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Top 10 Films 2022

I don’t enjoy comparing movies to other movies and I don’t believe that any film is inherently bad. It’s why I have no rating system and it’s why you’re receiving this instead of a “10 Best/Worst” list. A lot of time and effort goes into making these films from hundreds of people, and I think bashing their efforts is disrespectful. I say that every movie is worth something and I genuinely believe that, even if it’s Disney’s Pinocchio (2022). So without further ado, here are the 10 films that I enjoyed most this year, in release order.

Top Gun: Maverick

This is military propoganda, just like the original Top Gun was military propoganda. However, it’s packed with such intense action and likable characters that it found it’s way into my heart anyway. This is a proper blockbuster and it knows it, whilst not including an over-sexual love plot which is such a nice surprise. Full review HERE.

Elvis

This biopic stretches the facts a little but it gets the vibes spot on. Austin Butler is a revelation as the king of Rock N Roll while the editing amps the tension to a almost unbearable degree (but not quite). One can only assume that this is a film which takes on a whole new level when high, not that it isn’t almost a drugtrip on it’s own.

Mad God

Phil Tippet has been in the special effects game for decades, so it’s fitting that his magnum opus is a perfect example of his work. It’s also absolutely disgusting in a way that can only be described as “wet”, which normally I couldn’t sit through but this film is so entrancing. Impossible to look away or forget. Full review HERE.

Bodies Bodies Bodies

This horror comedy was an unexpected delight. Not only is it consistently amusing but it has the most accurate depictions of rich, obnoxious teens I’ve seen in a while. Manages to be a social commentary about class and a solid whodunnit. Plus it has Lee Pace, which is always a good thing.

Do Revenge

Another film that depicts the teen demographic correctly, although with a more dramatic edge. It has all the vibes of a classic 90’s teen comedy despite being set in the present day and has one of the best plot twists of the year. Yeah, it can ocassionally look a little greenscreened but that somehow only adds to the 90’s of it all. Sarah Michelle Gellar is there too.

The Banshees of Inisherin

An utterly beautiful film. Powerhouse performances all round, with a score to boot, but it’s the undelying comedy of the sombre situation that ties it all together. It’s about friendship and it’s fraility and what we’d be willing to do to keep it but it’s also about the monotony of island life. This list isn’t ranked by preference but this would make the top 3.

Matilda: The Musical

Movie adaptations of musicals have been hit or miss, but these last few years it feels like the misses have been bigger. This is the biggest hit since Spielberg’s West Side Story. It makes perfect use of the visual medium, has some stellar choreography and is different enough from the broadway show that it doesn’t replace it. Truly masterful.

Violent Night

Another surprise hit. When the trailer dropped earlier in the year, it promised a violent comedy where santa beats up house intruders and it delivered in the best possible way. It also managed to have a heartfelt message at it’s centre and in the performance from David Harbour. Kicked Christmas ass and is definiitely becoming a yearly tradition.

GDT’s Pinocchio

There have been several Pinocchio films this year and many over the decades but none quite like this. Del Toro brings his unique brand of dark whimsy to the classic tale through glorious stop-motion. Amazingly anti-fascist with some neat musical numbers, this is one of THE adaptations.

Glass Onion

Knives Out was one of the best films in the year it was released so it makes since that the sequel would be too. The performances, the score, the messaging, the plot twists (PLURAL). It all just works. Would happily take a whole franchise with world’s best detective Benoit Blanc.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

The Matrix Resurrections: A brilliantly passive aggressive meta commentary on the state of the franchise

Moonfall: Director Roland Emmeriech delivers action in a way that only he can…ridiculously.

Everything Everywhere All at Once: Didn’t quite hit that sweet spot for me but I admire the creativity

Top 10 Films 2021

I don’t enjoy comparing movies to other movies and I don’t believe that any film is inherently bad. It’s why I have no rating system and it’s why you’re receiving this instead of a “10 Best/Worst” list. A lot of time and effort goes into making these films from hundreds of people, and I think bashing their efforts is disrespectful. I say that every movie is worth something and I genuinely believe that, even if it’s Hellboy (2019). So without further ado, here are the 10 films that I enjoyed most this year, in release order.

Bo Burnham’s Inside

Comedian Bo Burnham shines in this made-for-Netflix special which, like all good comedy, does more than provide laughs. Shot entirely by Burnham during isolation, it demonstrates his mental health struggles through toe-tappingly good musical numbers. Hands down the most relatable piece of the year.

Wolfwalkers

A young huntress befriends a young girl who can change into a wolf while her father attempts to wipe out the pack in this Celtic-inspired tale. The hand-drawn 2-D animation provides a certain fairytale vibe that other styles only seek to emulate whilst the score is hauntingly beautiful.

The Suicide Squad

A gang of superpowered convicts embark on a suicide mission in James Gunn’s soft reboot of the DC team. It is gloriously absurd and hilarious, with all the violence befitting a 15 rating, but has the same emotional resonance as Gunn’s other works. Comic book movie of the year.

