Eighth Grade (Best Coming-Of-Age)
Bo Burnham’s directorial debut, “Eighth Grade” follows Elsie Fisher as she struggles through the last week of her middle school classes. Fisher’s story is relatable to many teenagers going through school, and while some themes such as social media usage may not resonate as much with older audiences, other major messages — mental health and consent — remain incredibly pertinent to any age group.
A Quiet Place (Best Thriller)
While not as terrifying as the trailers may have suggested, director John Krasinski succeeded in creating a post-apocalyptic film about family. After much of Earth’s population is killed by mysterious blind creatures who rely purely on their hearing, the Abbott family learns to survive on their own in complete silence. When Evelyn goes into labor, things take a turn for the worse. How far will a father go to save his family? Kransiksi addresses this wonderfully while still maintaining incredible suspense throughout.
Paddington 2 (Best Family-Friendly)
Following in the furry footsteps of its predecessor, “Paddington 2” is without a doubt the most charming film of the year. Now living with the Brown family, Paddington the bear finds the perfect pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy’s birthday. But when it is stolen and Paddington is falsely accused, he must prove his innocence and apprehend the thief. Perfect for all ages, I did not think it was possible to feel this range of emotions for a bear.
Game Night (Best Comedy)
Max Rothenberg | Argonaut
“Game Night” follows Max and Annie, a married “competitive gaming couple” who host weekly game nights with their friends. When Max’s much more successful brother Brooks hosts a game night at his house, the couple reluctantly attends. But after Brooks is seemingly kidnapped as part of the game — which turns out to real — the couple have to track down and rescue him. Perhaps the most underrated and unknown film of the year, the film blends hilarious comedy with plenty of shocking twists and board game references, both through cinematography and dialogue.
A Star Is Born (Best Drama)
When musician Jackson Maine meets Ally, a waitress and aspiring singer close to giving up on her dream, he begins to help her achieve her goals while simultaneously struggling with his own addictions. The result is an incredibly well-written and emotional love story, one that conveys the hardships of a relationship in the spotlight while still encapsulating the beauty it can provide.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (Best Action)
Tom Cruise is back at it again with his latest entry, “Fallout,” that continues to raise the stakes for Ethan Hunt and his crew. After Ethan has no choice but to team up with CIA Assassin August Walker (Henry Cavill), the two must work to recover three plutonium devices before they are used in a nuclear attack. Full of over-the-top stunts and death-defying acts, the film proves that CGI is not always necessary or the right move — as long as Tom Cruise is on call.
Annihilation (Best Science-Fiction)
This film could very well also fit into the “I don’t know what category this is” category. When a group of scientists enter “The Shimmer,” a quarantined area home to strange, transformative creatures and changing locations, Lena (Natalie Portman) struggles to survive and find out what is really happening. From here, the plot veers into wildly unexpected territory and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Full of beautiful cinematography and CGI, “Annihilation” is a film that is sure to stay on one’s mind long after a viewing.
Hereditary (Best Horror Film)
“Hereditary” can be described as horrifying, but in the best kind of way. Slow to start yet constantly creepy and subversive, the film follows the Graham family as strange events begin to unfold after the death of Annie’s mother, Ellen. Each character deals with their own personal grief and guilt, which adds to the haunting atmosphere of their isolated home. It’s impossible to predict what happens next, and the ending is sure to spark controversy and discussion.
Avengers: Infinity War (Best Superhero/Comic Book Film)
The culmination of 18 Marvel films, “Infinity War” delivered in every way imaginable. The task of balancing this many characters seemed impossible, but thanks to the direction of the Russo brothers, each hero and villain is given a chance to shine. Thanos is the most menacing villain the Marvel universe has faced yet, and with a new Avengers 4 trailer dropping within the next few weeks, the film is worth rewatching now more than ever. I, for one, am not sure I can even wait any longer for Iron Man’s rematch.
Max Rothenberg can be reached at [email protected]