Top 10 Blockbuster-Action Movies of 2018

10. Solo: A Star Wars Story

You have to see it, it’s Star Wars, and that’s why it has to be on this list. But I truly believe that in order to have any chance of enjoying it, you have to try and think about it as a standalone movie. Just don’t think of it as being part of the universe you have grown to love and maybe, just maybe you will be able to sort of enjoy it. It lacks the big focus of the previous installments, it lacks any sort of magnitude. Sure, there are some decent action scenes, it can be interesting, but I was expecting so much more from it, especially considering its huge budget.

9. Tomb Raider

Overall, the movie had some nice moments, especially in the first part. The bike scene kept me glued to my seat and the way Lara smiled while riding was amazing. It has beautiful moments and it comes together well. You really start to get invested into her story and you care about what happens to her, which is much more than I ever felt towards the previous installations. It’s not that I don’t like Angelina Jolie, but I don’t know why, Alicia Vikander seems to be perfect for this role, she truly encompasses everything that I think Lara Croft should be.

8. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is exactly what it is supposed to be. It’s big, it’s loud, it’s funny, it has you on the edge of your seat! It’s the perfect example of what a summer blockbuster should be and it manages to tick almost all the boxes needed to be a huge success. The box office results speak for that and you have to see this movie, you just have to see it.

7. Deadpool 2

Deadpool 2 is definitely a must watch. You will laugh, you will care about everything that happens and you will want more in the end. A lot more. Because this is the only problem with the Deadpool franchise, that we don’t have more of it.

6. Skyscraper

Ah, I missed movies like this, I really did… An action movie that seems to come straight out of the 90’s, with a very likeable lead and over the top action. This is how you can sum up Skyscraper. And although it does have flaws, it works, it makes you giggle with anticipation and it leaves you with a nice taste in your mouth. It’s not the best movie of 2018, not by any chance, but it is enjoyable and exactly what it should be. I want to see more movies like this, movies that don’t take themselves too seriously… I missed these types of movies so much…

5. Pacific Rim Uprising

Pacific Rim Uprising is definitely a movie worth your time. You will have fun, you will be amazed by the visuals and you will actually get invested into the story, not a lot, but enough for my taste. It’s done well, it has a decent cast and it manages to bring something new to the franchise. It has a big sequel potential and I can’t wait to see how they will bring the battle to them…

4. Rampage

It’s official! Dwayne Johnson is THE star of the moment. Everything that he does works and a movie that stars him is definitely going to be a huge box office hit! Rampage is no different, and I can honestly say it was one of the best monster films I have seen in the last years. It’s great from start to finish and it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes is refreshing and relaxing. It is a popcorn movie yes, but it is done very well and it manages to engage you and too keep you interested for all of its duration. You can’t go wrong with this one and I highly recommend it to everyone.

3. Black Panther

Marvel can do no wrong! Its official now, and I can’t tell it loud enough. Black Panther is so different from anything that I have ever seen before from Marvel, and yet it manages to be at the same high level we are used to. You have to watch this movie, you just have to watch it, and trust me, you will not regret it. The story is powerful, the visuals are amazing, everything clicks, you are invested in the characters and overall, even if like me you had reservations going in, you can’t come out of this one without a huge smile on your face.

2. Ready Player One

Ready Player One is an amazing movie about a future that can actually happen. It has good acting, amazing action scenes, great visuals and enough Meta references to satisfy even the biggest fan boys. It is a gamer’s dream and it has enough humor and flashy lights to not disappoint non gamers. A great effort from a great director and one that will definitely stand the test of time.

1. Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers: Infinity War is THE MOVIE. For superhero fans, for movie fans, for anybody. If you live on this planet, you have to watch this film. And if you want the experience to be complete, before you watch this, take all the movies that have previously appeared in the MCU and watch them. You will understand everything that is going on and you will be amazed at the details and hidden meanings that fill up this universe. This one will remain in history as one of the best, if not the best, superhero movies of all time.

