The 2018 Midterm Report Card

We're nearly halfway through 2018, so allow me to do a quick rundown of the ten movies that I've enjoyed the most over the past six months. 

By: Josh McCormack

* Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

So I may have thrown all my credibility out the window right off the bat, but I don't care. "Fallen Kingdom" is an absolute blast and far superior to 2015's lackluster "Jurassic World". JA Bayona takes a completely ridiculous Colin Trevorrow script and directs it with such gusto and style. One half adventure film, one half gothic horror movie and all around entertaining. 

* Annihilation 

Alex Garland's sophomore directorial effort can't quite recapture the magic of his first attempt (2015's "Ex Machina"), but it is full of incredibly beautiful and frightening images that have stuck with me for months. The ensemble cast is wonderful too and it's a film that I wound up liking even more through weeks of post-viewing contemplation.

* Deadpool 2

An absolutely hilarious sequel that lives up to the original 2016 hit. In fact, it might even be better. What's so surprising is that it not only works as a satire of modern superhero blockbusters, but it also works as a superhero movie in its own right. 

* Avengers: Infinity War

"Infinity War" was bound to be somewhat of a mess, especially for those who aren't all caught up with the MARVEL universe. Yet, even if there is a little too much to take in, it is all centered on a wonderfully villainous (but emotional) performance from Josh Brolin as the mad titan, Thanos. Plus, the fact that we have spent so much time with all these characters and the film leaves us uneasy about their fates makes for one of the most emotionally charged entries in the MCU yet. 

* Black Panther

Further proof that MARVEL has been on a roll over the past few months. "Black Panther" was a superhero phenomenon that finally gives representation to African American comic book idols and tells a truly powerful story about legacy and fathers and sons. Ryan Coogler continues to prove he can do no wrong. 

* A Quiet Place

John Krasinski directs and stars in one of the most crowd-pleasing horror films in years. With a brisk running time, "A Quiet Place" is a masterclass in using sound design and visual language to terrify an audience. Keeping the stakes focused on this one family also allowed for myself and the rest of the audience to be truly invested in the characters and cheering them on to survive...just not cheering too loudly. 

* Incredibles 2

The first "Incredibles" is one of PIXAR's best films, so it's not too surprising that the long awaited sequel couldn't quite reach that high bar. However, it comes pretty damn close. What the film lacks in originality it makes up for in gorgeous animation, witty dialogue and some of the most inventive action sequences of any superhero film to date. Honestly, the monorail chase sequence is one of director Brad Bird's biggest accomplishments in a long line of accomplishments. 

* Isle of Dogs

A beautiful second foray into stop-motion from the always delightful Wes Anderson. It might be crazy to think of Anderson as a sci-fi director, but with "Isle of Dogs" that's exactly what he becomes. Mixing his style with a boy and his dog dystopian story, "Isle of Dogs"proves to be this year's most visually inventive film so far. 

* Hereditary 

Other than hearing the title and seeing a poster here and there, I knew nothing about "Hereditary" going into it. This wound up being to the film's advantage, because every single frame was a surprise to me and the moments of horror caught me completely off guard. In my opinion, this was one of the most frightening cinema experiences I have ever experienced. Since I know that may seem like me overselling it, then I'll also say that the film works aside from just being a horror film. It's a tense family drama with disturbing twists and turns all led by a DYNAMITE performance from Toni Colette. Seriously, this woman needs an Oscar. 

* Won't You Be My Neighbor

The best and undoubtedly most important film on this list. Morgan Neville's documentary on children's television star, Fred Rogers, is a beautiful study of the lifelong work of one man to teach kindness and feelings to children in an often unkind and unfeeling world. Told through archival footage, interviews and animated interludes, "Won't You Be My Neighbor" is the film we need right now. While the most powerful man in our country is currently spewing hate and dividing us, it is a wonderful experience spending 90 minutes in a theater seeing how one man's kindness could bring us together again. "Won't You Be My Neighbor" is heartwarming, funny, unique and I like it just the way it is.