Out of all my favorite scenes of Summer ’18, these are the 10 that stand out. (There are Mild Spoilers):
1. “My Love, My Life” – “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”
This final sequence in the musical prequel and sequel is a touching love letter to family members past and present.
2. Dad Speech – “Eighth Grade”
Max’s moving message to daughter Kayla in writer/director Bo Burnham’s coming-of-age indie is quite powerful. Josh Hamilton and Elsie Fisher handle the material very well.
3. Edna Mode Adores Jack-Jack – “Incredibles 2”
Disney/Pixar’s highly successful sequel really takes a turn once old fashion friend Edna Mode enters the picture. Her conversation with Bob Parr about spending the night with baby Jack Jack is hilarious.
4. “Lion King” Spoof – “Teen Titans Go! To the Movies”
It’s a bizarre, out of left-field and very entertaining sequence.
5. On the Train – “Christopher Robin”
Christopher (Ewan McGregor) and Pooh get re-acquainted with each other through a conversation and game on a train. Like the film as a whole, it’s quite lovely.
6. Picturesque Wedding – “Crazy Rich Asians”
Featuring a well-known song and a bold sound-free moment, this is the showcase moment in the moneymaking romance.
7. Reunited – “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”
Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) unexpectedly sees Julia (Michelle Monaghan) for the first time in a long time.
8. Advice – “The Equalizer 2”
Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) tries to get young man Miles (Ashton Sanders) on the right track.
9. Glenn Close Cringes – “The Wife”
This key scene in this book-to-screen drama sees Close’s character cringing while her husband is delivering a speech. It’s simply unforgettable.
10. Apartment Brawl – “Skyscraper”
Prior to the tallest building in the world becoming a towering inferno, Dwayne Johnson squares-off against a frenemy in this surprisingly intense and effective scene.
Honorable Mention: Testifying to Congress – “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
The most enthralling three minutes in this Mister Rogers documentary consist of the footage of Fred Rogers trying to convince Congress to fund PBS.