Sicario: Day of the Soldado

While star Emily Blunt, director Denis Villeneuve, and cinematographer Roger Deakins don't return for this sequel, writer Taylor Sheridan and stars Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro return for this methodical thriller. It deals with most of the characters returning from the first film having to deal with Mexican cartels transporting terrorists into the United States. Sicario: Day of the Soldado's main plot deals with del Toro and Brolin's characters as they try to pit the various cartels against each other so as to disrupt the terrorists coming in by killing members of some cartels disguised as opposing cartels and kidnapping the daughter of a cartel head and making it look like the other cartels were involved. Much like its predecessor, Day of the Soldado isn't afraid to show how brutal it can be right in the beginning which can turn certain people off. The story is well told and the acting from everyone involved is phenomenal, with particular interest towards del Toro, Brolin, and newcomer Isabela Moner as the daughter kidnapped by the other two. Due to having a different director and cinematographer, this followup lacks the methodical directing style and beautiful majestic look that the previous film had, though it still well directed and photographed. Unlike Sicario's signature border shootout, there aren't scenes similar to that in this one, but there are some memorable action scenes. While this entry lacks in a lot that made the first film so great, it at least makes up for it by still keeping certain things and having some new stuff. Over all: 95%

2018 top list so far:
1. Incredibles 2

2. Avengers: Infinity War

3. Solo: A Star Wars Story

4. A Quiet Place
5. Deadpool 2

6. Black Panther
7. Ready Player One

8. Sicario: Day of the Soldado

9. Ocean's 8

10. Isle of Dogs

11. Game Night
12. Thoroughbreds

13. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom