Editorial: The Best of 2022

Written by Grady Fiorio Original Publishing Date: January 16th, 2023

The best of the best for 2022

With 2022 now finally in the history textbooks, it's time to take a look at all the great works of art we got this year. Unlike my "Best of the First Half of 2022", I'm going to cover more than just films, but also TV, games, and more. I love art, and clearly can't shut the hell up about it, so I'm going to lay it all out on the table for you. Needless to say, I didn't get to check out everything that I wanted to this year. I haven't caught up on Better Call Saul, I've only just started Elden Ring, and I missed out on big hitters like Decision to Leave, Triangle of Sadness, and Glass Onion. I've only got so much time to see what's out there, but I plan on catching up soon. Once again in full disclosure, there are a few things on my list that I haven't finished but have been able to experience a significant amount of, which I feel I can confidently recommend and say I've enjoyed. Anytime this does come up on my list I'll clarify. Unlike many other yearly recaps that most media outlets do, I've waited until the full end of the calendar year to do my ranking. This way I can try and catch up on as many things as possible, and also not cut out anything that comes in at the tail end of the year. Not all of these are top 10s or top 5s, but just what I felt was good and that people should know about. The rankings aren't perfect, and I still find them constantly changing. Still, I can wholeheartedly recommend everything here and give it my "Grady Seal of Approval" for whatever that's worth (a free Togo's sandwich or 20 free tokens at Chuck-E-Cheese. Not both you damn cheapskates).

Much of the media I talk about in this list I've talked about at length in an individual review. Click on any titles that are underlined to check out their review and get more of my thoughts.

The Best of TV

Honorable Mention: Andor

Star Wars has been going through a bit of a rough patch recently. This isn't news to most who are fans currently in tune with the franchise, however, Andor has marked a noticeable change for the series. Penned by Bourne series screenwriter Tony Gilroy, Andor takes the galactic world of Star Wars and brings it into the grounded reality of high-intensity political thrillers, such as The West Wing and Zero Dark Thirty. While it isn't perfect (and has some notable pacing problems), Andor is the breath of fresh air Star Wars desperately needed. It shows that the series can be much more than cameos, lightsabers, and clear-cut good v.s. evil. Andor is a view into what the Star Wars universe can truly be when a cohesive vision is leading the charge from beginning to end. Even though Andor has its issues, I'm looking forward to seeing how the story is capped off in season two.

6. Peacemaker

While I didn't expect to enjoy this series as much as I did, I found myself loving James Gunn's knockout hit Peacemaker. Following up on his 2021 film The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker follows John Cena's antihero Peacemaker, as he continually Forrest Gumps his way through an alien plot to enslave humanity. On the surface, it sounds like the kind of generic plot you've seen a million times before, but Gunn's writing talent gives every character a layer of extra depth that turns what is a played-out formula into a new-age classic. This was funny, heartfelt, poignant, and just really well made. Take notes Marvel!

5. House of the Dragon

Dissatisfied with where Game of Thrones left off with Season 8, I wasn't sure if the world was ready for a return to Westeros. Maybe HBO had just lost the magic that made GOT so special. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised with the prequel spinoff, House of the Dragon. HBO's new series is a smaller, more focused story of a bloodline thrown into chaos when the royal hierarchy is challenged. Sure it covers a lot of the same ground as GOT, but that was really damn good ground. The characters are great and the drama is intriguing. While I came in cautious, I ended up being pretty satisfied with HBO's return to the Game of Thrones universe. Now that the series has started strong, it's time to see if they can stick the landing.

4. The Boys

The Boys are back in town for Season 3, and they are better than ever. While I felt that season 2 was a bit of a step down for the series, season 3 comes back in full force for what is arguably the series' best season yet. Anthony Star gives a series-best performance as Homelander, the plot goes deeper, the characters get more complex, and the season starts with a cold open that made me want to pray for God to take my eyesight away. It was great! Eric Kripke found a way to dig deeper into the soul of the characters, without losing the biting edge that makes The Boys so good. With The Boys on such a winning streak the biggest question really is, "Where do they go from here?".

3. The Rehearsal

I knew The Rehearsal was going to be good but... holy shit. The Rehearsal is the reinvention of television as a concept. It's a meditation on what it means to live a fulfilling life without anxiety, all presented under the guise of a meta-comedy. For the uninitiated The Rehearsal stars Nathan Fielder as he documents people rehearsing the most stressful moments of their life, to hopefully achieve maximum efficiency and positive results. The show explores the relationship between documentarian and subject, where eventually the documentarian becomes the subject. The show goes down a rabbit hole so deep that you'll be wondering if you're living in The Truman Show yourself. The Rehearsal is a piece of television so unique, I don't know if anything will ever be made like it again. With the show renewed for season 2, I don't know how the hell Nathan Fielder can do it again, but you bet I'll be parked in front of my TV as soon as that first episode airs.

