Jason's Movie Blog

Hello, everyone! The year of 2022 is quickly winding down as we all are getting ready to celebrate and ring in the new year. For those keeping track, 2021 was a slightly better year than 2020, but it wasn’t exactly the “best year” of what it used to be for everyone, including the movie industry with several big and small releases being shuffled and / or delayed. In the coming weeks, I’ll be posting my personal top ten “Best” and “Worst” lists of 2021movies. Be sure to check them out!

Moving on, the start of 2022 is about to begin, and this year looks to be a very promising for movies, ranging from several different categories and genres. Now, on the twilight eve of 2021, here’s a look at my top fifteen most anticipated movies of 2022. As a sidenote, this list is combination of movies that were originally supposed to be released 2022 and some that were originally supposed to be released in 2021, but got pushed into 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, while there are plenty of movies that I am looking forward in 2022, not all of them are going to fit into this 15-selection list. Thus, without further ado….

#15 – Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Release Date: April 8^th, 2022

Trailer: Sonic Hedgehog 2 Official Trailer

 

Whether you loved it or just felt like it was just a decent effort, there’s no denying the fact that 2020’S Sonic the Hedgehog was a fun movie to watch. Based on the popular SEGA iconic character, the film was poised to have plenty of zip and kid-friendly nuances in bringing the classic video game character to the big screen. Plus, having the feature delayed a few months, so that they could redesign Sonic after fans criticism backlash was quite interesting and was probably for the best. I mean…. have you seen the original look for Sonic in the movie? Still, the film’s ending hinted at a continuation and (soon after the film’s release) a sequel was greenlit by the studio. Yes, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is going to be release this year and it looks to be quite a fun adventure, especially with the return of Jim Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik as well as series staple characters Tails and Knuckles playing a part of this latest adventure. In short, I’m sort of hyped to see where the sequel will go and if I will setup a somewhat next installment for a trilogy-esque conclusion to “blue blur” hedgehog. Only time (and the box office results of this movie) will tell….

#14 – Death on the Nile

Release Date: February 11^th, 2022

Trailer: Death on the Nile Official Trailer 2

 

Again…. third time is a charm. After being delayed from its original 2020 release, this particular murder mystery sequel follow-up saw another delay in 2021, with the film project pushed back once again for a February 2022 release date. In 2017, Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel returned to the big screen for a recent cinematic adaptation update of Murder on the Orient Express, with actor / director Kenneth Branagh pulling double duty on the film as the director and starring in the lead role of renown detective Hercule Poirot. Despite the film having mixed reviews, the movie still made its money back (and then some); green lighting a future sequel to be put in the works. Death on the Nile is next theatrical project (adapted once again from Christie’s original novel) and sees once again the super sleuthing work of Poirot to solve another mystery. With Branagh back in the director’s chair / lead role and with another star-studded casts (i.e., Armie Hammer, Gal Gadot, Russell Brand, Letitia Wright, Rose Leslie, and Annette Bening), I, for one, can’t wait to see this movie….

#13 – Uncharted

Release Date: February 18^th, 2022

Trailer: Uncharted Official Trailer 2

 

Film adaptations of video games are somewhat of a “hit or miss”, with most having difficult translating what made the video game source material popular and moving that offer to a cinematic presentation. Still, for better or worse, movies based on video games have a certain place in my “film loving heart”. The Uncharted games are one some of my favorite games on PlayStation, which combined fantastic Indiana Jones style adventure with platform aesthetics and puzzle solving. Given the two previous iterations of the Tomb Raider movies (similar video games to the Uncharted games), Sony Pictures seems to take the series character of Nathan Drake into the cinematic world with the 2022 release of Uncharted. From the trailers, the movie looks to be very much like the games, including a great treasure hunt, a lot of running around, and daring action. With actor Tom Holland playing Nathan Drake and Mark Wahlberg playing Sully, here’s to hoping that Uncharted breaks the classic “video game film” curse with a fun and adventurous video game film adaptation.

