Best Films Of 2022
From what I've seen so far...
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- DirectorPaul SchraderStarsJoel EdgertonSigourney WeaverQuintessa SwindellA meticulous horticulturist is devoted to tending the grounds of a beautiful estate and pandering to his employer, the wealthy dowager.Far too subtle and contemplative for most viewers, but a masterful film nonetheless.
I probably would've written this film off as perhaps even "silly" when I was younger. Now that I've seen many thousands of films, to me this is a true work of art. I wish Schrader would never stop making films, and already I'm drooling for his next one that I think we'll see this year at some point/2024.
8.5/10 - DirectorDavid CronenbergStarsViggo MortensenLéa SeydouxKristen StewartHumans adapt to a synthetic environment, with new transformations and mutations. With his partner Caprice, Saul Tenser, celebrity performance artist, publicly showcases the metamorphosis of his organs in avant-garde performances.This film is destined to become a cult classic for certain.
Personally I'd say this is Cronenberg's best film in a long while. It is such an odd film, it needs at least two viewings to fully appreciate, though I certainly did enjoy it a lot upon my first watch. I have now seen it twice, and I must say that this is a very thought provoking and extremely relevant piece of filmmaking. The strangeness of the film really only helps elevate the thought provoking questions. The film inspires all kinds of interesting ideas and questions about evolution and control, about synthetic environments and overly controlled societies, and about what it even means to be a human being. If you can get into this film, it really is something to savor and appreciate at both an artistic and intellectual level.
By now, most film lovers know that Cronenberg has made some pretty great films in the past. This film has been praised by many critics, but many at the same time have not been able to get into it so to speak. They didn't like it. Overall though I really do think that this is among the most interesting things that Cronenberg has ever made in its entirety, it's definitely among his very best work. It's a pretty great film in its own unique way. I'd say that it truly is a heavyweight, thought provoking Sci-Fi film. In quite a few way. I actually think it is a better film than Tár, but Tár is more traditional in its overall delivery, and even its weighty and timely topics are far more simple than the deeper and more complex ones Crimes of the Future is concerned with. Crimes in a very real sense is also likely the more important film for humanity. Tár though is certainly also not without its importance in present times. 8.5/10 - DirectorLuca GuadagninoStarsTimothée ChalametTaylor RussellMark RylanceA young woman embarks on a 1000 mile odyssey through America where she meets a disenfranchised drifter. But all roads lead back to their terrifying pasts and to a final stand that will determine whether love can survive their otherness.Fresh Intimacy On Personal Acceptance, Warts And All!
There are no direct spoilers in my review, but I would recommend watching this film before reading much of anything about it. If you have some interest in it, and you can handled the site of movie blood, my advice is to just give it a watch.
Some viewers are going to want to toss this film right out, others will want to savor it for hours.
Not nearly everyone will like this film, nor understand that it's more than just stupid. Certainly it will seem like nothing but a silly and pointless film to many. Nonetheless, the film really is a great work of art in many ways. I'm not so sure that the film would be anything nearly as compelling however, if the two leads didn't put on a masters class in acting, but these two youngsters really do. I dare to even say right now, on December 7th that whoever gets the best acting Oscar for this year, their performance likely won't be as impressive as Chalamet's truly is here. Russell is also terrific! They along with the script build a unique sort of character intimacy in the film. I've noticed that many critics see the film in many different ways. For some, the shock of the film may require a second viewing, just to see the film for what it truly is. I have never been huge on anything I've seen from this director, or from the screenwriter here. But for many reasons this film creates such an interestingly unique and in depth look at self acceptance that it is quite amazing. As I alluded to earlier however, not nearly all are going to even notice this aspect of the film, though to me, that is most of the film. Perception can be such a funny thing, and its power is far beyond what most people realize. Change your perception, change your life.
Perception will be HUGE with this film. What I mean is, only if you can put yourself in these characters heads & hearts & shoes, will you be able to really see the unique depth here in regard to personal acceptance. Each viewers own relationship to their own self acceptance will obviously also play a HUGE role in what is fully perceived here. Many will run from this film screaming, garbage! While others may even see a mirror within the film, and ultimately a deeper understanding of themselves.
