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Best and Worst Films from December 2022

Best Films from December 2022:

3. Triangle of Sadness

This month I watched fewer movies than usual due to personal issues, so this third spot has to go to a movie that I did not love, but I mostly really liked. Triangle of Sadness is where Ruben Ostlund returned to form after his previous lackluster effort. Yes, it’s a messy movie with the second act being particularly problematic and weakly paced, but the first one is superbly written and the third act is unexpected and fun.

2. Pinocchio

Pinocchio is Guillermo del Toro’s best movie since ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ and it’s the best version of this story since the Disney one. Yes, the soundtrack isn’t great, but everything else is masterfully realized here. Not only are the characters wonderfully developed, but the story is given a fresh quality due to a change in time period and the addition of new thematic elements with the spiritual themes being particularly fascinating. The ending is absolutely heartbreaking that it made me tear up while the animation is incredibly artistic. It truly is one of the absolute best that 2022 had to offer.

1. The Banshees of Inisherin

But the number one movie of 2022 is easily The Banshees of Inisherin, a film where Martin McDonagh once again cemented his status as one of our best current directors. This one just might be better than ‘Three Billboards’ as it’s incredibly original in its mixture of black comedy, drama and horror elements. It is populated by two polar opposite characters through which the film explores some thought-provoking ideas. It is a film that has a lot to say while being brilliantly acted, directed and beautifully shot as well.

Worst Films from December 2022:

3. The Fabelmans

The Fabelmans is Spielberg’s most narcissistic project yet, a film where he professed to the world how amazing he really is. Yes, it is technically wonderfully made and the ending is great, but the movie mostly goes through the predictable coming-of-age beats while lacking that magic of cinema touch that it needed to elevate this subpar biopic.

2. Disenchanted

Disenchanted is actually quite a lot of fun. Amy Adams is wonderful and the movie is entertaining throughout. However, it has none of the magic or the commentary that the original had and its script is pretty much a rehash of something that you might have seen back on ‘Once Upon a Time’.

1. Aftersun

Aftersun is an indie movie that is limited in appeal to the point that it felt tedious and tiresome to me personally. It is well made and well acted, but it’s sparse in dialogue and overall ineffective in storytelling that I cannot understand why anyone would put it in their top ten for the year.