Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey is the next game from Assassin's Creed creator Patrice Desilets. The ambitious concept--playing as hominids through different periods of ancestral time--caught my attention right away, and after seeing it in action for the first time at The Game Awards, I'm even more intrigued. A single-player, third-person exploration survival game, your journey in Ancestors begins as a hominid in Neogene Africa some 10 million years ago.
Over time, you grow and literally evolve to the Australopithecus popularly known as Lucy. On your way to becoming Lucy, you'll learn new skills and abilities as you take the form of the next subspecies of hominid that would eventually become the human form of today. It is quite an ambitious concept to say the least.
Based on early footage, you'll be clambering through the jungle and swinging through trees, escaping predators, gathering resources, and essentially trying to survive and live another day. It looks like no other game I've played before, and the novelty and ambition of the concept has me eager to see and learn more.
It's too soon to say how it all works out in practice, but it's exciting to think about where the chapters after that will go in the future. I can imagine playing as other hominid species such as Homo Erectus and Homo Neanderthalensis, among others.
Another interesting element of Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey is how it will be released. Like the Life Is Strange series, the title is episodic in nature. Volume 1: Before Us is due out in 2019, and it takes place in Africa 10 million years ago and spanning up until 1 million years ago. Future instalments will focus on different periods of human evolution.
Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey is the first game from Desilets' studio, Panache Digital Games in Montreal, which was formed back in 2014 after Desilet's rocky breakup with Ubisoft.
The game's first chapter is set to launch sometime in 2019, though there is no word on when the subsequent releases will follow. Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey will be published by Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption parent company Take-Two Interactive's independent games label, Private Division. It is coming to PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, and right now is planned as a digital-only release.
With 2019 right around the corner, we've polled GameSpot's staff to find out what games they are looking forward to most in the new year. To be eligible, a game must simply have a release date currently planned for 2019. Of course, we all know nothing is set in stone; there's always a chance some games could slip into 2020. When you're done reading this entry, follow along with all of our other end-of-the-year coverage collected in our Best of 2018 hub.
Obsidian Entertainment have proved time and time again that they craft excellent single player RPGs. Their next project is The Outer Worlds which is being created by Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky, known for their work on Fallout 1 and Fallout 2.
The first-person action RPG will arrive on PC, PS4, and Xbox One and is set in a future where megacorporations are colonizing and terraforming new planets. It kicks off with the player character exiting cryosleep on a colony ship only to find that the ships other inhabitants have yet to awaken. The Outer Worlds will include the management of NPC factions as well as a story that changes direction based on player choices. Right now it looks and sounds like a mish-mash of Fallout, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and Mass Effect, and I am very on board.
There appears to be a large focus on vibrant characters and environments, coupled with a great sense of humor. It's wonderful to see a hardcore RPG that's comfortable with not taking itself too seriously and I'm hopeful that this sense of humor is threaded through the entire game. While your player character is voiceless, you will meet and recruit companions who have their own missions and motivations. You'll be able to elect dialogue choices when you engage with NPCs in the open world and your companions will change their opinion of you based on your actions.
Combat appears to be fairly similar to what you'd find in the 3D Fallout games. It includes a kind of bullet time ability where you get extra time to aim your shot, but the feature doesn't replicate the targeting of specific body parts like VATS. The roleplaying elements will include a variety of social, technical, and combat skills, so it looks like there will be plenty of opportunity to shape your character in the way you want to. As is the case in other Obsidian RPGs, you'll be able to leverage the skills of your party to accommodate for or bolster your own.
The Outer Worlds will arrive sometime next year and is being published by Private Division, a subsidiary of Take Two Interactive. Despite Microsoft's acquisition of Obsidian last month, it appears that the Xbox publisher are not currently involved in the development of The Outer Worlds, but how that will affect the game down the line remains to be seen. There's plenty more details to be mined from the gameplay footage and various interviews released so far, but The Outer Worlds is particularly exciting for fans who felt let down by Fallout 76 this year. With a fleshed out party system, a focus on single-player, and plenty of NPCs to interact with and take quests from, The Outer Worlds could be the perfect antithesis to 76.
My introduction to anime was 1999's Digimon Adventure, so the franchise's story about humans and digital monsters working together and becoming stronger has always held a soft spot in my heart. Back in the day, one of my favorite aspects of the show was that the stories matured with subsequent seasons, allowing the anime to continuously appeal to its audience as they grew up.
This pattern finally peaked with Digimon Data Squad, where most characters are 18 or older, before the series refocused on a new generation of children with more kid-centric material in Fusion and App Monsters. This trend, however, has not translated over to the Digimon games, which have mostly been designed to appeal to the franchise's younger audience.
Digimon Survive could finally break that trend though, and that has me so excited. One of the few advantages the Digimon anime has over the Pokemon one is its willingness to embrace more adult material and age its characters; it's been frustrating to see that element mostly absent in the games. Survive is the first Digimon game to seemingly lean into that element by focusing on a group of teens and implementing a choice system with heavy consequences--even the death of major characters.
Admittedly, Survive doesn't need a more adult story to be good, but Tamers and Frontier are so well regarded for their willingness to approach that type of content. In both series, problems aren't resolved in one episode with someone learning to be brave or trust their friends, but instead slowly chipped away at through the continued growth of the entire group. Tamers' Jeri learning to cope with depression and Frontier's Zoe overcoming her crippling self-doubt as a result of cultural ostracization are satisfying to watch because both instances showcase the protagonists' grit. Sometimes life is just hard and you need more than the power of friendship to persevere through it. I want to see those types of stories in Digimon again, and I'm hopeful that Survive provides that.
So far, the only definitive details we have about Digimon Survive are that it tells the story of three teenagers accidentally stumbling into an unknown world. You control Takuma Momozuka, who's partnered with Agumon. Takuma's companions, Minoru Hinata and Aoi Shibuya, are partnered with Falcomon and Labramon respectfully. Aoi is older than the two boys, and is quiet and hardworking. Her partner is rather direct and outspoken in comparison. Minoru is the group's irresponsible jokester, and often tries to talk his way out of a fight. His partner balances him out by being level-headed. Together, the six work together to find a way for the humans to return to their world. Trailers and images seem to imply the group will encounter other humans on their adventure.
Some of Digimon Survive plays out as a visual novel, with the ending dependent on what dialogue options and actions you choose. The rest of the game is a turn-based strategy RPG. In combat, you'll move your team of Digimon across a battlefield and determine what type of action they take against enemies, with the ability to digivolve or warp digivolve dependent on the characters' bonds with one another.
Digimon Survive is scheduled to release for Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Switch in 2019.
Role-playing games have long since entered the mainstream and the influence of their popularity on other genres is undeniable. The most borrowed facet of the RPG experience is the idea of long-term character growth and customization, a concept now commonly found in fighting games, shooters, and sports sims. It's a universally useful way to remain engaged with a game over time and uncover depth as your skills improve.
RPG developers had an opportunity to pounce on the popularity of the genre and aim for more ambitious and unique projects in 2018, and the results are definitely impressive. Octopath Traveler and Dragon Quest XI are two exceptional RPGs that proudly iterate on their old-school, JRPG roots in their own way, while Ni No Kuni 2 delivered a more modern, quasi-Ghibli affair.
