Everything Everywhere All at Once (c) A24
Happy Fourth of July.
As many film critics are doing their “Best Films of the First Part of 2022” columns, I decided to also highlight some of my favorite movies and moments. Since most of these films are available to stream now, be sure to catch up with them during the upcoming lazy days of summer before the onslaught of Oscar films arrive in the fall. All the categories are listed in alphabetical Order.
Enjoy!
After Yang (c) A24, Showtime
Top Five Films of 2022 so far:
1. “After Yang” (on Showtime and streaming services)
2. “Benediction” (in cinemas only)
3. “Cha Cha Real Smooth” (on Apple TV+)
4. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (on streaming services)
5. “Great Freedom” (on Mubi and streaming services)
Benediction (c) Roadside Attractions
Favorite Performances
1. Jack Lowden – “Benediction”
2. Justin H. Min – “After Yang”
3. Franz Rogowski – “Great Freedom”
4. Emma Thompson – “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande”
5. Michelle Yeoh – “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
Death on the Nile (c) 20th Century Studios
The Felony Award for Stealing the Film:
1. “Ambulance” – Eiza Gonzáles as Cam, the paramedic
2. “The Batman – Zöe Kravitz as Selina Kyle
3. “Death on the Nile” – Jennifer Saunders & Dawn French as Friends on the Nile
4. “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” – Can we make Benedict Wong's Wong the Iron Man of this new chapter of the MCU?
5. “Lightyear” – “Meow, Meow, Meow” – SOX, the robotic cat
Fire Island (c) Searchlight, Hulu
Film Night for a Relaxing Stay-cation:
1. “Downton Abbey: A New Era” (on Peacock and on streaming)
2. “Fire Island” (on Hulu)
3. “Marry Me” (on Peacock and on streaming)
Elvis (c) Warner Bros Pictures
Favorite Musical Moments in a Film
1. “After Yang” – The Dance Challenge
2. “Elvis” – The first time Elvis shook his hips
3. “Turning Red” – Any of the Boy Band songs
Bonus:
Favorite Cultural Moment of 2022:
“Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush.
Stranger Things (c) Netflix
This year’s award goes to a TV/Music Moment, and not film. I’ve loved this song since it was released in 1985, so I was so happy that because of “Strangers Things,” the song topped the British Pop Charts in 2022 and made Kate Bush more popular now than she was in her prime. I am sad that this song will no longer be just for me, but it’s such a good song, it was going to be rediscovered sooner or later. Check out Kiki and Herb’s version from their 2004 Carnegie Hall reunion concert (it’s their encore for a reason) and Kim Petras’ remake this year.
If you want to comment on this article, please do so on my Instagram account. All articles have their own post. And please follow to know when new reviews and articles are released.