Skyscraper – 2018

Score: 7/10

Ah, I missed movies like this, I really did… An action movie that seems to come straight out of the 90’s, with a very likeable lead and over the top action. This is how you can sum up Skyscraper. And although it does have flaws, it works, it makes you giggle with anticipation and it leaves you with a nice taste in your mouth. It’s not the best movie of 2018, not by any chance, but it is enjoyable and exactly what it should be. I want to see more movies like this, movies that don’t take themselves too seriously… I missed these types of movies so much…

The story is simple, direct, to the point. Many critics say that it is very similar to Die Hard and yes, it is. It is also similar to many other action movies because it uses a lot of the tropes and clichés specific to the genre. And yet I wasn’t bothered by that, I wasn’t bothered at all, because the point of this story is to simply be a vehicle for the action scenes and special effects. So for me it works, it does what it was supposed to do and it manages to make you involved in what happens. It is relatable and fun and that is enough for a movie like this.

The characters are simple, right to the point. Yes, unfortunately, some of them are underdeveloped and it hurts the overall experience a little bit. But if you look at this as a pure action flick, then you have more than enough to go on, as the characters fit well together and are for the most part believable… A decent performance here from Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbell, Chin Han, Roland Møller, Noah Taylor, Byron Mann, Pablo Schreiber, Hannah Quinlivan, Matt O’Leary, McKenna Roberts, Noah Cottrell, Kevin Rankin and Adrian Holmes.

The special effects are amazing for most of the movie. There are two or three instances that broke my immersion, but there are no big issues here. The visuals are gorgeous and the destruction is done in a magnificent way. You feel you are there, you look at the screen and you are simply in awe. This movie looks amazing and for those of us that want to see only action, it is definitely a treat you will remember for a long time. It is one of the best shot action movies of recent times and regardless if you liked it or not, you can’t argue with how it looks. This should be a lesson for all action directors out there…

The reason this movie doesn’t get a higher mark are all the instances where absurd things happen. And they happen pointlessly and without reason and that bugs the hell out of me. For example, what was the point of giving Sawyer a fake leg? None at all! The movie would have been basically the same without it, and they only managed to make it seem absurd and fake by including it. We also get so many moments in which the main character does impossible, actually impossible feats… That jump is impossible, some of the shooting scenes also go beyond the line of believability. Add all of these scenes together and they do hurt the movie and break your suspension of disbelief. Oh, and if the air is so hot that helicopters can’t fly correctly, that means that the main characters hanging on to that ledge above the air is also in trouble… I mean dooooh!

In conclusion, Skyscraper is a good film, totally worth a view. It is an action movie true and true, and we definitely need more of these. It is simple, direct, filled to the brim with pure action and amazing special effects. It is unapologetic, it doesn’t try to be more than it is. It is a good popcorn film and it will manage to make you jump from your seat on more than one occasion. Definitely worth it and again, I have to say that Dwayne Johnson is one of the best actors of his generation. Oh, and always remember, if you can’t fix it with duct tape, you’re not using enough duct tape. 🙂

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom – 2018

Score: 8/10

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is exactly what it is supposed to be. It’s big, it’s loud, it’s funny, it has you on the edge of your seat! It’s the perfect example of what a summer blockbuster should be and it manages to tick almost all the boxes needed to be a huge success. The box office results speak for that and you have to see this movie, you just have to see it. You will actually root for the dinosaurs towards the end (that’s a first for a Jurassic Park movie) and you will be satisfied with the progression of the characters. This one is truly a refreshing surprise for me and I can honestly say it deserved its success!

The story is interesting, especially towards the end, because for the first time we get to see the dinosaurs in the real world. The sequel, slated for 2021, will be the first Jurassic movie that will take place in the openness of the world instead of a controlled environment and I can’t wait to see what new possibilities that will open. It is a nice stepping stone on the journey to a different type of movie and it manages to be entertaining and emotional as well. Could it have been different? For sure! But for now, I am happy with what we got and I just hope that this is just the first step towards something even better!

The characters are good, developed, engaging and, most importantly, relatable. You understand their motivations and whether you agree with them or not, you are invested. This is a great achievement of the film, that it manages to make you care about every single character. An amazing job here by the cast, and I have to praise Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rafe Spall, Justice Smith, Daniella Pineda, James Cromwell, Toby Jones, Ted Levine, B. D. Wong, Isabella Sermon, Geraldine Chaplin and Jeff Goldblum for their performances.

