Hello everybody, welcome to my blog. I wanted my first few blog posts to take a look at the year that passed and the year that is ahead. And I wanted to start with one of my favorite lists to make: my top 20 films of 2022. This year was a very strong one for cinema and I wanted you to get an insight on some of the films I liked that came out this year. I'm going to begin with a couple of honorable mentions.
NOTE: There will be no spoilers on any film that appears here.
Honorable Mentions
The Adam Project
The second film in the Shawn Levy-Ryan Reynolds "trilogy" (Free Guy in 2021 and Deadpool 3 in 2024) sees Reynolds play a pilot from the future who gets stuck in the present and meets his younger self (Walker Scobell). Right out of the gate, I loved their chemistry and the whimsical story. I can be known to be a sucker for time-travel plots and this was a fun one to watch on Netflix. (Also stay for the performances of Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner).
Better Nate than Ever
Clearly not meant to be taken seriously, I did have a lot of fun with this Disney+ original. Director Tim Federle brings his book to life, reuniting with his HSMTMTS star Joshua Bassett, but he's not even the highlight of the film. The two young stars: Rueby Wood and Aria Brooks come off as lovable and charming. The music may not be incredible (albeit "No One Gets Left Behind") but it is enjoyable nonetheless. (Lisa Kudrow, what are you doing here?)
Thor: Love and Thunder
One of the more consistent parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU as I will now be calling it) has been Chris Hemsworth's performance of Thor. While he does a respectable job with the material he's been given, the clear standout is the return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster (aka Mighty Thor!), and their relationship is fleshed out better (Nate) than ever. (See what I did there?) Some fun side characters and an honestly run-of-the-mill villain later and you have a good, not great, MCU installment.
NOPE
Let's say it together: Jordan Peele is a great director. Between Get Out and Us, the man has some talent. So you know this was a must-watch regardless. Definitely the highlight of the film is the buildup of suspense that Peele is a master at. I also love the relationship between the two leads (Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer), though the subplot with Steven Yeun's character brought me out at times. Definitely not as great as Get Out and Us but a good watch nonetheless.
Bones and All
I'll admit that I hadn't seen a Luca Guadagnino film before so I probably wasn't mentally prepared for what was ahead. I was prepared to see Timothée Chalamet though, as he's one of my favorite young actors. He once again gives a standout performance, as does the star of the film, Taylor Russell. (She's got some serious chops!) I will admit it was about 30 minutes too long but I did find myself entertained. (Hello Mark Rylance! What a chilling character to portray!)
The Northman
I am a rookie when it comes to director Robert Eggers, but I am certainly not to Alexander Skarsgård, who acts his rear end off in this film. While it was a bit long and it did lose me in some places, Alex wasn't the only standout. Anya Taylor-Joy was a joy to watch. Nicole Kidman was electric (even though I didn't watch it at an AMC theater). I even enjoyed Claes Bang as the villain. Not the best movie, but not the worst, in my opinion. So here it is, as an honorable mention.
With these honorable mentions out of the way, here is my list of the top 20 films of 2022.
20. Spirited
Listen, I had no plans on watching this film on my own. The day I saw this, Regal was doing their "Mystery Movie Monday" and I was convinced it was The Fabelmans. To my shock, it wasn't The Fabelmans; instead, it was this. I was ready to ask my dad if he wanted to walk out. Turns out, he loved it. On the other hand, I wasn't as high on this as I wanted to be. And I promise it had nothing to do with my disappointment of it not being The Fabelmans.
Back to business, I did like the film. It wasn't anything special, but I can appreciate what they were trying to say. And being the Christmas grouch I am, I admittedly giggled a few times. A modern retelling of the classic tale "A Christmas Carol," this film puts us in the eyes of the Ghost of Christmas Past. Will Ferrell does an awesome job though of portraying this broken character who clearly has been through a lot. Ryan Reynolds is a very funny man, and I ate his Scrooge character up every time he was on screen. I even bought into Octavia Spencer's character.
