop to infiltrate a notorious group such as the KKK. Lee handles this film with enough panache and swerve to engage viewers straight on within it's plot and brings out the best in his performers playing such colourful and compelling characters all around. While it is a very serious film which makes no apologies when referencing the politics of today making it more relevant today than ever, the film is also capable of the most sane, smart and outlandish humour ever put to screen to date and it delivers. This may be Spike Lee's best film in years and one of the best of 2018 that's highly recommended for all races to see and witness.
Luke E true -
Leave No Trace (2018)
From director Debra Granik who made 2010's 'Winter's Bone', returns with another superb effort that's every bit as stunning and endearing as critics from all across the world are saying it is. Focusing on a very human story of a father and his beloved daughter living away from the confines and traditions of society, possibly due to his past trauma and uncomfortable mentality of being a former war veteran. A film like this mesmerizes us within the beautiful confines of the Oregon rain forests, whilst encompassing us within the drama conflicting with both Ben Foster and newcomer; Thomasin McKenzie's outstanding performances, that truly make this film to watch out for. Granik is also hugely capable of making a unique American setting stand out with such vigor and grace within it's naturalistic features and feel, especially for it's minor performers too, that work exceptionally well along with the leads. Definitely one of 2018's finest.
Luke E true -
Hereditary (2018)
As I write the unsettling nature of Ari Aster's directorial debut still haunts me within the subconsciousness of my mind. It's nothing like 'The Exorcist' and more like 'The Babadook' and 'The Witch' in terms of modern day horror and technicality on display. While it's hard to not get caught up in the whole mystery of the film's plot involving an uncanny family with a hugely secretive and troubled history, you may as well come to the conclusion; they're all severely cursed. The main appeal of the film is it's slow burn nature, mixed in with plenty of freaky moments of thrills and chills that definitely get under the skin of the most squeamish viewers. Once the mystery and drama collide with the ever harrowing nature of the plot and character conflicts, only then does it make a truly haunting impact on viewers. Overall, be cautious when going into this film, you'll not only be scared but you'll also likely be shaken to a point of exhaustion, it's that intense. a must watch for 2018.
Luke E true -
Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018)
While I'm not a huge fan of the Ant-Man character of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I've come to accept him as being the comedic subset of the franchise and despite having little to no expectations for this side-story when we just saw the pre-season finale (Infinity War), it actually did deliver on all the goods of it's entertaining action, humour and character arcs, it feels more like and entertaining side-story after both the heavy weights of both 'Black Panther' and 'Avengers: Infinity War'. Although, mind you it isn't great especially when compared to the best of the MCU, it's urban earth setting is mundane as it is uninteresting, not mention the villain barely feels like a 'Real Villain' but more of a sympathetic side character stuck within the not-so-compelling factions of the characters. Nonetheless, your not seeing this film for anything strongly dramatic but more comedic and entertaining when looking at weird science and obscure concepts that're more hilarious when they appear on a 'not-so-big-scale' (no pun intended). Lastly, Ant-Man and Wasp most certainly make up the best super duo I've seen to date.
Luke E true -
Incredibles 2 (2018)
Pixar's famous superhero family is back in an all new action/adventure extravaganza from the one and only Brad Bird. Despite the 14 year wait for this film it most certainly delivers on it's quality in both story and animation. Right from the get go, this film gets the action moving at an incredibly fast and energetic pace, that may give a lot of other superhero films of today a run for their money (or not). Even if you're very comic book literate, the comparisons the Incredibles draw are unavoidable, but they're also serviceable to continuing what the original film established. That isn't to say with it's colourful characters, intelligent plotting and heartwarming subject matter the film isn't without it's flaws. While following on from the first film, it feels more like an extension than a sequel that would've been relevant if it had been released a decade ago, not to mention if thinking ahead gets the better of the viewer, they would've already guessed the identity of the film's villain very unsurprisingly. That's not to say the villain is weak, their intentions are effective, especially when it comes to the consequences of superhero actions, not that we haven't seen it before. However, I'm relieved to say the film is a worthy sequel that's entertaining as it is being a follow-up that's just as good as it's predecessor even if it doesn't surpass the original. Overall, it's a Pixar sequel that earns it's place as being a 'good film' that stands on it's own.
Luke E true