Year in review 2022: ‘Reservation Dogs,’ ‘Everything Everywhere,’ that slap and more

There were some pretty great moments in lots of movies in 2022.

But there were also some great moments in the pop culture machine that feeds everything entertainment. Here’s a look at some memorable ones.

‘RESERVATION DOGS’ TAKES NO RESERVATIONS

The truly groundbreaking FX on Hulu series did nothing short of make history for Native American representation in mainstream pop culture in its second season.

Free of cliched stereotypes, the show’s characters were allowed to be fully realized human beings who hurt, grapple and triumph just everyone else, especially in the smaller moments that matter.

Created by Sundance alum Sterlin Harjo and Oscar winner Taika Waititi, the show was named the best series of the year by such esteemed outlets as the Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Rolling Stone and the New York Times.

The dramedy follows four Native American teenagers growing up on a reservation in eastern Oklahoma. And its young cast members have (rightly) become stars. Season three is in the works.

‘EVERYTHING’ IS EVERYWHERE

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is my favorite film of the year. It’s a wildly imaginative ride following an unlikely hero (Michelle Yeoh, in the performance of her career) who, after an interdimensional rupture unravels reality, must channel her newfound powers to fight bizarre and bewildering dangers from the multiverse as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

It’s a densely plotted adventure that shouldn’t have worked but did on so many levels. After watching it, you might feel a little winded, but in a giddy way.

The film is also a career high for Jamie Lee Curtis, but look for Ke Huy Quan to win a supporting actor Oscar.

THE SLAP STILL STINGS

Did you know that “Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” won the Oscar earlier this year for best documentary feature? No?

Well that’s because it got completely upstaged by Will Smith smacking Chris Rock across the face after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith’s, hair. (Or lack of it — she has alopecia, which Rock has said he didn’t know.)

It was (sadly) a defining moment in Oscars history, and pop culture. It forever changed the way the public will view Smith based on his actions (he has since apologized).

But Rock emerged unscathed (well, sort of), being a class act through the ugly ordeal.

But Smith’s actions said a lot about celebrity entitlement — and how it can be a dangerous thing.

DAHMER DOES IT AGAIN

As morose as the subject matter is, Ryan Murphy (”American Horror Story”) lends his lurid style to Netflix’s limited series (and awkwardly titled) “Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” an intriguing albeit imperfect look into the serial killer’s life and motivations, mostly told from the point of view of his victims.

It’s driven by an entrancing performance by Evan Peters in the lead role. Even though his Dahmer is supposed to be revolting, Peters makes him strangely charismatic yet tortured, as well.

The show teeters on exploitation and reviews were wildly mixed, but there’s no denying Peters’ magnetism.

ROMANCE IN THE RIGHT HANDS

I find romantic comedies as enjoyable as a colonoscopy, but occasionally I stumble upon one that revives my interest in the genre, however briefly.

The Sandra Bullock/Channing Tatum vehicle “The Lost City” is absolute, pure fluff. It follows a reclusive romance novelist on a book tour with her cover model who get swept up in a kidnapping attempt that lands them both in a cutthroat jungle adventure.

The film is hardly Oscar material, but it’s very funny and breezily enjoyable, letting the stars do what they do best — self-deprecating comedy and being pretty.

It also boasts a hilarious performance by Brad Pitt making fun of his own macho image, and a vampy, delicious turn by Daniel Radcliffe as the villain, for a change.

OWN IT J-COOL

I love Jennifer Coolidge, she’s had a long, eclectic career appearing in films such as ”Legally Blonde,” “American Pie” and “Promising Young Woman.” She’s almost never the lead, but steals the scenes she’s in.

Earlier this year she won an Emmy award for outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie for HBO’s “White Lotus.”

While accepting the award, as is typical with all awards shows if the winner’s speech goes too long, the orchestra started to play Coolidge off with the tune “Hit the Road, Jack.” But instead of exiting the stage (like she’s supposed to), she instead started dancing. Adorable!

‘RUNNING UP THE HILL’ KEEPS ON RUNNING

Kate Bush”s heartfelt yet surreal song “Running Up That Hill” was undeniably 2022’s song of the summer, thanks to being featured on Netflix’s “Stranger Things” series, season four.

But what made it so unlikely was that the song came out four decades ago (!), turning a whole new generation onto Bush’s music. Perhaps Bush made a deal with God? (Per lyrics from the song.) It didn’t matter. Her song lives on, and keeps running up that hill.

‘TOP GUN’ TOPS ITSELF

In the very rare instance when a sequel is better and outperforms its original, “Top Gun: Maverick” did just that, buoyed by an effortlessly charismatic performance by Tom Cruise, reprising his Maverick role.

The film felt nostalgic yet urgent at the same time, and features original co-star Val Kilmer in a humble, tender performance.

The dog-fight choreography and action sequences are breathtaking, making the foray back into the danger zone particularly rewarding.

OUSTANDING, INDEED

Earlier this year, Sheryl Lee Ralph won an Emmy award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for “Abbott Elementary.”

She took to the podium with grace, but then surprised everyone with what was probably the most moving, inspirational thank-you speech of the year, “schooling” everyone on the power of following your dreams and having self-belief.

“This is what believing looks like,” she said.

And believe we will, thanks to you.

BOX OFFICE MOJO TOP MOVIES OF 2022

As of Dec. 27, these were the top five movies of 2022 (in millions):

1. “Top Gun: Maverick,” $718

2. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ,” $428

3. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” $411

4. “Jurassic World: Dominion,” $376

5. “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” $370

Reach Rod Pocowatchit at rodrick@rawdzilla.com.