We’ve reached the halfway point of 2022. So it’s time for me to name the best movies and performances of 2022 so far. Please note that while some of the films listed below qualified for awards consideration and were first screened to some audiences in 2021, I — and general audiences in the U.S. — did not see any of them until 2022.
“Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood” — Director Richard Linklater’s love letter to ’60s pop culture and the Moon Landing is an incredibly detailed treat.
“The Automat” – The best documentary of 2022 so far from filmmaker Lisa Hurwitz spotlights the iconic Horn & Hardart Automat restaurants in New York City and Philadelphia, as well as some of its A-list customers.
“Downton Abbey: A New Era” — This heartwarming sequel to the 2019 film adaptation of the popular TV series is one of the best times I’ve had at the movies in years. I could watch it annually.
“The King’s Daughter” — It was on the shelf for seven years. Glad it finally saw the light of day. This is a layered, quality live-action family film with Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario and the late William Hurt.
“Operation Mincemeat” — When WWII dramas are done right, they leave a lasting impression. Features the best ensemble cast of 2022 so far, including Colin Firth, Matthew Macfayden, Johnny Flynn, Jason Issacs, Penelope Wilton and Kelly Macdonald.
“Petite Maman” — Sisters Gabrielle and Josephine Sanz give incredible, breakthrough performances in this emotionally powerful, intimate and well-crafted drama.
“The Phantom of the Open” — It’s a memorably entertaining and insightful true story golf dramedy about believing in yourself, taking chances and not giving up on your dreams.
“Pompo the Cinephile” — A spectacular movie about movies.
“Top Gun: Maverick” — Tom Cruise’s first billion-dollar blockbuster of his career is a dazzling cinematic experience with legitimate power in the acting, visuals and storytelling.
“The Valet” — This much better version of “Marry Me” is a smart, touching rom-com about relationships, family and the entertainment industry.
The 10 Best Performances of 2022 so far were delivered by Kenneth Branagh, who excels as Detective Hercule Poirot in his “Murder on the Orient Express” follow-up “Death on the Nile”. Sally Hawkins and Mark Rylance are dynamite in “The Phantom of the Open”. Lisa Kudrow is perfectly cast as the young title character’s inspirational aunt in Disney’s musical comedy “Better Nate Than Ever”. Haley Lu Richardson adds another great performance to her resume in the resonant drama “Montana Story”.
Tim Roth keeps you guessing as the lead in solid dramatic thriller “Sundown”. Jenny Slate is at her live-action career-best in intelligent Amazon rom-com “I Want You Back”. Mark Wahlberg pours himself into the role of “Father Stu”. Donald Elise Watkins delivers poignant, breakthrough work in “Emergency”. And Samara Weaving as an actress seeking more to her life in “The Valet”.