Best of 2022

 

This was not a great year for film. I found myself watching films because they were part of a franchise but quickly regretted wasting my time. I’m looking at you Marvel. At least there was some original content this year. A big factor in my list making is whether I would watch the movie again. So while some movies had a high rating after my initial watch, they may appear lower on the list. I’m sure some will not like the placement of some of my entries but that’s the fun of lists: arguing with them. Here are mine:   

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2022

1. TOP GUN: MAVERICK
Plot: Maverick teaches pilots to push themselves on a dangerous mission.
Why: This was just a fun time at the theatre. Tom Cruise knows how to make blockbusters. Against all odds, the sequel trumps the original with the only thing lacking being the comradery of Goose. There’s definitely nostalgia but there is also amazing aerial scenes that blew me away. This big screen experience hooked me from the start, hence my top film.
MVP: Maverick (Tom Cruise) – his charisma just can’t be denied
Highlight: Maverick shows the pilots that the mission is not impossible.
Full Review: Click here

2. THE FABLEMANS
Plot: Sammy wants to be a filmmaker but is sidetracked by a family secret.
Why: I’m a sucker for movies about young people having a passion for film. Maybe it’s because I teach a film class. This thinly disguised Spielberg autobiography is right up my alley. Loved the 8mm films shot with friends. Could have made my number one if Michelle Williams wasn’t in it.  
MVP: Sammy (Gabriel LaBelle) – a dead-ringer for Steven Spielberg
Highlight: The montages of the western, the war film and his early horror.
Full Review: Click here

3. GLASS ONION
Plot: Benoit Blanc finds himself involved in another murder mystery
Why: I love myself a good whodunit. Loads of interesting characters and suspects in a sprawling island resort. I had just as much fun trying to solve the case as I did watching it get solved behind the scenes. Also appreciated the humour and cleverness of the script.
MVP: Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) – intelligent, humourous, quirky detective  
Highlight: Blanc solves the ‘game’ too quickly
Full Review: Click here

4. ELVIS
Plot: The life of Elvis told by his questionable manager, Col. Parker.
Why: It would be so easy to just have an Elvis impersonator ham it up on film but Austin Butler imbues Elvis Presley with so much soul and emotion, you can’t take your eyes off him. Add in Tom Hanks’ heavily accented and weighted dark turn as Parker and Baz Lurhmann’s eccentric filming style and you’ve got pure gold.
MVP: Elvis (Austin Butler) – he makes you feel for the King of Rock n Roll.
Highlight: The reactions to Elvis’ first gyrating performance on stage
Full Review: Click here

5. THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT
Plot: Nicholas Cage attends a birthday party but ends up with the CIA.
Why: I love it when an actor doesn’t take himself too seriously. Nicholas Cage is at his crazy best playing an even more heightened version of himself if that can be believed. There is some fun action throughout but it is the meta comments, Pedro Pascal’s fawning fanboy and Cage’s unhingedness that make this film such a treat to watch.
MVP: Nicholas Cage (Nicholas Cage) – the younger crazy version
Highlight: Trying to climb a wall
Full Review: Click here

6. RRR
Plot: Two revolutionaries fight against English oppressors.
Why: The action sequences alone are worth the watch. They are so insane and unbelievable you have smile while watching them. They also have songs and amazing dance-off. This Indian epic is a must see.
MVP: Raju (Ram Charan Teja) – a one man wrecking machine
Highlight: The wild animal sequence that lead to fire vs. water.
Full Review: Click here

7. THE MENU
Plot: A couple eat at an exclusive restaurant with terror on the menu.
Why: I always feel uncomfortable in ultra-fancy restaurants; this one would scare me to death.  Not for it’s décor, mind you, but the lavish thematic menu. Each course gets more disturbing which almost makes one want to forgo dessert. This is a devilishly good thriller dripping with dark comedy.
MVP: Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) – his chef commands your attention
Highlight: The tortillas.
Full Review: Click here

