Hollywood has its fair share of problems — including aggressive leftists who use their work and fame as excuses to spread ignorance and to shame anyone who dares to have different opinions than they do.
Yet there are still enough creative people fighting for their voices to be heard so that cinema remains an important part of our popular culture.
This year was filled with plenty of stinkers and special effects-heavy fare, but there were also a lot of bright spots in film.
Here is a look at the 10 best films of 2018.
1.) “Creed II.” Who would have thought that the events of the corny but always entertaining ”Rocky IV” would one day be taken so seriously that a sequel would follow — and give Dolph Lundgren and Sylvester Stallone opportunities to display some of their best work?
Decades after Balboa defeated Soviet Union hero Ivan Drago (Lundgren) in the Russian’s own country, Balboa’s trainee, Adonis Creed — son of the late boxer Apollo Creed, killed by Drago in the ring — is challenged by the son of Drago. He’s a young man born with one mission in mind: to take revenge on Balboa and redeem his father in the eyes of his country.
The first “Creed,” released in 2015, was an impressive step forward for the “Rocky” franchise; but “Creed II” suggests this series never really needs to end. It has plenty of fresh things to say about heart, family and the American dream.
You don’t need to see “Rocky IV” to enjoy the near masterpiece that is “Creed II,” but the knowledge certainly help one appreciate the smaller moments in the performances of Lundgren, Stallone, and a surprise guest from the original film.
This is a powerful ensemble piece. It’s further proof that the franchise is the most patriotic and inspiring around. Bring on “Creed III,” please.
“Creed II” is rated PG-13.
Related: Sylvester Stallone Likely Won’t Play Rocky Balboa Again
2.) “Gosnell.” This is not just a good film — it’s one of the most important films of the year.
It tells the story of the apprehension and conviction of Kermit Gosnell, a former abortion doctor in Philadelphia. Gosnell was running what some called a “house of horrors” clinic, where sanitation and training were not much of a concern and where late-term abortions were performed regularly.
When his crimes were exposed, Gosnell was convicted on three counts of first degree murder and one count of involuntary manslaughter.
The case was horrific and significant — the film calls Gosnell America’s most prolific serial killer — but the mainstream media essentially ignored it, likely because they did not want negative headlines associated with abortion. Hollywood also did everything it could to keep this film from getting to the public.
Movie theaters inexplicably dropped it despite its solid performance at the box office; mainstream outlets mostly refused to cover or acknowledge the film.
While it’s a film made by conservatives and one that promotes justice, a clear distinction between right and wrong, and lawful protections for the unborn, “Gosnell” is really an agenda-less movie for true-crime fans. The performances are solid and the movie is gripping from its first shot to its final image. It’s a gut punch of a movie that does not rely on gimmicks.
“Gosnell” tells an important story with grace.
“Gosnell” is rated PG-13.
3.) “Death Wish.” Very few remakes today are needed, but director Eli Roth justified this revamp of the Charles Bronson classic in several ways.
First, he moved the location to Chicago, to make the vigilante proceedings more relevant to today’s America— where the gun control-heavy city is plagued by a shocking murder rate year after year.
Second, he worked in social media and today’s 24-hour news cycle. While Bronson’s vigilante could work under the cover of darkness, the Bruce Willis character is almost always filmed by a camera from a nosy millennial. He becomes a cultural phenomenon in the movie — and everyone, of course, has an opinion about the man cleaning up the streets with a gun.
Those opinions are partly shown through radio broadcasts — with real Chicago hosts. The actions of the vigilante are discussed at length.
Third, Roth gave Willis his best and most challenging role in years. While the “Die Hard” star has popped up in small roles in cheapo-action movies over the past few years, “Death Wish” gave him a chance to show off his range as an actor.
Social justice warriors targeted “Death Wish” even before it hit theaters. Some called it racist — a strange accusation, since Willis takes down people of all colors in the film. Some called it politically incorrect. And some called it too gun friendly.
This is a pro-Second Amendment film that shines a realistic light on modern-day violence while also peppering in some fun Willis-fueled action scenes and points about self defense and individualism, at a time when those things aren’t as celebrated.
“Death Wish” is rated R.
Related: It Is Your Patriotic Duty to See the New ‘Death Wish’
4.) “Davi’s Way.” “Davi’s Way” is one of the best and most honest films ever made about the life of an artist. The film follows actor and musician Robert Davi as he tries to recreate Frank Sinatra’s Main Event concert at Madison Square Garden.
His efforts are surprising, humorous and heart-warming. It’s not a smooth ride — and Davi shows the process, warts and all.
The actor also looks back on his legendary but mixed acting career. Having been in everything from “Die Hard” to “The Goonies” to “The Expendables 3,” Davi is a Hollywood legend who never quite became the leading man his early roles would have suggested. Davi dives into this as well as into his continued passion for performing music.
On the surface, “Davi’s Way” appears to be a simple documentary, but it offers much more. It examines the life and passion of an artist — the ego, the compromises, the sacrifices, the failures.
In the end, nothing is wrapped neatly in a bow, but few viewers will feel they haven’t taken away something of value.
“Davi’s Way” is not rated.
