2021 was a great year for movies; see my list of the best ones over on page 11 of this very issue. Will 2022 top it? Time will tell, but one thing is for certain: some great movies are in store over the next 12 months. From the definitive origin story of a certain buzzing Toy Story hero to the long-awaited Avatar 2, there’s lots to look forward to this year. Here are the seven films I’m looking forward to the most.
7: Top Gun: Maverick
While I’m not a big fan of the original film (although the soundtrack, in my opinion, is one of the greatest ever), there’s no denying that the trailers for Top Gun: Maverick look amazing. From the stunning plane sequences to the performance of franchise lead Tom Cruise, this film looks great, and, if the trailers are any indication, Top Gun: Maverick will at least provide its audience with a fun time at the movies.
6: Lightyear
Everyone in my generation has grown up with the Toy Story movies. Buzz Lightyear is my favourite character in the entire franchise, so I was thrilled beyond belief when I heard that the world’s favourite star command officer is getting his own movie. I can’t wait to see what Pixar has come up with when Lightyear zooms its way into theatres this June.
5: Mission: Impossible 7
Ever since the huge thrill ride that was Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol provided this franchise with its first critical hit in December 2011, this series has been on a roll. Both 2015’s Rogue Nation and 2018’s Fallout were huge hits at the box office and with critics, largely thanks to the death-defying stunts and expertly crafted action sequences. I can’t wait to see where they go next, and will be first in line on opening day this fall.
4: Thor: Love and Thunder
Look out this summer, because Thor is coming to town for more action-packed fun in the heavily anticipated Thor: Love and Thunder. Critics agreed that the first two Thor movies were among the weakest films that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has put out. They are melodramatic and lack the artistry and humour that the MCU has been known for. Then director Taika Waititi came in and made a third film, 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok, that was a mass improvement from the first two. It brought new energy to the franchise and established the MCU as a franchise that listens to its fanbase rather than ignoring them completely and doing whatever they want. I can’t wait to see what Waititi and crew come up with in Thor: Love and Thunder and neither can all the other MCU fans out there.
3: John Wick: Chapter 4
I love movies with spectacular action scenes; over the last decade, the Keanu Reeves-driven John Wick series has provided some of the most vivid action scenes from the era that I have ever experienced. From the “gun-fu” battles to the creative kills, each of these movies have proven themselves worthy to be considered as spectacular additions to the long filmography of the action-movie genre, and I’m thrilled that they’re doing a fourth one.
2: Avatar 2
Yes! It’s finally happing (crossed fingers). The long-delayed sequel to the highest-grossing film of all time will make its debut next December. The original Avatar is celebrated as the film that revolutionized the theatrical experience by introducing cutting-edge CGI and 3D technology that filmmakers still use today to enhance their audience’s viewing experience. Although the first Avatar has its problems (the plot is basically a rip-off of the 1990 epic Dances With Wolves and 1995’s classic animated Disney film Pocahontas), there’s no denying its colossal success, and I can’t wait to see if the second one lives up to the first one’s trailblazing legacy.
1: The Batman
This movie looks mind-blowing. I’m a huge fan of Matt Reeves’ work on such films like the recent Planet of the Apes movies, so I obviously cannot wait to see what he has in store for our favourite caped crusader. The score sounds fantastic, Robert Pattinson looks haunting as the new incarnation of both Bruce Wayne and Batman, and the look of the film is both transporting and realistic, which is exactly what you want from a Batman film. I can’t wait for this movie, and once you get a look at those amazing trailers, you won’t be able to either.