Despite the growing success of
online-streaming, I still savor my experiences in the theater, as those are the
movie events I want to look back on. So, here’s my personal ranking of all the
2022 movies I saw in the theater this year, which means some other really good
(and bad) films from 2022 won’t make the countdown. Again, these are ranked by my
own personal feelings on them, they aren’t ranked by their objective quality,
but simply on how each left their impression on me. There are 11 movies in
total, and lets just have some fun looking back at some of the films from 2022.
#12 “The
Lost City”
While “The Lost City” won’t be sticking with me as one
of the great adventures in cinema, it still embraced its goofy genera traits,
allowing the experience to be generally enjoyable, despite some cringe gags.
More than anything, it was the charming cast that made this film a pleasant
watch, with Brad Pitt in a funny supporting role, Daniel Radcliffe clearly
having fun as a hammy villain, and I’m convinced that no matter how old or how
many years Sandra Bullock continues to act … she’ll always be an appealing, and
delightful screen presence.
#11 “Lightyear”
“Lightyear” hit all the basic beats that appeal to my wheel house of
fast-paced, beautifully animated, straightforward Sci-Fi adventure … and for
that, I had a genuinely enjoyable time watching it. However, the film could have been stronger if it had been an original picture, with elements
of both “Interstellar” and “The Martian” rolled in, but I really
don’t think it needed to be tied into the “Toy Story” franchise … as it
really did feel like a last-minute tweak to have this tied into a successful
IP, and even for a franchise junky like me, I still feel that studios should
put more faith into something new … which Pixar usually excels at.
#10 “Jurassic
World: Dominion”
The Jurassic franchise has finally broken away from
self-contained settings, and has now progressed to global-wide excitement, with
various dinosaurs in multiple locations … for the first two acts anyway …
resulting in a thrilling variety of different set-pieces. Plus, with the long-awaited
return of franchise favorite characters, it’s hard for a long-time fan not to
have a passively good time. While “Dominion” is obviously no A-list
cinematic achievement, it’s absolutely rock-solid B-Monster movie
enjoyment.
#9 “Elvis”
The 2001 musical “Moulin Rouge” is personally one of my all-time favorite movies, and ever sense, I’ve closely watched every release (both prior and after his 2001 musical) from writer and Director Baz Luhrmann. Over the decades, he’s made good movies, and less good movies … but straight to the point … his 2022 Rock Biopic on the career of Elvis Presley is easily my second favorite of his films. His dazzling imagery, hyperactive editing, and boundlessly energized tone is a perfect marriage for Elvis, while still covering all the proper emotions, both inspiring and dramatic. Naturally, the film is further complimented by Austin Butler’s dominating screen presence in the leading role … now get that Oscar trophy bright and polished for the King!
#8 “Nope”
It’s Jordan Peele’s third directorial feature, and this time he’s bringing
new life into one of my most favorite genera’s … Sci-Fi Thrillers … and to the
end result I say … YES! The first act wraps me in with its brilliant shot
composition, electrifying atmosphere, pacing, likable leads, and mysteriously
intriguing premise. Its final act will keep the film edged in my mind with one
of the most unique alien creatures, and designs I’ve ever seen. While the
concept of UFO’s has been done to death, this film managed to breathe new life
into the formula, and made for a riveting, spooky encounter with
extra-terrestrial life.
#7 “Doctor
Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”
Director Sam Rami returns to the
world of Marvel comics, bringing his creative filmmaking talents, along with
his signature love for horror movies, and delivers a wild, anything goes comic
book experience, packed with insane imagination, 3D wonders galore, and cameos,
Easter eggs, and references to satisfy any long-time comic-book fan like me.
While I can’t make a persuasive argument that this film is anything objectively
good, with great story telling, or even layered characters … but it’s
unmistakably one of the most fun experiences I had at the theater in 2022.
#6 “Sonic the Hedgehog 2”
Sonic and Jim Carry return to once again rekindle my childhood, and they’ve brought with them more recognizable characters from the games, resulting in a sequel that effectively levels-up from its predecessor. The new character interactions are charming, the comedy outrages, the adventure set-pieces exciting, and for once, I feel like I’m getting a decent video-game adapted franchise … certainly an enjoyable one, and I can’t wait to see what awaits at the next level.
#5 “The
Batman”
After a decade of being in the shadows, Batman finally returns to
the theater, and this time is putting more focus on being a gritty crime
mystery, as opposed to flashy summer action and adventure. Needless to say,
it’s a welcome change up, and delivers the best of both worlds, as its grounded
story is complemented with an eye for comic-book flair, and absorbing
atmosphere. While it's slow-burning narrative, and grim tone won’t be for
everyone, Matt Rives brilliant direction, as well as the strong cast keep things
engaging, and the end result is arguably one of the most respectful in
capturing the essence of Batman’s source material.
#4 “Belle”
Mamoru Hosoda is one of my favorite Anime directors and writers in the
business right now, and has delivered some of my favorites in the genera,
including “Wolf Children”, and “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time”.
Now, he’s set a new benchmark with “Belle”. Taking the classic story of
“Beauty and the Beast”, combining it with many elements of his previous
films like “Summer Wars”, and he delivered something that truly lived up
to its name. Visually, musically, emotionally, thematically … “Belle”
was simply a thing of beauty to experience in the theater, and could well be my
new favorite Anime from director Mamoru Hosoda.
#3 “Avatar: The Way of Water”
The original 2009 “Avatar” is personally one of my favorite, modern Sci-Fi classics … and after thirteen years, I’ve been raring to return to Pandora. While the plot … like the original … covers a lot of familiar ground, it’s the overarching theme of family ties, and staying united in the face of opposition that kept me engaged, and supported the films sheer spectacle. With that said … I loved the underwater world of Pandora, and once again just felt transported to a magical alien world. I really think the "Avatar" universe might just be my favorite Sci-Fi setting to just feel submersed in. I can’t remember the last time alien creatures felt so real to me … like I could reach into the screen and touch them. I can’t make a persuasive argument that this was a perfect sequel … but highly satisfying for this long time fan.
#2 “Top
Gun: Maverik”
It’s been a long time waiting for this film, but Tom Cruise
was insistent that it should be experienced in the theater, on the biggest
screen possible, and with a big crowd … well … the wait was worth it, as the
final result was one of the most breathless and engaging theater experiences
I’ve had in years. The first “Top Gun” remains a classic and charming
staple of the 80’s, but this is a rare sequel that took its predecessors
winning ingredients, and soared even higher with it. The characters are more
compelling, the emotional moments are genuine without being melo-dramatic, and
everything else from aerial stunts, sound-mixing, cinematography, film editing,
and music compositions are all firing on high-level excitement and
quality!
#1 “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”
Thanks for
reading my countdown, and may the thrill of the theater continue on next year!
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