I would be remiss if I didn't point out the music! The music is wonderful in this film, and you know that's because I am fans of the musical duo behind them. Pasek and Paul wrote the phenomenal music of The Greatest Showman and other things like Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land. Some standouts include "Good Afternoon," (regardless of what Hugh Jackman thinks) "Do a Little Good" and "The View from Here."
Definitely check this film out if you're in the holiday mood in not December or looking for some laughs. It's on Apple TV+ if you're interested.
19. Breaking
Breaking is one of those films I didn't know how to feel about when I started hearing about it, then the positive word of mouth began. So obviously I built up some anticipation for it. However I was not prepared to be as jarred as I was. John Boyega plays a veteran who threatens to blow up a bank unless he is fairly paid what he is owed. Just to get this off my chest, he gives such a gripping performance that I didn't recognize him as just Finn (or FN-2187 for all you nerds) anymore. Boyega is here to prove that he can be a versatile actor and I am here for it. (Still bummed out that I missed The Woman King, hear he's great in that too.)
On the other hand, when the focus went outside of the bank and onto the news station where Connie Britton's character works, I did find myself zoning out a bit. And at times, I do find myself enjoying the focus on the police who attempt to stabilize the situation. Not the best dialogue, but still gripping enough to get the point across.
One final point: I very much got behind the themes this film is trying to convey. It's tough watching people who have been taken advantage of, but it's harder when they get so desperate they're willing to sacrifice themselves to get their message across. That idea of martyrdom for a higher cause is so real for so many people and I found my heart weary by the finale of this film.
Not an easy watch but it is a great one nonetheless.
18. Uncharted
Sad truth time: I don't have a PlayStation. Never did, hopefully will at some point. So I never got to play games like the Last of Us series, the God of War series, and my number 18 film of the year's series: Uncharted. The globe-sprawling adventure series by Naughty Dog is a popular one, so it was a matter of time before Nathan Drake and Sully were brought to the big screen. I learned of the many efforts over the years to bring their stories to life and all the failed efforts, but magic struck when Ruben Fleischer became director and Tom Holland was cast as Nathan.
Never playing the games, I could appreciate where they were trying to go with this film. I did find myself having a lot of fun with it. Fun action and fun characters (and a cameo even I can appreciate) successfully counter-balance an honestly generic story and generic villains. I ate up the chemistry between Nate and Sully, insinuated by the performances of Holland and Mark Wahlberg. Even though I said the villains were generic, I did like the performance of Antonio Banderas.
I am here for the eventual sequel though. I need more Marky Mark in my life.
17. Jurassic World Dominion
Honestly my favorite thing this year with the word dominion in its title. I am not ashamed to tell you all that I am a major sucker for creature movies like Godzilla and especially the Jurassic series. Apparently I could pronounce dinosaur names at two, so that must be where I got my love for dinos at. I am a big fan of the Jurassic World films especially (and I have both Evolution games, which are a hell of a lot of fun) and this one is no different, despite the critical backlash.
The end of Fallen Kingdom set up the basis for this story: dinos are running free amongst us and we have to learn how to coincide with the beasts or perish. This is peak popcorn stuffer entertainment and I am here. For. It. I did not know I needed a motorcycle chase through the streets of Malta that involved carnivorous velociraptors until I saw this film. As an added bonus, I do love the new dinosaurs. The Pyroraptor is terrifying af.
It was a treat seeing the OG trio reunited for the first time since Jurassic Park. And seeing everyone join forces to fend off the Giganotosaurus was nerd porn. What can I say? As long as dinos are terrorizing people, I will give my money to Universal. (Please make more of these, I beg you!)
16. The Black Phone
Let's get this out of the way now, 2022 was not the greatest year for horror. Most of the big ones I either didn't see or didn't like. (That's a list for another week.) So seeing one from Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange) made me interested, especially hearing that Ethan Hawke would be the star. (What a year he's had, between this, The Northman and Moon Knight!) When done right, supernatural horror can be very entertaining. And this is no exception.