8. THE BATMAN
Plot: Batman investigates political murders orchestrated by The Riddler.
Why: The film-noir-ish detective story drew me in as did the Zodiac-Jigsaw inspired Riddler. Robert Pattinson pulls off a good Batman (but terrible Bruce Wayne). There is an epic quality that is fitting in theory but goes too far, especially with too many characters to keep track of. They also put the dark in Dark Knight with it’s low lighting and lots of rain.   
MVP: Riddler (Paul Dano) – so creepy and non-Jim Carrey-like
Highlight: Batman and Riddler conversation in jail.
Full Review: Click here

9. MATILDA: THE MUSICAL
Plot: An extraordinary girl takes a stand against a bully administrator.
Why: While I prefer the stage production, the film does a amazing job of giving a full scale interpretation of some of the classic musical scenes. A schoolyard filled with dancing students is impressive as are the many fantastical moments. I’m glad more people will see this fun musical now.
MVP: Agatha Trunchbull (Emma Thompson) – a grotesque bully of a teacher
Highlight: “School Song”
Full Review: Click here

10. WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY
Plot: A bizarre, sometimes true, bio of the most popular lyrical parody-ist.
Why: I am a huge Weird Al Yankovic fan so I’m completely bias on this one. I love how they try mix emotional drama with bouts of sheer lunacy without winking to the camera. This film is not for everyone, only those willing to embrace the weirdness.   
MVP: Weird Al (Daniel Radcliffe) – plays it straight and makes it even funnier
Highlight: Al’s first school party.
Full Review: Click here

It was hard to extend this list as there was not much to choose from unlike some previous years. But there are a few honorable mentions:

IF THIS WAS A TOP 15 LIST

11. THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN
A well-acted and tight story mixed with moments of humour and heartbreak. Martin McDonagh knows how to tell a story.
Full Review: Click here

12. EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE
Visually captivating with its use of the multi-verse. The mother-daughter story has its moments but doesn’t compare with the special effects.
Full Review: Click here

13. BABYLON
An eye-opening epic of early Hollywood with its the rise and falls. Unfortunately, it’s sandwiched in between utter debauchery.
Full Review: Click here

14. SCREAM
I’m a big fan of the franchise and love the playfulness and meta humour. A little too much suspension of disbelief at times though in this round.
Full Review: Click here

15. CONFESS, FLETCH
Jon Hamm does great taking over the role from Chevy Chase. The 80's movie style doesn’t quite fit today despite the fun script.
Full Review: Click here

Again, network television took a back seat to streamers this year. When making my list of top television shows, I often think about how eager I was to watch the next episode. While some shows you watch because they are on and convenient, others make you want to keep pressing ‘next episode’ or counting down the days until the next episode is released. These are the shows that kept me wanting more this year:

TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2022

1. BETTER CALL SAUL (AMC)
Why: Vince Gilligan & Peter Gould know how to end a series. This season did a great job of wrapping things up while keeping you on your toes.
MVP: Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn) – the moral compass with some sharp edges
Best Episode of 2022: Saul Gone (S06E13)
Saul/Jimmy represents himself as his world crashes down around him

2. HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (HBO)
Why: This prequel series seems less expansive as Game of Thrones. The family dynamics are dark and treasonous and kept me interested. 
MVP: Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) – the jealous brother who takes charge
Best Episode of 2022: Driftmark (S01E07)
A funeral brings the families together but a stolen dragon leads to treason

3. PEACEMAKER (HBO)
Why: From awesome opening titles to an action-packed conclusion, this season was loaded with James Gunn’s quirky humour and style.    
MVP: John Economos (Steve Agee) – Guy in the chair with a non-dyed beard
Best Episode of 2022: It’s Cow or Never (S01E08)
The team has to come together to kill the cow no thanks to Justice League.

4. SEVERENCE (APPLE TV+)
Why: While the pacing was a tad slow at times, I was constantly intrigued and still want to know more after a very satisfying season finale
MVP: Dylan (Zach Cherry) – A worker who lives for rewards
Best Episode of 2022: The We We Are (S01E09)
The workers learn some troubling revelations about themselves.

5. STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX)
Why: Creepy body manipulations aside, this was an dark but entertaining season full of humour, gore, Russians and that Kate Bush song.
MVP: Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) – she was the heart of this season
Best Episode of 2022: Dear Billy (S04E04)
A Penhurst break-in, Mike and co. escape, Max is in grave danger.

6. WEDNESDAY (NETFLIX)
Why: Jenna Ortega nails the role of Wednesday Addams while unlocking a wonderfully drawn out mystery in this Tim Burton-directed series.
MVP: Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers) – the bubbly opposite roommate
Best Episode of 2022: A Murder of Woes (S01E08)
Wednesday is expelled but needs to save the school with help from friends.

7. THE OFFER (PARAMOUNT+)
Why: I enjoyed the alternative reality behind the making of The Godfather. If only a part of this is accurate, it’s still crazy. Wish more people saw this.  
MVP: Robert Evans (Matthew Goode) – the outrageous drugged-up producer
Best Episode of 2022: Mr. Producer (S01E07)
Barry doesn’t like the footage as Ruddy tries to save Coppola and Pacino.

8. BARRY (HBO)
Why: A slower season but thing got delightfully messier as it progressed. A recorded police takedown and bomb support were some highlights.
MVP: Barry Berkman (Bill Hader) – depressed but still employable hitman
Best Episode of 2022: crazytimesh*tshow (S03E05)
The police takedown and Barry explains how to mess with someone

9. ABBOTT ELEMENTARY (ABC)
Why: I highly enjoyed the antics of this underprivileged school with some really relatable content. Glad I’m better funded at my school though.
MVP: Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams) – the Jim Halpert-ish reactions alone
Best Episode of 2022: Candy Zombies (S02E06)
A student steals a bag of candy which affects the rest of the school day

10. THE AFTERPARTY (APPLE TV+)
Why: I like a good Rashomon-style murder mystery. Each perspective had a different style but gave new clues which I enjoyed. Fun times.
MVP: Yasper (Ben Schwartz) – the over-the-top best friend with sing-song voice
Best Episodes of 2022: Yasper (S01E03)
Yasper does musical story-telling to explain how Xavier helped his career.

For the television shows, if you want more explanation, you can check out my monthly TV checklists this past year. Here are some more shows that didn’t quite make the cut:

IF THIS WAS A TOP 15 LIST

11. ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING (DISNEY+)
The second season was not as sharp as the first but I enjoyed the increasing cast of characters. The building has a lot of secret passageways apparently. I enjoyed Oliver’s increasing obsession with dips.

12. RINGS OF POWER (AMAZON)
Lots of money has been thrown into this series. While some of the storylines are awesome like the dwarf/elf relationship, others are slow going with not as much payoff as I would like. Want season two though.

13. ANDOR (DISNEY+)
It’s a more adult Star Wars show that is free of cute marketing toys. The storylines are a slow burn but the payoffs are worth it each time. The heist and jailbreak are fantastic episodes that rival Mandalorian content.

14. SHE-HULK (DISNEY+)
I don’t care what critics and fans say, I really enjoyed this comedic take on the Marvel universe. Maybe a little too meta at times, it was fun to let loose with breaking the fourth wall and allowing Daredevil to let loose a bit.

15. OZARK (NETFLIX)
It was a dark ride with lots of backstabbing, threating and poor decision making but it ended pretty satisfyingly. I will say that Wendy is maybe one of the worst mothers ever. Happy to done with this family.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 2023 Preview

So what’s in your Top 10 for 2022?

Film: RRR (Rise Roar Revolt)

 

GENRE: Epic Action Drama
RATING: Not rated but has severe violence
RUNTIME: 3 hours and 7 minutes
PLATFORM: Netflix
STARRING: N.T. Rama Rao Jr. (To Father with Love, Temper)
Ram Charan Teja (Zanjeer, Magadheera); Olivia Morris (newcomer)
DIRECTOR: S.S. Rajamouli (Baahubali, Magadheera)
WRITER: Rajamouli (Baahubali, Eega)
PLOT: Two revolutionaries fight against English oppressors who abduct one of their children.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: Was convinced by the Honest Trailer to watch this.