Now, you are probably wondering why just an 8 if it’s so great. Well, the movie is good, but the problem is that we have seen most of it before. And while that worked for the first installation of this new series, it is simply starting to become stale and boring the second time around. I get it, there is always a kid who likes dinosaurs, there is always a bigger dinosaur taken out by a smaller one… It’s always the same and I swear I felt at times that I was watching previous movies. It still worked here but it’s the last time. For the sequel, come up with something new please or the fans will simply not show up anymore… And trust me on that, we won’t…

As CGI and special effects go, this one nails it! I loved the design of the dinosaurs, the world felt real and engaging and there was an air of majestic beauty surrounding most of the scenes. I did want more outside action, as the last part of the movie felt a little bit stuffy and dark, but nevertheless, as a whole, the effects work and they are a definite improvement on previous instalments. Couple that with the witty banter from the two leads and with the amazing musical score and you get the perfect recipe for a blockbuster that has managed to fascinate audiences all around the world.

In conclusion, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is definitely a must see. I am sure it will end the year in the top 5 highest grossing movies of 2018 and that is exactly where it deserves to be. It was hugely popular and rightly so, because it brings some of the excitement of the first movies back to the big screen. If they manage to fix some of the errors and they stop repeating every theme over and over, I can honestly see this series producing at least another trilogy. And while some critics find that idea repulsing, if you are a normal and honest human being, you can’t say that you are not excited about it! So let’s see what the future holds in regards to our ancient friends and in the meantime, does anybody know of a place where I can buy a Blue of my own? 😀 Seriously, I need one, I really do… 😛

Rampage – 2018

Score: 9/10

It’s official! Dwayne Johnson is THE star of the moment. Everything that he does works and a movie that stars him is definitely going to be a huge box office hit! Rampage is no different, and I can honestly say it was one of the best monster films I have seen in the last years. It’s great from start to finish and it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes is refreshing and relaxing. It is a popcorn movie yes, but it is done very well and it manages to engage you and too keep you interested for all of its duration. You can’t go wrong with this one and I highly recommend it to everyone.

The story is simple. It follows the original arcade game plot very loosely, and of course there are many changes, but overall, it is a very good adaptation. People usually tend to run away from video game based movies, but this one breaks that pattern. It works, it’s fun and it’s a nice throwback to a simpler time. The deep desire to just watch monsters smash things is engraved into all of us and this movie delivers exactly that. Don’t worry about anything else and just witness Chicago being destroyed… Again… There is something about that city and big blockbusters it seems…

The characters are interesting and engaging. There is almost no development and that means the movie is not over stuffed with pointless scenes. You get just enough to relate to them and you know what to expect right from the start. “Big meets bigger” is a perfect characterization for this movie and Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Åkerman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jake Lacy, Joe Manganiello, Marley Shelton, P. J. Byrne, Demetrius Grosse, Jack Quaid, Breanne Hill and Matt Gerald click well and offer good performances.

The CGI and special effects are nicely done. They seem realistic and they add a lot to the overall enjoyment of the movie. There is a blend here between pure CGI and motion capture and it definitely works. You can tell that there was a lot of talent involved into creating the effects and they are a highlight of the movie. This is a popcorn film through and through, it is over the top, fun, it doesn’t take itself seriously and if you can do that as well, you will definitely get your money’s worth!

Maybe it’s just Johnson, I don’t understand it exactly, but all the movies that he is in have a relaxed air about them, an air of fun above all else. This is the same, and you never feel pressured into anything. The action flows, everything clicks and there is an air of pure joy over all of it. It seems to make sense even though it is a science fiction movie and that makes it far easier for you to relate to everything that happens. I don’t know how to explain it better. It just works and you will be definitely laughing more than one time while watching it. And how can you not laugh when you see a huge gorilla showing the main character the middle finger. I mean how can you not love that…?

