The 2022 Movie Draft

Key Takeaways

Hosts Sean Fennessey, Amanda Dobbins, and guest Chris Ryan drafted the best movies of 2022 for the podcast.
The 2022 film landscape was marked by a high volume of releases and evolving distribution methods post-COVID.
Top-grossing films of 2022 were predominantly sequels, highlighting a significant industry trend.
The movie draft established six categories: drama, action, horror/thriller, Oscar nominee, sequel/blockbuster ($100M+), and wildcard.
Key film picks included "Top Gun: Maverick," "Babylon," "Tar," "Nope," "The Banshees of Inisherin," "The Batman," "Avatar: The Way of Water," and "Barbarian."
Wildcard and other notable selections featured "Minions: The Rise of Gru," "Confess Fletch," "Prey," "Jennifer Lopez: Halftime," "Everything Everywhere All at Once," and "Emily the Criminal."

The episode transitioned into discussing the 2022 film year, moving from 2021's "Project Popcorn."
Hosts noted a critical revival of "Ella McKay" and discussed Ethan Hawke's recent interviews on his work.
The conversation touched on the changing film landscape post-COVID, with perceived loosening standards for some releases.
One host expressed being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of films released in 2022, including multiple titles by the same director.

Participants recalled their first post-pandemic theater visits, including "A Quiet Place Part II" and "Old."
One host described 2022 movie quality as "pretty good, not great" and questioned the drive to watch everything.
The discussion highlighted the challenge of watching enough films for year-end lists, with 60 films still to see by December 15th.
Lowest-rated films of 2022 mentioned included 'Morbius,' 'Firestarter,' 'The Bubble,' and two 'Pinocchio' adaptations.

Producer Jack Sanders managed the draft order selection, with Chris Ryan chosen first, followed by Sean Fennessey, then Amanda Dobbins.
Amanda Dobbins expressed dismay at being selected last for the draft order.
Six draft categories were introduced: drama, action, horror, thriller, Oscar nominee, and sequel/blockbuster over $100 million, plus a wildcard.
Amanda Dobbins ultimately opted out of the draft process.

Sean Fennessey praised "Top Gun: Maverick" for its near-perfect execution and its role as a "clarion call" for cinema's return.
One host expressed a stronger affection for "Babylon," describing it as a "near masterpiece" about Hollywood's development.
"Tar" was hailed as an "instant masterpiece" that sparked debate about its meaning and impact.
Praise was given to Kate Blanchett's performance in "Tar" and its smart, funny, and unsettling qualities.

Amanda Dobbins selected Martin McDonagh's "The Banshees of Inisherin" for the drama category, noting its dark comedy and performances.
Discussion touched on Barry Keoghan's performance in "The Banshees of Inisherin."
"The Batman" was selected for a blockbuster category, with specific praise for Paul Dano's portrayal of the Riddler.
One host selected Jordan Peele's "Nope" as their favorite movie of 2022, praising its thematic exploration and performances.

"Avatar: The Way of Water" was selected for the Oscar nominee category.
One host stated they were deeply moved by the film, to the point of near-tears.
The conversation revisited the film's release 13 years after the original "Avatar."
Audience reactions to "Avatar: The Way of Water" were briefly discussed, noting Chris Ryan's enjoyment and another colleague's dislike.

"Barbarian" was selected for the thriller, action, or horror category, praising it as a film from promising new director Zach Cregger.
The discussion included a humorous anecdote about a detailed episode previously recorded about "Barbarian."
The conversation briefly transitioned into lighthearted segments on fitness, including weightlifting and Pilates.
Later, the discussion touched on AI and content creation, referencing Chase Utley and ChatGPT.

"Confess Fletch" was chosen for the sequel category, praised as a charming comedy mystery directed by Greg Mattola and starring Jon Hamm.
The film was noted as having been overlooked upon its Paramount Plus release.
Sean Fennessey selected "Prey" for the sequel category, a choice that surprised Chris Ryan.
Chris Ryan acknowledged liking "Prey" but maintained a greater affinity for "Predator" and "Predator 2" due to rewatchability and dialogue.

Amanda Dobbins officially selected "Minions: The Rise of Gru" as her Blockbuster pick, citing its financial success and a specific humorous vending machine scene.
Dobbins identified Jennifer Lopez's "Halftime" documentary as her third most thought-about movie from 2022, focusing on Lopez's Golden Globe nomination.
Chris Ryan selected "Everything Everywhere All at Once" as a wildcard pick, noting its awards season commentary.
Chris Ryan also picked "Emily the Criminal," starring Aubrey Plaza, as a wildcard, highlighting its themes of debt and escalating criminal activity.