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Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
2021 offered a fine share of films that were released in a multitude of ways. 2022 really was the “Year of the Theatre” because studios finally decided to begin releasing their pictures back where they belong now that COVID seems to be over in some way.
2022 was, in recent memory, one of the biggest years for films to release and offered a fantastic slate to see. While we aren’t giving out any awards, we thought it best to share some of the best films of this past year and why we believe in their spot on the list. Keep in mind that there is no particular order to this list and our crew was just thrilled to finally see movies on the big screen again.
Now.. shall we begin?
‘Hellraiser’ (2022; Dir: David Bruckner)
2022 presented several reboots, sequels or remakes of past films. Our first on the list, Hellraiser, was no stranger to that treatment either. David Bruckner’s reimagining of the iconic franchise was well received and was personally one of my picks for 2022’s best horror films. I thought it was better than the 1987 original and while I’ve never read the novella, it is supposed to be as faithful to the source material as possible, which is usually a good sign. I really enjoyed the way the victims were taken down and it was overall just refreshing to see a horror film go as gnarly as it did, but I’m sure it could’ve done more. I’ll have to watch the whole series to get a clearer picture and hopefully, Hulu gives a greenlight on a sequel.
‘Halloween Ends’ (Dir: David Gordon Green)
To continue our sequel talk, we have the already divisive Halloween Ends, which was fantastic. Director David Gordon Green gave audiences a special entry in the Halloween Universe last year. It is my favorite slasher in the genre and The Shape is one of the most iconic villains in cinema history. John Carpenter and Debra Hill created a great idea in 1978, and after the original’s 1981 sequel, Halloween II, Carpenter and Hill imagined the universe as an anthology series. They wanted to showcase a different aspect of the holiday with each entry, but after the critically panned and cult classic, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Michael returned in 1988, remaining the central villain since.
Green’s 2018 reboot was well received and led to Universal greenlighting two sequels. Both work in their own way and accomplish the task Green wanted to accomplish. But Halloween Ends will remain the most challenging of the three. It’s part love story, and part revenge story. At least for the main protagonist Corey Cunningham, who ends up as the town pariah and it doesn’t help that he wants everyone to just feel how he felt, even for a little bit. But alas, as many horror characters do, it became all misconstrued and he ends up with a knife in the throat at the end of the day. However, the film’s best qualities are its themes, and more importantly the ending. It finally gave a definite end to Laurie and Michael’s story, at least for the versions played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Nick Castle, who helped start this chaos in the 1978 original. May The Shape finally get some type of rest and Laurie finally move on completely. Despite what many will say, I will always love Halloween Ends and I can’t wait for the next take on the iconic villain. For a lot more on that: you can here my review of the film.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (Dir: Joseph Kosinski)
Talk about a sequel that’s been attempted since at least the 90s. Maverick is the prime example of what a legacy sequel should be. It honors the original characters perfectly while showcasing new ones expertly. Tom Cruise and Miles Teller have fantastic chemistry together, and they have even talked about what a third movie could look like. But ultimately, it should only happen if they really want to make another movie like this, because Maverick works greatly. It could also make the case for “saving” theatres last year, but I think that is owed to every studio that did theatre-exclusive releases in 2022. It was a gamble that paid off and showed that people will go to the theatre if given the right opportunity. It worked out for James Cameron’s long-awaited sequel to Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, which has already beaten Top Gun: Maverick as 2022’s highest-grossing film. So if anything is to be learned from both films: the movie theatres really are back.
‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’ (Dir: Tom Gormican)
Excerpt by Editor Sarah Taylor
As someone who has never been a Nic Cage fan, I was a little wary about seeing this film (mostly going for my one true love, Pedro Pascal). But how wrong I was! This is a fun film that has great characters, an ever-evolving storyline, and some good old Nic Cage craziness. I went in not thinking very much but came out with a whole new appreciation for Nic Cage and everything he does.