Right off the bat, the performances in this elevate it from ehh to ohh. Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw knock it out of the park with the best child performances of the year. Hawke is downright terrifying as the Grabber, a child kidnapper and serial killer. James Ransone as the Grabber's brother gets a highlight moment, and Jeremy Davies is awesome as the children's father.
One thing I have mixed feelings about is the fact that it really isn't scary. Is that by design or a chink in the armor? I still haven't quite decided yet. I'm not the biggest fans of scares but when they're effective, they're REALLY awesome. Definitely give this one a watch for everything else though.
15. Lightyear
The only animated film on my list, Lightyear had some big shoes to fill, especially based off the franchise it's spun off of. I'm not gonna lie, the Toy Story franchise holds a special place in my heart.
In case you've been living under a rock, I'll try my best to explain what's going on here. So in 1995, Andy saw a movie that changed his life and would make Buzz Lightyear his new favorite toy, igniting the events of the first Toy Story. This is apparently the film that he saw. Only thing is, Buzz isn't voiced by Tim Allen, instead by Chris Evans. I do appreciate the change in voice, because that can explain why they're different. My theory is that the creator of the toy wasn't able to afford the actor who voiced Buzz in the movie, so they got someone else to do the voice of the toy.
Theorizing aside, I thought it was a fun animated film. Evans should be commended for filling such heavy shoes. All in all, the voice acting is wonderful. Keke Palmer (who strikes again), Taika Waititi, and especially Peter Sohn as the lovable robot cat Sox. (Big kudos to the legend James Brolin for playing Zurg!)
Find it on Disney+ if you're interested.
14. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Sam Raimi, we missed ya buddy! His first film since 2013's Oz the Great and Powerful, (yeah, that was a thing) Multiverse of Madness is a follow-up to the fantastic 2021 miniseries WandaVision. While that miniseries was a representation of grief and the different ways it can be dealt with, MoM (too bad, like it) is one of rage and how that can be a response to grief.
In this film, Wanda Maximoff has been fully corrupted by the Darkhold and attempts to steal the power of America Chavez to enter a universe where her fictional sons from the Hex, Billy and Tommy, are real. Right off the bat, I've said it from the time I've seen the film, LIzzie Olsen puts on an acting clinic. Just her soft brooding comes off as genuinely terrifying, leading you to wonder what dastardly deed she'll perform next. And I'm not kidding, she does some messed up things.
I also want to commend the cinematography by John Mathieson, the music by Danny Elfman, the inventive action and most of the visual effects. For an MCU film, all of this is just incredible. Also don't sleep on the performances of Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, and newcomer Xochitl Gomez. (Side note, the cameos we do get are blink-or-miss.)
13. Scream
I admittedly never saw a Scream film before this so I had no idea what to expect. This was one of the first films that I saw in 2022 so I was prepared to be let down, cause January is the death pit for films. When I walked out of the theater, however, I was singing a different tune. (Mind you, there were only three people in that theater: me, my dad and my brother.)
I had a hell of a lot of fun with this film, more than I'm really willing to admit. It is a bit cheesy, but that's the whole point. These films aren't supposed to be taken seriously. Off the bat, I did enjoy the "whodunit" aspect, since it appeared that it could be a rotating door of the cast. When the mystery was finally revealed, it made sense and led to an awesome climax. I enjoyed the homage to previous installments and the commentary on modern horror franchises.
Many cast members from previous installments return, including David Arquette, Courteney Cox and Neve Campbell. Joined by newcomers Jenna Ortega, Melissa Barrera, Jack Quaid and Dylan Minnette, the main cast have amazing interplay and make for a scary (see what I did there?) good time.
12. Bullet Train
As you can probably tell by now, I am a sucker for action flicks. This one is no different. Bullet Train is the COVID baby of director David Leitch (Deadpool 2, Hobbs & Shaw: yes!), and I can tell. Instantly we are delved into the world of assassins and briefcases and non-stop action and a hell of a lot of laughs and fun.
