Rediscovering Laughter: The 10 Best Comedies of 2018 on Soap2Day

Life takes unexpected turns, doesn't it? At 63 years old, I found myself retiring from a fulfilling career as a doctor and relocating to Brooklyn to be closer to my son and grandchildren. What a blessing it's been to spend time with those little bundles of energy! And on weekends, we have a special tradition: watching comedies together on Soap2Day. So, let me take you through the 10 best comedies of 2018 that we've enjoyed as a family.

Personal Opinion

Having watched all these comedies on Soap2day, I must say, they've added a spark to our family gatherings. Laughter truly is the best medicine, and in these films, we found the perfect dose. It's a reminder that no matter our age, we can always find joy in shared laughter. Soap2Day, you've made this old doctor's retirement years truly special. Cheers to more movie nights and cherished moments with my loved ones!

"Game Night"

Main Actors: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
TMDB Rating: 6.8/10
Awards: Nominated for Best Comedy Film at the 2018 Critics' Choice Movie Awards

Plot: A group of friends' game night turns into a real-life mystery when one of them is kidnapped, leading to a hilariously unpredictable series of events. Circumstances: We watched this on a rainy Sunday afternoon, all huddled up in the living room. The grandkids loved the suspense mixed with laughter. Opinion: "Game Night" was a delightful surprise. It had us guessing and giggling the whole way through. Pros: Clever plot, great chemistry among the cast. Cons: A bit over-the-top at times.

"Blockers"

Main Actors: Leslie Mann, John Cena, Ike Barinholtz
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
TMDB Rating: 6.2/10
Awards: Nominated for Best Comedy at the 2018 Teen Choice Awards

Plot: Three parents try to prevent their daughters from losing their virginity on prom night, leading to a series of hysterical misadventures. Circumstances: This one we watched on a Saturday night with a big bowl of popcorn. The kids had lots of questions afterward! Opinion: "Blockers" had its moments of hilarity, but it also tackled some important themes. Pros: Strong performances, relatable storyline. Cons: Some humor might be too crude for some.

"Crazy Rich Asians"

Main Actors: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
TMDB Rating: 6.9/10
Awards: Won Best Comedy Film at the 2019 Critics' Choice Movie Awards

Plot: A woman discovers her boyfriend's family is insanely wealthy as they travel to Singapore for a wedding, leading to culture clashes and comedic chaos. Circumstances: A family movie night, and even the grandkids were charmed by this one. Opinion: "Crazy Rich Asians" is a cultural gem with a dose of humor. Pros: Stunning visuals, heartwarming story. Cons: A tad predictable.

"The Death of Stalin"

Main Actors: Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Jeffrey Tambor
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
TMDB Rating: 7.0/10
Awards: Nominated for Best Comedy at the 2018 British Independent Film Awards

Plot: A darkly comedic look at the chaos that ensues after the death of Joseph Stalin as his inner circle vies for power. Circumstances: A chilly winter evening, and my son recommended this one. It's more of a grown-up comedy. Opinion: "The Death of Stalin" is a witty satire, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea. Pros: Sharp humor, brilliant performances. Cons: Might be too dark for some tastes.

"Tag"

Main Actors: Ed Helms, Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
TMDB Rating: 6.6/10
Awards: No major awards but had a fun marketing campaign.

Plot: A group of friends has been playing the same game of tag for 30 years, and they go to extreme lengths to avoid being "it." Circumstances: A sunny Sunday afternoon, perfect for some lighthearted laughs. Opinion: "Tag" is like a big, goofy game with friends. Pros: Outlandish stunts, good-natured fun. Cons: A bit one-dimensional.

"Eighth Grade"

Main Actors: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, Emily Robinson
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
TMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Awards: Nominated for Best Comedy at the 2019 Critics' Choice Movie Awards

Plot: A shy teenager navigates the trials and tribulations of her last week of eighth grade before high school. Circumstances: This one we watched with the older grandkids. It led to some meaningful discussions afterward. Opinion: "Eighth Grade" is a heartfelt comedy that captures the essence of adolescence. Pros: Authenticity, touching moments. Cons: Can be cringe-inducing.

"Ant-Man and The Wasp"

Main Actors: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
TMDB Rating: 7.0/10
Awards: No major comedy awards, but a solid entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Plot: Ant-Man teams up with The Wasp on a mission to uncover secrets from their past while facing a new villain. Circumstances: Another family movie night, and the grandkids adore anything Marvel. Opinion: "Ant-Man and The Wasp" combines humor with superhero action. Pros: Fun action sequences, witty banter. Cons: Not the deepest Marvel film.

"Isle of Dogs"

Main Actors: Voices of Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
TMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Film at the 2019 Oscars

Plot: In a future Japan, a boy searches for his lost dog on an island filled with exiled canines. Circumstances: A rainy day when outdoor play was out of the question. The grandkids were enthralled by the animation. Opinion: "Isle of Dogs" is a visually stunning and quirky film. Pros: Unique animation, charming characters. Cons: May not be for everyone.

"Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot"

Main Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
TMDB Rating: 6.6/10
Awards: Nominated for Best Comedy at the 2018 Teen Choice Awards

Plot: A disenchanted man forms a bizarre relationship with an artificial intelligence designed to be his life coach. Circumstances: A late-night movie session when the grandkids were fast asleep. Opinion: "Tag" is an offbeat comedy that explores technology's impact on our lives. Pros: Unique concept, thought-provoking. Cons: Slow pacing.

"The Favourite"

Main Actors: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
TMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Awards: Won Best Comedy Film at the 2019 Critics' Choice Movie Awards

Plot: In 18th-century England, two cousins vie for the favor of the ailing Queen Anne, leading to a darkly comedic power struggle. Circumstances: A cozy winter evening, and we appreciated the exceptional performances. Opinion: "The Favourite" is a wickedly funny period piece. Pros: Stellar acting, clever dialogue. Cons: May be too dark for some.

Conclusion

As I settle into this new chapter of life in Brooklyn, the joy of watching these comedies with my family is immeasurable. Each film brought laughter, bonding, and sometimes, even reflection. Soap2Day has indeed been our source of entertainment and connection.