In conclusion, Rampage is definitely a must see. It is a good movie from start to finish. The only thing that makes it fall short of the perfect score is the lack of real tension in the final battle. You know everything will work out so there is nothing really surprising happening. But nevertheless, you are invested, you care about every single character. And I am sure they will fix the lack of tension in the sequel so I can honestly say this could go on to be a very interesting and engaging franchise. Oh, and don’t forget Brad Peyton, you promised to show us Larry the rat in the sequel… I am going to hold you to that 😛

Pacific Rim Uprising – 2018

Score: 8/10

Pacific Rim Uprising is exactly what it has to be. It is a stupid over the top movie about big ass robots fighting. And this is why it works, this is why it’s fun as hell and this is why you should definitely watch it. Don’t expect a complex story, don’t expect character development or any deep issues to be tackled here. This is a movie about good versus evil, it is a movie about heroes saving this planet and I can honestly say I found it refreshing in a world that is starting to be obsessed with being deep….

The story is extremely simple and direct. The narrative here doesn’t try to offer us surprises, it doesn’t even try to impress us. It is simply a vehicle that helps us get from fight to fight and this surprisingly works very well. You are a little bit invested so that the action scenes don’t lose meaning and yet there are no backstories and attempts at emotional crap to stand in the way of those fight scenes. A perfect story for this type of movie.

The characters are one-dimensional and not developed at all. Their motivations are basic and the movie doesn’t pretend to be something that it’s not. I actually found this refreshing and I have to say it works wonders to have positive clichés as character traits in a film that should be only about robots fighting. John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Jing Tian, Cailee Spaeny, Madeleine McGraw, Rinko Kikuchi, Burn Gorman, Adria Arjona, Zhang Jin, Charlie Day and Karan Brar do a good job here.

In a movie like this, special effects are the most important thing, and thankfully, they are done amazingly here. It’s on the same level as Transformers and that says a lot to the quality of the CGI. Everything feels natural, the fights are not drawn out and the physics are well represented. They seem realistic and considering that this is a movie about giant robots fighting monsters from another reality, this is really an achievement.

After so many dark movies that annoyed me to hell in the past weeks, I have to highlight that here we finally have a movie that enchants us with colors and light! Finally I got to actually see the fights without trying to squeeze my eyes in order to understand them. The movie is filled with light, the cities are colorful and everything comes together and offers you pure joy. The action scenes are great and they managed to captivate me from start to finish.

I know they want to turn this into a franchise, and honestly, I don’t know what to say about that. It has huge potential but if they want future instalments to really work, they have to make the story more complex. This one is perfect as a movie about fighting robots, but you can’t base a franchise solely on that. They need to develop the characters more, they need to expand and explore the lore and most importantly, they have to give us reasons to care about what happens on screen more deeply than here.

In conclusion, Pacific Rim Uprising is definitely a movie worth your time. You will have fun, you will be amazed by the visuals and you will actually get invested into the story, not a lot, but enough for my taste. It’s done well, it has a decent cast and it manages to bring something new to the franchise. It has a big sequel potential and I can’t wait to see how they will bring the battle to them… Oh, and I guess I have to get used to the fact that every single blockbuster that will come out in the future will have to have some sort of connection with Asia in general and China in special… I see what you did there Hollywood, I see you… 😛

Ready Player One – 2018

Score: 10/10

Hmmm, I give out 10 out of 10 scores very rarely because I think that a movie should truly be special in order to receive one of those. And yet, here I am, for two reviews in a row, giving out a perfect score. And trust me, I really tried to find fault with Ready Player One, I really tried to find something that doesn’t work or to hate it… But I just couldn’t so I have to give it the credit it deserves and to say it is a freaking amazing movie from start to finish and one that proves once again that Steven Spielberg is truly a master.

The story differs in many places from the book and I actually think it managed to improve the source material. Everything happens naturally, you don’t feel that the movie is forcing you to care, you don’t feel suffocated by all the references. The themes are deep and engaging but the journey is lighthearted and full of joy. I smiled a lot while watching this and I can honestly say that I can’t wait to see it again.

The characters are interesting, relatable and they act according to the teenager in all of us. You will understand their motivation, you will understand why they choose the way they do and you will become invested very fast into their stories. Yes, the villain is kind of weak and predictable but you understand at the end that it wasn’t about him at all. This movie is about us and performances from Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Lena Waithe, T.J. Miller, Simon Pegg, Mark Rylance, Philip Zhao and Win Morisaki will really make you think about your own life…

The special effects seem full of joy. I don’t have a better word to describe them, they are amazing and they manage to make you feel good while watching this. There are a lot of colors, there are a lot of different worlds coming together and the end result is credible and engaging. Spielberg manages to bring a lot of pop culture icons and make them click and work well together and that is a huge achievement on its own!

Many critics and movie goers complained about the love story and especially about it happening so fast. But they are just hypocrites that don’t want to accept themselves. We all fall in love like that, because that is how chemistry actually works, fast. Yes, it might seem corny and even creepy, but think about it, didn’t you want to tell your soul mate that you loved them after the first day? You didn’t of course because you didn’t want to scare them off, but just admit that the feelings where there. So no, it’s not happening too fast, it’s happening in an ideal and impossible to attain in real life way, unfortunately. But I like seeing that in a movie, I like seeing the world as it could be! Deal with it…

For a pop culture fan like me, this movie is a treasure, an amazing journey through many of the movies and series and games of my childhood. And everything seems to come together nicely, everything seems to flow very well together, nothing is forced. Spielberg resisted the temptation to put only his movies here and instead gave us the big picture. You will find everything here and if you don’t resonate with any of the references than I can honestly say there is something wrong with you… It is as simple as that…

In conclusion, Ready Player One is an amazing movie about a future that can actually happen. It has good acting, amazing action scenes, great visuals and enough Meta references to satisfy even the biggest fan boys. It is a gamer’s dream and it has enough humor and flashy lights to not disappoint non gamers. A great effort from a great director and one that will definitely stand the test of time. And, because it also has a great message overall, I will remind you here, at the very last line of text, that THE ONLY REAL THING IS REALITY! Never forget that!

Hacksaw Ridge – 2016

Score: 10/10

I just had to come back for this. Hacksaw Ridge is one of the most emotional movies I have watched and one that will haunt you for a long time after seeing it. It is a true testament to the power of the human spirit and an amazing example of how religion can be used as a positive catalyzer in the world. It is brutal, based on true events, which makes it even more terrifying and deep, and it manages to show you the cruel realities of war and the immense sacrifice that people do when they believe.

The story is truly amazing, unbelievable and I was shocked when I found out it is 100% true. Desmond Doss was a hero of the war and one of the best examples of what humanity is all about. He fought in the biggest conflict in the history of our world and he managed to impact that war and save the lives of 75 people without ever firing a bullet. Now that is what having principles means and this story is sure to leave you in tears. I can’t say that I am a believer, or religious, but even I could not hold back my emotions during the climax of this amazing movie. You will cry, you will feel and you will rejoice knowing that people are capable of these sorts of heroic gestures. It makes you happy to be a part of this world.

The characters are spot on, perfectly created and integrated into the feel of the era. Every single actor does a terrific job and you can relate with everyone in the film, even if they are on opposite sides. You can understand every gesture, because the acting does a great job in looking fluid and natural. It is by far the best cast movie of 2016 and you should never forget the names of the actors that made it all possible. Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Hugo Weaving, Ryan Corr, Teresa Palmer, Rachel Griffiths, Richard Roxburgh and Luke Pegler gel perfectly together and offer one emotional moment after another.

The special effects are great, managing to transmit the horror of what Hacksaw Ridge was. They are on par with other Great War movies like Saving Private Ryan and 2017’s Dunkirk, managing to elevate the movie and to make you feel truly inspired. The raw emotion that this movie emanates cannot be matched by any other war movie of the last 20 years and it will remain a classic for future generations to come.

The battle scenes are amazing, some of the best depictions of war ever brought to the big screen. Mel Gibson may be a controversial figure, but he is one of the best directors out there, especially when it comes to depicting grandiose battles. He manages to make you feel that you are there, in the midst of all the action and carnage. You feel every single bullet, you feel every single explosion and you are immersed in a battle of good versus evil in which good comes out on top for once, shattering all your preconceptions and beliefs.

In conclusion, if you haven’t seen it already, watch it now. It is a must, because Hacksaw Ridge is one of the best movies ever made and certainly a testament to what any of us can do if we truly believe in something. An amazing movie, an amazing experience that will move every single one of you… See it now, be amazed, and always remember the words that motivated Desmond Doss to go beyond his limits and achieve the impossible:

“Lord, help me get one more…”