Brad Pitt plays the lead of the film, which sees his character having been tasked with finding a briefcase on a Japanese bullet train while being pursued by other assassins. It is a very colorful film and it is beautifully shot. The performances alone are worth the price of admission though, as some of the other assassins are played by Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Tyree Henry, Zazie Beetz and Andrew Koji to hilarious and wonderful effect. There are cameos galore, and they are sure to make you howl.
The action is top notch and non-stop and the film is better if you pay attention to it. I love the cinematography, even if the film is tight in some places. There's a reason it's a top film on Netflix right now, so check this out.
11. She Said
You know what I like just as much as a good summer action flick? A great drama, which is exactly what She Said is. Dramatizing the real efforts of New York Times journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor to publish a report containing sexual assault allegations against former producer Harvey Weinstein, She Said is a slick, powerful adaptation of the pair's 2019 book directed by Maria Schrader.
Carey Mulligan (who I fell in love with after watching 2021's Promising Young Woman) and Zoe Kazan play Twohey and Kantor respectively, and both of them knock it out of the park. Their performances are gripping and commanding, and I hope they're getting awards buzz because they deserve it. She Said also contains noteworthy supporting performances from Patricia Clarkson and Andre Braugher. I was just as taken with their work in the film and with other notable supporting actors.
Fictional or not, I was shocked hearing what was being said about Weinstein. Sexual assault is not a laughing matter, and people need to be held accountable. This film raises that message high, as it is more prevalent nowadays than it has ever been. I would not be surprised to see this film get some award nominations. (One more thought: Nicholas Britell's score is awesome! What a year he's had between this and Andor.)
10. Top Gun: Maverick
What do you get when you make a sequel to a 36-year old film that has one of the top action stars in the world as the lead, features a producing credit from one of the best action directors in the world, and you still get accused of being a cash grab on top of that? You get Top Gun: Maverick, a wildly entertaining and action-packed (in more ways than one!) film that soars higher than the original.
To be fair, I was about 36 years late to the Top Gun party, only watching the original hours before going to see Maverick. So I had recency bias on my side. Not even that could compare to the masterclass of cinema I was about to walk into. This film was made for the big screen and it was worth every single pretty penny that was put towards it.
Tom Cruise puts on possibly his best performance yet as Maverick, who cannot adapt to modern technology and is doing his best to hold on to the past, something Robert Meyer Burnett equated to the movie theater industry not reaching its end yet. (Love ya Rob!) For the first time, I actually found myself liking Miles Teller in a role, one I think he was born to play. Other standout performances from Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell and a tearjerker from Val Kilmer leave you invested.
However, it's not great characters that are the only standout. Let's get this out of the way now: Maverick has to be the clear frontrunner to win the Oscar for Best Sound. The sound in this is incredible! Speaking of sound, how about that sound...track? (Like it.) Lady Gaga's "Hold My Hand" is my pick to win Best Original Song at the Oscars and is my personal number 1 song of 2022. OneRepublic's "I Ain't Worried" is a fun little tune. I even love the score from Harold Faltermeyer, Lorne Balfe, and Hans Zimmer (!).
A wonderful story, amazing character work and sound that will blow you away make this a must-watch, and now the number 2 grossing film of the year is on streaming for you to watch over...and over...and over...and over... (you get the point.)
9. Ambulance
Some may say that I'm a Michael Bay apologist because I like his films. I would like to think that I'm just an action apologist, as has been already established. Truthfully, I do like the Transformers movies. Dark of the Moon would probably be my favorite. But something like 6 Underground? Mikey, my guy. What are we doing? You made The Rock!
I'm going off on a tangent now, I apologize. We're here to talk about Ambulance, his newest action flick that sees Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen playing step brothers who pull off a major bank robbery and steal an ambulance with a paramedic and an injured cop inside. First of all, the action is frantic and out of control, which I would go as far as to say is by design. When you're cramped inside of an ambulance, you can expect a pretty chaotic result. There is even some action outside the ambulance, which was fun.
This film, however, is carried by the leads. Gyllenhaal and Abdul-Mateen are as dedicated as they have ever been. I love both of these guys as actors and it was a dream to see these guys interplay with each other. I am a big fan of the story and the message, which I believe looks at how far one is willing to go to protect the people they love.
