We’ve had our fair share of surprises and disappointments at the cinema this year and, the time has come, my dear, sweet readers to filter out the films from, “Yes, you’ve impressed me very much” to “Umm, someone tell me why I just wasted two hours of my life on this”.
Grab some popcorn and let us take you through Cosmo’s highlights of the best and worst movies of 2018.
We’ll begin with the ones that just missed the bar, according to our professional movie-watching, popcorn-munching, slushy-sipping standards ofc:
Movies That Flopped in 2018
1. ‘A Wrinkle In Time’
Now, you’d expect this movie to be excellent considering its amazing cast, which included the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Chris Pine, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling. However, it was just lackluster due to the CGI overload and overly cheesy plot.
Cosmo Rating: 5/10
2. ‘The Predator’
This movie seriously let down the franchise and, has been described by revered film critics as portraying chaotically hollow action with terribly zingy one-liners. All in all, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before and definitely not worth spending your hard-earned cash on. One thing they did get right though was the squeamishly terrifying alien details of the Predator. Props for effort.
Cosmo Rating: 4/10
3. ‘Skyscraper’
I think we’ve reached a point where we can’t help but yawn at the thought of another action flick starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. It’s like; been there, done that. Can we just move on already? And, Skyscraper was honestly, nothing out of the ordinary with its high stake action sequences and overused shots of Dwayne Johnson’s ripped bod, which is great but we want depth, people.
Cosmo Rating: 5/10
4. ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’
Emilia Clarke was in it and, Emilia Clarke was in it! No srsly, that’s about all that’s was exciting in this Star Wars franchise, which could also double as a Wild Wild West special. Featuring an array of recycled clichés, Solo was highly mediocre in our eyes. It lacked the finesse of its successors, especially with its way too obvious attempt to set the foundation for future ‘Solo‘ movies, by featuring one of the most random cameos you’ll ever see in a movie – we’d mention it but it’s really not worth it.
Cosmo Rating: 3/10
5. ‘Sherlock Gnomes’
Compiled with cheesy ‘gnome’-related puns and slapstick humour, this movie fell short of impressing us to say the least. Possessing a very generic plot, the film gets predictable with every minute and had us begging for the end credits.
Cosmo Rating: 2/10
6. ‘The Spy Who Dumped Me’
For the most part, this film was actually enjoyable as we follow the wild antics of the two thirty-something best friends, played by the hilarious Kate McKinnon and the stunning Mila Kunis. However, it really was just another regular ol’ spy comedy that we couldn’t help but catch a bad case of déjà vu from. If it wasn’t for Kate McKinnon’s punchy one-liners and comical facial expressions, the movie would’ve tanked harder than it did.
Cosmo Rating: 5/10
7. ‘Bad Times At The El Royale’
In short, it was a 140-minute mystery and suspense film that was a tad bit undercooked in terms of effectively revealing plot lines. It also lost all momentum before delivering anything remotely interesting. The cast is crowded with familiar faces and for a second, you just might forget the confusing plot that will eat at you even after the movie ends. The film’s main, if not only plus point? Chris Hemsworth appears shirtless in multiple scenes so, it might be worth the watch…?
Cosmo Rating: 5/10
8. ‘Ocean’s 8’
People were paying to see this movie, not for the plot but, to see the star-studded cast’s (which included Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna and Sarah Paulson) chemistry and the flair of the fierce females that were proudly featured in this Ocean’s spin-off. The saying “too many cooks, spoil the broth” seems fitting here, as the film ended up being incredibly subpar.
Cosmo Rating: 6/10
9. ‘Sierra Burgess Is A Big Loser’
Where do I begin with this train wreck of a film? The plot has been used a million and one times. We need to stop with the unpopular nerd turns popular girl’s best friend and then wins the dream boat, and just flip the switch already! It’s almost 2019, PEOPLE! Such a garbage message to send out to young girls. Very disappointed.
Cosmo Rating: 1/10
10. ‘The Happytime Murders’
You’d be better off watching paint dry than going to see this “comedy”. We expected more from the immensely talented Melissa McCarthy and, this film sadly just did not do her justice. Even Elizabeth Banks and Joel McHale weren’t enough to save it. It was polluted with crass humour that simply came across as unnecessary and frankly off-putting. The plot lacked substance and began to seem repetitive, real quick.
Cosmo Rating: 3/10
Right. Those movies were really… something. Now, let’s move onto the movies that really blew our minds this year and shine that spotlight where it’s deserved.
