10 Movies to Hold on to Summer
It’s too soon to say good-bye to summer, but it’s already starting to happen – Summer Camp’s are winding up; “Back-to-School” sales have started, and MCL’s Summer Reading Program has ended. You can hang on to those summer days throughout the rest of the year with summer-themed movies from MCL’s collection. Here are ten to get you started:
Adventureland (2009) Rated R
Who knew there could be such great life lessons learned while working a summer job at a local amusement park? This dark comedy’s lead characters, James (Jesse Eisenberg) and Em (Kristen Stewart), take its viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Directed by Greg Mottola.
Dazed & Confused (1993) Rated R
Last day of school = First day of summer! Richard Linklater’s film gives us a taste of a small Texas town’s 1976 teenage antics. Incoming freshmen, on the last day of junior high, try to avert hazing rituals – a long-held tradition for the incoming seniors.
Dirty Dancing (1987) Rated PG-13
“Baby” (Jennifer Grey) and her family are spending their summer vacation at a resort in the Catskills. In order to be a viable substitute for an upcoming dance gig, Baby soon bypasses the regularly scheduled activities for dance lessons with the head dance instructor, Johnny (Patrick Swayze). Directed by Emile Ardolino.
Do the Right Thing (1989) Rated R
This Spike Lee Joint captures the bubbling racial tension between a local pizzeria and a Koren grocery store in an African-American/Puerto Rican neighborhood, especially as it erupts into full force on “the hottest day of the year.”
Dog Day Afternoon (1975) Rated R
In a desperate attempt for money, Sonny (Al Pacino) and Sal (John Cazale) hold up a Brooklyn bank. The heist quickly goes downhill after they realize the bank has little money on site. Inspired by an actual Brooklyn bank robbery occurring in the summer of 1972. Directed by Sidney Lumet.
The Graduate (1967) Rated PG
While this isn’t the traditional summer film, it’s a Mike Nichols’ gem. Follow recent college graduate, Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) as his debilitating concern for his future manifests itself as an affair with his dad’s business partner’s wife (Anne Bancroft), who just happens to be the mom to the woman he’s falling in love with. Phew!
Rear Window (1954) Rated PG
I think we can all relate to Stella’s (Thelma Ritter) remark, “You’d think the rain would’ve cooled things down. All it did was make the heat wet>” Sit back and look through “Jeff’s” (James Stewart) apartment window, as he and his girlfriend, Lisa (Grace Kelly) solve the puzzling where-a-bouts of a suddenly missing neighbor’s wife. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Say Anything (1989) Rated PG-13
The summer after his high school graduation, Lloyd Dobbler (John Cusack) doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life other than to find “a dare to be great situation.” The opportunity presents itself – as being a great boyfriend to the class valedictorian, Diane Court (Ione Skye). Directed by Cameron Crowe.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) Rated PG
Four best girlfriends, Bridge (Blake Lively), Carmen (America Ferrera), Lena (Alexis Bledel), and Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) take off on four separate summer adventures. They vow to stay connected via a single pair of jeans, which peculiarly seem to fit each of them perfectly. Directed by Ken Kwapis.
Stand by Me (1986) Rated R
“You guys wanna go see a dead body?” was all that needed to be asked to spark four boys into an adventure. On the last day of summer before they enter high school, Gordie (Wil Wheaton), Chris (River Phoenix), Teddy (Corey Feldman) and Vern (Jerry O’Connell) get more than they had bargained for in their quest for fame. Directed by Rob Reiner.
Bonus! +2 to keep an eye out for...
National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) Rated R
Cross-country trip? Check. Station wagon with faux-wood paneling? Check. Quality time with the family? Um. Check? Certainly, it's a vacation no one will ever forget. Recently ordered for MCL's collection, I've already put myself on the wait list to check out Vacation, which very well may be the best summer movie of all time. Directed by Harold Ramis.