Another Round

A group of teachers attempt an alcohol-based social experiment in this dark comedy starring the always brilliant Mads Mikkelsen. A collaboration between Danish, Swedish, and Dutch companies, it relies primarily on its charming characters and important message. Features a very bittersweet but appropriate ending.

Rebel Dykes

A powerful and necessary look at S&M Lesbians from the 1970s to today. This amazing documentary details the Greenwood camp, dyke housing, the birth of funtime toys, and the continuous fight to exist. It’s because of women like them that we can be free to be ourselves. Learning about the LGBTQ+ Community is no longer illegal in the UK and US (mostly) so please learn all you can. Queer history is too important to be forgotten or erased.

Boiling Point

This thriller follows an evening of rising tension in a fictional restaurant. Shot in one take, it flows smoothly between characters via their interactions whilst rarely giving time to breathe. All amplified by a non-existent score, this is true edge-of-the-seat entertainment.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage

The titular anti-hero faces off against the titular villain in this fun semi-rom-com. Has a more coherent plot than the first but is just as entertaining and makes full use of that 15 rating. Everything a fan could want from a Venom movie…unless that fan hopes it won’t tie into the MCU.

Last Night in Soho

A fashion student begins having visions of a murder in 1960’s London in Edgar Wright’s outstanding horror debut. It’s stunningly shot, marvelously choreographed, exceptionally acted, and has a soundtrack to die for. Features fairly heavy subject material but handles it with the respect it deserves.

The French Dispatch

Wes Anderson provides an anthology of tales, patched together by the overarching setting of a fictional magazine in his latest masterpiece. It’s a real love letter to journalism, filled with the expert cinematography and big-name actors that have come to define his productions.

West Side Story

This remake of the 1961 classic based on the Broadway hit based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is simply stunning. Stephen Spielberg’s first foray into musicals feels as if I’m witnessing this story for the first time again. The cinematography frames the choreography as if it’s in love with it whilst the acting is some of the finest I’ve seen. Movie of the year.

Signed: Your friendly neighbourhood queer

10 Favourite Films of 2020

I don’t enjoy comparing movies to other movies and and I don’t believe that any film is inherently bad. It’s why I have no ratings system and it’s why your receiving this instead of a “10 Best/Worst” list. A lot of time and effort goes into making these films from hundreds of people, and I think to bash their efforts is disrespectful. I say that every movie is worth something and I genuinely believe that, even if it’s Hellboy (2019). So without further ado, here are the 10 films that I enjoyed most this year, in release order.

1. Knives Out

Director Rian Johnson might be one of the best and most original directors in the industry right now. If you didn’t feel that with The Last Jedi then I guarantee you will feel it here. Excellently paced murder mystery with superb acting from all the cast, and a brilliant score to boot.

2. Jumanji: The Next Level

I wrote in my review of this film’s predecessor that though it was not required, I’m glad the franchise has stuck around. That remains as true now as it did then, because the cast are so wonderful to spend any amount of time with and the set design is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see where they go next.

3. Jojo Rabbit

Possibly the funniest film I saw all year, but also one of the most heartwarming. Taika Watiti really decided to make a film about a child whose imaginary friend is Adolf Hitler, and pulled no punches. It also has a heartbreaking queer subplot, so that’s a bonus.

4. A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

Having grown up in Scotland, I didn’t experience Mr Rogers while I was growing up. However, the moment I was old enough to research people, I made sure to learn as much about him as I could. From what I can tell, this film is spot on and I can think of nobody more suited for the main role than Tom Hanks.

5. Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of one Harley Quinn

You know when a Comic Book Movie feels like a comic book? In much the same way that Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and the DCEU’s Shazam! did? This film manages it too, and it has gays, and Ewan McGregor.

6. Sonic The Hedgehog

This might be the most 2020 film I saw this year, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a film that simply refuses to take itself seriously and just has fun with the premise. I like that.

7. Disneyland’s Forgotten Sci-Fi Rock Band – Live From the Space Stage

If you haven’t been paying attention to DefunctLand on YouTube then you’ve really been missing out. From 40 minute documentaries on EPCOT to the former Toys ‘R’ Us in Times Square, he’s covered it all. This full length Doc on the one-time Disney metal band Halyx is a true testament to his skill and makes me wish I could have seen them live.

8. Boys in the Band

I’ve really missed the theatre, so watching a play with a film budget was something I needed. It just so happens to also be a terrific education on queer history and feature some beautiful acting. I know it went straight to Netflix, but I would more than happily have seen this on a big screen.

9. Happiest Season

It’s a lesbian Christmas movie. It has Kristen Stewart, and Aubrey Plaza. Films like these are paving the way for representation and I think this is one I’ll keep coming back to in the following festive seasons. I’m glad someone is making the Yuletide gay.

10. Bill and Ted Face the Music

Let’s be honest with ourselves…I was going into this with a bias. In a shocking turn of events, I ended up liking it, though I’m not yet sure how it fits in the scheme of “Best Bill and Ted Movie”. Samara Weaving and Brigette Lundy-Paine are utterly bodacious as Billie and Thea, and are excellent additions to the main cast.