I would also say that this film would definitely become a cult classic, but to me it is already too well received to fit into such a classification. That's a great thing though, to me it's much better that many people see the film now, and it keeps getting passed on to others...
8.5/10 - DirectorTodd FieldStarsCate BlanchettNoémie MerlantNina HossSet in the international world of Western classical music, the film centers on Lydia Tár, widely considered one of the greatest living composer-conductors and the very first female director of a major German orchestra.I wouldn't recommend reading below this paragraph until you've seen the film. If you're interested in the film, you're better off just going into it without any prior knowledge about it. Which is actually how I attempt to see every film I watch for the 1st time, but certainly not always successfully of course. I will just say that, if you're at all interested in politically or culturally contemplative artistic films, then I'd definitely suggest to you a viewing of this one.
The Challenge Is Shame: How Can You Listen To That?
How can you listen to the greatest, when even the greatest are imperfect? Perhaps no sound at all, is the sound you seek? What about the 4th best in the world, are they perfect enough to listen to, or how about the 10th best, the 103rd best? Are you perfect enough? Where is the current line of what is acceptable? Do we only accept the people whose imperfections are still hidden from the public? Are your worst imperfections in hiding, are you fake enough to make it in todays world?
"What does his misogyny have to do with his use of B major?" - Lydia Tár
Yes, a good old tarring and feathering, but the modern way. Cancel culture has never looked darker or more real on film than in Tár.
Todd Field has created only 3 feature films in his 21 year directorial career. However, he's also created 3 of the most interesting feature films of the last 21 years.
As with Field's other films, this is basically just real life on film, but a stars life in the modern world. Not your average type of modern star, but a very elite type of star with years of accomplishments behind her. A career star that is truly recognized as a world class expert in her classical music, composer-conductor field.
I think more than anything this film is about the coldness of stardom, and the coldness of the modern world/society intertwining together as they inevitably do. This is a very dark film, much darker I think than many reviewers have mentioned, or maybe even noticed. This is essentially a modern stars career nightmare on film. I think the film really ends up asking the viewer, do we really want this overly judgmental society, is it really in the best interest of the people of our world? All in all however, it's a classic type of contemplative, observatory work. Much like many Ingmar Bergman or Kubrick efforts, what we take/get from the film will be somewhat unique to each viewer. The narrative for the most part, does not tell you what you should be thinking about the characters, or even the story. For the most part, it's up to each viewer to take what they may from it.
Dr. Bill Harford, "What's the big mystery?"
Nick Nightingale, "Hey, man, I just play the piano."
Yes, like many Kubrick films, in a very large sense, what you take from the film is more a reflection of yourself or your perspective, than it is anything else. Films like these are what artistic film lovers practically live for. This is definitely so far, the best film I've seen from 2022 with the one exception of Cronenberg's Crimes of the Future. I wouldn't expect it to win an Oscar for Best Picture however. It's likely not nearly politically correct enough for many of those votes. Instead, as I said previously, it's basically just real life on film. Blanchett could take home an Oscar for this however. That's definitely possible.
'Nick Nightingale', Todd Field that is, has now managed to capture a number of great female performances on film, including two women with the same name, yet with different spellings. Cate was excellent here for certain, but honestly, her performance in my view does not outdo Winslet's in Field's Little Children. Nonetheless, both are tour de force type performances. Both of these women are easily among the greatest actresses of their time. In fact I think this calls for another quote from Nick Nightingale, "I have seen one or two things in my life, but never, never anything like this... and never such women.".
Is Lydia a modern monster? She certainly abuses her power and is consciously manipulative. Perhaps in a sense, all of Nightingale's films so far are truly just modern monster movies.
If you're a true lover of film, you will likely at least enjoy this, and perhaps much more than just that. Especially if you know that the password to any film that now focuses on classical music is... Fidelio.
