The Big Picture The 2022 Movie Draft
20 snips
Dec 17, 2025 
Join Chris Ryan, a savvy Ringer contributor, as he dives into a lively movie draft reflecting on 2022's cinematic gems. The trio shares their unique experiences emerging from quarantine and explores how COVID reshaped the film landscape. Chris makes a strong case for 'Top Gun Maverick' in the Oscar category, while Amanda defends 'Tar' for its gripping storytelling. The banter flows as favorites like 'Nope' and 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' are debated, making for a fun exploration of memorable films from the year.
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A Polarized Year: High Peaks And Lots Of Slop
- Chris observed a loosening of standards on some major releases after COVID, producing bloated or uneven studio films.
- He argues a handful of films still rose far above the rest in quality and ambition.
Sequels Drove The Box Office Rebound
- The post-COVID box office rebounded around big sequels, showing audience appetite for familiar franchises.
- Sequels dominated top grosses while original films had a much choppier landscape.
Top Gun Marked Returning To Theaters
- Amanda remembers Top Gun Maverick as her first theatrical return after postpartum and links it to a deep emotional release.
- The shared theater experience made the film feel like a cultural signal that "we're back."