#12 – Downton Abbey: A New Era

Release Date: March 18^th, 2022

Trailer: Downton Abbey: A New Era Official Teaser Trailer

 

As I’ve said before and I’ll say it again…. I’m a sucker for costume period piece dramas. So, naturally, I’m a fan of the British drama show Downton Abbey and was so super excited when 2019’s Downton Abbey movie was released; returning to the lavishing drama of the Crawley family as they prepare for a royal visit from the King and Queen of England. The film proved that people are still excited to see Downton Abbey and (soon after) a sequel film was commissioned, with most of the principal cast of characters planning on returning. Now, 2022 is coming and that particular sequel will be released with Downton Abbey 2: A New Era promising another terrific and dazzling costumed period piece that looks to live up to the name of the famed TV series (and its 2019 film). A new era is about to begin, and I can’t wait to see what lies in store for the Crawley family and their housemaid staff in this period piece drama sequel.

#11 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Release Date: November 11^th, 2022

Trailer: N/A

Wakanda Forever! There is no denying the simple fact that 2018’s Black Panther was a triumph success from Marvel Studio, giving the character of T’Challa his own solo movie and presenting an African American superhero that stands tall and proud amongst the plethora of other costumed / power comic book heroes on the silver screen. Given the success that both the film and character had received, it was almost a forgone conclusion that a sequel was going to happen, with the release of Black Panther 2 or Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has the official name for the movie is. However, the unexpected death lead actor Chadwick Boseman in 2020 shocked everyone and placing the important question of the future state of the upcoming sequel. After much discussion, the movie moved forward into production with the character of T’Challa not being recasted and the mantle of the Black Panther will be passed on to another character. Whatever may come, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be highly anticipated movie to see in 2022 and let’s hope that the film honors Boseman / T’Challa in a cinematic and honorable way.

#10 – The Batman

Release Date: March 4^th, 2022

Trailer: The Batman “The Bat and the Cat” Official Trailer

 

There has been so many Batman iterations that it is almost a bit hard to almost lose count. After the good yet almost short-lived iteration from actor Ben Affleck, Warner Bros. rebooted the Batman character, opting for a more younger and almost darker version of the caped crusader, finding their new Bruce Wayne character in actor Robert Pattinson. At first glance, many weren’t too impressed with the casting decision, but after seeing the various trailers for 2022’s The Batman, those worries were easily to put rest; finding Pattinson’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne / Batman to be very gritty and brooding (something that definitely fits the character). With the film being directed by Matt Reeves and having an impressive cast, including Zoe Kravitz, Jeffery Wright, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell, The Batman is posed to be surefire winning for its theatrical release this year!

#9 – Jurassic World: Dominion

 

Release Date: June 10^th, 2022

Trailer: N/A

 

Beginning back in 2015 with the release of Jurassic World, a new trilogy was born within the Jurassic Park series and delivered a fantastic way of returning to the series of dinosaurs, action, and dangerous escapes within a cinematic representation. Following the conclusion of 2018’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the stage was set for a grandiose finale, which will close out this new Jurassic trilogy and now…. we will finally get to see it with the 2022 release of Jurassic World: Dominion. Very little has been said and shown for this upcoming project (as of writing this post), but the anticipation has certainly been building for something big. Plus, having Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow returning to helm this third installment as well as Jurassic World leads acting talents, including actor Chris Pratt and actress Bryce Dallas Howard also returning is terrific. Plus, I do like how the movie is going to incorporate more of the original Jurassic Park cast in the movie, with actors Sam Neil and Jeff Goldblum as well as Laura Dern reprising their iconic roles in this film. Overall, I’m looking forward to seeing this new movie and I, for one, am very interested to seeing what lies in store for Dominion and how will it conclude this Jurassic World trilogy.