Western developers didn't shy away from tradition either. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire from Obsidian Entertainment is a deep RPG based (in part) on tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons, and its meticulously crafted script was the hook that bound you to a long and storied fantasy adventure. Kingdom Come: Deliverance tapped into the history books to give us a taste of medieval life, which is just as dangerous and filthy as you might imagine.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition - 10/10
From lonely farmhouses through pitched battles with gods in far-flung dimensions, Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the most captivating role-playing games ever made in both its original and Definitive incarnations, with the latter proving that even the most complicated role-players can be ported successfully to gamepad-limited consoles. This immaculately conceived and emotion-wrought fantasy world, topped by brilliant tactical combat, make it one of the finest games of recent years, and it remains an instant classic in the pantheon of RPG greats. -- Brett Todd [Full Review]
Diablo 3 is a game about long term goals accomplished in short, thrilling bursts. It's rewarding and subtle. It's flashy and boisterous. I have spent six years enjoying it, and will likely spend six years more. As far as video games go, that's a long time--I came into the Eternal Collection expecting a eulogy for one of my favorite games. Instead, I stumbled upon a celebration. -- Mike Mahardy [Full Review]
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age - 9/10
Innovation in games is talked about a lot, but it's also great to see traditional gameplay formulas that have been around for decades presented exceptionally well. Dragon Quest XI is one of the best modern examples of this; its beautiful presentation, both visual- and story-wise, combines with a tried-and-true gameplay formula for a journey that's full of heart and soul. Once you find yourself sucked into the world of Dragon Quest XI, it's going to be hard to put down until you reach the grand finale. -- Heidi Kemps [Full Review]
Battle Chasers: Nightwar (Switch Port) - 8/10
Beyond the challenge of combat, Battle Chasers is sustained through the strength of its story, a rollicking tale that takes our heroes literally to hell and back. It's bolstered by some sharp dialogue, gorgeous artwork, and an ensemble that plays extremely well off of each other. Lots of work has gone into Nightwar since its first release, and the balancing improvements make it an easy game to recommend on all platforms. -- Justin Clark [Full Review]
Child Of Light (Switch Port) - 8/10
It has been more than four years since Child of Light first hit consoles. The somber tone that permeates the adventure still resonates deeply, using its delicate visuals and wistful music to capture a feeling of melancholy that still feels incredibly rare. The passage of time hasn't undermined the sadness that makes this game so welcoming because there is still nothing quite like Child of Light. The transition to the Switch hasn't hurt the experience in the slightest. Whether docked or in handheld mode, the beautiful artistic design shines through and the controls are smooth regardless of which controller you use. -- Tom Mc Shea [Full review]
Dark Souls Remastered (Switch Port) - 8/10
While Dark Souls Remastered on Switch possesses some odd quirks and isn't as technically impressive as its current-gen counterparts, it still retains the heart of what the original game is all about. To this day, Dark Souls remains a watershed moment for the action-RPG genre. Getting to re-experience many of the game's most nerve-wracking and iconic moments can be satisfying in its own right, but coupled with the Switch's flexible playstyle, this equally haunting and triumphant game becomes an even more involved journey. -- Alessandro Fillari [Full Review]
Kingdom Come: Deliverance - 8/10
It's an impressive and unflinching look at the medieval era that transports you inside the compelling story of a real person caught in the middle of a civil war. As such, this is one of those rare, memorable games that stays with you long after you stop playing. While quirks and bugs can certainly be frustrating, none of these issues interfere much with the unique and captivating nature of the overall experience. -- Brett Todd [Full Review]
Monster Hunter World - 8/10
Ever since the title was first announced, it was clear that Capcom was gunning for something grander than Monster Hunter Generations. It has succeeded, and this is likely the biggest and best that the franchise has ever been. It's not just the comparative depth of the narrative; it also boasts almost seamless integration between combat systems that were previously incomprehensible for amateurs. The Monster Hunter formula has definitely honed its claws, and all the above factors play their part in making Monster Hunter World a meaningful evolution for the series at large. -- Ginny Woo [Full Review]
Ni No Kuni II: The Revenant Kingdom - 8/10
