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Best and Worst Films from August 2018

Best Films from August 2018:

3. The Accused

August was an absolutely phenomenal month for me per usual as I organized my celebratory marathon, this time focusing on anniversary films that were released from 1918-2008. Although I did absolutely adore ‘House on Haunted Hill’, all three films from the marathon ended on this list. The third place belongs to The Accused which is a fantastic, difficult to watch, but essential drama about rape which is propelled by a revelatory performance from Jodie Foster, an awesome structure to it and strong emotion.

2. Show People

Show People is simply a wonderful movie that had to be on my best list for sure. William Haines is so charming here, but Marion Davies is simply outstanding, proving that she’s one of Hollywood’s most underappreciated comedic gems. The plot itself is familiar as it proved to be highly influential on subsequent films about movie business, but its humor is particularly strong, its energy is infectious and the romance is so wonderful. It’s above all else one of silent cinema’s most purely entertaining flicks.

1. The Snake Pit

Going back to hard dramas is this incredibly difficult, serious and highly dramatized and dark movie about the subject of mental health and the state of 1940s mental asylums. It portrays its subject matter realistically by showcasing both the good and the bad from such a place while also giving us a glimpse into what is arguably Olivia de Havilland’s finest ever performance in her most demanding role ever. It’s a moving film that is also phenomenally directed, scored and particularly well shot.

Worst Films from August 2018:

3. Coming Home

August was very good to me so I haven’t really watched any bad or even mediocre moves. I have only watched two okay films so this pretty solid romance unfortunately ended up in third spot. Coming Home does feature great Jane Fonda and it is romantic, but the entire third act is unfortunate, rather annoying and the film lacks nuance on all fronts.

2. Mars Attacks!

Mars Attacks! is far from the worst that Tim Burton has done and certainly not a bad movie per say. It is entertaining, it’s quite goofy and positively energetic. But it has way too many characters and famous actors playing them and is simply too slight, too campy and also too dated in its VFX.

1. Ocean’s 11

Ocean’s 11 is most definitely an okay film with a great cast with Sammy Davis Jr. stealing the show. The score is also superb. However, the entire film is very slow, rather dated and particularly inept at making you feel excited plus the heist took way too much time to start. That’s why it’s the weakest movie I’ve seen all month.