Brace yourself for the cinematic MVPs of 2018:
1. ‘A Star Is Born’
No heart was left untouched thanks to this gem about a musician who helps a young singer find fame, even as age and addiction send his own career into a downward spiral. We just can’t get over how much we ship Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga together. They brought the characters to life with their affectionate portrayal of the moving love story and their voices, oh their heavenly voices. You’re not human if you haven’t replayed the A Star is Born soundtrack at least forty times…
Cosmo Rating: 8/10
2. ‘Black Panther’
The hype that this movie generated was unreal and unmatched. Not only did it exceed expectations, it really elevated superhero cinema to thrilling new heights. The story of the Black Panther, inspired many Halloween costumes amongst the male species and the phrase “Wakanda Forever” remained on everyone’s lips throughout the year. The skillful and creative way in which the movie touched on very important delicate topics that are worth discussing in today’s society is one thing that really impressed us. Also, I don’t think a single soul left the cinema without having at least a tiny bit of a crush on Chadwick Boseman.
Cosmo Rating: 9/10
3. ‘A Quiet Place’
John Krasinski and Emily Blunt set some serious couple goals in this film and we have to say, it’s one of our fave films ever. We honestly did not walk into the cinema thinking we were going to enjoy this because, for the most part it was a silent film (it didn’t really leave ideal periods to munch our popcorn without being a hindrance, now did it?). But, we were shocked at how invested we were in their family. We definitely recommend you watch this amazing flick. We do NOT however, recommend you buy popcorn as a snack… We had to learn the hard way.
Cosmo Rating: 9/10
4. ‘Crazy Rich Asians’
Taking on the big issue of appropriate on-screen representation with an all-Asian cast, this movie was a raging success. It drew inspiration from the classic rom-com formula and effectively delivered just that, while simultaneously making a powerful statement. It’s light-hearted, family-friendly and an all-round delight. We love. We approve.
Cosmo Rating: 8/10
5. ‘The Greatest Showman’
This isn’t just another musical movie, guys! It’s an experience. You live and breathe with the characters while you watch the film. The performances are thoroughly captivating and the soundtrack is beyond amazing. We dare you to watch this movie and not be humming along to at least one of the songs in the soundtrack. Also, that one spectacular scene with Zac Efron and Zendaya performing ‘Rewrite The Stars’ is absolutely dream-like. This is definitely worth the watch for all the dreamers out there.
Cosmo Rating: 8/10
6. ‘Avengers: Infinity War’
How can you not love this film featuring an array of MCU heroes in the fight against their gravest threat yet, and the result was a thrilling, emotionally resonant blockbuster that totally achieved everything it set out to and more! Who doesn’t love a good teamwork effort? Not to mention that twist at the end had us all shook… Don’t know what we’re talking about? Maybe you should give this movie a watch then.
Cosmo Rating: 9/10
7. ‘Game Night’
Check out this equation: A stellar cast + amazing games + plot twists around every corner = the movie of the century! Taking dark comedy to a whole other level, this film keeps you on the edge of your seat and thoroughly entertained. Not to mention crying with laughter. It’s definitely a must-watch.
Cosmo Rating: 7/10
8. ‘Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again!’
Can you ever go wrong with a movie centered on the greatest band of all time, ABBA? Answer, for the most part is no. The film’s spicy new cast members definitely helped turn it into a big hit and had people flooding to the big screen to see it. Even if musicals aren’t your thing, you’ll definitely be humming to “Mamma Mia” for atleast a week after watching the flick whihch stars Meryl Streep, Cher, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth.
Cosmo Rating: 7/10
9. ‘Venom’
Putting aside the fact that Tom Hardy is BAE and that he totally stole the show every time he spoke, this film had everyone cackling and gasping at the same time. It was definitely a movie directed towards the comic book fanatics out there, but it seemed to be enjoyed by even those who were not too well-versed in all things Marvel-related. If that’s not the mark of an amazing film, we don’t know what is.
Cosmo Rating: 7/10
10. ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’
Do I even need to tell you why this movie is a solid 10/10? Two words: Peter Kavinsky, people. Peter Kavinsky. He’s everything you could ever ask for and more… No srsly. If you look up the definition of ‘dreamboat’in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of Noah Centineo. Jokes aside, this film stole the hearts of girls and rom-com buffs everywhere with its cutesy flirting and swoon-worthy love story of Lara Jean’s letter leading to the budding romance between her and Pete. I dare you to watch this film and not cry over the fact that you don’t have a Peter Kavinsky/ Lara-Jean type of relationship. Or, maybe you’re one of the lucky few that does… Either way, this movie is everything!
Cosmo Rating: 10/10