Sizzlin' Summer Flicks
Who doesn't love a good summery film? There's little better than relaxing with a fist full of popsicles, a tall jug of lemonade, and a some of your favourite characters. These films are perfect for those insufferable summer days when it's too hot and sticky to have your own adventure and you need to live vicariously through cinematic ones instead.
James' Picks:
1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
"Life moves pretty fast if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Perhaps an obvious choice but this 80's classic is one of the greats. Following the exploits of teenager Ferris Bueller who skips class for the day this movie has nailed the schools out for summer vibe. The hilarious feel good movie is ideal for summer and is a great motivator for experiencing life.
2. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
"Relax. The most important question is where to eat."
One of my all time favourite films combining 50's fashion, Mediterranean aesthetic, jazz music and Jude Law, whats not to love? Based on Patricia Highsmiths 1955 novel, the film follows Tom Ripley, a compulsive liar/fraudster who becomes intertwined in the lives of Dickie Greenleaf and Marge Sherwood. Living care free on the sun kissed shores of Italy, there are no limits to what Ripley will do to make their lifestyle his own. A tense film full of deception, love, murder and obsession this film may seem a little macabre for summer. However, watching it I sympathise with Ripley as I too feel an obsession for the Mediterranean sun and care free lifestyle.
3. Wimbledon (2004)
"I'm afraid of what happens if that ball keeps going by me. What happens then?"
As an Englishman what could be a better starting flag for summer than Wimbledon? Strawberries and cream, Pimms and the Wimbledon final are all summer necessities. The film Wimbledon is no exception. The light hearted British Rom-com follows Peter Colt, an ageing tennis pro ranked 119th in the world in his battle to climb the ranks against his younger opponents. His success is fuelled by his relationship with Lizzie Bradbury but her disapproving father and competitiveness stand in their way as the pair come to conflict with which is more important love or winning.
4. A Good Year (2006)
"Forgive my lips. They find joy in the most unusual places."
Possibly my favourite British film and certainly a greatly under-appreciated film this simple tale follows top London banker Max Skinner who inherits his late Uncle's vineyard in Provence. The experience forces Skinner out of the rat race of life as he must renovate the Chateau in order to sell the property. While reminiscing of childhood and pursuing love Skinner finds a laid back lifestyle that forces him to choose between his two lives. It is the perfect summer film, wildly nostalgic and forces us to reevaluate the importance of aspects of our own lives.
5.The Boat that Rocked (2009)
A film with one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. In 1966 BBC radio played less than one hour of pop music a day forcing pirate Dj's to create their own radio stations. The main character Carl, a young school boy is sent aboard a pirate's ship commanded by his Godfather. The crew teach Carl the real meaning of Rock & Roll. Though the film is set throughout the year its most memorable moments come in the form of summer shenanigans, colourful 60's clothing and great summer music. A perfect summer comedy.
6. A Bigger Splash (2016)
"We're all obscene. Everyone's Obscene. Thats the whole fucking point. We see it and we love each other anyway."
Named after the David Hockney painting, this low budget British film focusses on a retired rock star and her boyfriend who have fled to a Sicilian island to escape. Their serenity is loudly interrupted by their eccentric friend Harry and his presumed daughter. The four spend their days by the pool listening to records, drinking and relaxing in the sun. Though dark at times the sheer simplicity and realistic nature of the film makes it a must see and the scenes of poolside antics and great music will make anyone envious.
Jeordy's Picks
7. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
"That same spirit is what makes me paint and makes your friend bake. But we each need to find our own inspiration, Kiki. Sometimes its not easy."
This Studio Ghibli gem has all the joy and whimsy to perfect any summer's day. Join a young amateur witch, Kiki, as she and her black cat Gigi search for a place to call home. This film features a fun soundtrack, lighthearted humour, a touch of adolescent romance, and enough soul-touching wisdom to come away feeling enriched.
8. Holes (2003)
"The early mole digs the deepest hole."
Holes was a summertime film staple for me when I was growing up. This film adaption of the book Holes captures the romanticised wild-west, the immigrant's plight, and the banter which arises in prison-like settings. Beyond these qualities, it is sinfully easy to watch, stars baby-faced Shia Leboeuf, and reminds us to be thankful for our AC and frozen yogurt.
9. Easy A (2010)
"I used to be anonymous, invisible to the opposite sex. If Google Earth were a guy, he couldn’t find me if I was dressed up as a 10-story building."
Ojai, California is one of those places that feels like summer 365 days a year. That feeling is captured in this hilarious and frank depiction of one girl's navigation of high school rumours, privacy, and self-invention. This film (and Emma Stone vs. Amanda Bynes) will have you laughing until you sweat, and will certainly satisfy your summer comedy needs.
10. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
"I think you've still got lightning in you."
One of my all-time favourite films, Moonrise Kingdom is the epitome of summer whimsy. Blessed with all the cinematic beauty any Wes Anderson film promises, this film also offers a heartwarming plot and characteristically unusual cast of characters. It leaves you yearning adventure and reminds us what it feels like to be misunderstood adolescents, offering a sip of nostalgia for the childlike naiveté we all once had.
11. Captain Fantastic (2016)
"What kind of crazy person celebrates Noam Chomsky's birthday like it's some kind of official holiday? Why can't we celebrate Christmas like the rest of the entire world?"
This film is dear to me as it reminds me so much of my own childhood. Another cinematic beauty, this indie film follows the journey of a father and his six children who live an alternative lifestyle, favouring intellectual and physical strengths over the prescriptive lifestyle of contemporary society. When father Ben takes the children with him away from their forest home, all seven characters face the confrontation of their unusual upbringing and the 'real world.' Another heartwarming and quirky movie to get you into that adventuresome mood.
12. La La Land (2016)
"People love what other people are passionate about."
It definitely helps that La La Land is set in LA, where each morning offers 'another day of sun.' It has the romance, the costuming and the soundtrack to qualify it as an incredible summer flick. For me, however, it is the brutal honesty this depiction of the infamous Entertainment Industry offers which puts it above similar films. The soundtrack may be up-beat, but the lyrics are sad, misunderstandings between characters are unnervingly realistic, and their twist on a fairytale ending solidifies the realism of this indie-film-turned-blockbuster. So if you're in the mood for a beautiful musical with a touch of reality, La La Land is your friend.
Honourable Mentions
James:
The Gentleman's Wager (2014)
"I don't want to buy it with money...I want to win it, with a dance."
This short film starring Jude Law and Giancarlo Giannini is sponsored by Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whiskey. The film follows a gentleman's bet between the two friends. The film is beautifully made, only a few minutes long and well worth a watch. It fills one with a longing for a care free summer. In addition, their is also a second Gentlemans wager which does not disappoint and is also great summer inspiration.
Jeordy:
Quigley Down Under (1990)
"I don't know where were goin', but there ain't no sense in being late."
To mix up genres, here is a Western set in Australia. Sharpshooter Matthew Quigley (dreamboat Tom Selleck) is hired by cattle rancher E. Marston (ultimate villain Allen Rickman). Upon arrival Quigley discovers he's been hired for something dirty and refuses the position, getting him into, frankly, a shitload of trouble. Accompanied by an insane 'Texican' woman, Quigley endeavours to survive in the brutal Australian outback, and set the record straight. This film will also make you thankful for your ice cream bars and portable fans, and provides adventure, humour, and classic Western action scenes.
Nestle down in some ice or a pool floaty, and enjoy!
