When we hear “summer movie,” we hear an array of things: adventure, of course, the thing that excites and motivates you. An unlikely friendship, because would it be a summer movie without a girl rescuing a dog, a boy befriending a grouchy old man, or a group of kids teaming up with the teens? And nostalgia, the thing that we feel in our hearts and bring us back every summer to rewatch, whether it be nostalgic now from our childhood or the type of movie that’ll be nostalgic in a few years.
Senior Grace Christopherson starts us out with her preferable summer film vibe, saying, “Feel-good is my favorite genre to watch in the summer, no horror.” Senior Sienna Ishihara agrees, saying, “Coming-of-age is my favorite genre to watch in the summer and summer slashers are acceptable.” And for senior Asher Liddle it is “The Sandlot.” Hitting all the points with: “It is a very nostalgic slice of American suburbia and it is a classic. There are fireworks on the fourth of July and kids at the pool and it is summer.”
Unlikely Heroes Adventure Through the Outdoors
A quiet hit, “The Peanut Butter Falcon” gave independent film lovers everywhere another story to attach to. The simplicity of the plot, the acting, and the setting, all held up with the backbone of adventure. The story revolves around wannabe wrestler Zak, a young man with Down Syndrome, who escapes from his state-run care facility. Eleanor, who works at the facility, and has grown close with Zak over the last two years, is tasked with finding him. By the time she does, Zak has befriended Tyler, a tough teddy bear who is running away from trouble, grieving his brother and in need of genuine human connection. Tyler decides to help Zak in his wresting endeavors, so the two begin their hunt for Salt Water Redneck, an enigmatic figure who used to run a wrestling school in North Carolina. Tyler, Zak, and Eleanor redefine family, teaching audiences – and each other – the true meaning of being a good guy, or better yet, being a hero.
Like a Roald Dahl novel turned film, Taika Waititi’s “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” defines hidden gem. When a young Ricky Baker is marked as a “bad egg,” the only one who seems to believe in him is new foster mother dubbed Aunt, Bella, and though he may not admit it, reluctant foster father, dubbed Uncle, Hector. Waititi’s brilliance is not lost in this story as Ricky and Hec adventure through the New Zealand bush, on the run from law enforcement in the most whimsical way that only Waititi could achieve. A fantastically funny film that never lets up on the heartwarming and outright sad parts, Ricky reminds you what it is like to lead a “skux life,” and, to put it in his terms, it is rather majestical.
Especially when paired with movies like “the Sandlot” and “Stand by Me,” “The Goonies” gives everyone the definition of a go-to summer film, pivotal for kids and adults. Either projected on the house from the backyard, or screened inside under a blanket fort, or seen in an anniversary showing at a movie theater, fans everywhere know that “Goonies Never Say Die!” Helping with inspiration for shows like “Stranger Things,” “Goonies” is a non-negotiable classic, where kids and teens put aside their differences, teaming up for a joint cause. An optimist yet chilling soundtrack, plenty of scary villains, and a few moments of comedic gold, “Goonies” teaches kids everywhere that when working with a band of misfit friends, treasure maps can be found in attics, and sometimes it’s the kids that save the day.
Kids Were Right All Along (ft. AnnaSophia Robb)
“Because of Winn-Dixie” is a story deemed as a necessity. Penned by genius author Kate DiCamillo back in 2000, with the movie release coming five years later, the story follows a young India Opal Buloni – Opal – in need of a friend. Opal, having moved to a small Florida town with her introverted preacher father, recognizes the feeling of being lonely. When tasked to go to the grocery store, Opal comes back with a dog. Winn-Dixie doesn’t only provide companionship for Opal, but gives her opportunities to find more people, who may be desiring companionship as much Opal does too. Friendly Ms. Franny Block, innocent Sweetie-Pie Thomas, wise Gloria Dump, and Otis, in need of a second chance. “Because of Winn-Dixie” is a forever favorite, a perfect adaptation of a perfect book, and movie that everyone needs.
“Bridge to Terabithia” (cry warning) is the portrayal of a story we have all encountered, either during read-aloud or on our own at some point in childhood. Jesse and Leslie, burdened by their tumultuous family lives create a fantastical world only they can reach. After tragedy strikes, one of them must draw on the non-imaginative power of friendship to cope.
“The Way Way Back,” titled after main character Duncan’s unfortunate placing in the family car, is a found-family story set in both a sleepy town and a rundown waterpark during the summertime. Drawing on the escapism theme consistent with movies the summer break watchlist, Duncan yearns to leave his mundane life plagued by his mother’s boyfriend Trent, so he begins frequenting the nearby aging waterpark Water Wizz.
A Guide in Human Connection
A poignant yet hopeful love story, Garden State follows the relationship of solemn Andrew and eccentric Sam, who connect when Andrew comes home to New Jersey after a loss in the family. Andrew’s numbness is healed by Sam’s exuberant desire to live freely. A truly remarkable piece of independent cinema, “Garden State” lets audiences know that sometimes what is best is letting a summer storm rain down on you as you scream and scream for the sake of feeling.