Ambulance also features another killer soundtrack by Lorne Balfe (who has been killing it with the Mission: Impossible films), so I would definitely recommend it.
8. The Batman
I'm a comic book movie nerd. You definitely should know that. I hope you do now. Matt Reeves' The Batman is the only DC film released this year, but it is definitely worth it. This film follows a younger Batman from an alternate universe who must investigate killings by someone named the Riddler while battling corruption within the GCPD. This originally was going to be a Batman film directed and starring Ben Affleck, but he left before production began and Robert Pattinson would become the Dark Knight.
Tonally, the film is moody, brooding and dark, which is something that allows Reeves' world to be something different than what has come before. And I can really appreciate how Gotham City is its own living, breathing character. I somewhat wish I could live in this Gotham, not going to lie.
Speaking of "Twalaight Baii," (if you know, you know) I also was kind of skeptical when he was cast as Batman. But after seeing this film, I can definiely tell Reeves knew what he was doing. Pattinson was awesome as the dual-faced Caped Crusader and the social recluse billionaire Bruce Wayne. Some didn't like the characterization of Bruce but I got it. I enjoyed the emo-like approach they took; it was a new take. To speak on the rest of the cast for a bit, I loved Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, and especially Paul Dano as the Riddler and Colin Farrell as the Penguin. (More on Farrell later.)
There isn't a whole lot of action in the film, but when there is, it is edge-of-your-seat entertaining. I love how violent Batman is portrayed and how it ties into his character. He can do some brutal things to admittedly-deserving people. The car chase and the final battle in particular are spectacular.
I would be remiss if I didn't speak on the extraordinary score by Michael Giacchino. His dark, brooding sound absolutely compliments the film on a level I could not fathom. How it won't get an Oscar nomination I have no idea. (That's a debate for another day though.) I also have to commend Greig Fraser's cinematography, especially in one scene that I know you've seen in the trailers; and the visuals have to get a nod as well.
Me writing a lot about The Batman must mean there was a lot I loved. So if you haven't seen it yet, what in the world are you doing? Jump on HBO Max pronto and enjoy almost 3 hours of awesomeness.
7. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
The first Black Panther film was my number 2 film of 2018, so naturally I set my expectations higher than I probably should have when the eventual sequel was announced at D23 2019. However, something happened between then and the start of production that shook not only movie fans to the core, but the world in general. Our king T'Challa was gone. Chadwick Boseman passed away from a secret battle with cancer.
I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news. And I agreed with Marvel's decision to not recast the character. (Although if they go about it the way they look like they are, I'm all for it.) First and foremost, this film is absolutely a tribute to Chad, and a very emotional watch. I was choking up in the first 5 minutes.
This is a very well-made film. All the actors involved step it up, especially Letitia Wright and Angela Bassett (my pick for the Supporting Actress Oscar). Their performances are heart-shattering and visceral here. And much love for Tenoch Huerta, who gives us his turn as the villainous Namor. I loved his characterization. I even loved Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams. (Her show in 2023 sounds very promising now.)
This is a very beautiful film. The visual effects are stunning and the action is top-notch Marvel. The story is emotional and touching, and the score is exquisite. ("Lift Me Up" by Rihanna should be a frontrunner for Best Original Song.) And the post-credits scene made my heart weep. This is a reset for the cultural zeitgeist and I am here for it. (On Disney+ February 1st).
6. Smile
As I previously stated, 2022 was not the greatest year for horror. But one film stands out from the rest of them as the clear best, and that is the indie horror film Smile. When a woman witnesses something traumatic, her life turns upside down as she begins to lose her sanity. This is a fantastic film and I wish everyone would be able to witness this masterpiece in horror.
I want to commend the marketing for this film firstly. To hire people to creepily smile at baseball games and other large-scale events is genius, and that's something the marketing team for M3GAN clearly were inspired by. Also the budget is $17 million! Something this good on this low a budget seems impossible, right?