STORY STUFF: Quite an Indian epic tale that features mistaken identities, crazy fight sequences, dance offs, romance, mustaches, heartbreaking father/son relationships and the ultimate bromance. While the film is full of good stuff, it is a little bloated. The backstory of one of the characters goes on too long for instance. The bromance is fun but weird that there are piggybacks involved.  

ACTING STUFF: I watched an English dubbed version so I don’t know if the acting is always coming out in their dialogue. The two leads are pretty compelling. Rao Jr. plays awkward well while wooing Jenny. Teja is intense as Ram.   

ARTISTIC STUFF: The action sequences are insane. Amazing use of slow motion with acrobatic moves against fire and water backdrops. At one point they are fighting and throwing live jungle cats at their enemies. After Ram takes on an entire mob, there is an incredible team up to save a boy in the river. The stunt coordinator King Solomon should be applauded. The are some beautiful shots throughout with captivating cinematography. The music is catchy and compliments each action sequences well.    

VERDICT: Four stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You want ridiculously awesome action sequences.
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Best of 2022

Film: Nope

 

GENRE: Horror? More like Thriller.
RATING: R for language and some violent images
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 10 minutes
PLATFORM: Download
STARRING: Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah)
Keke Palmer (Lightyear); Brandon Perea (The OA)
DIRECTOR: Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us)
WRITER: Peele (Keanu, Get Out, Us, Candyman)
PLOT: Horse wranglers see a UFO.

FULL DISCLOSURE: The trailer didn’t grab me.          

STORY STUFF: I wasn’t thrilled with this film. I found Get Out a lot more compelling if I’m allowed to compare the films of Jordan Peele. Not a huge fan of UFOs and even less a fan of westerns and horses. It does seem fitting this day and age to have a major plot point be trying to get the perfect photo. There were a couple fun jump scares but I wasn’t on the edge of my seat.

ACTING STUFF: Kaluuya is fine as the lead but I got the sense that he didn’t want to be in this film. Palmer looks like she’s having a blast though. She was fun to watch. Also enjoyed Perea’s work as he joins in on the hunt. I like Steven Yeun (Minari, Walking Dead) but I wanted more from him. I felt he was underused.  

ARTISTIC STUFF: There are some nice shots but again the western and horses stuff doesn’t work for me. The music was engaging but nothing to write home about. I did like the use of Corey Hart’s “I Wear My Sunglasses at Night” in the film.  

VERDICT: Two and half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like cowboys and aliens and I don’t mean the 2011 film
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Best of 2022

Film: The Banshees of Inisherin

 

GENRE: Dramedy
RATING: R for language, some violent content and brief nudity
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 54 minutes
PLATFORM: Download
STARRING: Colin Farrell (Saving Mr. Banks, In Bruges, The Batman)
Brendan Gleeson (Harry Potter 4); Kerry Condon (Three Billboards…)
DIRECTOR: Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths)
WRITER: McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri)
PLOT: Two lifelong friends are at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I haven’t seen In Bruges but I should.          

STORY STUFF: It’s a simple story plot-wise but it is also heartbreaking, humourous and kept me wondering how it was going to end up. Despite some slow burns as the impasse between the two grows, it does escalate to a point where I question some motives. Because of the stripped down story and well-written dialogue, I think this could serve very well as a stage play, which is in McDonagh’s wheelhouse. Wish I had subtitles as I could not always understand what everyone was saying with their thick accents though.

