Max Hechtman's Top 10 Movies of 2022
The full list of Max Hechtman’s Top 10 Movies of 2022.
Happy New Year everyone! Can't wait to see what 2023 has in store for all of us. And as my last post of 2022, here's my list of my top 10 movies of the Year. What were your favorites?
1 - The Fabelmans
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg tells the story of his adolescence as a semi-autobiographical coming of age "fable" that is for sure to resonate with so many people, particularly young aspiring artists. The performances, particularly those of Gabriel LaBelle (who plays the lead teenage protagonist Sammy Fabelman, based on Spielberg), Michelle Williams, Paul Dano and Judd Hirsch were amazing. The cinematography: beautiful. All of this, and a memorable ending cameo make this an unforgettable experience, despite the small times here and there where it would feel slow but then pick up again. Definitely my pick for the Academy Award for Best Picture this year.
2 - Top Gun: Maverick
Directed by Joseph Kosinski
A literal blockbuster that literally feels "the need...the need for speed." Tom Cruise returns to one of his iconic roles to teach the next generation in this sequel to the 1986 hit, this time with spectacular IMAX footage and great performances from its supporting cast, particularly Miles Teller.
3 - Fire of Love
Directed by Sara Dosa
The eye-popping colorful footage of the volcanic lava and a story so moving and tragic make this one of the most memorable documentaries of the year.
4 - Elvis
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Two words: Austin. Butler. He embodied the "King of Rock and Roll" so perfectly, that he WILL be nominated for Best Actor. Baz Luhrmann also uses all the tricks up his sleeves to creatively break the boundaries of the typical music bio pics and deliver one that's one-of-a-kind.
5 - Navalny
Directed by Daniel Roher
A thought-provoking and powerful documentary about the man who lived to tell the tale of his ordeal. Released at exactly the right time when Ukraine was being invaded by Russia, it is a must-watch.
6 - Turning Red
Directed by Domee Shi
Cute, funny and entertaining, Disney and Pixar give us another fantastical story with the sentimental themes and messages we can expect from them. It's 2002 setting and portrayal of the boy band fandom of the era bring back so much nostalgia, that Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell will indeed be returning to the Oscars as nominees for their take on this music genre with "Nobody Like U."
7 - The Andy Baker Tape
Directed by Bret Lada
One of the most original horror/thriller films of the year outside of big studio hits such as Barbarian, Smile and Nope, this found footage saga keeps you on the edge of your seat every single minute.
8 - Hustle
Directed by Jeremiah Zagar
Adam Sandler gives his best performance to date in this intriguing look at how NBA scouts discover hidden talent and prepare them for the draft. And it's incredible how they got actual NBA players to be in the cast.
9 - Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Directed by Matthew Warchus
The hit musical based on Roald Dahl's classic book comes to cinematic life with a Netflix film adaptation that keeps its source material's magical spark. Emma Thompson nails it as Miss Trunchbull and Alisha Weir is a star in the making as our titular heroine.
10 - Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers
Directed by Akiva Schaffer
A twist on the classic Disney TV series and a meta social commentary on the evolvement of animation, with a plot that gives Roger Rabbit vibes, this comedy adventure is sure to bring tons of nostalgia to anyone who has grown up with the characters and who is a Disney fan.