The performances in this film are top notch, especially Sosie Bacon, (Kevin Bacon's daughter!) who gets more and more unsettling as the film goes on. Jessie T. Usher and Kal Penn have roles in this film, as does Rob Morgan in a chilling cameo. Kyle Galligan is also awesome in this film.
I'm a major fan of the message of the film as well. We are taken on a deep dive into the psyche of an individual and how that person deals with trauma. How we deal with acquired trauma is always an interesting character arc; the best characters at their core have to find a way to deal with it.
And the plot twist at the end...oh baby. That's some M. Night Shyamalan type shit right there! Please check this one out.
Now we're getting into the juicy films, the five that I truly loved this year. And something to note: this is the first year that my top five does not include a comic book film, a big-budget film or a Star Wars film. I know right? These are just as good.
5. Everything Everywhere All at Once
I am a massive fan of creativity and originality when it comes to cinema, music, whatever. Especially when it comes off as fresh and fun. Everything Everywhere All at Once (or as I'll refer to it as, EEAaO) has originality and creativity in spades. The main premise of the film is a woman who gets audited by the IRS being thrust into a battle to save the multiverse.
This is already the best multiverse film of the year by far. But it's also a family drama, it's a comedy, and it's so much more. This film is incredible. If I try any further to express how I feel, this may turn into a 6-page essay. So I promise I'll keep it brief.
First of all, I have to commend the 5 main characters. Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis and James Hong all give award-worthy performances here. They are given some heavy stuff here and they more than deliver with heart-wrenching and funny stuff.
The visuals are incredible for an A24 film. Larkin Seiple's cinematography is impeccable. Did you know the budget was just over $14 million? What they did with it is phenomenal. The soundtrack by Son Lux is fun as hell and may get some Oscar love in the end.
The themes in this film are touched on with such precision and care. Themes of existentialism, nihilism, Asian-American identity, and regret are all poignant. And if you're interested, I have a theory about the plot.
Can you tell I love this film already? Please put all the eyeballs on this as you can.
4. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
It's no secret that I love the first Knives Out film. Between the performances, the mystery and the score, it was a riot to watch in 2019. Hence, it wound up being my number 3 film of that year. So, when I heard a sequel was in the works, I couldn't have been giddier. Then hearing that Netflix paid director Rian Johnson $450 million for not one, but TWO sequels made me jump for joy.
The first sequel: Glass Onion, a mystery taking place on a Greek island at the mansion of the head of a tech company. When he invites his closest friends to the mansion to participate in a murder mystery, the mystery becomes real when one of them really winds up dead.
One of the things that I loved about the original Knives Out was how it played like an onion, peeling back layer after layer to reveal more and more that made paying attention or multiple viewings that much more rewarding. That is also the case with Glass Onion. Once things are revealed, it makes things that much more intriguing.
Something Rian Johnson does well is casting the perfect people to play these perfect characters. The actors he got this time around make for compelling characters with amazing chemistry. Edward Norton, Janelle Monae, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr. Kate Hudson and Dave Bautista join Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc make up another all-star cast. I even enjoyed some of the cameos he was able to pull off in this film as well.
Another killer score by Nathan Johnson later, and you have an award darling and a film that we all need right now. Just over 2 hours of fun, fun, fun on Netflix.
3. The Fabelmans
Do you know by now that Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest directors of all time? You didn't? Well, where have you been for 45 years? Look at his catalog. Spielberg is at the point of his career where he can elevate anything he directs, including a film about himself of all people.
Well, to be fair, it's not actually him. It's a semi-autobiographical film about a kid named Sammy Fabelman that discovers his love of filmmaking while learning a shocking truth about his family. The film also explains how he uses this newfound love to deal with this truth and growing up.
This film is fantastic. No other way to put it. Spielberg has made one of his most captivating and one of his best-acted films. I have to point out newcomer Gabriel LaBelle and how much power he brings to the role of the aforementioned Sammy. I found myself riveted every time he was on screen.
Other acting standouts include Sammy's parents, played by Michelle Williams and Paul Dano. Both of them are utterly stunning in their respective roles: Williams with the broken, tired, and bitter Mitzi, and Dano as the caring but aloof and skeptical Burt. Other notable cast members include Seth Rogen and Judd Hirsch.
