“The films an audience really enjoys are the ones that were enjoyable in the making… A film made in this spirit reveals the hearts of the crew.”

— Akira Kurosawa

For nearly as long as I can remember, I have loved films. One of my earliest memories is that of sitting, late one night, transfixed in front of our old black and white TV, watching “I Want to Live.” It was a wholly inappropriate film for a child of that age (I was perhaps seven at the time). I understood little of what was actually happening, but the emotions were so raw and real. How could so much energy and life be packed into that little screen, I wondered? From there, I indulged my appetite whenever I had the lone TV to myself in that home full of eleven McFaddens (this was usually Saturday afternoon or late Friday night).

I watched Kung Fu, monster epics, science fiction, sword & sandal fantasies, and tales of terror all with equal enthusiasm and abandon. Soon, my Mom started the wonderful practice of dropping us off at the theatre “in town” for an afternoon at the movies. I cannot thank Walt Disney and my Mom enough for the hours I spent in that theatre.

My appetite for film in all its variety is undimmed and I approach each film with the same anticipation and enthusiasm as my 7-year-old self. My taste will be different from yours, so I hope you’ll leave me a comment or suggestion. Who knows what worlds await as the opening credits run? Thanks for coming along on the adventure.

Being a list of nine films released in 2018, in alphabetical order, that I rated 3.5 or 4 stars on the “Barb McFadden Arbitrary Scale of Greatness,” plus two additional films that I enjoyed the heck out of, in spite of their shortcomings.

BlacKkKlansman. With an amazing, true narrative as the background and three stellar performances by Washington, Driver and Grace – this film delivers a “wow” scene every, oh, 5 minutes. 

Black Panther. This film throws everything at you and then some. I yielded immediately to the onslaught with pleasure. Loud, colorful, overwhelming – everything a superhero movie should be.

Death of Stalin. Absolutely brilliant. Who wrote this thing? Fabien Nury gets the credit for the screenplay, with 5 other writers credited in one way or another. Better get an Oscar polished up for that group. And the acting! I laughed out loud so many times (while cringing, of course, I mean – Stalin!).

Free Solo. While the subject of the film (Alex Honnold) is an absolutely charming and riveting character – the additional heroes here are the camera crew and directors. I recommend this film to everyone.  I think it technically and emotionally perfect with winning characters and extraordinary editing and cinematography. Should take a wheelbarrow full of awards.

Isle of Dogs. There are criticisms of the tone of this movie (why on earth would an American director base the story on Japanese-ish characters and culture?). That said, it is technically brilliant and characteristically clever – Wes Anderson at his weird, wonderful best. 

Leave No Trace. This is a quietly beautiful, compassionate, subtle and profound film. The kind of film that makes your heart feel a little bigger for the watching of it. Both leads should get best actor nominations (Foster & McKenzie).  By the way, if you like Foster in this, you will love him in a great western of a few years ago – 3:10 to Yuma. You are welcome. 

Roma. Technically brilliant and emotionally rewarding. The first hour is nearly static, so the powerful moment of emotional connection hits swift and deep in the second hour. Aparicio deserves every bit of credit being heaped upon her. She should have a lock on the best actress for the year.

Sorry to Bother You. Well, I can honestly say I have never seen anything like that before! Weird, wonderful, scathing, hilarious, and deep. Was it sci-fi? Horror? Comedy? Satire? I’m not sure and I don’t care. It was a marvel. More, please!

Spider-Man Into the Spider Verse. A terrific script, winning characters, and off-the-charts cartoon art push this one into the list of greats for the year. 

Mission Impossible. Very stupid. Loved it! You want Tom Cruise racing at top speed from scene to scene? Check. Wanna seem him fight a helicopter with his bare hands? Check! Alec Baldwin with an excellent cameo? Check. Go ahead and get the giant bag of popcorn for this one.

American Animals. Four young men decide to steal $12 million in rare books from the Transylvania University special collections library. What could possibly go wrong? You know they had me at the following line: “The librarian is the single biggest risk to this entire operation.” The film is based on a true story, and features the real criminals as well as dramatic reenactments. It seems to strive to be both a comedy and a cautionary tale, and maybe does not achieve greatness – but I enjoyed it very much.