Ni No Kuni 2 is a robust game that offers ample ways to spend your time, and even if they aren't all up to the same level of quality, it's easy to appreciate how they collectively contribute to the bigger picture. It's chock full of excellent battles and surprising moments that make for a far more memorable experience than you initially expect and leaves you impressed by your own accomplishments. If you didn't play the first game, don't let this one pass you by too. -- Peter Brown [Full Review]
Octopath Traveler - 8/10
Despite the lackluster stories that pull you through the world, Octopath thrives on its character progression and the temptations of high-level challenges and rewards. The promise of new jobs, exciting boss fights, and powerful gear will inspire you to poke around every corner, and there are no shortage of discoveries to strive for. And all the while, you're treated to one of the most interesting and effective re-imaginings of a retro aesthetic around. Octopath will likely be a divisive game due to its fractured storytelling, but it's one worth playing despite its lesser qualities. Its high points are simply too good to ignore. -- Peter Brown [Full Review]
Pillars Of Eternity II: Deadfire - 8/10
Deadfire is dense, and it isn't a small game, easily dwarfing its predecessor in terms of scale. There's a lot to do, and it's easier than ever to get lost in the little stories you find, without following the arcs that the game has specially set out for you. Still, it's worth taking your time. The richness of Deadfire takes a while to appreciate, and like the brined sailors that call it home, you'll be left with an indelible attachment to these islands when you do finally step away. -- Danial Starkey [Full Review]
Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Evee - 8/10
Despite these concessions, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee are delightful reimaginings of the series' origins and a deep RPG in their own right. It makes a lot of smart improvements on the original Red, Blue and Yellow while holding on to what made them so special in the first place. Fans of the series might be let down by the lack of features they've come to expect, but Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee take the Pokemon formula in some exciting new directions. -- Jacob Dekker [Full Review]
Radiant Historia Perfect Chronology - 8/10
Had this been a straight port of the DS version, it would still warrant the attention of RPG enthusiasts who missed Radiant Historia the first time around. With its upgrades and considerable bonuses--particularly the Sub-History--even those who think they got their fill by beating the original game should check out this definitive edition. -- Miguel Concepcion [Full Review]
The Alliance Alive - 8/10
There's a lot to love about The Alliance Alive: a well-paced story in an interesting world, a meaty mashup of unique combat elements, and a fantastic soundtrack that keeps you pumped and eager to explore. If you can put up with a bit of a learning curve, you'll find a great portable adventure well worth dusting off your 3DS for. -- Heidi Kemps [Full Review]
The Banner Saga 3 - 8/10
The Banner Saga 3 won't have the same kind of meaningful impact if you haven't experienced the rest of the series. But if you've taken the time to journey with these characters from the very beginning, this finale is a worthwhile and cathartic end to your long journey. -- Edmond Tran [Full Review]
Transistor - 8/10
Transistor remains an absolute joy to play on Nintendo Switch. The system's screen has no issues with readability, though the game is best enjoyed in docked mode, where its visuals--which remain striking nearly five years after its original release--have room to flourish on a big screen. Its turn-based combat and relatively brief encounters are well-suited to short bursts of gameplay in handheld mode, though the strong writing and pacing are likely to pull you through extended sessions. -- Chris Pereira & Carolyn Petit [Full Review]
Wasteland 2: Director's Cut - 8/10
Wasteland 2 is still a very special outing. If you haven't spent your time in this irradiated desert just yet, this is one of the best times to do so--especially since the portability of the Switch reissue lets you take the journey on long treks of your own, or as a dense RPG to curl and nestle in with, as you might with an excellent book. -- Daniel Starkey [Full Review]
West Of Loathing (Switch Port) - 8/10
West of Loathing's visuals are monochromatic, but there's enjoyable comedy painted between every line, a pitch-perfect Spaghetti Western soundtrack, and a full spectrum of role-playing possibilities to choose from that make it a consistently enjoyable madcap cowboy jaunt. -- Edmond Tran [Full Review]
Editor's note: Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth is out now in Japan, but hasn't been confirmed for the West yet.
There are few things I love more than the Persona franchise. Each of the separate stories from Persona 3, 4, 5, and the spin-offs in between have brought me boundless joy, lessons learned, and unbreakable bonds with their respective cast of characters. However, I often see each game as its own contained world, as they all portray their own captivating struggles and triumphs. And I just as often wonder what it would be like if these characters met somehow, which is why I hold Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth so dear. It retained the unique aspects that made 3 and 4 special and proved that it's far from a game simply thrown together for the sake of fan service.
