Black Panther

Strong performances, refreshing gender diversity and fearlessly ambiguous look at morality of cultural isolationism elevate this action flick above its overly shiny visuals. Freeman’s comedic relief perfectly inverts stereotypical token roles as he quizzically wonders, ‘Wakanda movie is this?’ Sole weakness is questionable villainy of Jordan’s character’s legitimate throne claim.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Spaceships idle infinitely along while wonderfully diverse heroes meander about on meaningless missions, diving through plotholes to find silly set-pieces like the Dobby-horse race and 50 shades of Rey’s red room of pain. Mediocre choreography and weak story compete for worst place with Poe’s deadly stupidity and Kylo’s aim-all-guns strategy.

War for the Planet of the Apes

War breaks Dawn’s over-obsession with monkey action and rises to the Apex of virtual emotion. Delivers remarkably little war, drifting instead into the style of a Chimp Eastwood revenge western. Beautiful cinematography, confidently slow pacing and a majestic score make the Hateful Ape an incredibly powerful and deeply human experience.