ACTING STUFF: Farrell is wonderful as Padraic as he tries to reunite with his best friend; his emotions are on his sleeve as we root for him. Gleeson is just as compelling with his quiet stance and hidden emotions. Condon also shines as Padraic’s sister who is frustrated with the whole ordeal. I’m not a huge fan of Barry Keoghan (Eternals), but he is awkwardly fun in this film.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Ireland looks so pretty. There is lots of beautiful cinematography throughout. I also enjoyed the animal actors.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like Irish plays and broken relationships
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Nope

Film: Matilda: The Musical

 

GENRE: Musical
RATING: PG for exaggerated bullying and some language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 57 minutes
PLATFORM: Netflix
STARRING: Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks, Nanny McPhee)
Alisha Weir (newcomer); Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die, Captain Marvel)
DIRECTOR: Matthew Warchus (Old Vic theatre director)
WRITER: Dennis Kelly (Matilda the Musical – stage version)
PLOT: An extraordinary girl takes a stand against a bully administrator

FULL DISCLOSURE: I really enjoyed the West End/Broadway musical.          

STORY STUFF: I never read the original novel. I was not a fan of the film version with Mara Wilson. However, I really enjoyed the musical on Broadway and the West End. I’m glad that more people will be able to experience this imaginative tale. While there are a few things I miss from the stage show including a larger dad role and a brother obsessed with TV, this shortened adaptation still captures all the fun and feels. It’s the perfect length and will delight most audiences. Still, I’d rather see this on the stage.

ACTING STUFF: Thompson is wonderful as the outrageously cruel Agatha Trunchbull. (In the stage version, this role is usually played by a man in drag for laughs.) Under her phenomenal makeup, she easily commands every scene that she is in. I think Weir is one of my favourite versions of Matilda. She didn’t seem as bratty as previous ones which made me root for her more. Lynch plays a good Miss Honey but didn’t blow me away. I always like Stephen Graham, who plays the dad, but I wish he got to sing.       

ARTISTIC STUFF: The film does a great job of taking scenes that were restricted to smaller stage space and giving them a grand scale. The school itself with its 200 kids looks fantastic as does the chain-like spectre conjured near the end. I adore the stage version of “When I Grow Up” with giant swings that go out into the audience so that one is hard to top. The stage version of “School Song” is also impressive with intricate choreography on a giant gate but the film does an awesome job of running through the halls and highlighting all the letters of the alphabet. I found it funny how the final conflict looks a lot like a theatrical stage.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like musicals and Roald Dahl tales.
UPCOMING REVIEW:  The Banshees of Inisherin

Film: Babylon

GENRE: Drama Comedy
RATING: R for graphic nudity, bloody violence, strong language
RUNTIME: 3 hours and 8 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Margot Robbie (Wolf of Wall Street, Birds of Prey)
Brad Pitt (Ocean’s 11, Bullet Train); Diego Calva (Narcos: Mexico)
DIRECTOR: Damien Chazelle (La La Land, Whiplash, First Man)
WRITER: Chazelle (La La Land, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Whiplash)
PLOT: The rise and fall of multiple characters in early Hollywood.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I’m interested in early Hollywood.          

STORY STUFF: In my film class, I talk about early Hollywood and how it was compared to Babylon. I hope my students don’t watch this until they are a bit older. The utter debauchery and glorification of excess in the first thirty minutes makes Wolf of Wall Street look like an innocent episode of Paw Patrol. It is insane. You have to roll your eyes at the depravity of it all. After we’re exposed to this craziness, we are given a glimpse into the chaos of early Hollywood. This was fun. The lack of safety on the sets are outrageous. As they span a few years, we are introduced to the difficulty of adding sound. There is a set filming sequence where assistant director PJ Byrne (Spirited) loses it that literally brought tears to my eyes I was laughing so hard. After the second hour, the film falls apart under the weight of Chazelle’s self-indulgence. The third hour drags as the stars fall and we are introduced to Toby Maguire as James McKay and we have to see even more disturbing depravity. It’s unfortunate that Chazelle goes to this extreme of content and length while we lose interest in the main characters. What a shame.

