Two film bluffs talk about 2022 movies
Preface:
Graham and I wanted to discuss movies of 2022, but we also wanted to stay away from the big brand movies. Everybody saw the Marvel movies and Jurassic World and the much-anticipated Avatar. That’s not what we want to do. We want to talk about these special passion projects that are getting overshadowed by Marvel’s superhero IP. We only have one major “blockbuster” on here, but the rest of these movies are smaller projects that the masses might have missed.
RRR (Rise, Roar, Revolt) (R)
Vikram:
There’s really no way to describe this movie without giving it away, and the movie is much better if you go in blind (if you’re new to Indian movies). RRR was an instant classic and was the first Indian movie to win Best Foreign Language Film. The movie depicts a fictional interaction between revolutionaries Bheem and Raju, who were real revolutionaries during the time of the Indian independence movement in the 1920s. It shows a great story of friendship, Indian nationalism and the harsh realities of foreign occupation. Combine this with the spectacle and energy of Indian film and the musical selections (including Golden-Globe winning song Naatu Naatu) and this builds to a truly epic film.
The Menu (R)
Graham:
What a blast. The Menu combines twists and turns through mind-blowing sequences that are reminiscent of Ari Aster’s Midsommar (2019) such as the contrast of the beautiful landscapes to the horrific events happening. Not only is The Menu a heart pounding thriller, but a reflection on narcissism, social classes, and needless wealth while at the same time mocking food critics. Anya Taylor Joy and Ralph Fiennes deliver an incredible performance that will disturb almost anyone. They create characters that have a depth that is peeled away like an onion as the film progresses along with the twists and turns. While extremely dark and confusing, The Menu will leave viewers thinking for hours after and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a scary yet comedic social satire.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (PG-13)
Vikram:
Glass Onion isn’t as much a sequel as it is a spinoff to Knives Out, with the only returning character being the eccentric genius detective Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig). There’s a lot of heavy symbolism peppered throughout as the story explores the unseen control that billionaires have on our society, and how far their subordinates go to protect them. Spurred by its use of meta humor, Glass Onion is more of a comedy to Knives Out being more of a mystery. I lament the fact that Netflix gave the movie a week-long theatrical release, as many haven’t gotten the chance to see this fantastic film.
Graham:
Ryan Johnson had a big job, matching both the commercial and critical success of Knives Out. Did he do his job? I think both yes and no. While the mystery was brilliant and the social commentary top tier, the piece felt very dated. When opening with the pandemic, we saw Benoit Blanc playing Among Us, a popular online mystery game. Soon after, everyone is wearing masks and taking a Covid test, which really dates the film. This left a sour taste with me; I’m tired of hearing about the pandemic. I don’t really want a movie referencing COVID-19 and the trends occuring during this period. But besides this niche qualm, I thought the mystery was smart, with twists I didn’t expect. The characters were fun with depth that was illustrated as the film progressed. Glass Onion was a smart, fun, mystery film with a great cast, and beautiful scenery. But in my opinion, Glass Onion was a step down from Knives Out. Glass Onion is great for a fun watch, but the less-than-subtle social commentary and star studded cast can’t hide that this film is relatively ordinary.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (R)
Vikram:
This movie lives up to its name; it covers so much, so quickly. All you have to do is look, and you’re going to find beauty. This movie draws you in because of its sci-fi concept, but you stay because of the story of a human woman trying to find her place. Michelle Yeoh headlines as Evelyn Quan, but Stephanie Hsu is the highlight of the film as Evelyn’s daughter, Joy. The visual effects were completed almost entirely by a crew on their first major project and it’s incredibly impressive what they accomplished. This movie will invoke every emotion a human can experience, all at once (pun intended). The movie manages to fit into the new “multiverse” phase of the sci-fi genre while still introducing a mind-meltingly awesome concept. This was my favorite movie from 2022; anyone can love this movie.
Graham:
Everything Everywhere All At Once portrays love, loss, family complications in the form of a chaotic action movie about the multiverse. Not only are all these intricate themes simultaneously taking place, but there’s also the plot itself, driven by a supervillain trying to destroy the world from a different universe. My only advice when watching this show is pay full attention; put away phones or any other distractions and prepare for a movie unlike no other. I was truly blown away by how complex this movie turned out to be. This movie should be watched by everyone, everywhere all at once, by people looking for anything, anywhere, at any time.
The Batman (PG-13)
Vikram:
Everyone and their mother knew about this movie when it came out, but it had a messy production; it was supposed to be Ben Affleck directing and starring before he stepped away in 2018 due to personal and studio decisions. Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves took over as the director and writer, and Robert Pattinson filled in as the Batman. The film was pushed back nine months due to Covid delays, hence the 2022 release. Thankfully, the film was worth the wait: The Batman is so different from any superhero movie in a long time. It feels more realistic and grounded than any superhero movie I’ve seen, with the bleak setting and the nighttime settings. Drawing inspiration from David Fincher’s Se7en and Alan J. Pakula’s All the President’s Men, it really deconstructs the hero and introduces a villain who has the right intentions despite their unsettling methods. This is the first movie where Batman earns his nickname of “The World’s Greatest Detective,” and it really feels like Bruce Wayne investing in being Batman is the only solution to fixing Gotham City.
Graham:
Two words, Robert Battinson. Holy moly, what a movie. Presenting itself as less of a superhero movie put out by Marvel Studios and more of a dark murder-mystery with a flawed protagonist and a killer criminal. Taking on a more detective-esque role, Batman takes on a mysterious supervillain known as The Riddler in order to protect his city. Aided by Zoe Kravtiz’s Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman), the two anti-heroes invade the underworld of Gotham City to unmask The Riddler and uproot what is slowly revealed to be a horrifyingly intricate level of corruption and crime in the city. Matt Reeves brings a much-need fresh twist on superhero movies in order to create a realistic, flawed Batman. The score, done by composer Michael Giaccino, is a perfect and necessary supplement to the film that completes the viewing experience. Literally the only criticism I have for The Batman is that the sequel is taking too long, currency slated for an October 2025 release. We need it sooner.