2022 was the year the Blockbuster film “kinda” returned. There has been a lot of praise for prestigious films this year. And for the most part, those films deserve the accolades for one part of the film instead of the entire thing:
- THE WHALE, TAR, ELVIS, and LIVING all had outstanding lead performances and not much else.
- AVATAR: WAY OF THE WATER, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, and NOPE all looked and sounded pretty but needed more story.
- TRIANGLE OF SADNESS, THE MENU, ROALD DAHL MATILDA THE MUSICAL, and BROS. were fantastic. But in search of an editor.
That left me with a list of ten films, where realistically, any of them could’ve been number one. It was that close this year. However, I want to give a special shoutout to the one-two punch of X/PEARL. These two films are solid Bs by themselves, but together they made something frightfully original. Also, if there were any justice in the world, they would garner award consideration for Mia Goth, who gave the performance of the year.
Alright, let’s dive into my top ten of 2022! 🤩
10. PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH
Outside of SHREK rides at Universal Studios, I was over this universe and glad that audiences thankfully had a break from the “kingdom of far away.” Yet, despite this franchise being on its ninth life, PUSS IN BOOTS returns with a glorious heartfelt western that had me smiling, laughing, and even afraid for what will come of our “favorite fearless hero.”
09. BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER – Reviewed by Eli Brumfield
Ryan Coogler made a eulogy about grief disguised as a superhero film. So it’s fitting that I saw it twice in theatres on important annual milestones. Once on the anniversary of my sister’s death from cancer and the second time on her birthday. How incredible that a story about a Marvel superhero helped me process loss profoundly. “T’Challa is dead, but that doesn’t mean he’s gone” is a saying that works for anyone grieving the loss of someone they loved.
At one point in the film, Domino states, “Giving your heart to somebody is the scariest, most dangerous, most perplexing thing.” I encourage audiences to give their heart to this rare genuine indie treat. It’s worth your time on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah dance floor.
07. TOP GUN: MAVERICK – Reviewed by Eli Brumfield
Never count out Tom Cruise to have a good time at the theatre. This one soars directly into the “Danger Zone” and comes out “Playing with the Boys.”
06. THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN – Reviewed by Eli Brumfield
The best horror film that’s not actually a horror film of the year.
05. PREY
PREY is the horror film to beat. It’s a theme park ride with a great heart and story. In other words, I “Eat, Prey, Loved” this movie!
04. GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO
WAKANDA FOREVER was the group hug the world needed to mourn the loss of Chadwick Boseman, and GDT’s PINOCCHIO is about learning the lesson, “When one life is lost, another must grow.” GDT’s PINOCCHIO is some of the best stop-motion animation captured on the screen. It’s gorgeous watching him animate the ordinary to become extraordinary. Pinocchio looks and feels like what a six-year-old made of wood would be. As GDT said, “PINOCCHIO is not for kids, but kids can see it if you talk to them about it.” I highly encourage you to watch this with your older children and talk to them about how bittersweet life is.
03. RRR
Rise, Roar, Revolt, aka RRR, is the most insanely entertaining movie of the year. Think early Michael Bay/John Woo over-the-top ridiculousness, but done with more heart, better CGI, and hilarity.
02. GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY – Reviewed by Eli Brumfield
One of the best films of 2019 gets a hilarious sequel that easily could’ve been the crowd-pleasing film of the year. If only Netflix had left it in theatres longer, this one deserves to be seen with an audience on a large screen.
01. EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE reviewed by Jami Losurdo
Jami said it best, “You will be thrilled, challenged, made to laugh, cry, think deeply, confront your emotions, and then come out the other side a better person.” Or, in my words, “hot dog,” this is a “rock” solid movie! 🤞 it takes home Best Picture on Oscar night.
