2022 was a great movie year. Sure, the Oscars for that year aren’t even here yet but we can still look forward to the coming months into what will surely be a very solid year for the movies. Now, let’s get into my top ten starting from least anticipated.

#10: “Wonka” by Paul King

Release Date: December 15

Let’s be honest, no one really needed a Willy Wonka musical origin story. I know I certainly didn’t. However, this stars Timothée Chalamet who not only is easily one of the best actors working right now, but he hasn’t really been in a bad movie. He’s a pro at picking a script so his involvement speaks volumes. Additionally, this is directed by Paul King, the man behind “Paddington” and its’ critically acclaimed sequel. I wouldn’t say I’m exhilarated at the prospect of seeing it, but I’ll certainly be there opening night to say the least.

#9: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” by Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson, Kemp Powers

Release Date: June 2

I don’t think I need to explain why this is here, but I will anyway. The first film in 2018 was a revelation. It shocked the entire animation community with groundbreaking 2.5-D animation (a blend of both 2D and 3D animation). In fact, after the release of “Puss and Boots: The Last Wish”, the largely held belief in the animation community is how we are now living in a “Post-Spider-Verse Era” for western animation. The mere thought of a sequel gets me really excited and I can’t wait.

#8: “The Killer” by David Fincher

Release Date: November 10

Fincher. Fassbender. Assassins. Say less…but I’ll say more. “The Killer” is an adaptation of a French graphic novel about a highly skilled, unnamed assassin who begins questioning his morality and life during a hit. Michael Fassbender has been a topic of interest ever since playing Magneto and then cemented his place in my heart with an absolutely delightful performance in “Inglourious Basterds”. His talents fit perfectly with whatever dark and gritty stuff David Fincher has cooked up for us. It’s expected to release on Netflix on November 10th, hopefully following a theatrical release.

#7: “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” by Christopher McQuarrie

Release Date: July 14

I’m a huge action movie nerd. That’s been my bread and butter since day one of loving movies. So when I tell you that “Mission: Impossible” is the greatest action franchise ever, I say that with meaning. Additionally, the previous installment, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”, is up there as one of the best action films of this century. This is also the two-part finale of the whole series and makes my expectations sky high. I’d go as far to say exceeding them would be a truly impossible task. But who can do that better than Ethan Hunt and the IMF.

#6: “Oppenheimer” by Christopher Nolan

Release Date: July 21

“Oppenheimer” may not be my most anticipated, but it certainly is the biggest movie on the list. The film is about the creation of the nuclear bomb by Robert J. Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) and the psychological ramifications of creating a doomsday device. I love Nolan’s work, I love historical dramas, and I absolutely adore this cast. To list a few: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr, Florence Pugh, Rami Malek, Jack Quaid, Josh Peck, Benny Safdie, Kenneth Branagh, Dane DeHaan and Alden Ehrenreich. Easily the most stacked cast of the year and maybe the most anticipated for general audiences. 

#5: “Asteroid City” by Wes Anderson

Release Date: June 16

The director: Wes Anderson. The synopsis: “World-changing events spectacularly disrupt the itinerary of a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention.” The cast: Margot Robbie, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Hong Chau, Willem Dafoe and Tony Revolori. My hype: through the roof. 

#4: “How Do You Live?” by Hayao Miyazaki

Release Date: July 14

Hayao Miyazaki already made his retirement film with “The Wind Rises” a few years ago, but he decided he has one more left in him. “How Do You Live?” is an adaptation of a book that Miyazaki is dedicating to his grandson for when he passes. Miyazaki is widely considered to be the greatest animation director in history, with such films like “Spirited Away”,  “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Princess Mononoke” under his belt. The final swan song of Hayao Miyazaki is a much awaited project for every animation fan the world over.

#3: “Barbie” by Greta Gerwig

Release Date: July 21

On a much less sincere note, Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” starring Margot Robbie. Early screening reactions are overwhelmingly positive. Many are quoted as saying this is Ryan Gosling’s best work to date. With “Little Women” being an all time favorite movie for me, Greta hasn’t missed, I simply cannot wait. 

#2: “Dune Part Two” by Denis Villeneuve

Release Date: November 21 

You know me as Will Teare, film beat reporter for Q30TV under President Ben Kane. But I serve only one master, and his name is Shai-Halud. Let the spice flow, may the Great Maker bless you and your water, but most importantly may you be seated for Dune Part Two on November 21. Remember, fear is the mind-killer.

#1: “Killers of the Flower Moon” by Martin Scorsese

Release Date: TBD

Based on the David Grann non-fiction book of the same name(my favorite book I’ve read in the past few years), “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a new Scorsese picture coming to us at an unknown date this year. It’s about the investigation of the mysterious deaths of wealthy, oil owning indigenous people in Osage County. What starts as a few murders in small town America, turns into a national conspiracy that stretches from Oklahoma oil drills to the nation’s capital. It’s one of the many historical atrocities that America has conveniently forgotten about until the award winning book. Hopefully the movie can educate even more people. It’s important in informing us on how racism is systematically ingrained in this country and it is truly a great story. I cannot wait for this. 

Follow @WillyTeare
Follow @Q30Entertain