2022 JULY MOVIE RANKINGS

I’m sure it was odd getting notifications for new film reviews this month (August) that were dated for July. Truth is, I was slow at publishing them, and because I saw them in July, I wanted them to make the cut (and add more candidates for the running of Movie of the Month).

I managed to catch a few new flicks from 2022 this month, while brushing up on some older, select content. Time only gets faster as this year is already over the halfway point. I’m curious as to what I’ll manage to see between now and December. There are some titles I wish to review and marathons I hope to partake in… we’ll see how things play out.

For now, let’s see how July stacked up.

#6- “Throw Momma from the Train”
78%= Juicy Popcorn
Pros: Humorous moments, wonderful chemistry between Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal (not to mention, a dream casting), and entertaining.
Cons: A bit too unsettling for this reviewer, and the ending didn’t fully commit to the dark nature of the narrative.

#5- “Thor: Love and Thunder”
79%= Juicy Popcorn
Pros: Fun, funny, strong performances, solid villain turn-in by Christian Bale, killer music, awesome cinematography, and a nice Natalie Portman return.
Cons: Doesn’t hold much weight in regards to story, nor does it live up to “Ragnarok.”

#4- “Elvis” (2022)
83%= Juicy Popcorn
Pros: Fantastic performance by Austin Butler (and Tom Hanks), beautiful cinematography, great music, solid production design/costuming, and a heartbreaking/engaging look into the life of the King of Rock and Roll.
Cons: The first act flies too fast in pacing, and there could have been more elements added to the storyline (like Elvis’ work in gospel).

#3- “Muppet Treasure Island”
84%= Juicy Popcorn
Pros: Entertaining, charming, fun use of the Muppets in this classic tale, and Tim Curry is wonderful.
Cons: Can be predictable, and there are a few cheesy moments that’ll make you roll your eyes.

#2- “Sherlock Holmes” (2009)
88%= Juicy Popcorn
Pros: Thrilling, funny, great dynamic between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law (who were both good casting choices for Holmes and Watson), unique style in action sequences, awesome Hans Zimmer score, and good production design.
Cons: The visual effects wavered.

#1- “Tarzan” (1999)
95%= Juicy Popcorn
Pros: Great animation, legendary music by Phil Collins, solid voice acting, beautiful story, and incredibly nostalgic (at least for me).
Cons: The third act is hastened.

Seems like older films are taking the months this year. 1999’s “Tarzan” claims the July crown and will face off against “The Princess Bride,” “Luca,” “The Batman” (2022), “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Northman,” “The Karate Kid,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” and the rest of the monthly winners to decide who will become the next Movie of the Year.