#8 – Thor: Love and Thunder

Release Date: July 8^th, 2022

Trailer: N/A

All the big “main” players in the MCU has had (or will have) a trilogy, including Iron Man, Captain America, and even the Guardians of the Galaxy. Thus, it’s quite interesting to see that the character of Thor, who also had a trilogy of films, will have a fourth entry with the 2022 release of Thor: Love and Thunder. Details on the plot are a bit scant at the moment, but the promise of having several returning acting talents (i.e., Hemsworth, Thompson, and Portman) as well as few appearances from the Guardians of the Galaxy cast newcomer actor Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher as well. It will be interesting to see how this fourth installment for the God of Thunder will play out. However, with Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi returning to direct this latest superhero adventure, Love and Thunder looks to be very promising.

#7 – Mission Impossible 7

Release Date: September 30^th, 2022

Trailer: N/A

 

Yet another movie that was originally set for a 2021 theatrical release, but was pushed back due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With numerous production delays (some due to injury accidents and other because of COVID-19), Mission Impossible 7 has had a bumpy road to making it to the big screen. Thus, after such a tremulous production nightmare, the film is set to be released in 2022 and can’t wait to see what lies in store for this seventh entry in the long-running franchise. Whether you love him or hate him, Tom Cruise is actually really good at playing the central character of Ethan Hawke, who returns for his most ambitious and hair-raising cinematic adventure to date. Details on the plot are unknown, but you know it’s going to be one thrilling action-packed ride, especially coming off the heels of the widely successful Mission Impossible: Fallout. Plus, I do like the fact that Rebecca Ferguson is returning to play her character role of Ilsa Faust as well as Vanessa Kirby Alanna Mitsopolis. All in all, I’ll be definitely accepting the mission to see Mission Impossible 7 later in 2022.

#6 – Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Release Date: December 16^th, 2022

Trailer: N/A

 

Can I personally say that I loved 2018’s Aquaman, which was kind of a surprise for me, especially after the poor / sour taste that 2017’s Justice League left the DCEU. Thankfully, Aquaman overcame that previous film’s bad reception and delivered a fun visual epic that definitely delivered the high entertainment blockbuster flair. Plus, I felt that Jason Momoa was fantastic as Arthur Curry / Aquaman. All around, I felt that Aquaman was terrific, and I have been looking forward to a sequel to this 2018 film. Thankfully, 2022 will bring that sequel with the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Not much as been fully revealed (and no trailer as of yet), but with director James Wan returning as well as much of the principal cast (Momoa, Heard, Wilson, Abdul-Mateen II, Kidman, etc.), I’m quite excited to see where this next chapter in Arthur Curry’s journey will take this aquatic superhero.

#5 – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Release Date: May 6^th, 2022

Trailer: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Official Teaser Trailer

 

Given what has happened in the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, the character of Doctor Strange seems like he’s going to be facing the consequences of his decisions in his second standalone film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The official teaser trailer release for this movie has been out for a few weeks now and I’m still geeking out for it, with some many crazy things that are being showcased as well as the final shot. With various characters returning (Wong, Christine Palmer, and Karl Mordo) as well as the inclusion of Doctor Strange teaming up with the assistance of Wanda Maximoff, Multiverse of Madness is going to be one wild a crazy (and possibly trippy) Marvel superhero installment….and I, for one, can’t wait to see what will happen in the movie.

#4 – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)

Release Date: October 7^th, 2022

Trailer: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) Official Teaser Trailer

There is no denying the fact that 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was a phenomenal success. It was gorgeously animated in the style / fashion of classic comic book, the first cinematic representation of Spider-Man character Miles Morales in a fantastic way, and put a in spin on the classic original narrative with a multi-verse angle that was highly entertaining to behold. This was truly a fantastic superhero movie…hands down! Of course, the success of such a highly popular animated movie deserves a sequel and we finally will get one this year, with the release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Very little has been said about this project and the “first look” teaser trailer shows some interesting concepts, but doesn’t reveal much. Still, the fact that the movie will be a two-part endeavor has me very intrigued. All I can say…. I’m excited to return to the Spider-Verse and travel down the Spidey rabbit hole once again!

