The Best Movies of 2022

Story posted January 11, 2023 in Arts & Entertainment by CommRadio Arts & Entertainment Department.

With 2022 past us, members of our CommRadio Arts & Entertainment department took a look at some of their favorite movies of the year.

“Elvis”

Baz Luhrmann did it again with another visual rollercoaster in Elvis, a biopic based on the singer.

Austin Butler starred as Elvis Presley with an eerily similar performance and voice. Tom Hanks played Colonel Tom Parker, the “antagonist” of the story, in a classic Hanks performance.

Presley’s music was used as the original soundtrack as well as Doja Cat’s “Vegas” and Butler’s rendition of Presley’s “Trouble.” The soundtrack and the film paired well together, especially during the 1968 Comeback Special.

Elvis was a film for the Presley enthusiasts of his generation and the next. - Adrianna Gallucci

“Top Gun: Maverick”

“Top Gun: Maverick” brought old and new fans to the theater for an action packed thrill ride. This film was one that any and all could enjoy.

With this film being a sequel to the original “Top Gun” it had generations of fans excited and it did not disappoint. It is common for sequels to be over hyped and disappointing when it has been such a long time since the original, but this movie went above and beyond expectations.

With this movie coming out over thirty years later, it was hard to expect what was next after the heart wrenching storyline of the first film. “Top Gun: Maverick” brought all the feels by casting Miles Teller as Goose’s son, Rooster, and picking up with him attending Top Gun and being taught by none other than his Dad’s old partner, Maverick.
Cruise and Teller did a phenomenal job acting together.

Teller went on to go viral on Tiktok for several scenes, and along with that many songs from the soundtrack went on to become very popular.

Overall, the film had an exciting and engaging plot, along with an extraordinary cast. It was clear this film was a big deal when it came out and still is now. - Savannah Swartz

“Minions: The Rise of Gru”

This is the perfect prequel that the “Despicable Me” and “Minions” movie franchise deserve. “Minions: The Rise of Gru” reigns supreme as the best release from 2022.

Gru’s villain origin story has finally been revealed. He wanted to make it big as a little- kid villain, but no one took him seriously. He went through trials and tribulations to earn his villain success including being laughed at, kidnapped, practiced heists, and, of course, being supported by his minions.

With a little bit of stockholm syndrome, Gru was able to make it as the best villain there is.

“Minions: The Rise of Gru '' is the perfect mixture of fun-family friendly content, but with an exciting and intriguing plot. Throughout the movie, if paying attention, there are some not-so-subtle easter eggs that connect with the other “Despicable Me” movies; Gru’s archnemesis, Vector, and future right-hand-man, Doctor Nefario, make appearances.

The Minions, Gru and the rest of the new or returning characters still have their iconic pizzazz. Although, the audience members must have missed Margo, Agnes and Edith, who are usually by Gru’s side the whole time.

The minions did not disappoint with their comedic relief effect at the end as they sang in Minionese a cover of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by the Rolling Stones.

Seeing the baby version of Gru made me want to rewatch the whole series again. But, I still have one question: how did the minions come to life? Is that the next prequel in the works? - Natalie Simone

“The Batman”

Did we really need another Batman movie made in the year 2022?

Well, after watching “The Batman,” the answer is, yes.

Starring “Twilight” alum Robert Pattinson as Batman and Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman, “The Batman” brought a refreshingly sinister darkness to the iconic Gotham City vigilantes.

Pattinson’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne might be the gloomiest we’ve seen so far, however, his Batman shows absolutely no mercy and won crowds over from the get-go.

Paul Dano’s Riddler was also a highlight of the film, and was actually pretty terrifying compared to past renditions of the character.

The cinematography was grungy, bleak, and the best way the corrupt city of Gotham has been shown on the big screen thus far.

So even though “The Batman '' is just shy of a three hour run-time (which should’ve dampened people’s desire to see it in theaters), I went twice and I’m sure many others returned multiple times to see Bat-tinson in action. - Kaitlyn Murphy

“The Adam Project”

Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Levy are a duo that has breathed fresh life into Hollywood.

Reynolds graced the silver screen in Levy’s 2021 action film, “Free Guy,” before collaborating with the director again in “The Adam Project,” portraying Adam Reed.

The main character, Adam Reed, accidentally time-travels to 2022, where he meets his 12-year-old self, played by Walker Scobell. Reed employs his younger self to help accomplish a mission that would rescue the future.

Scobell, had the standout performance in this film, which is impressive considering he was among some of Hollywood’s best, including Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner.

The young actor portrayed a miniature version of Reynolds’ character in this debut role, and his wit made for perfect casting.

After watching this Netflix original once, I went back and watched it two more times. The special effects, humor and soundtrack just kept calling me back.

This is a film anyone of any age can enjoy. The sci-fi aspect is accompanied by action and friendship.

Levy directed multiple episodes of the hit drama series “Stranger Things,” and his talent for sci-fi entertainment is evident in “The Adam Project.”

This film is a modern “Back to the Future.” It’s that good. - McKenna Wall

 

Adrianna Gallucci is a first-year student majoring in journalism. To contact her, email amg7989@psu.edu.

Savannah Swartz is a second-year communications major. To contact her, email sms9072@psu.edu.

Natalie Simone is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

Kaitlyn Murphy is a first-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email kvm6255@psu.edu.

McKenna Wall is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email mew6140@psu.edu.