We try to watch movies when we have the time. And here’s the What’s A Geek! list of highlights in terms of films this 2018! We’re entering 2019 expecting a lot more awesome titles from our filmmakers. Which of the titles in this 2018 in films list made an impact on you? What other films should be on this list?

2018 in Films!

My Hero Academia: Two Heroes

My Hero Academia: Two Heroes serves as the feature film to encapsulate any BNHA fan’s experience. Moreover, the 2018 film proves just how much of an impact the series had to fans. We can describe the film as something that blends action-adventure, heroism and bravery, and friendship well in a superhero experience. And in today’s time where there’s an abundance of superhero films, this movie definitely gives us a unique take on donning the cape.

The film sets itself between the second and third seasons of the anime. Chad wrote an article about the series, and he gives interesting insights into the nature of the franchise. To recap, the franchise sets itself in a world where superpowers, called Quirks, become commonplace. As such, both heroes and villains exist – with the whole world having to adjust.

My Hero Academia specifically revolves around the life of Izuku Midoriya, a boy who gets enrolled in a school specifically to train people with Quirks. In the film, All Might (the Superman of the franchise), Midoriya, and their friends visit I-Island. In this Island, scientists perform research on various Quirks.

Bumblebee

2018’s Bumblebee released to positive reviews, mostly because it didn’t have a lot of explosions. Kidding aside, it’s the first Transformers film to not be a Bay film, so viewers definitely saw a different approach to storytelling. And truth be told, Bumblebee gave viewers a different look to arguably one of the most popular Transformers of all time.

Bumblebee always served not just as the comedic relief of G1 Transformers, but also the audience’s “eyes” into the human side of the franchise. And even as Bumblebee changed across generations, it’s G1 Bumblebee – which viewers may argue as the depiction used in the film – that really struck a chord to a lot of fans.

The film reflects this, though. Despite being the prequel to the first Transformers film, Bumblebee proved the franchise can have a “fun” and “bubble” side. Not only that, this novel approach to live-action Transformers films opens a ton of opportunities to have Bumblebee sequels. And we’re looking forward to it! Robot battles don’t seem too over-the-top, and there’s enough dynamism in terms of cinematography to keep your interests to the screen.

Ralph Breaks the Internet

When Wreck-It Ralph showed in the cinemas, it took a Toy Story-esque approach to video games. Ralph, the titular character, takes on a journey with Vanellope as he reforms his identity as a stereotypical “villain” to Fix-It Felix. And when this gets resolved, where would Ralph go next? The 2018 sequel shows his next destination: the Internet. And you know what? Ralph Breaks the Internet turned out to be quite a wild ride.

If the teaser with the Disney princesses didn’t interest you, the story surely will! The film takes place six (6) years after the first movie. A misadventure “breaks” the game cabinet Ralph and his friends live in. So when their game gets unplugged, they essentially become homeless. Ralph’s solution? Find a home online!

Incredibles 2

Disney-Pixar’s The Incredibles received extremely positive reception way back in 2004. And more than a decade later, people have been asking for a sequel. So when Incredibles 2 hit theaters last June, you know we’ve all watched it. And it delivered! While the first film focused on the Parrs reestablishing the reputation of superheroes in their world, the second film deals with the aftermath. A Telcomm company tasks Helen Parr, more popularly known as Elastigirl, to spearhead a PR stunt to reestablish trust in superheroes. However, the job takes a toll on Helen’s family, as she has to juggle her responsibilities.

The film’s take on family dynamics, modern themes, and the superhero genre make it quite the fun film to watch. Kids will enjoy the flashy animation and the witty dialogue, sure. However, grownups who’ve watched the Incredibles will see Incredibles 2 as a sequel worthy of the number “2.”

Avengers: Infinity War

In speaking of sequels, any Marvel fan will likely have watched Avengers: Infinity War. And for those who haven’t, we highly recommend you buy the Blu-Ray release. Regardless, if there’s anything Infinity War encapsulates, it’s to deliver a much-awaited experience that spanned almost a decade’s worth of films. The Marvel Cinematic Universe affirmed the existence of Thanos and the impending arc even before the 2012 Avengers film. And to see everything culminate in this epic experience got to be a sight to behold.