Naturally, I wondered the possibilities with Persona 5's flamboyant Phantom Thieves, and how they could fit into the already-endearing crossover mix. Well, Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth makes that dream come true. Its premise revolves around each crew getting stuck in a supernatural movie theater, which lends itself so well to the idea of three separate worlds colliding in a light-hearted, yet consequential fight for liberation of friends, both new and old.
As with any entry in the Persona franchise, mainline or spin-off, music plays such an immense role in creating a specific vibe. It's the most important part of creating lasting memories of these games, and from what I've heard already, Q2 hits just as hard as everything else in this series.
Persona Q2 uses the familiar tried-and-true dungeon crawling mechanics from the Etrian Odyssey series, incorporating its non-traditional turn-based combat and challenging fights into the eccentric JRPG. You have to think differently about the sequence of turns and who's able to perform what in relation to enemy agility and movesets, since turns don't play out until all actions have been decided. And of course, the intricate system of persona fusion and party composition were factored in seamlessly in the first Persona Q game, emphasizing the strategic aspect of the original RPGs. With Q2, I'm hoping for another deft execution of that formula featuring tough fights that encourage devising clever sequences of actions each turn whether it be endurance-testing boss battles or normal encounters during exploration.
Persona Q2's biggest challenge is in how it balances this monstrous list of charming personalities and dedicating enough time and opportunity to let them have their moments. The Phantom Thieves are the focus in Q2, but if the first Q game is any indication, I'd trust Atlus to devise ways to let everyone shine and remind me of why I loved them in the first place. The fact that the cheery, yet sassy female protagonist from Persona 3 Portable is being brought into the same timeline tells me that they're pulling out all the stops to celebrate the past three games.
It's an ambitious crossover that unites my favorite games, characters, and soundtracks in one place. It's as if I had different groups of dearly beloved friends somehow meet each other, get along, and band together in a stylish fight for what's right.
As with any entry in the Persona franchise, mainline or spin-off, music plays such an immense role in creating a specific vibe. It's the most important part of creating lasting memories of these games, and from what I've heard already, Q2 hits just as hard as everything else in this series. It's evident in the groovy new opening track "Road Less Taken" and the Persona 3 Portable-themed battle song "Pull The Trigger" that already has me hooked. There are plenty of remixes of familiar tunes, but when they're paired with interactions between characters from other games, it brings a sense of cohesion that emphasizes the idea that they're all in it together. I'm always quick to attribute these wonderful soundtracks to series composer Shoji Meguro, but hearing the voices from the lead artists from each original game (Yumi Kawamura, Shihoko Hirata, Lyn Inaizumi, Lotus Juice, and Mayumi Fujita) belting out their unique styles in brand new swing-inspired jazz-rock tracks hits me right in my feelings.
Persona Q2 is already out in Japan and it's been tough not to peruse through the footage that's already out there. Everyone is here. It's an ambitious crossover that unites my favorite games, characters, and soundtracks in one place. It's as if I had different groups of dearly beloved friends somehow meet each other, get along, and band together in a stylish fight for what's right. This might be the 3DS's swan song, and it'd be a hell of way for the storied handheld to end its tenure.
The status of A Nightmare on Elm Street has been stuck somewhere in limbo over the past several years. After a 2010 reboot failed to reignite the franchise, fans have been waiting for yet another return for Freddy Krueger, in some form. It was first reported in 2015 that David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick (Orphan, The Conjuring 2) would write a new reboot, though there's been no news of the film in the time that followed.
However, Johnson-McGoldrick was able to give GameSpot a bit of an update. While promoting Aquaman--which he's one of the screenwriters of--the writer revealed, "It's still happening." Of course, that doesn't mean you'll see it just let. "Nothing is percolating just yet," he continued.
Instead, Johnson-McGoldrick is currently focused on The Conjuring 3. "The Conjuring universe is sort of first and foremost on [New Line Cinema's] horror burner," he admitted.
There is clearly still a desire for the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, though, and Johnson-McGoldrick recognizes that. "Everybody wants to see Freddy again I think, so I think it's inevitable at some point," he added.
