2018: People of the Year

TIME magazine will have their say in a few weeks, while PluggedIn posted their own annual piece a few weeks ago. The following is a list that is different for "Film FreeQ" this year, yet is inspired by the aforementioned lists of famous people or figures who have stood out in the previous year; in this case, 2018.

Later this week, I'll be posting my list of my favorite movies of 2018. I should note that, for the last two years, I've also posted lists of what I believed were the most disappointing or divisive movies then (read here for 2016 and 2017). I won't be doing that this year; there's enough of that going around already. However, I will say the only films from 2018 that, I thought, had missed opportunities in them were Aquaman and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, specifically in how they incorporated elements of conventional storytelling and (in the latter's case) cookie-cutter villains. Each film did, on the other hand, have star power (you can't go wrong with Jason Mamoa or Chris Pratt, friends!) and some spectacular action sequences (the visual effects moments in the former; the avalanche stampede and climactic chase in the latter).

That being said, . . .

Michael Bay (right) with (right to left) John Krasinski, Noah Jupe, and Millicent Simmonds
at the 2018 South by Southwest Film Festival

Peter Farrelly (right) with (right to left) Linda Cardellini, Mahershala Ali, and Viggo Mortensen

"Redeemer" Awards
Considering the Golden Raspberry Awards (which celebrate the "worst in film" each year) maintain their "redeemer award" this year, my two cents goes to filmmakers Peter Farrelly (who seamlessly transitioned from gross-out comedy films like There's Something About Mary and Movie 43 to direct/co-write/co-produce this year's true story drama Green Book) and Michael Bay (the Transformers and 13 Hours helmer who, this year, produced and supported the visions of director's John Krasinski and Travis Knight on A Quiet Place and Bumblebee, respectfully).

Couple of the Year
And speaking of A Quiet Place, stars Emily Blunt & John Krasinski (the real-life couple who play parents in the film) stood out as the couple of the year, on-screen and off. And they each had other celebrated projects this year, including Disney's Mary Poppins Returns (for Blunt) and the Amazon series Jack Ryan (for Krasinski).

Superheroes Galore!
It's no secret or surprise that films based on comic books or superheroes continue to dominate ticket sales and movie houses. This year was another record-breaking one. While most of these features came from Marvel (Black Panther was a real game changer, but man, that gut-punch of an ending to Avengers: Infinity War!), other studios like Pixar and DC also made their mark (with Incredibles 2, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies and Aquaman, respectfully). Actor Josh Brolin even did double duty as villainous titan Thanos (in Infinity War) and as time-travelling Cable (in Deadpool 2) within one month of each film's release. And though the unexpected passing of Marvel co-creator and impresario Stan Lee (sketched above) left a sad mark near the end of the year, his legacy and limitless contributions to popular culture as we know it today left a memorable mark. Excelsior!

Lauren Daigle
This contemporary Christian artist from Louisiana has made a surprising impact in the secular music industry. Following the release of her sophomore album, "Look Up Child," which features such tracks as "Still Rolling Stones" and "You Say" (my favorite song of the year), she made appearances on Ellen, Jimmy Fallon, and Good Morning America. A very down-to-earth woman with an infectious smile and real, genuine faith, my hats off to Ms. Daigle.

An Enduring Neighbor
Morgan Neville's excellent documentary, Won't You Be My Neighbor?, reminded critics and audiences of the unforgettable and enduring impact and legacy of children's television host Fred Rogers, whose examples of kindness, friendship and love have more significance and necessity today than ever before. Enough said.

The Pros Still Have It!
Whether it's practical stunts or just plain, onscreen charisma, these veteran movie stars continue to show they can still deliver the goods, in front of and/or behind the camera, and that age doesn't hold them back from doing so. This year's "pros" include:

Tom Cruise, for the real stunts and fearless dedication he showed in Mission: Impossible--Fallout

Clint Eastwood, who, at 88 years old, can still pull off gritty and evocative storytelling as an actor and director, as he did with The Mule)

Robert Redford, who gave his (supposedly) last screen role in The Old Man & the Gun

Sylvester Stallone, who went on record that his performance as Rocky Balboa in Creed II would be his last, as would his fifth and final outing as John Rambo (currently in production under the working title, Rambo: Last Blood)

Dolph Lundgren, who reprised his famous role as Ivan Drago (from Rocky IV) in Creed II, and also starred in Aquaman. Both performances were subtle and nuanced, contrary to the tough, action roles Lundgren is synonymous with from the Eighties.