ACTING STUFF: Robbie is on fire as an aspiring actress who makes it big but is too addicted to cocaine and gambling. In the end, she annoys me with dumb decisions. Pitt is suave as a silent film star who has trouble with the talkies; he nails his role. I really enjoyed Calva as a driver who makes it big but also makes some dumb decisions at the end. There are a bunch of fun roles here and there but the stand out for me is Byrne, who stole the show in that one scene.     

ARTISTIC STUFF: The production design is outrageous as it needs to be, as are the costumes. The cinematography is sharp. The music is jazzy and pounding. All the elements work in a beautiful harmony. The editor should have shaved the last hour off the movie though.

VERDICT: Three stars out of five (four stars for the first two hours)
SEE IT IF: You can stand the debauchery and can waste the last hour.
UPCOMING REVIEW:  The Banshees of Inisherin

Film: Everything Everywhere All At Once

 

GENRE: Action Comedy
RATING: R for strong violence and some language
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 19 minutes
PLATFORM: Prime
STARRING: Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
Ke Huy Quan (Indiana Jones 2); James Hong (Kung Fu Panda)
DIRECTORS: Dan Kwan & Daniel Sheinert (Swiss Army Man)
WRITERS: Kwan & Sheinert (Swiss Army Man)
PLOT: A Chinese laundromat owner is swept up in an insane adventure that involves multiple universes, the IRS and her daughter.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Just heard stuff and was told I should watch it.          

STORY STUFF: I won’t say the story is easy to follow. Among the bizarre and quick paced multi-verse hopping is a story of a Chinese mother finding meaning in her life and trying to connect with and accept her daughter. I think. There is a lot going on and while I was drawn into the flashiness, the thematic storyline was just okay. There are some weird moments in the early part of the film, but about fifty minutes in it goes to a whole new level. Doctor Strange should have taken notes on how to use a multi-verse effectively.

ACTING STUFF: Yeoh spends most of the film either confused or kicking ass; she does both well. Quan, as her husband Waymond, steals a bunch of the scenes he’s in – he plays an adorable nerd, an action star and our guide to the multi-verse. That fact that he was Short Round in Temple of Doom is the icing on the cake. I found Stephanie Hsu kind of annoying as the daughter. Maybe I’m supposed to feel this way though. It was interesting seeing Jamie Lee Curtis in this IRS and antagonistic role. Also, James Hong is always a welcome presence in a film.    

ARTISTIC STUFF: The multi-verse special effects are impressive. The creative alternate universes are entertaining with an odd amount of time spent in a world where fingers are like long hot dogs. A lot of the amazing multi-verse hopping should be credited to the awesome editing of Paul Rogers, a relative newcomer. His playfulness with speed is definitely eye-catching. When it comes to props, I will say I have never seen a better use of a fanny pack. Kudos.

VERDICT: Three stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You’re into mother-daughter stuff mixed with bizarre action.
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Babylon

Film: The Menu

 

GENRE: Thriller / Dark Comedy
RATING: R for strong violence and some language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 39 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Ralph Fiennes (Schindler’s List, Harry Potter series)
Anna Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit); Nicholas Hoult (The Great)
DIRECTOR: Mark Mylod (Succession, Shameless, Game of Thrones)
WRITERS: Seth Reiss (Late Night with Seth Meyers)
Will Tracy (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver)
PLOT: A couple eat an exclusive restaurant with a lavish menu and some shocking surprises.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Not a foodie.         

STORY STUFF: While the first third of the film plays out as a satire on the foodie lifestyle with an intricate menu and a variety of self-involved guests, it suddenly takes a very dark turn. The thriller takes over but still manages to remain refined in its dastardliness. The film kept me engaged as each course gets more disturbing. What pulled me out were the interactions between the chef and one of his guests. I guess it gives us someone to root for but it made the antagonist weaker and therefore less ominous at times. I appreciate tight running time.

ACTING STUFF: Fiennes is creepy yet compelling as Chef Slowik, a food artist who goes beyond theme meals. His commanding presence and obsession with his craft will keep you coming back for seconds. Taylor-Joy is the stand-in for the audience which allows us to mock the behavior of the pretentious guests. She plays the disgust well. Hoult is annoying as he should be. There are some other interesting guests but the business trio were some of my favourites.     

