5 BEST FILMS OF 2022
5. BARBARIAN
All hail the Horror Gods, as they have delivered yet another superb offering for us bloodthirsty moviegoers! Barbarian is an unexpected, darkly funny, and downright terrifying thrill-ride from start to finish. Forget what you think you know based on the synopsis and trailer, because this is one movie that takes as many narrative sharp turns as it does risks. And, lucky for us, they all pay off!
4. THE FABELMANS
3 parts ode to filmmaking, 2 parts family drama, and 1 part coming-of-age romp, The Fabelmans is Steven Spielberg at his most personal – and the result is unsurprisingly glorious. And while the direction and craftsmanship are naturally A-grade, our legendary director is aided by one heck of an ensemble cast. Michelle Williams alone puts on an acting clinic, completely stealing every scene she is in with her equal parts spirited and pained performance. For the love of cinema, go see The Fabelmans for yourself!
3. ELVIS
In a spectacle fit for a king, Baz Luhrmann and his acting centerpiece, Austin Butler, deliver a truly special movie-going experience that will leave you “all shook up.” The film is dripping with all the pomp and pageantry one could hope for. It also brings with it a large helping of heart. Yes, this is the Elvis biopic to beat all Elvis biopics, as it’s clear that it was made with an abundance of tender, love, and care. Long live the king!
2. THE BATMAN
Matt Reeve’s The Batman is the perfect noir nightmare! For fans of the long running comic books, just think of it as Batman’s Year One and The Long Halloween come to life. For movie fans, it’s a little like Saw meets Se7en. That is to say, it’s less superhero action extravagance and more psychological torment. And, while it doubles down on Batman’s darkness, it also (finally) highlights his detective skills. Oh, and I guess that Pattinson guy wasn’t so bad either.
1. TOP GUN: MAVERICK
Tom Cruise’s return to the “Danger Zone” will legit take your breath away. Top Gun: Maverick exceeded all expectations. The action is blazing, the drama heartfelt, and the visuals oh-so stunning. Cruise’s intensity still burns brightly after all these years, and his onscreen likability remains through the roof. And at 131 minutes, there’s not a dull stretch to be found. This is a movie to cheer about it. In fact, it’s what movies were made for!
BOX OFFICE TOP 5
7
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
$4.6 million