[Editorial] My Top 10 Movies Of 2022

As usual, I have made a list of my top 10 favourite movies of the year that was. And as usual, I'm about 2 months into the new year while making this list of the year before - giving myself time to get caught up with all the nominated movies that would potentially end up in my list. 

But even with a 2-month extra window, I still have not seen The Whale, nor Living, as they are not out on streaming over in the America side by March. 

And as usual, before we jump into the actual list; first, here are some of the honorable mentions that didn't make the list, but they did put up a good fight in my mind. So in no particular order:

The Northman was a great movie that came out about 10 months ago and I really enjoyed it. Maybe if it was fresher in my mind then I might put it in the list. I do remember there was an amazing action sequence with great cinematography.

Turning Red also came out fairly early in the year. That first half has crammed so much goodness into it that there was no way not to fall in love with the movie - especially being an Chinese myself. However, and I recognise this is a personal preference, I just didn't like how the movie climaxed in the third act.

Barbarian was a movie that came out of nowhere, just like the surprise addition of a certain actor in the middle of the movie. And because it was that certain someone, his character became even more entertaining. But the story itself was something very original and well written (to a certain extent - my full review of it would have more detail).

Avatar: The Way Of Water was a marvel in technical achievement by James Cameron. Nothing can prepare you for what you were going to see, to be immersed in. Once again, he has changed the game. But not only that, the story this time was very full and well-rounded. The main characters were all given time to breathe, but that contributed to a incredibly long runtime as well. Zoe Saldana gave one heck of a motion-capture performance. 

To Leslie catapulted to fame during the award season, right after getting a surprise nomination in the Best Actress race from the Oscars. And rightly so, Andrea Riseborough was brilliant in the film that had a slower start to it, but finished amazingly heartfelt.

So that was the 5 honorable mentions. Now, let's get down to business.

10) Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (8.5/10)

Sure, the movie had its share of problematic plot points like a bad story arc for Ironheart or the lack of its titular character; but everyone else performed to their best. I loved the conflict between Namor and Shuri, I loved Namor's introduction into the MCU, and I loved the performances by the main ladies. Angela Bassett's performance had so much power and emotions, she just moved me.

9) The Banshees Of Inisherin (8.5/10)

The chemistry between Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson was a joy to watch. Just the way their characters were like polar opposites gave their relationship a great dynamic. Farrell's performance alone was worth the watch, but there were also Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon; and also so beautifully shot. But the slight fantastical nature of the third act was a bit much for me.

8) Top Gun: Maverick (8.5/10)

The movie and movie star that saved cinema from the pandemic. There's so much to love about the practicality of the camera shots and how the stunts were performed. The entertainment value just blew the roof off and Cruise pulled a Star Wars: A New Hope third act. Plus, that Lady Gaga song!

7) Decision To Leave (8.5/10)

Park Chan Wook is back to good form with this slow burn thriller. The real treat here was watching the curtain gets pulled back, layer by layer with a muse in the form of Tang Wei. Her portrayal here was enticing and magnetic. There was one plot point about scaling a cliff that took reality out of it for me. But that ending was the ultimate manipulation!

6) Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (9/10)

Talk about a sequel that's better than its original, the kingdom of Far Far Away has just got its second life. Sure, the graphics were upgraded from the first but it's nothing compared to Avatar's sequel. But with a solid story, purposeful side characters, and one of the best animated villains of all time, there was never a dull moment here.

5) The Whale (9/10)

What Brendan Fraser brought to his character cannot be understated. Even in a fat suit, there was something truly special about his performance that made the audience root and care for him; and ultimately, he broke our hearts.

4) The Fabelmans (9/10)

Steven Spielberg has not been this good for a while now (in my mind, anyway). Whenever his lead character started making movies, there was such joy streaming through the screen towards the audience. This movie was all direction, and Spielberg should win the Oscar this year. No one else could have told this story and made it work as well as it did.

3) Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story (9/10)

Note to Netflix, drop the "Knives Out" from this franchise's title already! The way Rian Johnson approached these stories, how he presented them, and how strong they have been; the next instalment will be able to stand on its own two feet. I rushed to watch this movie a second time, and I realized that I could play this every other day and still find enjoyment. The cast and their performances were brilliant, with so many quotable lines too.

2) The Son (9/10)

The fact that this movie had no presence during the race in the award season is literally the crime of the decade. Unlike Glass Onion, I am unable to revisit this movie again only because the pain was just too real. Hugh Jackman and the whole cast gave such real and relatable performances that Jackman should right up there in contention for Best Actor alongside Colin Farrell. That final few minutes was the most heartbreaking and devastating.

1) The Batman (9.5/10)

Even though this movie came out almost a year ago, I can still hear the Batmobile revving. This was the Batman movie that I have always wanted. Matt Reeves brought so much character into a car and a city, and truly gave us a Bruce Wayne that was indeed the secret identity to the true self that is Batman. There was so much greatness in this first instalment that it was almost perfect.