5.) “Chappaquiddick.” This film finally brought the crimes of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) to the mainstream decades after they happened. Back when he was a potential presidential candidate, Kennedy was responsible for a car accident that caused the death of a young woman.
After he drove his car off a bridge, he then fled the scene — and lied about his involvement. Kennedy wound up getting a suspended sentence and went on to continue serving in public office for decades despite the scandal. He was sadly considered a leader in the Democratic Party.
Australian actor Jason Clarke brought honesty and complexity to his role as Kennedy — and nailed the New England accent. As Mary Jo Kopechne, the young woman who drowned, Kate Mara brought grace and heart to a figure whose story is too often forgotten.
“Chappaquiddick” is a solid thriller of a movie that tells an important story. Too bad it wasn’t told earlier.
“Chappaquiddick” is rated PG-13.
6.) “Sicario: Day of the Soldado.” The original “Sicario,” released in 2015, was a masterwork. It examined the chaos that takes place across our out-of-control border with Mexico.
The movie also announced the start of the stellar writing career of Taylor Sheridan, a former actor best known for a two-season run on the series “Sons of Anarchy.”
“Sicario” led to “Hell or High Water” and “Wind River,” as well as this year’s television series “Yellowstone” from Shaeridan.
“Sicario: Day of the Soldado” was marketed as a sequel to the original film, but it’s really a spinoff of sorts, as it took two of the most popular characters from the first movie (Benicio Del Toro’s hitman and Josh Brolin’s mysterious government agent) and threw them into a blender of government espionage and drug cartel violence.
The movie is not for the weak of heart — it opens with a collection of terrorist attacks on American soil (which occur because of the unprotected border). The film pits both men against each other when a mission goes awry and Del Toro’s hitman receives an order he cannot follow.
The “Sicario” films unblinkingly share how an unprotected border is taken advantage of by the most depraved of the world. It’s also an honest look at the drug war and the individuals caught up in it. “Day of the Soldado” was not as biting as the first “Sicario,” but it’s still one of the most honest and engaging action movies in years.
“Sicario: Day of the Soldado” is rated R.
Related: Why Kevin Costner’s ‘Yellowstone’ Has Found Massive Success
7.) “12 Strong.” Hollywood creators have left behind (thankfully) a lot of the boring political preaching that often plagued the early films about the war on terror. Films like “Lone Survivor” and “American Sniper” have turned the trend around — and now many in Hollywood are trying to make patriotic military films, as the entertainment industry once regularly did.
“12 Strong” tells the true story of the first Special Forces soldiers sent into Afghanistan. The soldiers were so limited in their resources they were forced to fight on horseback at times.
Chris Hemsworth (“Thor,” “Ghostbusters”) leads an impressive cast in what is a surprisingly humorous adventure about patriotism, brotherhood and sacrifice.
“12 Strong,” from producer Jerry Bruckheimer (“Top Gun,” “Pirates of the Caribbean”) is one of the most exciting and impressive movies of the year.
“12 Strong” is rated R.
8.) “Halloween.” The latest offering in the “Halloween” franchise was not just surprisingly good; the storytelling was surprisingly right-leaning. Ignoring the events of all of the subpar sequels to John Carpenter’s original “Halloween,” released in 1978, this David Gordon Green-directed adventure follows the events of the original film and picks things up 40 years later.
After a brilliant opening scene in which two podcasters visit Michael Myers in an insane asylum — his face is cleverly teased, but never shown — Myers is on the loose again and looking to finish what he started when he attempted to kill Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) in the original movie.
Strode, meanwhile, is now seen as a crazy woman who has allowed her PTSD to control her life. She takes self defense more than seriously and owns enough firearms to make any home intruder take a step back.
“Halloween” is a classic good vs. evil story with a lot of jumps and genuine scares. Some plot points don’t exactly hold up, but it’s still a thrilling ride from beginning to end — and a refreshing take on the often misused Michael Myers character.
“Halloween” is rated R.
Related: The New ‘Halloween’ Is a Gun-Loving, Conservative Fantasy
9.) “The Mule.” Based on the incredible true story of a World War II veteran who became a drug cartel’s most successful courier well into his 80s, “The Mule” shares one of his finest performances by Clint Eastwood in years. Working double time behind the camera, the legendary filmmaker has crafted a moving picture. And this one feels more personal than other recent efforts.
“The Mule” is a mostly somber affair. It’s also filled with heart and even includes some relatable humor. There’s also never a moment that feels dishonest.
Eastwood took on a surprising story here and gave it depth and grace. If “The Mule” ended up as his final time in front of the camera — he’s now 88 — it would be a powerful swan song. And if it’s the last picture he directs — one hopes and prays this is far from true — that would be OK, too, as “The Mule” is a picture that puts movies with triple its budget from Hollywood to shame.
“The Mule” is rated R.
10). “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” This documentary tells the story of Mr. Rogers, the host of the beloved children’s TV series who taught morals and life lessons in an entertaining, wholesome fashion.
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” shows off the man’s inspiration, politics and faith. It’s a definitive and emotional film that serves as an important contrast to today’s divided culture.
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is rated PG-13.
For more on the “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” documentary, check out the video below:
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