With Avengers: Endgame coming this 2019, fans and newcomers can still catch up with the rest of the films in the franchise. However, Infinity War sets itself apart as a film to live up to the hype of its predecessors. It’s a film definitely worth the wait. And you could definitely see it as quite the unique take on the popular Marvel comics crossover event.

Black Panther

Black Panther remains as one of the most popular members of the Avengers, which made his MCU debut in Captain America: Civil War quite an exhilirating experience. So when his solo film released in 2018, you know it carried a lot of expectations. However, it didn’t just deliver – it made sure it gave viewers an entirely different experience. The story takes place in the fictional country of Wakanda, where T’Challa finds himself in a struggle for the throne. However, despite the “simple” premise, it delivers perhaps one of MCU’s most compelling stories.

More than this, though, would be its cultural importance. Black Panther proves African-American films can be extremely compelling and can deliver stories that can attract a global audience. Not only that, but the films presents themes highly relevant to society today, including various insights into the lives of African-Americans that reflect real-life experiences. Characters represent themes and aspects of the human personality that delves away from being too two-dimensional, giving new life to the film. Even character dynamics such as T’Challa and Killmonger’s remain worthy of discussion even today.

Ant-Man and the Wasp

The 2018 sequel to Ant-Man proves you don’t necessarily need to watch over 15+ films to be welcomed to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If you’re looking for more of a space adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy fits the bill. However, if you’re into more down-to-earth experiences, Ant-Man definitely makes you feel welcome to the MCU. The Ant-Man sequel proves this, as Ant-Man and the Wasp remains as good an MCU entry as it is a standalone film.

This makes Ant-Man and the Wasp quite a refreshing break from the interrelatedness of the MCU. And while the Ant-Man sequel directly ties into Infinity War, it doesn’t necessarily hold the latter as a priority. In short, if you want to get into the MCU, the Ant-Man film can be a good place to start.

Aquaman

With Wonder Woman‘s positive reception in 2017, people hope Aquaman can maintain the momentum. And even the What’s A Geek! crew have mixed comments about the film. However, the film does deserve a spot in our 2018 list, especially for trying out new ways of adding a spin to the DCEU. Aquaman carries a lot in its plate, considering the MCU did release three (3) films this year. However, Aquaman offers a genuine take on Arthur Curry’s ascent to the throne, which in itself made for an interesting story.

The film takes place after the events of Justice League, where Arthur Curry continues his heroic deeds. Now dubbed “Aquaman,” Arthur will have to claim the throne to Atlantis before his half-brother Orm launches an attack to the surface. With the help of Mera, Arthur will travel around the world in an Indiana Jones-esque goose chase to claim his birthright.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse served as a unique take on the Spider-Man franchise that doesn’t involve a live-action actor. And the film’s approach to the Spider-Verse saga makes it quite a delightful animated experience to watch. The film sets itself in a New York, where a certain Miles Morales tries to adjust to a new school. However, when he’s bitten by a radioactive spider, his life takes a turn for the, uh, wild and weird. Soon enough, he encounters not one, but five (1) different versions of Spider-Man across different realities.

Unlike other animated films, Into The Spider-Verse mesmerizes audiences with its dynamic visual style. Each Spider-Man takes with them a unique visual style, which the Spider-Verse premise justifies. Spider-Man Noir keeps a black and white aesthetic, Peni Parker introduces a quirky anime aesthetic, and Spider-Ham has a, well, cartoony vibe. Mix that with the 3D CGI perspectives of Miles Morales and Peter Parker, and you’ll get the visual treat. Not only that, but the relatable story makes Into The Spider-Verse a film for both newcomers and veterans to the webslinger’s story.

Anticipate A Stronger 2019 Film Slate?

2018 definitely became a year for a lot of geeks, especially in the cinema. Films across a wide variety of franchises tickled the hearts of both new and old geeks alike. However, this does pose a challenge to the new year. Can 2019 top 2018 in terms of awesome? We sure hope it can!