I’m sure you can agree that 2022 was a wonderful year for the cinema. Packed with non-stop excitement and many tremendous titles, it had movie lovers rushing to cinemas and cheering on the big screen once again.
Below is a list of some of my favourites, including my top ten titles that impacted me greatly. On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your ongoing support, and we wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Kind regards, Peter Walkden (Owner and Founder of Walkden Entertainment).
Best Documentary: Fire Front (Umbrella Entertainment)
Overall, revisiting and witnessing first-hand the dreadful disaster of the 2019 and 2020 bushfires is heartbreaking and challenging. Granted, the film delivers a raw and touching look back, putting viewers in the middle of the major disaster. It is confronting, gripping and yet honourable to experience. It’s a well-made documentary consisting of imagery and footage that reveals everything and hides nothing. The representation of political themes will be subjective for some viewers, but either way, it’s tremendous work yet again from documentarian Eddie Martin.
TOP TEN FILMS OF 2022
Honourable Mentions: Avatar: The Way of Water, Spencer, The Fabelmans, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent & The Northman.





10. Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (A24)
Overall, there is so much to admire and praise here, starting with stunning imagery and the great use of stop-motion technology. This film is highly creative and excellent in finer details. Marcel himself is adorable, cute, and charming and has many moments that bring laughter and tears to the audience. The story is touching and fun, with only a few scenes dragging on. Sure, some moments are also predictable but watching Marcel’s journey unfold is indeed an applaudable experience, and audiences are guaranteed to be filled with various emotions. It’s a solid reminder that big things can come from small packages, such as a cute shell wearing shoes.
09. Murina (Vendetta Films)
Overall, this is an outstanding drama film. It’s filled with real and highly believable performances that are both heartbreaking and dramatic, and the outcomes of each character in this story are highly unpredictable and satisfying. Visually, this film can’t be faulted, and it captures tense moments, stunning landscapes and sceneries wonderfully. It’s a film that didn’t take me long to get invested in, and the outcomes are rewarding and impressive. As a directional debut from Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic, I’m proud to highly praise this film as it leaves a powerful impact on those who experience it.
08. The Batman (Warner Bros.)
Overall, this is a Batman film that’s different and highly entertaining. Matt Reeves shows fans the best looking Gotham City to date. Filled with well-cast characters, especially Robert Pattinson, The Batman tells a new story that is more of a thriller than an outrageous action film. Visuals, sound effects and film musical scores are top-notch. Batman fans are in for a treat as they join the great detective on a twisty journey.
07. Everything Everywhere All At Once (Roadshow)
Overall, let me ask you, have you ever been on a wild roller-coaster? Well, welcome to the equivalent experience in cinema. This film is witty and wild! Nothing about it is ever boring. Instead, it is highly creative and clever, and I adored that the cast committed everything they had towards it, including its lead, Michelle Yeoh, who is, again, tremendous. Sure, a film about the multiverse may seem to be a familiar concept. Still, viewers will feel many emotions and have a blast experiencing it thanks to clever visuals, costuming, and touching themes about family and relationships. It’s almost perfect as a film, but some gags don’t quite land on the right foot. As for the plot, it’s filled with entertainment and energy. There is so much to see while travelling around the multiverse in this film that I cannot wait to conduct another rewatch in cinemas to better understand some aspects of this crazy and amusing film.
06. Drive My Car (Potential Films)
Overall, Drive My Car is a brilliant drama film. With a touching journey that feels real and raw, audiences will be hooked and engaged with this film very easily. Performances here are strong, and characters all around have wonderful stories with solid setups. The film is packed with strong moments that are unpredictable and unforgettable. Apart from the ever so slightly slower third act, this film is practically flawless, and it doesn’t surprise me that it’s been nominated for Best Picture (and more) in the upcoming Oscars. It’s a cinematic experience and journey that I’ll never forget.
05. Top Gun: Maverick (Paramount)
Overall, as a sequel, this film scores above the original in a massive way, and I especially loved the plot surrounding the lead, Maverick. Those who love action will be stunned, shocked and impressed with all the high octane action displayed here; it’s truly wild and impressive. Tom Cruise is also, once again, excellent, and we witness his character taking on new and unexpected dramas that surround him while still delivering many laughs and grins along the way. It’s an unforgettable experience, and I promise you, it will get your adrenaline pumping based on the third act alone. It’s easily one of the best films released this year and must be seen on the big screen as the filmmakers intended. This film has exceeded my expectations, and I suggest putting on your helmet, aviator glasses and strapping in to re-enter the Dangerzone.
04. The Stranger (Transmission Films)
Overall, filled with flawless and impressive performances from both Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris, The Stranger is deeply unsettling, dramatic, and highly enjoyable, especially for those who love a crime story based on true events within Australia. The dramatic story creates on-screen tension and drama, especially when combined with a haunting soundtrack and daunting sound effects. In my opinion, this film doesn’t have flaws or faults, even in its storytelling or pace, and thankfully, there’s a level of respect towards the Morcombe case here. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen—highly recommended whether you know the entirely true story or not.
03. The Banshees of Inisherin (20th Century Studios)
Overall, this film has impacted me significantly. The performances of the leads and side cast members are touching, gripping and comedic. The Banshees of Inisherin delivers a cinematic experience filled with unpredictability and moments bound to shock its audience. Visually this is a stunning film; everything on-screen is glorious to look at, whether it’s the scenery, costumes, houses or even just how well scenes of tension are captured. It’s certainly a film I wasn’t expecting, given Martin McDonagh’s previous work. The Director continues to impress movie lovers with an unforgettable journey and a storyline filled with freshness and heart.
02. The Quiet Girl (Madman Entertainment)
Review.
FILM OF THE YEAR
01. Belle (Kismet)
Overall, I had a wonderful and unexpected experience with this film. It’s tremendous and filled with drama, mystery, and a heartfelt story that I’ll never forget. The animation and visual creativity are breathtaking, and everything on screen right from the start is astonishing. I loved the mystery, which raised my excitement and investment to a top level. The soundtrack is beautiful, which only gave me goosebumps while viewing. Belle is a next-level cinematic masterpiece.
19th December 2022
Written by Peter Walkden

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