We’re officially more than six months into 2018 and that means it’s time to recap what’s happened so far in the world of cinema. While we haven’t had any truly great films that will come into play come Oscar season, there have been more than a handful of very good ones (and, of course, more than plenty of trash). So let’s dive into what I think of the year so far and what’s left to look forward to.

Best Film: Avengers: Infinity War

Last year my top film at the midway point was “Wonder Woman” and 2018 again sees a superhero film claiming the number one slot. “Infinity War” was everything I wanted from the end of Phase 3 of the MCU and continued to give me reasons to love what they have done with the Thor character. What they do in “Avengers 4” next year will truly decide how this film will forever rank in the superhero genre.

Honorable Mentions: Love, Simon, Game Night, Upgrade

Worst Film: Overboard

It’s lazy, it’s stupid, it’s at times offensive because of stereotypes and at other points offensive because of how lazy and stupid it is. Eugenio Derbez produced and starred in the worst film of 2017, “How to Be a Latin Lover,” and so far he’s off to a great start to repeat and hold his title belt.

Dishonorable Mentions: The Cloverfield Paradox, Rampage, Death Wish, Fifty Shades Freed

Biggest Surprise(s): Upgrade

The trailer for this looked very basic, if not just flat-out bad, and Blumhouse, while occasionally striking gold with the likes of “Whiplash” or “Get Out,” rarely puts out quality films. But this was a blast to watch and a great time at the theater, my audience was really digging it, and the effects and sets look great for a film that cost just around $5 million to make.

Honorable Mentions: I Feel Pretty, I Can Only Imagine, Bad Samaritan

Biggest Letdown: Incredibles 2

I loved the first film and they had 14 years to create a sequel worthy of carrying the legacy, but all we got was a role-reversal rehash of the original plot. Not a truly bad film but just nowhere near as good as it could (and should) have been.

Dishonorable Mentions: Sicario: Day of the Soldado, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Biggest Guilty Pleasure(s): Truth or Dare, Bad Samaritan

Neither of these films are very good and they both could have used a rewrite (or six) but dammit do they not each have moments of actual tension and/or laughable dumb moments.

Honorable Mention: I Feel Pretty (worth the watch for Michelle Williams alone)

Most Anticipated: Creed II, First Man

I really enjoyed the first “Creed” and Michael B. Jordan’s star has only grown brighter since 2015. “First Man” has Ryan Gosling starring as Neil Armstrong, being directed by Damien Chazzelle from a script by “Spotlight’s” Josh Singer; sign me up.

Honorable Mentions: The Predator, Backseat, Venom

 

Those are my thoughts on 2018 as it stands so far. There is a lot of movies to go, and odds are we haven’t seen the best that the year has to offer (and won’t until the fall thanks to the pandering of Oscar Season). Thank you for reading and here is to another six months at the movies!