Now, I know that this year isn’t finished and some big movies are still going to drop in 2022. For example, I still haven’t revisited the beautiful world of Pandora in James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water or seen Damien Chazelle’s newest Oscar frontrunner Babylon, both of which come out in December. But deadlines wait for no one, so here’s my list of the best and worst movies of 2022.
The best movies of 2022:
5: Nope
I thought this movie was awesome, from its totally original premise and storytelling to its eye-popping sound and visual design work. Really, this movie was an absolute blast. I also loved the great acting work displayed by lead actors Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as well as the tribute to the hard-working film crew members who play a crucial role in making the movies we see. Be sure to check this one out if you haven’t already—it’s well worth your time.
4: The Banshees of Inisherin
This move was amazing. Featuring Oscar-worthy performances from Colin Firth and Brendan Gleeson, this is a heart-wrenching movie about two friends, one of whom decides one day to end their relationship. This ignites a tragic feud between them. From the bleak humour woven throughout the film to the stand-out performances from everyone, this movie is amazing and is sure to be one of the fine gems taking something home this award season.
3: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Long live the king! While this movie doesn’t rank up to the Oscar-winning Black Panther, this is easily one of the best movies Marvel has ever done. From its moving tribute to Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, which brought me to tears, to Ryan Coogler’s stunning direction and storytelling, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is easily one of 2022’s best movies.
2: Everything Everywhere All at Once
This is easily the the most surprising and original film of this year. It has outstanding performances by Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, the cinematography and production values are mind-blowing, and Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s direction and screenplay are second to none. This is a fabulous movie that’s well worth students’ time and money.
1: Top Gun: Maverick
Filmmakers, take note: this is how you make a sequel. This movie was amazing. From its spectacular aerial sequences to Tom Cruise’s top-notch acting, this movie is a spectacular sequel that surpasses the original in every shape and form that you can think of. I’ll even go so far as to say it’s one of the best sequels ever made. This movie is that good, and that’s why it’s my number-one pick for the best movie of 2022.
The worst movies of 2022:
5: Ambulance
Oh, my head just exploded from the very mention of this movie. Ambulance was a mess of a movie to sit through. From the complete nonsense plot (I mean, what kind of bank robber walks into the bank that he is about to rob with no mask on?) to its nauseating camera work, this movie was just a disaster.
4: Minions: The Rise of Gru
This movie is everything wrong with Hollywood. It’s the whole idea of, hey, let’s take something that made a lot of money the first time around and make a sequel. Don’t pay any attention to the fact that anybody who isn’t a child doesn’t believe for a second that the minions have any ability to carry an entire movie by themselves. No, that would take an actual effort to be charming or funny and not annoying. And that is something the filmmakers behind this franchise really need to get through their thick skulls.
3: Morbius
Look, we don’t ask for much out of vampire movies. Just some shots of vampires sucking blood out of people’s necks. That’s really it. Does this movie give us that? No, instead we’re all treated to an absolute train wreck that stands as one of the worst movies Marvel has ever done. The ending is very anticlimactic, the actors act like they are just on set for one of those big juicy Marvel paycheques, and the music is such a complete ripoff of The Dark Knight Rises’ score that I’m surprised that Warner Bros. hasn’t filed a lawsuit. Trust me, the only thing the movie is sucking out of anyone is two hours out of an otherwise perfectly good day.
2: Amsterdam
Oh my god, this movie is so boring, and the way that things come together makes absolutely no sense. I mean, when you make a mystery movie, the least you can do is make a compelling mystery. They couldn’t even get that right. This was a complete waste of people’s time and money. Just do not see it.
1: Jurassic World Dominion
Over the months since its release, I’ve praised Top Gun: Maverick as a shining example of how to do a sequel right. This movie was the exact opposite. Oh my gosh. This was so bad. Director Colin Trevorrow should never be left alone to direct another major franchise movie again. The script, dialogue, and character work are all underdeveloped, at best. And the dinosaurs aren’t even in this movie that much. It’s all about these giant bug things that are going to eat our crops and cause human extinction. That’s it. This was a dino-disappointment. And the worst part about it is that it’s actually made money. Please stop going to see these movies. Seriously.
Thanks for a another awesome year at Nic’s Flicks and, as always, see you at the movies.