Of course, when it finally comes to pass, there's plenty to learn from the last reboot of the franchise. The 2010 film wound up with a score of 35/100 on GameSpot sister site Metacritic, leaving most reviewers underwhelmed for a variety of reasons--many related to Freddy Krueger himself. While Jackie Earle Haley is a fine actor, his take on the monster of a bladed glove simply didn't hold a candle to Robert Englund's original version--in terms or terror or humor.
As it stands now, there's no set release date for a reimagining of A Nightmare on Elm Street. Still, hearing that the interest is still there is reassuring. The world needs more Freddy Krueger creeping us out in our nightmares.
Between movies coming to theaters, video-on-demand, and streaming services, there were plenty of films to watch in 2018. In fact, there were way too many. We live in an age with an overabundance of movies and television, and so much of it is high-quality entertainment.
We saw superheroes all get killed off by a snap, a horror movie about being quiet as possible, and a documentary about the life and times of everyone's favorite cardigan-wearing neighbor. But what were the best movies of the year? Over the course of 2018, hundreds of critics put out reviews for every major movie release, so what films got all of the critics around the globe really excited?
Taking a look at GameSpot's sister site, Metacritic--which collects and averages out critic movie ratings--we found the best reviewed movies of the year and are presenting the top 20 for you all, in case you want to know what to catch up on during your winter break. In addition, we only included the first 20 movies with the "must see" tag on it, as there are a few high-rated movies with very few critical reviews on the site.
Spider-Verse got everything right about Miles Morales, the Ultimate Spider-Man. Taking place in a parallel universe, Morales develops Spider-Man powers and then finds himself surrounded by other spider-people from various universes. It is a movie filled with heart and it is plenty of fun.
GameSpot's Meg Downey said in her review, "It's a message that superhero comics--that Spider-Man comics specifically--have been touting for ages, and something that's been long overdue for a big screen debut. It probably wouldn't work if Into The Spider-Verse weren't just so funny, self aware, and bleeding-edge modern--but it is, and it does. It manages to blow right past the dangers of sinking into after school special territory by believing wholeheartedly in its own message and delivering it with appropriately genuine stakes."
The only horror movie on this list is none other than Hereditary. The matriarch of a family dies, and her daughter's family begins to fall apart, as secrets about their family are slowly revealed. It is a dark and deeply disturbing movie, and unlike anything we've seen with horror in years.
Mike Rougeau said in his review on GameSpot, "The horror doesn't come from jump scares, of which there are very few. It's more the sense of reality coming undone--of forces beyond control manipulating the characters into acts of self-destruction. Hereditary isn't overly concerned with its own metaphors, but it does leave things open to interpretation… If you love great horror, you'll be dying to see it again."
Taking place in Australia, an aboriginal man named Sam ends up killing his neighbor in self-defense. Because of this, Sam becomes wanted for killing a white man, and runs to the outback with hunting parties searching for him. The public slowly becomes unsure of the situation when the truth of the shooting comes out. Critics have called this movie refreshing, praising the story and beauty of the location.
Black Panther follows the king of the fictional African country of Wakanda, where an outsider has arrived and demands to take the crown in order to fulfill his destiny of bringing power (advanced weaponry) to the people. While the third act had some sloppy CG at times, the movie's villain, Killmonger, is the best Marvel bad guy to date, and overall, Black Panther tried new things as far as Marvel movies go, with great success.
Mike Rougeau said in his review, "Black Panther is a top tier Marvel movie with all the humor, style, action, passion, and fun that the MCU has come to embody. Black Panther is a cultural event that's going to be hard for Marvel to top, no matter how many worlds Thanos conquers later this year in Infinity War."
In this Netflix documentary, filmmaker Sandi Tran recounts when she, her friends, and American Georges Cardona, made an indie film in Singapore back in 1992. After shooting wrapped, Georges disappeared with all the footage. 20 years later, the movie they shot is found, and Tran puts tries to put the pieces of this puzzle together, Critics shave praised it as a fantastic detective story.
A man and his daughter are living deep in the forests of Oregon, off the grid, until one day, social services comes along and forces them to integrate back into society. However, the father and daughter's feelings about living amongst society differ creating a rift between the two. It is a compelling and at times a heartbreaking movie about the family dynamic that critics have raved about.