Spielberg does not hold back in sharing his complicated family history, and the best storytellers are cinematically visceral. I can appreciate him for doing that. I also have to mention the beautiful score (and the penultimate one) from the legend John Williams. If you even love cinema, this must be on your watchlist.
2. Elvis
You may know a young man from Tupelo named Elvis Presley, but did you know his story? I didn't, and now I am all the better for it. The world needs to know his story. Director Baz Luhrmann decided that he was going to bring the King's story to the big screen, and what a man to do it. That is why it is my number 2 film of the year.
Casting Elvis was always going to be the biggest challenge that Baz would endure. But he found him. Austin Butler became Elvis, in more ways than one. He did the impossible: transcending the script and embodying the spirit of the King. It was almost like I was watching a documentary and seeing the real man. Butler gives my favorite performance of the year and should be a frontrunner for the Best Actor Oscar.
Tom Hanks plays the "manager" of Elvis: Colonel Tom Parker. Seeing Hanks playing an antagonistic character is odd, but honestly a joy to watch. I ate up every second Hanks played up Parker's conniving, maniacal ego. I also liked how Baz shifted the perspective of the narrative to make it about Parker and make him more sympathetic, then show how terrible he truly was.
Some other notable castings include Olivia Dejonge playing Elvis' ex-wife Priscilla, Richard Roxburgh and Helen Thomson playing Elvis' parents Vernon and Gladys respectively, Kelvin Harrison as B.B. King, and Dacre Montgomery as Steve Binder. All of these and more are more than just background characters, as they add to the story. (Also rest in peace to Big Mama Thornton actor Shonka Dukureh.)
What makes this film stand out from other Elvis stories is the music. I didn't know at first how Baz would handle the music, but I learned that Butler himself would sing and became intrigued. I became a fan after hearing how dedicated he was in sounding like the King, so much so it changed his voice permanently. And I do have to say, Austin Butler sounds like Elvis. I can't believe that he did it, and he sounds incredible.
Now the one main criticism that people have with Elvis is that it is too fast-paced, and burnout occurs earlier than normal. I personally didn't find myself burned out at all. I was engaged and into it the entire time. And I even have to mention the original songs and the covers. Kacey Musgraves doing "Can't Help Falling in Love," Maneskin doing "If I can Dream," Eminem and CeeLo Green doing "The King and I," and Doja Cat doing "Vegas" are the highlights of the soundtrack.
For most of the year, this was my number 1 film of the year. I hope you can see why it was put so high on my list. Elvis was my number 1, until I eventually saw what wound up being my number 1 film.
1. Morbius
The greatest film of all time! The highest critic and audience-rated film of all time, the highest-grossing film of all time ($352 trillion!) and the origin of the greatest catchphrase of all time. (It's morbin' time!)
Now clearly this was a joke, I wanted to mess with you guys. Keep scrolling as I tell you my actual number 1 film of the year.
1. The Banshees of Inisherin
The true best film of the year. I have to admit that I didn't know anything about Martin McDonagh and his work, so I went into this film blind. I had heard very positive word of mouth, so I definitely had this on my radar.
Please believe the word of mouth and watch this as soon as you can. A truly incredible piece of work with masterful character work and a tragic story makes this one for the ages.
I was engaged the entire time, and the cast do a wonderful job of investing you. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson play two long-time friends, with Gleeson's character deciding he doesn't want to be Farrell's character's friend anymore. I found this film to be a beautiful character study and a riveting look into the psyche of a failing friendship.
Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan also play pivotal characters, with Condon doing master work as Farrell's sister and Keoghan playing a fool-like character. I also have to mention the cinematography and the masterclass in storytelling.
The soundtrack is also masterful, with the titular piece of music having been written by Gleeson himself. That last part made my heart smile.
This masterpiece is on HBO Max, so please watch this as soon as you can.
I know that this list is long, but I thank you for your patience. This has been my top 20 films of 2022. Please let me know what you think of my list.
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