And how could we talk about this film without talking about my (dream) future husband, Pedro Pascal? He works so brilliantly with Cage and matches his talent and quirkiness perfectly. The two gel perfectly on screen and I would love to know how much is acting and how much is just the two of them having a good time. This was one of the most fun films I saw this past year and it’s one that I recommend numerous times. A must-watch for anyone looking for a good time. Here is Sarah’s review of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent!
‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (Dir: Rian Johnson)
Excerpt by Writer Jordan Simmons
Glass Onion had a lot to live up to because Knives Out is one of the greatest who-dunnits in the modern era of cinema. And by expanding on the concept by introducing brand new twists in a new adventure with fresh characters, Glass Onion excels beyond its predecessor. Read our review of the new who-dunnit by Managing Editor John Daniel Tangalin.
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (Dir: The Daniels)
Excerpt by Writer Jordan Simmons
Every once in a while we are blessed with a movie so bizarre and every once in a while we are blessed with a movie that takes a tired concept and creates a powerful original tale. 2022 was the year where we got a movie that did both.
Everything Everywhere All at Once is an absurd, bizarre roller coaster ride that will have you laughing, crying and smiling.
‘The Northman’ (Dir: Robert Eggers)
Excerpt by Editor Sarah Taylor
Director Robert Eggers has three feature films under his belt, and each one is striking and spectacular. His most recent offering, The Northman, is a powerful tale of destiny, deceit, and vengeance. It’s a gripping story that, in true Eggers’ style, is deeply interesting and wholly unique. The storytelling isn’t the only plus for this film, but the stunning visuals and incredible acting bring the film together.
As we have now come to expect from Eggers, he has his own unique style that really beings out the darker and grimier aspects of his stories. Nothing is ever quite what it seems with his stories, and The Northman is no different. Beautiful, gripping, and expertly done, it seems that Eggers is getting better and better with each film he makes. The Northman is truly a different type of film that showcases the talents of everyone involved and is a thoroughly good watch. Read Critic Zeke Blakeslee’s review of the film here!
‘The Fabelmans’ (Dir: Steven Spielberg)
Much like Jordan’s feelings while watching EEAAO, I felt the same way watching The Fabelmans, Steven Spielberg’s most recent film. It is truly a film for artists, about artists, made by an artist. It is perhaps his best recent film and one of 2022’s best pictures. By the end of the film, I wanted to write a screenplay or help a friend make a movie. The Fabelmans, like its protagonist Sam Fabelman learns, shows the true power of movies for those that have some desire to make movies, or at least be involved in the industry. The film is semi-autobiographical in its script and has one of the best endings ever featuring a fantastic David Lynch cameo. I don’t want to spoil too much. It was a pleasure to view this film.
‘Babylon’ (Dir: Damien Chazelle)
Where do I even start? For me, this is definitely the movie of 2022. It has everything one could want from a Damien Chazelle film: the pursuit of something, in this case, Hollywood, excess, jazz music, and long one takes and whip pans galore. It is, perhaps, Chazelle’s most ambitious film above all else, and it is yet another appreciation piece for cinema and its history. The cast gives some of the best performances in 2022 and several scenes are pure insanity and chaos, but they work in the best and most perfect of ways. The implicit meanings are some of the best in 2022 as well, and along with The Fabelmans, is the reason people truly love films so much and shows how they really move people. The ending of Babylon is amazing as well and features another signature Chazelle montage. For my full thoughts, you will have to check out my review of the fantastic picture.
Honorable Mentions
The Banshees of Inisherin, directed by Martin McDonagh. Bullet Train, directed by David Leitch. The Whale, directed by Darren Aronofsky. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, directed by del Toro & Mark Gustafson. The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves. Nope, directed by Jordan Peele. Aftersun, directed by Charlotte Wells. Bones and All, directed by Luca Guadagnino. RRR, directed by S.S. Rajamouli.
For many reviews of this year’s upcoming releases, stay right here with The Cinema Spot!
Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
This article was edited by Sarah Taylor.