Why So Blu?

Aaron’s Most Anticipated Films of 2022 – A Month By Month Look

Time for another look at the rest of the year from the top of it. I’ve assembled my annual list of Most Anticipated Films for 2022. I find it’s always exciting to look ahead at the films set to arrive this year. It’s also a relief to be more or less back on track and not have to deal with too many more leftovers, as far as films that were delayed because of the pandemic (although there are still a few). With that in mind, I’m also well aware some movies aren’t even on my radar yet. However, I’m still plenty happy to see all of the current potential and narrow it down to some interesting or fun-looking titles. The following is a month-by-month look at what movies I am looking forward to seeing this year (links for trailers where available). Feel free to name the films you are all looking forward to in the comments.

First, let’s start with a recap of my 2021 picks:

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January – The Little Things – A big miss for Denzel and Malek, with Leto doing what he could to weird it up.

February – Judas and the Black Messiah – One of the best and most important films of 2021.

March – Coming 2 America – A disappointment considering the potential, but Wesley Snipes was fun.

April – Reminiscence – An ambitious miss that couldn’t quite make its intriguing setup more exciting.

May – Spiral: From the Book of Saw – A letdown, given the potential to see Saw take on some socially conscious ideas mixed with Rock’s brand of humor.

June – In the Heights – There were several musicals last year, and this one was my favorite. A joyous film.

July – The Green Knight – A24’s arthouse medieval epic was a favorite of the year.

August – The Suicide Squad – James Gunn made the DC Universe film I’ll be rewatching the most.

September – Jackass Forever – Delayed

October – Halloween Kills – The surprisingly divisive slasher had plenty on its mind, but even more kills.

November – Eternals – The MCU dared to stray outside the box, and many fans revolted. Still, an interesting look at carrying the weight of the world.

December – The Matrix Resurrections – I fully expected Lana Wachowski to take a new Matrix to bizarre new heights, and I was not disappointed.

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January

Scream (1/14)

Starting off the year is the 5^th Scream film, and I wish I had more confidence in it, but I’m still curious. Of course, directors Matt Bettinelli-Oplpin and Tyler Gillett have my attention after Ready or Not and some of their other projects. I just wish the marketing would emphasize the trademark element of Scream – it’s satire and wit, as opposed to just the “scares,” which have never been all that shocking for this series. The rest of the month has a couple of great films I’ve already seen (A Hero, Cyrano), the expansion of other award contenders, and the next Spider-Man-less Spider-Man villain film, Morbius. We’ll see if the Jared Leto feature has any bite (Update: that bite will now come in April). And the Sundance Film Festival will, of course, present plenty of new features to keep an eye on as well.

Others: The 355, A Hero, Belle, Cyrano, King Car

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February

Moonfall (2/4)

This seems like a no-brainer both as far as my cinematic interests are concerned and the logic of a Roland Emmerich film. Why shouldn’t I be excited about the absolute nonsense presented in the trailers for Moonfall? Clearly, the film understands how to be fun, and I’m just hoping it’s more on the level with The Core or some of Emmerich’s bests rather than some of his worsts. Uncharted also finally opens, after being in development for so long that Mark Wahlberg went from the young lead to the older mentor character. The outstanding international feature, The Worst Person in the World, opens, which is worth checking out. After nearly two years of delays, Death on the Nile finally docks in theaters. Jackass Forever was one of my most anticipated films from last year, so it finally arrives now as well. Plus, Channing Tatum directs himself bonding with a dog. What’s not to like about that?

Others: Bigbug, Catch the Fair One, Death on the Nile, Dog, Jackass Forever, Marry Me, The Outfit, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Uncharted, The Worst Person in the World

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March

The Batman (2/4)

There’s a lot of good stuff coming in March. Guy Ritchie has not slowed down after his huge Aladdin remake. He has his 4^th film in four years with Operation Fortune, another Statham flick. Pixar is back on the scene as well with Turning Read. The Lost City could deliver some Romancing the Stone-style fun. And I don’t know what to expect from the Daniels’ Everything Everywhere All at Once, but Michelle Yeoh getting the chance to lead a whacked-out arthouse film is a nice step in a new direction. With all of that being said, I mean, there’s also a new Batman movie. More importantly, Matt Reeves has earned plenty of faith from me after his Planet of the Apes films (and, frankly, all of his efforts). It’s undoubtedly going darkest/grittiest yet, but I like this cast and all that I have seen from the movie so far. I won’t be surprised if it’s a bit too grim, but at least Colin Farrell looks like he’s having plenty of fun as The Penguin.