2. Cyberpunk Edgerunners

Another of the year's many surprise hits was Studio Trigger's Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Based on CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 video game, Edgerunners follows David, a hacker (or edgerunner), as he gets caught up in the criminal underworld and body augmentations to pay off an ever-growing debt. Of course, the animation is stunning, but the characters are the key to Edgrunners' success. The show does a great job at making you fall in love with the cast, only to kill them off when you least expect it. It might not work in many other shows, but here it feels in tune with the die-any-day world of Cyberpunk. You never know which day is your last, so you make the most of each second. The ending is a gut-wrenching ride, that beautifully sends off the characters and world that are set up from episode one. Studio Trigger has done an excellent job at taking what made the world of Cyberpunk unique and expanding on it tenfold. The series was so good that it nearly single-handedly resurrected the image of Cyberpunk 2077's tarnished reputation. While Studio Trigger has stated that they aren't doing a second season, I really hope that they take the success of this series and follow more stories within the world of Cyberpunk. As far as video game adaptation's go, Edgrunners sets a new bar and sets it quite high. Let's hope HBO's The Last of Us stacks up.

1. Black Bird

It amazes me that one of 2022's best series ended up flying so far under the radar. Apple TV's miniseries, Black Bird is well directed, expertly acted, and perfectly paced. The true story follows arms dealer Jimmy Keane as he goes undercover in a maximum security prison to hunt down a serial killing pedophile and reduce his own prison sentence in the process. The series also features one of the final performances of Ray Liotta, playing Jimmy's father. In the era of 10 episode bloat and second season slumps, Black Bird is the kind of thing audiences have been begging for. The miniseries finds a way to stay consistently engaging while also staying true to its real-life story. For fans of David Fincher and true crime, Black Bird is a must. If you got an internet connection, then you better be watching Black Bird.

The Best of Gaming

2. The Skywalker Saga

This year they wanted to start charging $70 for new video games, so I haven't played that many of 'em, but what I can say is the few that I have, I've thoroughly enjoyed. First on the docket is Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Being a huge fan of the original Lego Star Wars, playing through this new adaptation was a real treat. Sure it's a hit of dopamine straight to wherever the hell they keep nostalgia locked up, but damn it, who wouldn't love running around a Lego galaxy flying the Death Star? TT Games was able to reinvent their own formula while not completely jumping the shark. Some changes might be controversial, but overall they were for the best. TT Games really stuck the landing and I still look forward to going back into co-op and gaining "True Jedi" status over and over again.

1. God of War Ragnarok

If God of War (2018) is about being a father, Ragnarok is about being a son. Living up to expectations is never an easy task, but it seems insurmountable when it's in the eyes of those you love. Taking what worked in the 2018 reboot and expanding it laterally, Ragnarok is emotional, compelling, and just so damn satisfying to play. It's able to find the perfect balance of heart-pounding, violent gameplay, with emotional and resonant storytelling. Santa Monica Studios has once again elevated the series to show that all are worthy of empathy. The father-and-son relationship between Kratos and Atreus explores new depths and shows how truly hard it is to love the ones you love. It's not something passive but active. You have to WANT to be better. You NEED to be better. Our children are like lakes, reflections of what surrounds them. We can't pollute the waters. The writing on tap is top-notch, and performances from the likes of Christopher Judge and Danielle Bisutti elevate what is already very solid material. Richard Schiff gives a particularly standout performance in his unorthodox portrayal of the All-Father Odin. I do need to clarify that I still need to see the game's end, but I have made it deep into the third act. I've been loving it so far, and can't wait to see where it goes from here.

The Best of Books

1. Cinema Speculation

Yup, I'm adding a book this time. Quentin Tarantino returns to the land of novels with his new non-fiction, Cinema Speculation. The book covers film's "New Hollywood" period as the studio system and moralist America was shaken up by films of the late '60s and early '70s. Every chapter covers a new film of the era and gives new context to one of cinema's most revolutionary periods. As a filmmaker and fan of cinema, I find the insight into each film fascinating, and the history of Hollywood eye-opening, It's no mystery that Tarantino is a great screenwriter, but it's nice to know that his talent translates to a new medium. If you're a fan of film and film history, this is a no-brainer and a must buy. Once again, full disclosure, I haven't finished the book, however, I can say that so far it is excellent, and a real pageturner. I'll probably end up doing a full review of this later.

The Best of Movies

Honorable Mentions: A lot...

Ohhhhhhh boy, there's quite a bit of these. I'm going to try and rattle these off pretty quickly so you know what to keep your eye out for.

