Well Schmoes, as 2022 finally draws to a close we reflect on a year unlike any other in our lifetimes. We finally got back to a pretty normal theatrical schedule from the studios, but streaming still had a lot t offer as well. If there is one thing for sure, there are always movies that are highly overrated and underrated by critics and fans alike. As the UnPopular Opinion Guy, I felt it was only fitting to issue my list of the movies I felt that the masses got wrong. Some of these may shock you and some may just piss you off, but these are my honest-to-goodness perspective of the movies of 2022. If you disagree with any of the choices, please voice your own opinion in the comments below. After all, the only opinion that really matters is yours, and I am just here to share mine.
5. Three Thousand Years of Longing
George Miller has made so few films that every time he releases one, we should rejoice. While I could understand if you skipped him family fare like Babe or Happy Feet, after seeing Mad Max: Fury Road, you should have complete trust in the man. I don’t know what I expected after seeing the manic trailer for this movie, but it exceeded every one of my expectations. Part fairy tale, part cautionary tale, and part romance, this movie takes the conventions of familiar tales like Arabian Nights and Aladdin and turns them into a mature look at the power of stories and the eternity of love. Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba raise the bar with their performances in this beautiful and unique movie that has no equal.
4. Amsterdam
One of the most critically derided box office bombs in recent memory, Amsterdam does not deserve any of the hate thrown its way. With one of the biggest casts I can remember, this is a hilarious blend of comedy and drama with all of the hallmarks of David O. Russell’s best movies. Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington lead the cast who all exude the best parts of 1920s and 1930s comedy movies. With stellar production values and a complex plot full of intriguing characters, this movie is funnier than you would expect and more dramatic than I was prepared for. I have already rewatched it a couple of times and know this will go down as one of my favorite quotable comedies since O Brother Where Art Thou?
I loved David Gordon Green and Danny McBride’s Halloween reboot. I was then underwhelmed by Halloween Kills... until I watched it a second time. By ignoring fan expectations and delivering a horror movie with a very different perspective, the duo turned their sequel into a look into mob mentality, a fitting parallel to our real world at the time. Their trilogy closer takes another major risk by shifting the focus to a character other than Michael Myers. Yes, it was a big chance and many fans hated it, but rewatch this movie and see the subtle ways that Green and McBride mess with convention and expectations to deliver a solid slasher as well as an unexpected continuation of John Carpenter’s original story.
2. Hustle
Adam Sandler was robbed of an Oscar nomination for Uncut Gems. He was also robbed of a nomination for Punch-Drunk Love. Despite what the pattern tells me, I hope he is not overlooked for Hustle. This basketball drama blends the humor Sandler is known for but is delivered in a far more subtle way to tell an inspirational underdog story. Sure, it may have some conventional elements to it but with a sense of genuine honesty in the performances as well as the directing, this movie is a crowdpleaser that didn’t find nearly enough crowds. I left this movie with a smile on my face and warmth in my soul. How often can we say that about movies these days?
1. Clerks III
Kevin Smith has built one of the unlikeliest careers of anyone in Hollywood. From his indie roots, Clerks became a movie that transformed my fandom and my love for cinema. I have enjoyed the ups and downs of Smith’s oeuvre ranging from Mallrats to Dogma, Chasing Amy to Tusk. Smith has always stuck by his trademark style and never sacrificed his integrity even when participating in studio-produced fare. With Clerks III, Smith makes his most mature movie despite featuring his most legendarily immature characters. Seeing the original cast reunite is bittersweet but also beautifully handled. Kevin Smith has possibly crafted the most consistently good film trilogy of all time and that includes Star Wars.
Let us know your thoughts on our top five in the comments below. Feel free to share your most underrated flicks of 2021 as well!