Others: Alice, Downton Abbey: A New Era, Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Lost City, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, Turning Red, Violence of Action

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April

The Northman (4/22)

After pushing more and more internal and claustrophobic with The Witch and The Lighthouse, it looks like director Robert Eggers is going for something more epic with The Northman. Alexander Skarsgard as a Viking prince on the path of revenge, is a pretty easy sell, and the film looks fantastic. Another auteur also returns – Michael Bay, who looks to have a winner on his hands with Ambulance. There’s also another Sonic and another Fantastic Beasts, so we’ll see what happens with those. Finally, Nicolas Cage plays Nic Cage in a film about the actor replaying roles from his famous movies. Hopefully, it’s a bizarre delight.

Others: 65, Ambulance, The Bad Guys, Easter Sunday, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Morbius, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Thirteen Lives, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, You Won’t Be Alone

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May

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (5/6)

I can only make so much room for spotlighting Marvel on these lists, as they’ll likely deliver solid entertainment without necessarily being world-shattering (though another film later on that has me wondering a lot more about what to expect). However, the prospect of Sam Raimi returning to make another superhero movie, let alone any movie (it’s been over a decade since Oz: The Great and Powerful), is pretty exciting, presuming he gets to add his signature touches to a well-oiled machine. Elsewhere, Tom Cruise gets to feel the need for May, as Top Gun is finally opening well after it was filmed. And, hey, Bob’s Burgers is delivering the cinematic experience we’ve all been waiting for too.

Others: Bob’s Burgers, DC League of Super-Pets, Top Gun: Maverick, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, Starbright

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June

Jurassic World: Dominion (6/10)

Pixar’s Lightyear will probably be better than just a cynical cash grab. I’m rather curious how Baz Lurmann’s big, bombastic style will work for a film about The King of Rock & Roll (featuring Tom Hanks as The Colonel). I’ve already heard lots of good things about The Black Phone, which has moved to a prime summer release date, a good sign for a horror movie. Still, why not look forward to another Jurassic World? I get it; some are not into what these past two films had to offer by focusing on the things that don’t work more than what parts are rather effective. Honestly, this has never been a franchise that’s knocked it out of the park after its first film (not even close). However, if the idea is to make the Avengers of Jurassic films by bringing back Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum (in more than just a scene shot in one day), that could prove to be a fun enough time. The idea of dinosaurs now all over the world is certainly intriguing.

Others: The Black Phone, Elvis, The Forgiven, Lightyear, Oh Hell No, Shotgun Wedding

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July

Nope (7/22)

This is a comic book-heavy month with two titans (Black Adam and Thor) battling it out. Bullet Train also sounds like a lot of fun based on the premise. It’s also an original film starring Brad Pitt, and directed by stuntman-turned-action filmmaker David Leitch, making it a win. Still, I have no reason not to be excited for the latest film from Jordan Peele. Nope is already a wonderfully fitting title that seems to cut to the point. I have no idea what it’s about, but the ominous poster works well enough for now. Daniel Kaluuya returning to work with Peele again is great news too. And Peele is shooting some scenes with IMAX cameras! Oh, and Minions are back too. The first Minions movie made over a billion dollars. Does that happen again?

Others: Black Adam, Bullet Train, Minions: The Rise of Gru, Thor: Love & Thunder, Where the Crawdads Sing

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August

Bros (8/12)

Billy Eichner is a very funny and talented person. Giving him the chance to write, produce, and star in a film feels like a good move for all involved. Nicholas Stoller is one of the stronger directors in the Judd Apatow circle (and Apatow is producing). So, in addition to being a significant move for LGBTQ representation, I’m also hoping to just get a good movie. Outside of that, August is typically a low-key summer month full of fewer huge blockbusters and more high-concept comedies, some action, and some horror. That applies to most of what’s coming out so far, and unless Mission: Impossible suddenly shifts to August, this may be more of a month about smaller films to keep an eye on down the line.