The movie A Star Is Born has been remade plenty of times, with the most notable--prior to this year--being 1976's starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. This time around, Lady Gaga stars as the struggling singer who wants to make it big but falls in love with Bradley Cooper's character, who pushes her into the spotlight. This is the best version of the story to date, with critics praising Gaga's performance throughout the movie.
One movie brought a ton of joy to people all around the world, and that movie was Paddington 2. The fuzzy brown bear is now living with the Brown family, and plans on buying his Aunt Lucy something nice for her 100th birthday. However, the gift ends up being stolen. It is a family-friendly film filled with a ton of heart as Paddington goes on a treasure-hunting adventure.
In this biographical comedy, U.S.S.R.'s leader, Joseph Stalin, has died, and those who worked under him desperately try to grasp power that the former dictator left behind. Many critics have praised the movie for its hilarious take on political power, even though it can be excessively vulgar at times.
Elsie Fisher stars as Kayla in this coming of age story about a young girl's final months in 8th grade. Before she enters high school, she wants to become more confident around other people and make new friends. It is a story the vast majority of people could relate to in one way or another, and critics have applauded the writing and direction from Bo Burnham.
South American born officer of the Spanish Crown Zama wants to be transferred from where is is stationed, but must wait on a letter from the king. After years of not hearing back from him, Zama joins a team of soldiers to hunt down a bandit. More than anything else, critics of the film have praised the main character's arc and development through this masterfully shot movie.
Taking place in a post-war Poland at the start of the Cold War during the 1950s, the movie follows a man and a woman and their love story, even though they have extremely different backgrounds. The movie encapsulates the country during that time, setting a love story against a Polish cultural backdrop, which many have called bittersweet and wonderful.
Laura Dern plays a woman who finds a story she wrote in middle school, that has her questioning her relationship with an older man and woman during that time. She travels back to where it all began to find out just what happened during that time. It's been called a brave film that fully explores sexual assault and how it affects its victims.
The introverted Jongsu reunites with Haemi, someone from his old neighborhood. And there is a possibility of romance between them, until Ben (Steven Yeun) comes along. Ben is young and rich, but there is something deeply disturbing about him. This is a slow, psychological film that will draw the viewer in as the movie delves deeper into class divide and relationships.
Set during the war between England and France in the early 18th century, The Favourite follows Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz), who is governing the country while the queen is sick. A new servant named Abigail (Emma Stone) comes and becomes friends with Sarah and takes her under her wing. The historical dramedy is praised for its witty and wildly entertaining script and performances.
A rising rodeo star from a reservation in South Dakota has a fall from grace when his horse gets its head crushed. Deciding what to do with his life, he goes on a journey for a new identity. Critics have said that this movie gives great insight into a specific culture in the United States not often discussed.
Directed by Peter Jackson, The Shall Not Grow Old uses archival footage from World War I and completely restores it, telling the story of those who fought in the war that took place a century ago. It gives insight into how these soldiers lived, what they ate, and what their lives were like during the very first great war.
The documentary takes place in Rockford, Illinois, 90 miles west of Chicago. Using 12 years of footage, filmmaker Bing Liu explores relationships and masculinity between teenage years and adulthood. Critics have enjoyed the filmmaker's takes on these two distinct ages in the character's lives, and the unexpected turns their lives took.
A poor family has to resort to petty crime in order to survive. One night, after the father and son do a shoplifting run, they find a young girl in the freezing cold and take her in. Critics have raved about this movie saying it will pull at your heartstrings and devastate the audience all at the same time. The film has also been compared to a magic trick by The Globe And Mail's Simon Houpt.
Netflix continues to dominate every aspect of visual media in 2018 with Roma, which critics cannot stop praising. The movie follows a worker from Mexico City, and director Alfonso Cuarón puts a lot of his own life and turmoil from his own childhood in the 70s into this movie. It has been called beautiful and modern artful, while being incredibly intimate.
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