2018 Releases (UK) - Films Watched and To Watch

9.5 (9.0)

Top 250 #2

Simply astounding. 'Infinity War' achieves the kind of dropped jaw you will only experience once in cinema. Stepping up the grandeur with a flawlessly executed opening which sets the stakes, and with an ending that will prove timeless. It will leave you in a terrifically deep sense of simultaneous shock and awe. Somehow, 'Infinity War' manages to blow away any preconceptions as the MCU marks its 10th anniversary in absolutely sublime fashion. It vastly exceeds the hype - providing devotees with humour and heartache in equal dose. There is no way to prepare yourself for this.

8.0 (8.6)

Packing an emotional punch, with a few twists and turns, it doesn't quite reach the heights of 2015's revival, but still makes for a satisfying, solid entry into the Rocky-Creed universe.

(7.4)

7.5 (8.3)

Not as good as the original, but a solid enough sequel nonetheless. You'll be quite happy spending another few hours in Deadpool's world full of fourth-wall breaks and gory hilarity.

8.5 (8.2)

A thrilling, action masterpiece which stands as the franchises best yet - Tom Cruise deserves an Oscar already!!

6.1 (7.5)

The only saving grace in this film is Chris Pratt. Despite opening with some ambition, originality and potential, the plot falls with the Kingdom as its desperation to stick to franchise formula ensures the initial spectacle fizzles out, as the second act rushes to force a typical showdown between man and beast.

7.1 (7.6)

A probable cult classic. Tom Hardy goes full gun-ho for his performance, but other than that, you can see why the critics hated it - its tone is all over the place! At points its the funniest film you've seen and moments later its abruptly serious. It often feels like you're watching two versions of the film spliced together, as if they seen Deadpool after filming had completed and thought they'd add a little of his humour in. Maybe that's part of its charm. One critic hit the nail on the head with undoubtedly the most accurate descriptor it could have received - entitling it a 'Trashterpiece'. The film never really finds its footing, jumbling between tones and a story which is never fully explored. But don't tell me you don't quote it after. Like a turd...in the wind.

8.2 (8.5)

A great journey that will make you happy, sad and in every emotion in between. It embodies powerful lessons about life and death; family and ambition - all with Pixar's trademark down-to-earth style.

8.4 (8.2)

An ethnic masterpiece with beautiful cinematography and a spot-on score. Adored for its approach in skipping the traditional origin story - 'Panther' instead dives right into a redemption tale of a hero's rise. Michael B. Jordan is excellent - magnificently conveying Killmonger as a villain you can sympathise with. Even if you don't agree with his actions; his motives are clear and true making him one of the most convincing and fully-fledged villains the MCU has ever offered.

7.9 (6.8)

A feel good Christmas adventure, full of the spirit you long for at this time of year. Ridiculous, like any good festive film. Kurt Russell makes for perhaps the most ludicrously enjoyable Santa yet.

7.4 (8.4)

An all-round enjoyable sequel. Though not as good as their debut - it was good to catch up with the Incredible family after all these years.

7.4 (7.8)

Another solid entry into the MCU; one which lightens the tone after the emotional depths of 'Infinity War'. With a hugely redeemable villain, humour will return to your being...at least until that post-credit double punch.

8.2 (8.0)

An unexpectedly exciting exploration through the OASIS which is rightfully referred to as Spielberg's best crowd-pleaser in years.

7.9 (8.1)

Great for adults and kids alike, 'Ralph 2' creates the brilliantly creative world of the internet. Full of easter eggs, fantastic crossovers and hilarious gags (stay around till the end of the credits), it is not the disappointment some have described it as.

7.9 (8.3)

An incredibly in-depth look into the life, and journey, of the man. While I admittedly expected this film to represent a space epic of the first successful flight to the Moon, 'First Man' instead delivered a much more genuine, surprisingly harrowing yet awe-inspiring account. The resulting film is magnificently cinematic, and admirably, does not rely on cheap (or should I say expensive) dramatic sequences. Instead it achieves a real, often claustrophobic, spectacle.

6.9 (7.5)

Fun but messy - Grindelwald's biggest crime is an underwhelming plot, despite a curiously understated performance from Depp.

7.0 (8.1)

A fun but ultimately disappointing outing given the hype. It still feels like a Transformers movie in almost every way...which is a pity when it had the potential to become much more. By muting the over-the-top action sequences in exchange a more down-to-earth approach, it could have reinvigorated the franchise.

8.0 (7.5)

An understated solo adventure that can probably be best understood by imagining what a Marvel phase one 'Ragnarok' movie might've looked like. It's a bunch of fun - you'll really feel like you're in a comic book movie with the surreal colours and underwater setting.

In this universe of badass heroes - Jason Momoa is perfectly cast as the coolest damn Aquaman we could've hoped for. His brilliant portrayal has 'DC's Thor' written all over it. I can't wait for the sequel, it has the potential to (literally) explore new depths of the genre.

7.5 (6.7)

This years re-imagining is the strongest sequel since the original, but could've been so much more if the filmmakers stuck to the psychological angle. By pursuing the kind of horror that the original made great, there are some interesting moments for fans, well placed callbacks and some good Myers action. It's a well made film, which is better than you can say for most horrors these days, sadly though, it feels like a missed opportunity to make something comparable to the first through not really offering anything new to the genre.

8.3 (7.1)

A sci-fi masterpiece - hugely and wholly underrated. It's mysterious, perception altering and it'll make you question reality - something only the best in the genre can achieve.

(8.0)

7.0 (7.8)

The most down-to-earth guy to assassinate anyone, Denzel Washington leads a decent story and follow-up to 2014's Equalizer.

8.4 (7.6)

A terrifying, constantly unsettling horror that veers between the supernatural and the impending dread of family tragedy. Breaking all the rules with a surprising turn in the first act, it's one of the best horrors of the decade. You'll want to leave the lights on.

7.5 (7.4)

A decent follow-up with excellent action and even some surprising turns. Del Toro and Brolin are absolutely fantastic.

6.2 (7.6)

Nowhere as good as it could have been but a good popcorn film nonetheless. Whoever was in charge of the marketing should have been director, surprisingly enough, it could have leaned further toward the silly side.