Others: Beast, The Bride, The Man from Toronto, Samaritan, Secret Headquarters

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September

Mission: Impossible 7 (9/30)

It’s tempting to just say, “Cruise and McQuarrie will once again deliver one of the best action blockbusters in years,” and move on. I won’t do that, but I will note that I am very much looking forward to whatever these two have in mind as far as death-defying stunts and an entertaining film as a whole (which is being shot back-to-back with the 8^th film). Outside of that, director David Slade is back with Dark Harvest, and I’m still hoping he delivers on the promise of being a horror great. I guess Puss in Boots is back too…? The Woman King has a momentous historical basis, being about events that occurred in the most powerful states of Africa back in the 18^th century. Having star Viola Davis and director Gina Prince-Bythewood only adds to its potential. Oh, and there’s also a new Salem’s Lot on the way for the Stephen King fans.

Others: Dark Harvest, Distant, Don’t Worry Darling, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Salem’s Lot, The Woman King

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October

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Part One (10/7)

Obviously, it’s these later months where plenty of unscheduled films that are also prestige players will arrive. However, why should I not look forward to a sequel to the most inventive and ambitious Spider-Man film? Across the Spider-Verse already has a brief look available to watch, emphasizing how the series goes even deeper down the rabbit hole as far as the animation. I don’t know what else to expect beyond the wild fun I received last time, but I can’t wait to watch it. What else is here? Well, David Gordon Green is bringing his take on Halloween to an end, and I’m curious if he sticks the landing for everyone, including the many who were far less impressed with Halloween Kills.

Others: Halloween Ends, Ticket To Paradise, Till

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November

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (11/11)

Director Ryan Coogler is not exactly having the easiest of times making a sequel to one of the biggest films of all time right now, so I’ll be curious if Black Panther 2 holds onto its November release date. That said, this is the Marvel film I am the most excited about this year, as I have no idea what to expect. The sudden loss of Chadwick Boseman was a big hit in many ways. Still, Wakanda Forever is the sort of title that projects a lot of thoughts on what could happen and how it changes up the MCU as a whole. Plus, Coogler has plenty to offer as a filmmaker, so we’ll see what sort of innovation he can bring. The Flash is also, finally, getting a move on it this year, as his multiverse film is hitting the streets as well. Creed III will be Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, and this series has been one hit after another, so I’m ready for Adonis to take on whoever Jonathan Majors is playing. Also, Spielberg has decided to make a film sort of about his childhood. It will probably be amazing. Go figure.

Others: Canterbury Glass, Creed III, The Fabelmans, The Flash, She Said, Strange World

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December

Avatar 2 (12/16)

Laugh and scoff all you want, but I am fully ready to be wowed by James Cameron again. Yes, the sequel to the biggest film of all time has had many release date changes, but assuming this is the one that truly sticks, I’m excited to revisit the world of Pandora and see new sides of it. For those that realize Avatar was not the first movie to have a plot similar to other films and are instead eager to see what kind of technical innovation will be offered by one of the most forward-thinking action/adventure/epic directors out there, I have little doubt a new Avatar won’t find a way to impress everyone. Speaking of, we’ll see if Aquaman holds onto its release date, but I’m sure James Wan has plenty up his sleeves as well when it comes to more of this crazy world (under the sea). Finally, another ambitious director, Damien Chazelle, returns with Babylon, and I’m plenty curious what that will turn out to be as well (It’s rumored to be set in the early days of Hollywood).

Others: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Babylon, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, The Nightingale, Super Mario Bros: The Movie, Violent Night

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Dates Not Yet Set:

Of course, there is only so much to be aware of in January, as plenty of other releases have not been scheduled for release yet, despite being set to arrive in 2022. So, I’m happy to shout out some titles I am keeping in mind, such as After Yang, Batgirl, Descendant, Evil Dead Rise, Fire Island, Good Luck to You Leo Grande, Jacob and the Sea Beast, Knives Out 2, Rebel Ridge, and more. Plus, new films are coming from Ana Lily Amirpour, Ari Aster, Darren Aronofsky, David Cronenberg, David O. Russell, George Miller, James Grey, Kasi Lemmons, Kelly Reichardt, Martin Campbell, Martin McDonagh, Martin Scorsese, Noah Baumbach, Paul Feig, Robert Zemeckis, Ruben Ostlund, Sam Mendes, Taika Waititi, Terrence Malick, Todd Field, Wes Anderson, Yorgos Lanthimos, and probably Steven Soderbergh.