8.5/10 - DirectorAustin BraggMeredith BraggStarsMike FaistCrystal ReedDennis BoutsikarisThe story of Roger Sharpe, the young midwesterner who overturned New York City's 35 year-old ban on pinball machines.I've never played all that much pinball, nor does it really interest me much at all. This film however is well told. It's small budget films like this that remind us just how bad most Hollywood films really are. There are many things I love about this film, so I won't even bother getting into it. If you love movies, I suggest you take a look at this one.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverJake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the extrasolar moon Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race to protect their home.Overall it's slightly better and more impressive than the first film in my view. 8/10
- DirectorTom GormicanStarsNicolas CagePedro PascalTiffany HaddishMoviestar Nick Cage is channeling his iconic characters as he's caught between a superfan and a CIA agent.This won't be as fun for people who don't know who Nicolas Cage is. However for those of us that do, it's hard not to really enjoy this film. 8/10
- DirectorBrett MorgenStarsDavid BowieTrevor BolderKen FordhamA cinematic odyssey exploring David Bowie's creative and musical journey. From visionary filmmaker Brett Morgen, and sanctioned by the Bowie estate.A portrait on Bowie as an artist. Not a chronological career type documentary. This is more a look inside his perspectives over the years of how and why and what he was doing creatively and just overall as a growing human being. 8/10
- DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsChristian BaleMargot RobbieJohn David WashingtonIn the 1930s, three friends witness a murder, are framed for it, and uncover one of the most outrageous plots in American history.Modern film critics are a joke to me. Most of them are just simply too stupid to enjoy this film much. Many of them seem to feel there was just too many different things put into this film. Personally, I thought it all fit together in a very fun and interesting way. Early in the film I wasn't so sure actually, but it totally won me over. I'm not saying it's a great film, but I definitely feel it's a far better film than most critics and viewers have felt so far, and it's also definitely far better than your average modern day film. Overall to me, I thought it was interesting, entertaining and fun. 7.5/10
- DirectorOwen KlineStarsDaniel ZolghadriMatthew MaherMiles EmanuelA bitingly funny coming-of-age story of a teenage cartoonist who rejects the comforts of his suburban life in a misguided quest for soul.As A Dark Comedy, It Works
Funny Pages is the feature film directorial debut of Owen Kline, son of Hollywood royalty, Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates. The film is somewhat unique for sure, though I definitely don't see it appealing to nearly everyone. Nonetheless, at the very least, this debut does really show signs of great potential for this young director with talented roots. There really are some great things about this film. I'm already looking forward to his next projects. I certainly encourage all true film lovers to at least check this out.
I'm not sure I feel that this is a coming of age story really, as many seem to say it is. Only slightly. To me, it was basically a dark comedy all the way, and as such, it actually finally ends up working quite well by the end. Though I'd say it does take a while before the film has enough, to really say that it's a good film. I found some of the film fairly dull, definitely, as much of the more intricate aspects of the main character I found pretty uninteresting. Yet at the same time, this aspect and depth actually sets the character and film up for what to me really was a pretty hilarious ending, or the climax just before the ending, anyhow. All in all, I have to say the film is somewhat brilliant, but also extremely off beat and darkly comedic for certain. But laugh out loud dark comedy in at least a couple spots. Near the very end of the film, I literally had a hard time stopping my laughter.
This will divide audiences, but most critics appreciated it, and quite a few loved it. This is certainly not for overly sensitive viewers. I couldn't watch this film many times, but I could see myself enjoying it again in a few years for sure, and I think that it's the kind of film I may appreciate even a little more the 2nd time. However, as said, it's not the kind of film I'd watch many times, or again anytime too soon. I think a good rest, and then a re-watch will do it best. That's just the kind of film it is to me.
I must say I really don't fully agree with the plot summary here on IMDb. For me the plot is more like this...
A somewhat confused, young and creative comic book fan and amateur artist, decides to get close to an odd and overreactive man, that once worked for a comic book production company.
From this point of view, the film is a pretty good dark comedy. From the point of view of the main character coming of age and finding or searching for soul, is really not what I see here. Nor does the film work all that well in this regard. There really isn't much soul in the film at all, other than to laugh at the ridiculousness that life can throw at people, and/or to laugh at the oddness of human life.
Although it took a while before I appreciated the film much, it really did leave me smiling, and acknowledging that it certainly has its own unique charm. That charm however is not exactly warm, but rather a somewhat darkly funny, but also quite relatable to real life kind of charm. The characters here do feel quite real, as funny as they sometimes are. To me, that really helped the film come together and work in the end.