Wet Hot American Summer (2001) Rated R
It’s the last day of camp, and the camp counselors have one goal: make the most out of it before their imminent return back into the real world. David Wain’s cult classic is on order and will soon be available for your viewing pleasure via MCL’s collection.
Adventureland (2009) Rated R
Who knew there could be such great life lessons learned while working a summer job at a local amusement park? This dark comedy’s lead characters, James (Jesse Eisenberg) and Em (Kristen Stewart), take its viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Directed by Greg Mottola.
Dazed & Confused (1993) Rated R
Last day of school = First day of summer! Richard Linklater’s film gives us a taste of a small Texas town’s 1976 teenage antics. Incoming freshmen, on the last day of junior high, try to avert hazing rituals – a long-held tradition for the incoming seniors.
Dirty Dancing (1987) Rated PG-13
“Baby” (Jennifer Grey) and her family are spending their summer vacation at a resort in the Catskills. In order to be a viable substitute for an upcoming dance gig, Baby soon bypasses the regularly scheduled activities for dance lessons with the head dance instructor, Johnny (Patrick Swayze). Directed by Emile Ardolino.
Do the Right Thing (1989) Rated R
This Spike Lee Joint captures the bubbling racial tension between a local pizzeria and a Koren grocery store in an African-American/Puerto Rican neighborhood, especially as it erupts into full force on “the hottest day of the year.”
Dog Day Afternoon (1975) Rated R
In a desperate attempt for money, Sonny (Al Pacino) and Sal (John Cazale) hold up a Brooklyn bank. The heist quickly goes downhill after they realize the bank has little money on site. Inspired by an actual Brooklyn bank robbery occurring in the summer of 1972. Directed by Sidney Lumet.
The Graduate (1967) Rated PG
While this isn’t the traditional summer film, it’s a Mike Nichols’ gem. Follow recent college graduate, Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) as his debilitating concern for his future manifests itself as an affair with his dad’s business partner’s wife (Anne Bancroft), who just happens to be the mom to the woman he’s falling in love with. Phew!
Rear Window (1954) Rated PG
I think we can all relate to Stella’s (Thelma Ritter) remark, “You’d think the rain would’ve cooled things down. All it did was make the heat wet>” Sit back and look through “Jeff’s” (James Stewart) apartment window, as he and his girlfriend, Lisa (Grace Kelly) solve the puzzling where-a-bouts of a suddenly missing neighbor’s wife. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Say Anything (1989) Rated PG-13
The summer after his high school graduation, Lloyd Dobbler (John Cusack) doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life other than to find “a dare to be great situation.” The opportunity presents itself – as being a great boyfriend to the class valedictorian, Diane Court (Ione Skye). Directed by Cameron Crowe.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) Rated PG
Four best girlfriends, Bridge (Blake Lively), Carmen (America Ferrera), Lena (Alexis Bledel), and Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) take off on four separate summer adventures. They vow to stay connected via a single pair of jeans, which peculiarly seem to fit each of them perfectly. Directed by Ken Kwapis.
Stand by Me (1986) Rated R
“You guys wanna go see a dead body?” was all that needed to be asked to spark four boys into an adventure. On the last day of summer before they enter high school, Gordie (Wil Wheaton), Chris (River Phoenix), Teddy (Corey Feldman) and Vern (Jerry O’Connell) get more than they had bargained for in their quest for fame. Directed by Rob Reiner.
Bonus! +2 to keep an eye out for...
National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) Rated R
Cross-country trip? Check. Station wagon with faux-wood paneling? Check. Quality time with the family? Um. Check? Certainly, it's a vacation no one will ever forget. Recently ordered for MCL's collection, I've already put myself on the wait list to check out Vacation, which very well may be the best summer movie of all time. Directed by Harold Ramis.
Wet Hot American Summer (2001) Rated R
It’s the last day of camp, and the camp counselors have one goal: make the most out of it before their imminent return back into the real world. David Wain’s cult classic is on order and will soon be available for your viewing pleasure via MCL’s collection.
-- Anna, Hopewell Branch
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