2022 brought us plenty of great films such as Memory, a film about a hitman suffering from Alzheimer's. While this sleeper hit from Casino Royale director Martin Campbell didn't review the best, I found it highly engaging and a really interesting watch. This year we also got some great comedies. Jackass Forever was a great return to form for the dumb but tough comedy group. Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, and Chip N Dale proved that parody isn't dead and there is always something new to lampoon. Animation this year was also strong with both decades in the making films, Mad God and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio finally seeing the light of day. Even though Mad God was lacking in the story department, the animation on sight was truly astonishing. Arthouse also had a good year with Memoria and Vortex. Both transcendent films that pushed the medium in completely new and unexpected ways. Bodies Bodies Bodies was a great horror comedy that combined the ridiculousness of Gen Z with the style of Wes Craven's Scream. Finally, we have The Unredacted, formerly known as Jihad Rehab. This film I wanted to mention in particular as it premiered at Sundance 2022 but found itself buried in unwarranted controversy, got pulled from subsequent festivals, and received a denouncement from Sundance. The film follows Islamic terrorist prisoners from Guantanomo Bay as they go through a controversial rehabilitation program in Saudia Arabia, in hopes to reintegrate themselves back into society. The film is an unprecedented look at empathy and perspective but found itself in the sights of many social groups for covering topics "too dangerous" for modern consumption. Many of the film's critics even admitted to not even seeing the film. Due to the ongoing controversy, the film is struggling to find a distributor to get the film released so people can judge it on its own merit. It's sad to see critical thinking and empathy go out the window this way, so I highly encourage you to keep this film on your radar and go see it when it hopefully gets released soon.

10. The Whale

Honesty, brutal fucking honesty. No words could better describe Darren Aronofsky's The Whale. Starring Brendan Frasier as the 600-pound lead Charlie, The Wahle offers a look into the pain of obesity and vice through radical empathy. Like many of Aronofsky's films, The Whale is a tough watch. It is 2 hours of pain and suffering as we watch Charlie slowly die over the course of a week, but the window of perspective it offers is too great to miss. The film's ending is arguably the most powerful ending I've seen in 2022, very much reminding me of the Lars Von Trier film, Breaking the Waves. The Whale isn't perfect, in fact, it has some quite clear flaws, but honesty courses through the veins of this film, and as an audience member you feel it. It will leave you weeping, I know it sure as hell had me crying.

9. Everything Everywhere All at Once

From former music video directing duo The Daniels, comes the multiverse smash hit, Everything Everywhere All at Once. At this point, you've probably seen this film or heard about it so damn much you felt like you've already seen the movie, so I'll make this brief. EEAO is on the surface about a laundromat owner just trying to do her taxes when she ends up caught in a Matrix-style multiverse adventure, but under the layers, it's a film about the importance of our life choice and the ripple effect it has on others. It's endlessly creative and a whole lot of fun, if not just a bit too long. If you're one of the three people who haven't seen this already, give it a watch and tell me why Waymond is your favorite character.

8. Barbarian

The less said about Barbarian, the better, so I'll keep this one brief too. Helmed by Whitest Kids You Know alumni Zach Cregger, Barbarian is the subversive horror film we've all been waiting for, but never saw coming. Barbarian constantly has new twists that turn your expectations on their head, and never truly succumbs to horror movie tropes. You might think you know what Barbarian has in store, but I promise you, you don't. For now, that's all that I'll say. Go in blind to this one and I guarantee you won't regret it.

7. All Quiet on the Western Front

One of the most harrowing war films since Saving Private Ryan, All Quiet on the Western Front is the third adaptation of the famous 1928 novel of the same name. Taking heavy inspiration from 1917, Saving Private Ryan, and Come and See, All Quite is an unforgettable war film that once again grounds audiences in the futility of war. Countless death is unnecessary, but those who profit constantly insist. The technical work on display is stunning and the story is haunting. All Quite may be treading familiar ground, but it does it with such effect that it can't help but become a new anti-war film for the ages. For all thoughts parading around the idea of the "nobility" of war, give this a watch.

6. 3000 Years of Longing

It may have taken a bit longer than we all hoped, but Geroge Miller is back again and he doesn't disappoint. 3000 Years of Longing film follows a Djin (or genie) as he tries to convince scholar Alethia to make three wishes. Throughout the film, he recounts 3000 years of being imprisoned in a bottle and thrown through the wringer of his many masters. It's like a modern rendition of Aladin crossed with Passolini's Arabian Nights. 3000 Years is an epic story of love, loss, and what it means to want vs need. Its ending is a kick in the balls, but damn it sometimes that's just what you need. Miller does a stellar job of using all his technical skills of camera and color to build a fantasy world that is as engaging as it is beautiful. It's fast-paced, it's fun, and it'll get you thinking about the one you love. Another knockout from Geroge Miller.

5. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

With the death of a star, the expectations of millions, production nightmares, and a budget of $250 million dollars, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had every reason to fail. However, in the midst of the turmoil, Ryan Coogler not only created a worthy successor to his 2018 hit but made a film that blows the original out of the water. Wakanda Forever is a cinematic and emotional triumph. Coogler was able to take the real pain that the world was feeling from the loss of Chadwick Boseman, and was able to channel it into some of the best directing work to come from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With every frame, every line, and every moment you can feel Coogler's touch as he tributes this film to Boseman. The film is not only a sendoff to the late star, but takes the mythology set up in the original film and expands on it greatly, creating a new villain that is compelling, terrifying, and most of all empathetic. Wakanda Forever is what happens when a filmmaker takes their pain and crafts it into something beautiful. I'm so glad that Marvel let Coogler make this film. I can only hope they can continue this trend further.

4. The Fabelmans

While The Fabelmans might present itself as the story of Speilberg's start as a filmmaker, it's really the backdrop for a story about being caught in an ugly divorce where no one is "the bad guy". Yes, Speilberg may have trojan horsed a lot more than we bargained for in his new autobiographical film, but like the genius Speilberg is, it's pretty damn good! It looks good, it sounds good, and there's a whole lot of heart that'll melt that cold little block of ice in your chest. It's a Speilberg picture alright! However, what The Fabelmans does best is not lose grasp of reality. The film shows that people are complicated and you can't force yourself to live someone else's life. The Fabelmans reminds us why we love film, but it also reminds us why we love family, no matter how hard we try not to sometimes. Plus, that cameo from David Lynch as John Ford is pure gold. And never forget, "When the horizon is at the top, it's interesting. When it's on the bottom, it's interesting. When it's in the middle, it's boring as shit! Now get the fuck outta my office!"

3. The Batman

With 13 live-action appearances of the capped crusader, audiences had always wanted to see a Batman film that truly felt like it was directly pulled from the comics. The Batman is that film. The Batman takes Bruce Wayne and once again puts him into a dark, gritty, grounded Gotham City. What's different this time is that instead of focusing on his brawn, Matt Reeves focuses on the brain and detective wit of Batman, pitting him against a serial killer Riddler. The film takes some of the best elements of Fincher's Seven and Wan's Saw for a bold take on Batman. You may have tired of another gritty Batman film but I'm a sucker for the down-in-the-gutter style of Bruce Wayne. While the film might have a long 3 hour runtime, Reeves is able to make a more focused tale, while also doing some heavy world-building that makes Gotham's criminal underground feel alive in a way other Batman films haven't. Is it the best Batman film? No. The Dark Knight has that market covered and I don't imagine anybody will be taking the title soon, but The Batman is a refreshing and exciting take on a well-worn hero of the night.

2. Cha Cha Real Smooth

At not even 25 years old Cooper Raiff has written, directed, starred in, and produced one of the year's best films with his sophomore film Cha Cha Real Smooth. While I may feel unjustly mortified for not even achieving a quarter of that resume at 22, Raiff has rightfully earned a seat at the table of directors to watch. The film follows Andrew, a recent college graduate as he befriends an autistic teenager and falls in love with her 30-year-old mother. The film might not be a technical powerhouse but what Cha Cha Real Smooth is able to capture is the feeling of impulsive love as it comes colliding full speed with reality. Even when you love someone with your full heart, sometimes it's not meant to be. At the time it doesn't make sense, and it'll shatter your heart in two, but in due time all will be revealed. Love sucks, but without it, God only knows...

1. RRR

Probably the biggest surprise hit of 2022 was S.S. Rajamouli's international sensation RRR. Coming from India's booming film industry, RRR was always going to be a big box office draw for its home country, but its worldwide impact was very much unforeseen. RRR is what happens when you cross The Departed with The Avengers. It's a superhuman clash of friendship and betrayal, set against the backdrop of England's imperial rule over India. The film is balls to the walls nuts, but keeps its characters raw and grounded, making even the most spectacular of moments feel possible. RRR is pure energy, excitement, and electricity, compacted into a 3-hour epic. RRR is what movies were made for. If you don't leave the theater dancing to Natu Natu and wanting to swing a motorcycle around your head knocking out bad guys, then I don't think we watched the same movie.

0. Do Not Disturb

Alright, I'm cheating again. Technically this film is still a work in progress, and it may be another shameless plug... but I would be passing up a great opportunity if I didn't tell all three of my readers to keep an eye out for a new feature film I'm producing called Do Not Disturb. If you know me personally then you probably wish I'd just shut up about this project, as it's been one of my main focuses for the past three years now. The film is an anthology of wild stories that all take place in one hotel room. It's got bank robbers, family drama, time travel, and more. You name it and this movie has probably got it. The stories are diverse and bring the visions of many directors into one rollercoaster ride of emotion. Keep an eye out for this at film festivals and a hopeful theatrical and home release later this year.

For now, you can check out the IMDB Page here.