7.5/10 - DirectorJohn SwabStarsOlivia LuccardiSam QuartinEden BrolinA seemingly naive and devout young woman navigates her way into the underground world of truck stop sex workers a.k.a. "lot lizards."Truly this is like a psychological dramatic horror cult film. That's about the best way it can be summed up. If you like cult films, check this one out, and as always I recommend checking it out before learning too much about it. That's the best way to fully enjoy and discover a film like this. While this is not nearly for everyone, the right audience will greatly appreciate this film for many reasons.
7.5/10 - DirectorOlivia NewmanStarsDaisy Edgar-JonesTaylor John SmithHarris DickinsonA woman who raised herself in the marshes of the Deep South becomes a suspect in the murder of a man with whom she was once involved.Better than I expected. Is it a great mystery? I'd say no. But it is very watchable and overall it's well executed. The film even has in my view a fairly thought provoking aspect to it. 7/10
- DirectorMarc ForsterStarsTom HanksMariana TreviñoRachel KellerOtto is a grump who's given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around.I must admit, this film surprised me to some degree. I figured I'd feel it's no better than a 6/10. This is just another film that shows me how out to lunch modern film critics are generally. 51/100 on Metacritic? What! That's ridiculous! This film is definitely a fairly down to earth, sweet, funny and heartwarming film that should bring some smiles to everyone's faces. It's far from perfect for sure, but for the most part, I'd say it's crazy to rate this film any worse than a 6 out of 10. Who are these heartless critics, and why do they have jobs in this field? Sure, not everything in the film works entirely well, but most of it does work. This film is definitely worth a watch for the vast majority of people. Most of the film was quite effective and endearing. 7/10
- DirectorTi WestStarsMia GothJenna OrtegaBrittany SnowIn 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the crew find themselves fighting for their lives.Modern Horror In Traditional Form
2 July 2022
A pretty solid horror film, and a lot of fun.
The film builds slowly, but the suggestive mystery of it for most film fans will be enough. The acting is mostly good, and the story overall is interesting enough. X has lots of nods to the past, from 70's exploitation to classic slasher style films, but at the same time it does boast a few of its own ideas. It builds its suspense originally with the power of suggestion, and then bam, it finally starts to hit with real kills.
The film is fairly strong, and most of all, to me the film is fun...and by that, I really mean, it's damn funny. At least to me it was. I feel it has fun with the medium, and definitely doesn't take itself too seriously. That however is definitely not the case with the quickly made sequel.
7/10 - DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsBrendan FraserSadie SinkTy SimpkinsA reclusive, morbidly obese English teacher attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter.
- DirectorKathleen JaymeStarsKathleen JaymePaul EberhardtByron ScottThis a documentary about one of the most important basketball teams from Canada, the Vancouver Grizzlies. The film presents their story, many important moments and the great mystery behind their relocation to Memphis, which upset plenty of fans.Basically a love letter from a fan of the original franchise. Certainly worth watching for some.
- DirectorRuben ÖstlundStarsThobias ThorwidHarris DickinsonCharlbi DeanA fashion model celebrity couple join an eventful cruise for the super-rich.The Truth & The Absurd - Really, How Far Apart Are They?
Oct 31st 2022
There's a reason most Hollywood critics and the Oscars will mostly try to dismiss this film, likely as silly or similar. This is a divisive film for certain, and anyway it's somewhat silly on purpose. However for those with their minds actually open, those not overly clouded by personal biases will likely see that there's far more truth in this satire than most humans would care to admit. I wouldn't doubt if the Academy nominates this for Oscars, but it definitely won't win anything but perhaps a technical award.
I expect this films rating to continue to fall on here, it's at 7.9/10 right now. Mark my words, most people care about their fake selves and money far too much to care for this film a whole lot. For those who've not fallen for that spell, you'll more than likely appreciate this film. Also, for the most part this is not a fun comedy like many will go into it expecting. It's much more in the vein of a satire/dark comedy.
We've seen many similar kinds of very classic stories in the past, Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm for instance. This is definitely Animal Farm type territory, but it really does seem almost entirely like a reversion of The Admirable Crichton, a 1902 play by J. M. Barrie. A play which has had many adapted versions and reversions over the years in various formats. In fact the 1974 film Swept Away is also another very similar story that doesn't give any writing credit to the 1902 play. Capitalists I tell you, hahaha!