ARTISTIC STUFF: The food looks amazing; that shouldn’t be a surprise though. The production design of the small secluded restaurant is classy yet claustrophobic. I loved the titling of the different courses and ingredients, it added to the charm of this film. The lighting is a little dark at times but I guess I should expect that for a thriller.  

VERDICT: Four and a half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like a fun murder mystery
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Babylon

Film: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

 

GENRE: Crime Comedy/Drama
RATING: PG-13 for language, some sexual content and violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 20 minutes
PLATFORM: Netflix
STARRING: Daniel Craig (James Bond films, Road to Perdition)
Edward Norton (Fight Club); Janelle Monae (Hidden Figures)
DIRECTOR: Rian Johnson (Star Wars VIII Ozymandias- Breaking Bad ep)
WRITER: Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, Knives Out)
PLOT: Detective Benoit Blanc finds himself involved in a millionaire’s murder mystery game.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I highly enjoyed the first Knives Out.        

STORY STUFF: What a fun ride! I always like a good murder mystery and watching the solving of a case. I think I found this film more entertaining than its predecessor. There was more about the intricate nature of solving the case this time around. Once again, the characters are interesting and the lines are clever and razor sharp at times. You can tell that everyone is having fun crafting this whodunit. I’m glad that Johnson wants to make more. My only issues have to do with the timing of some of the guest interactions that didn’t work for me and I wanted more of a comeuppance at the end.

ACTING STUFF: Craig is having a blast as Benoit Blanc. The accent is weird but the character is engaging with its mix of intelligence, humour and loads of quirks. Norton gets to go big which is always entertaining. Monae gets to play a wide range of great emotions. Kate Hudson (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) gets to play a dim-witted diva. Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) gets to show off more muscle and humour. The other guests as well as a few cameos get to have their moments in the sun as well. A wonderfully assembled cast.      

ARTISTIC STUFF: I enjoyed the production design of the mansion as well as some of the costumes. I think the music was more memorable the first time around. Not much else to say.

VERDICT: Four and a half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like a fun murder mystery
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Babylon

November/December TV Checklist

Here’s what I was watching for November and December. I was waiting for the winter finales. (I’ll be binging Wednesday and Jack Ryan in the next week.) Here are the shows I watched:

WHITE LOTUS (HBO
Second season was not as good as the first. Lots of sexual stories going on. Almost forgot someone was murdered. So tired of Jennifer Coolidge.

THE CROWN (NETFLIX)
I like the new cast but I was not as interested in Diana this time around. From the way Charles talked it sure sounded a lot like treason. At times, this season seemed like filler for the next final season.

ANDOR (DISNEY+)
Quite enjoyable and I think they ended pretty well. Still a tad slow but the payoffs were worth it.

AMAZING RACE (CBS)
I was happy with the team that won. Loved the locations this seasons. Gotta go to Iceland now.

GOOD DOCTOR (ABC)
Not a fan of the new interns but I’m sticking with the series for now.

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY (ABC)
Enjoying the second season. I hope the will-they-won’t they between Janine and Greg doesn’t take too long. Don’t watch sports so Ava’s boyfriend doesn’t impress me.

WELCOME TO FLATCH (FOX)
Like Kelly’s growth so far but the rest of the show is just not wowing me.

LEGO MASTERS (FOX)
I think the Canadians got screwed and not just because I’m patriotic. I think the judging was off and they favoured some teams.

THE SIMPSONS (FOX)
Love the modern commentary on society. They still have it.

YOUNG SHELDON (CBS)
Not sure what’s going on with the parents. Continuing to like Georgie.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (NBC)
Bunch of highs and lows so far. Enjoyed Steve Martin and Martin Short. Going to miss Cecily Strong. Looking forward to more Please Don’t Destroy shorts. There is a surprising lack of commercial parodies this season.

JEOPARDY (ABC)
Great Tournament of Champions though I wanted the college professor to win.

What are you watching?