# 3 – Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Release Date: April 15^th, 2022

Trailer: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Official Trailer

 

I’m a big fan of Harry Potter and of the whole Wizarding World, so seeing the extension of this magical world of wizards and witches in the Fantastic Beasts franchise is pure delight and exciting to see. So, despite other might think of these sequel spin-offs, I love the Fantastic Beasts movies, which (of course) makes me that much more excited to see Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, the third installment in the series. Seeing the return of familiar faces from the previous entries along with several new ones looks quite welcoming. I’m very curious to see how actor Mad Mikkelsen does in replacing actor Johnny Depp in the character role of Gellert Grindelwald, the main antagonist of this new series. There are so many questions that I have about this film that it is mind-boggling to behold. What are Dumbledore’s secrets? Will Jacob be able to save Queenie? Does she even want to be save? What is Grindelwald latest plan? What will happen to Credence? I, for one, personally can’t wait to see what “secrets” this particular threequel adventure has to offer!

#2 – Top Gun: Maverick

Release Date: May 27^th, 2022

Trailer: Top Gun: Maverick Official Trailer #2

 

Again…. third time is charm. Yet, another movie that got delayed and pushed back twice. Still, my anticipation for this movie is just as palpable as it was when it was originally going to be released in 2020. Of late (or rather the past decade or so), Hollywood has taken an interest of revisiting older film properties; producing a plethora of belated sequels to the original; attempting to “spark” nostalgia from revisiting an old familiar. It’s been almost 34 years since the original 1986 film flew onto the big screen and Top Gun: Maverick seems to see the return to the skies above for a new generation of potential hotshot flying aces to prove their worth. Of course, actor Tom Cruise (who certainly has age well in between the two films) is returning as seasoned pilot Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell as a flight instructor for the new recruits, which consists of call sign names of Hangman, Phoenix, Payback, Fanboy, and Rooster (who is the son of Maverick’s old friend / RIO). With a solid cast (Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, and Ed Harris) and new innovated ways of filmmaking to tell its aerial sky flying cinematics, Top Gun: Maverick aims for the skies and is ready to give the go ahead for a “sonic boom” in 2022!

#1 – Avatar 2

Release Date: December 16^th, 2022

Trailer: N/A

 

In 2009, the world experienced the hype, anticipation, and cinematic landscape of James Cameron’s visual sci-fi action extravaganza known as Avatar, bringing moviegoers on a visual feast for the eyes of wonderment and big-screen blockbuster flair. The popularity of Avatar swelled as it became the highest grossing that movie that year and raked in roughly $2.8 billion at the box office worldwide. In addition, the movie garnished plenty of nominations and awards during the awards season; winning several prominent ones such as Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects.

Given the success that the 2009 reached, a sequel was immediately greenlit, with director James Cameron planning on returning to helm this follow-up adventure project. However, countless delays and scheduling nightmare ensured, which caused Avatar 2 to be pushed back not only several years, but more than a decade since the first film’s release date. Now, after all these years, Avatar 2 is finally going to be released at the end of 2022 and I, for one, am truly excited to see what lies in store for this sequel blockbuster. Very little is known about this project, except that Cameron is returning to direct as well as several other principal cast members reprising their 2009 character roles (i.e., Worthington, Saldana, Pounder, Ribsi, Moore, etc.). No trailer has been released (as of yet) and the whole snippet we have of the upcoming project is a few conceptual drawings and this brief plot summary……

“Jake Sully and Neytiri have formed a family and are doing anything to stay together. However, when an old threat returns to finish what they started, they are forced to leave their home and explore the different regions of Pandora”

With all of that, along with the promise of additional sequels (Avatar 2 and Avatar 3 were shot “back-to-back”), Avatar 2 is something that I am most interested in seeing and is to be considered my most anticipated film of 2022.

 

Yes, I know that were some other 2022 movie releases that I didn’t mention on this (i.e., Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Lightyear, Creed III, the new Super Mario Movie, Black Adam, etc.), but then this list would be way too long. So, what do you guys think? What are some of the movies that you are personally looking forward to seeing in 2022? Let me know….