Movies: What Are the Best Movies of 2022 So Far?
2022 has been a bounce-back year for the film industry. While I’ve personally fallen way short of my usual yearly 100 film pace, the amount of quality (and non-quality) movies I have seen is quite more extensive than last year. Admittedly I’ve not seen every highly-regarded film that’s come out. Of what I’ve seen, what has taken my Top-5 films of the year thus far?
1. Windfall
While not many have spoken of this slow-burn masterpiece, I’d reckon this film is guaranteed to stay on my top-5 films of 2022 at the end of the year (evident by my mid-year ranking). Windfall is not for everyone. This is a very slow, methodical film that takes time to develop. Windfall doesn’t really hit its peak until the finale. You’ll need to be patient. Jesse Plemmons and Jason Segel are just superb in this. The characters they portray are so well done. The constant battle in your mind of protagonist and antagonist. Who’s who in this film? Lily Collis also plays her role well. If you’re looking for a film that builds and does so with amazing cinematography, sound editing, and score, this is one you need to check out.
2. Hustle
This is Adam Sandler at his best. The film itself, a tad flawed if you know the NBA scouting and draft scouting life, was very well constructed. My admiration of Hustle comes from the source material. Basketball scouting is something I’ve always been wanting to get more involved in. Despite that, this is just a good solid movie regardless of your stance on the subject matter. It’s not panic-attack-inducing like Uncut Gems, nor is it too dramatic like Punch Drunk Love or Spanglish. The comedy in this film (unlike most Sandler pictures) seemed genuine and not forced. In terms of sports films, I’m going to remember Hustle for quite some time.
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3. Top Gun Maverick
Is this the perfect film? No. I do think Top Gun Maverick is as good as people say.
In terms of Academy Award nominations, however, I’ll reserve judgment until that time. There is merit to it being Oscar-worthy. I found it more summer blockbuster than an Academy film, however, Top Gun can be both of those. I’d argue the individual character arcs (outside of Cruise) aren’t as developed as the relationships between the characters.
Outside of that, this film is pure fun and entertaining. I really can’t ask for more in a summer film.
4. The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent
Nic Cage playing himself in a film is pure cinema gold. Although, this picture wasn’t made by Cage’s performance alone. Pedro Pascal, who once again shined in another feature role, was my favorite part of this picture. Does this movie have its faults? Yes. The novelty does wear off quickly. This does become a stupid and random action film in the final act. What I liked best, the movie wasn’t trying to be an action film. It is simply made of itself and the lackluster films of Cage’s past. In the end, the Weight of Massive Talent is a Massive and charming success.
5. Chip and Dale
I’ll keep this one short. Not everyone is going to love this film. If you remember Roger Rabbit, you’ll get a feel for why this nostalgic piece of cinema works. For someone like myself, I loved going back in time for 90 minutes. Just an amazing feel-good film for 2022.
Image Source: Paramount Pictures
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