One of Taika Waititi’s first films, “Boy,” celebrates the innocence of childhood and the power of belief. Surrounded by other kids in the New Zealand town he grows up in, young Boy stands out from his peers, as his long-lost father, played by Waititi, arrives home, something Boy has been fantasizing about forever. Eager to please, Boy and his younger brother, Rocky, become entranced by this long-lost figure, soon to learn that maybe the father that comes home isn’t the person they were dreaming of. A fully heartwarming story highlighting the wisdom of a child, a Waititi classic, a perfect Sunday afternoon film.
Come for the Aesthetic, Stay for the Story
Luca Guadagnino’s “Call Me by Your Name” graciously invited Timothee Chalamet onto Hollywood’s main stage opposite Armie Hammer in a peachy flick about a doomed, illicit summer supported by rich dialogue. The film kicks off with the words “Somewhere in Northern Italy, 1983” scrawled in yellow across the screen, promising a visceral escape from your couch to short inseams and bike rides sans helmets of the ‘80s, all beautifully soundtracked to Sufjan Stevens. The central relationship between Elio and Oliver has been controversial due to their outdated age gap, but the real focal point is the question: “Is it better to speak or to die?” weighing the pros and cons of confessing one’s feelings at the risk of loss against the backdrop of hot summer nights. Senior Asher Liddle shared, “The movie ‘Call Me by Your Name’ is a fresh, fruity, and emotionally potent.”
The highly anticipated “Challengers” by Luca Guadagnino came out in April, setting up a fast paced and reckless summer film scene. The film follows Tashi, Art, and Patrick, entrapped in a decade long love triangle. The lines between romance and tennis are blurred, subtly keeping competition in the forefront of both. Appropriately, throes of people are flocking to theaters to see Zendaya’s performance as the manipulative-leaning strategist, expanding her already impressive acting range. Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor also stun in their roles as obsessive athletes. The tennis ball POV shots, sweat-drenched close-ups, and techno-focused score puts the viewer in a front row seat to the tension, and after the two hours, I felt the need to retire from my tennis career (nonexistent). True to Guadagnino’s previous work, the film is visceral and visually enrapturing.
A movie with a lot of hype (and synth wave music), junior Elena Gehkre says, “‘Challengers’ came out recently and I will probably go see that one. The cinematography is really nice and overall the tennis aspect makes it seem like a summer movie.”
An established classic, “Mamma Mia” remains a cornerstone of the summertime genre year after year. The flick takes the best parts of the beloved Broadway hit and adds a cerulean Mediterranean Sea, quaint coastal hotel, and iconic “Lay All Your Love on Me” scene on a sandy beach. Offering a bite-sized whirlwind journey towards happy endings of the idyllic variety, “Mamma Mia” is never boring.
“Moonrise Kingdom.” Wes Anderson’s usual roster seen on screen here: Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Jason Schwartzman, and Tilda Swinton. Additions: Two young actors to play the leads, Sam and Suzy, a boy scout and a bookworm fallen in love. They embark on an island adventure. What ensues: An ear piercing, bow and arrows, much book reading, search parties, more boy scouts, and some dancing. Everything we like about Wes Anderson seen here. Summer says adventure, romance, and aesthetic shots near oceans. So does “Moonrise Kingdom.”
New In Town (Town Being Theaters Everywhere)
“The Fall Guy,” simultaneously a classic movie theater blockbuster story and a love letter to stuntmen, casts two of Hollywood’s biggest names to tell the story of injured (both back and heart, in a romantic sense) stunt guy Colt, played by can-you-feel-the-Kenergy A-lister Ryan Gosling. New director Jody, played by family favorite Emily Blunt, has her chance to make a name for herself with her new movie Metalstorm, an action-packed sci-fi love story in need of a talented stuntman. Re-enter Colt, re-enter love story. Action doesn’t stop for love, though, and when lead actor Tom Ryder is found missing, stunt guy turns action star hero. Directed by former stuntman David Leitch, the movie is a funny, clever, over-the-top, classic action romcom, all while giving kudos to the 80s show it is based on, stunt people everywhere, and the importance of seeing fun flicks like this in theaters.
On Our Watchlist/PS from Elena
“Bridgerton” has become a fixture on the quasi-period piece scene due to its drama, romance, and binge-worthy nature. Junior Elena Gehkre shared, “It is never winter in ‘Bridgerton’ because the social season is always in spring or summer.” With the brand-new release of season three: part two right before school gets out, it is shaping up to be a “social season” summer.
The Italian phrase “Dolce far niente” translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing.” Many of these films encompass that same feeling, the slowness of summer: days that drag on, the sun gliding lazily over the sky. “The Way Way Back” and “Call Me by Your Name” emphasize how there is light to be found in the mundane. Conversely, “Challengers” and “The Peanut Butter Falcon” draw on the excitement that short summer nights promise. Whatever your summer holds, whether it be traveling somewhere far, spending time with your found family, or reconnecting with your childhood self, there is a movie for you.