7/10 - DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaniel CraigEdward NortonKate HudsonTech billionaire Miles Bron invites his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island. When someone turns up dead, Detective Benoit Blanc is put on the case.A little clunkier than the original, and sadly more trendy to political hot topics (Looks like they went for the Democrat film grant on this one.), but still it's pretty good entertainment. 7/10
- DirectorRosalind RossStarsMark WahlbergMel GibsonJacki WeaverFollows the life of Father Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-priest who inspired countless people during his journey from self-destruction to redemption.Flawed as a film for sure, but still a decent story of faith. Some films are easier to forgive than others for their flaws. For me, a good story of faith often fits into this because it is the story of faith for me that is the most important thing, rather than the actual filmmaking. In fact story is almost always more important than the filmmaking to me, though some rare exceptions would apply. 7/10
- DirectorGraham MooreStarsMark RylanceZoey DeutchJohn Gumley-MasonAn expert cutter must outwit a dangerous group of mobsters in order to survive a fateful night.Reasonably good, but nothing special really. A little too gimmicky for my taste, but worth a watch. 6.5/10
- DirectorMartin McDonaghStarsColin FarrellBrendan GleesonKerry CondonTwo lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.Like all Martin McDonagh films, it's more stupid than it is funny. This one however does have at least a few good laughs, and overall it is very watchable. 6.5/10
- DirectorWilliam Atticus ParkerStarsJustin Marcel McManusSusan SarandonCarmen EjogoA struggling Hypnotist in New York City is blackmailed into being the world's first hypnotist hit man after a mysterious woman finds out his degree is fake.
- DirectorTommy WirkolaStarsDavid HarbourJohn LeguizamoBeverly D'AngeloAn elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone hostage. However, they aren't prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he's about to show why this Nick is no saint.If you like Christmas films and you can stomach some fairly gory action, this is definitely worth a watch. It's sort of a traditional Christmas story, with a little Die Hard and Home Alone mixed in, but with a lot more gory action and obscene language thrown in. The mix is somewhat unique really. It feels almost like something that would come out of the 1970's, as a sort of exploitation Christmas flick. Although the budget is clearly bigger than those films were. I felt the film was worth a watch mostly because it does have some good laughs. I also felt it had a few lulls here and there, but overall it's certainly pretty good for what it is. It's fun holiday entertainment if you can handle its extremes. 6.5/10
- DirectorAllan UngarStarsJosh DuhamelElisha CuthbertNestor CarbonellAfter escaping a Michigan prison, a charming career criminal assumes a new identity in Canada and goes on to rob a record 59 banks and jewellery stores while being hunted by a police task force. Based on the story of The Flying Bandit.A fairly fun bank robbing film based on a true story.
6.5/10 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsMichelle WilliamsGabriel LaBellePaul DanoGrowing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.It has some good aspects, but overall I feel it's fairly underwhelming, and in a way, overly sensationalistic. His High School film made his most loathed bully enemy cry for instance? The scene is beyond childish and outlandish, much like parts of many other Spielberg films. There are a few scene executions in this film that could rival an Ed Wood production in all seriousness. At least two with this bully in it. Not that most critics would even dare to say such a thing, even if it is true.
I did think we may get to understand better how Spielberg fell in love with filmmaking, but we really don't much at all. Instead we see that he's more interested in technical gimmicks than anything else. Which does explain a lot about the most popular film director in histories lack of storytelling prowess in many, if not most of his films. As many critics have said over Steven's career, he's an average storyteller at best in most outings.
Anyway, there are some bright spots here, and most of all I did love the things shown here about what his parents passed on to him. His Father in terms of always believing in him, and his Mother's advice to not even listen to her, but to listen to his heart. Both of these things are considered in fact to be highly beneficial and significant spiritual gifts for parents to give to their children in all 3 of the Abrahamic religions. Showing this is definitely the pinnacle of the film in my view, well, that and David Lynch as John Ford. I didn't expect to see a better director than Steven actually in his film, but I definitely did! AND, it's always great to see the one and only Mr. Lynch.
6.5/10