10 – Clerks III

Of course, I have a Kevin Smith film on my list. But I will state that in years past I typically don’t put him on my list. This year was different because Clerks III was a different film. Maybe it was the experience of seeing the film in a packed theater with Smith introducing the film, then doing a Q&A after the film, can’t forget that I met him prior to the film as well and all of that helps the film experience. Or maybe it is because Smith clearly has a love for the characters in this film and had the perfect story to conclude a trilogy. I’d like to say it’s all of it actually. The experience of this film & the story combined for one of the most emotional journeys a film in 2022 took me on.

9 – Glass Onion

One of the few instances where Hollywood can say we got the sequel right. Granted Glass Onion might have more flaws than the near perfect Knives Out, but Daniel Craig and Rian Johnson return with another who dun it film that will keep you entertained with a supporting cast that is all playing the part perfect. Kate Hudson, Janelle Monae and Dave Bautista steal every scene they are in.

8 – Prey

A prequel to the classic Predator sees us going back and following Naru, a skilled warrior of the Comanche Nation, fighting to protect her tribe against one of the first highly-evolved Predators to land on Earth. This is a striking film with gorgeous cinematography, characters you care for and hope survive this predator attack (I was so invested in the dog needing to survive this film). It really is the best Predator film we have gotten since the Arnold classic in 1987.

7- The Batman

The only comic book movie to make my list this year and deserving. This gritty, grim and grounded look at Gotham and the dark knight strikes the right tones and notes from start to finish. Robert Pattinson is great as Batman and his rouges gallery of villains help push this fresh take on a classic into an area more superhero movies shouldn’t be afraid to go to.

6 – X/Pearl

I know I cheated here and named two films. The reason I did that is because I find it hard to pick just one of these two. X marked the return to horror for Ti West who has been a director I have loved ever since stumbling on The House of the Devil years ago. X might not be for every audience member, but it is a fresh spin on the classic slasher formula. It’s a slow burn (like most of Ti West films) but it’s worth every second of the buildup. Pearl on the other hand was a different slasher film but just like X delivered a Mia Goth performance for the ages, gorgeous cinematography and an uneasiness that keeps you entertained from start to finish.

5 – NOPE

Jordan Peele is back and this time he is delivering what feels like a throwback to Spielberg style blockbuster Sci-fi/Horror. NOPE is a spectacle that was a reminder in 2022 why you should still see films on the big screen. It will leave a strong impression as a true original film, and I suspect over time it will age into becoming one of Jordan Peele’s best films of his career.

4 – The Banshee of Inisherin

This is a finely crafted feel-bad treat. This is a slow story that is gorgeous and features some of the best acting you will see in any film from Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. The film is set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, following lifelong friends, who find themselves at an impasse when one unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. This film will go places you don’t expect, and I wasn’t ready for the feelings I was going to feel for two hours but every step of this journey was mesmerizing.

3 – All Quiet on the Western Front

This classic WWI story gets a remake for 2022 on Netflix and delivers one of the best war films you will see not just this year but in a long time. It is both timely and timeless, All Quiet on the Western Front delivers power from its source material by putting you in the middle of the conflict during the battles, it is striking visually and disorienting at times to remind you as well that war is hell.

2 – The Fabelmans

The unofficial but official biopic from Steven Spielberg about his life is a return to form for him. Not saying that Spielberg ever lost that thing that makes his movies so memorable but this was the first time in a long time it felt like old Spielberg. His brings his life story to the big screen and it is a breathtaking experience. It’s a love letter to Hollywood, Cinema and one of the greatest directors to live.

1 – Top Gun: Maverick

You might be shocked that a Blockbuster ended up at the top of my list but there is a place in Hollywood for films like this. And in 2022 this was the prime example of blockbusters being done correctly. Tom Cruise is not phoning this in or doing an Ethan Hunt impression. This is a sequel that is handled with care and love and is visually striking while also moving and pits you in the fighter jet and makes you feel like those G forces are smacking you in the face. It’s another example of Hollywood getting the sequel right and never feeling like it’s a cash in on an 80s propaganda film (let’s be real. That first film is totally a Cold War America is the best film. And that’s why it’s a timeless classic) but this time around it holds onto what made the original so good while expanding the characters and visuals this time around.

 

 

Honorable Mentions:

The Menu

The Bad Guys

Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers

Barbarian

Jackass Forever

Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Vengeance

Scream 5

The Black Phone

Fresh