Yesterday was all about the films that didn’t work well in 2022. Today, we look at the Top 10 that no only worked well but some that even exceeded all expectations.
Here is my list of the best films of 2022…
10. Violent Night
This is a film that although I went into it with an open mind, I was still completely surprised by how entertaining it was. David Harbour looks to be having a grand ole time playing Saint Nick who just wants to deliver this gifts and kick back and have a drink. Not much to ask for someone who logs in so many miles in a night. It’s a mix of Die Hard meets John Wick meets Home Alone. Gruesome, gritty and so much fun.
9. The Lost City
Yet another fun surprise of 2022. The right mix of action and comedy thanks to Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum. Throw in Daniel Radcliffe as the big bad, and you have a winning combo for a popcorn film that doesn’t disappoint.
8. Elvis
The King lives! Perhaps the best performance of any one who dared to play the Rock n Roll icon. Austin Butler owned every scene he appeared in. Watching this you don’t feel like he is imitating Elvis. You feel like he is Elvis. The movement, the look, the presence he commanded. This film is nothing short of extraordinary. And Butler’s performance will be remembered come Oscar time. Oh, did I mention Tom Hanks is also in this film and is outstanding in his own right as Col. Parker.
7. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
I’ll be honest, I knew this film would make my Top 10 with the opening tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. It was both moving and appropriate. The cast and crew carried the almost impossible task left behind by Boseman’s passing and honored it in a poignant way.
6. Avatar: Way of Water
Unlike Black Panther, I went into this thinking it’s going to be an overblown bore. Well, I was wrong. Wrong on many levels. The original Avatar took the technology of 3D film-making to new heights. Avatar set the benchmark by which all other films that use this method will be judged by. Most that followed had paled in comparison. The visionary that is James Cameron exceeded all expectations and set a new bar for visual effects. There are at least 2-3 more films slated to come out in the coming years and one can only marvel at the possibiltes.
5. Good Luck to you, Leo Grande
It was a surprise when Violent Night made this list. It was equally surprising with this gem of a film starring Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack. The film streamed on Hulu and it spoke volumes with its honest depiction of sexuality and the often taboo of the older woman and younger man. Society is ok with older men and young women but not so much for the reverse. Sorry to bust that bubble but Thompson was incredibly sexy and the chemistry between her and McCormack was pure perfection.
4. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
It pains me sometimes to like anything Director Rian Johnson does given how much I dislike Last Jedi. I don’t think it has aged well. But that’s an argument for another post. Glass Onion is a sequel to the very successful Knives Out from 2019. Daniel Craig returns as Detective Benoit Blanc who is tasked at “solving” a murder case once again. Whodunit films like Clue or The Pink Panther are rare these days. Johnson however has a knack for such films with just the right mix of comedy, action and suspense. I may not want Johnson making another Star Wars film but I do look forward to another Knives Out Mystery. Well done!
3. Prey
Another Hulu original that gives new life to the Predator franchise with this very smart, edgy and suspenseful prequel. Director Dan Trachrenberg provided layers to both the human characters and also the Predator itself. Usually such things are overlooked in favor of action without much depth. Prey breaks that norm and rewards its audience. The success of the film on Hulu will lead to more installments and rejuvenate a franchise that sorely needed it.
2. The Batman
When Robert Pattinson was announced that he will play the Dark Knight in Matt Reeves Batman project it was met with Twilight related jokes. I for one was very willing to give Pattinson a chance because I’ve seen his acting range and he is quite good. I remember similar concerns Michael Keaton received 30 plus years ago. As well as the late Heath Ledger when he was announced as the Joker as part of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. Both of them are revered by many as the best in those respective roles. Time will tell if Pattinson will achieve that type of adulation. Make no mistake though The Batman is one of the best Batman films ever made and the first true detective story featuring the caped crusader.
1. Top Gun: Maverick
A long-awaited sequel that surpasses its predecessor in every way. Maverick stars Tom Cruise in the title role he was born to play. The film hits all the right nostalgic notes including the appearance of Val Kilmer as the returning Iceman. It hits all the notes without the awkwardness that plagues so many other films that rely on its past to help propel its future. The film allows Cruise’s star power to shine but also gives its supporting cast like Miles Teller and Jennifer Connelly a platform to that gives Maverick just the right balance. Extremely well done. Extremely well-acted and visually stunning with its aerial sequences. An Oscar contender for sure.
That wraps up the best of the best for 2022. Tell me what you think of this list and how it may compare to yours? I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings us.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
