With the extra free time summer brings, you may be looking for some fantastic films to pass the more sweltering days indoors. Here are five films to add to your watchlist this summer.
BOTTLE ROCKET
As Wes Anderson’s directorial debut, “Bottle Rocket” doesn’t have the distinct aesthetic the rest of his filmography is known for. Focused less on symmetry and more on character development, this film has a lot more heart than Anderson’s more recent releases.
The film features brothers Luke and Owen Wilson, playing Anthony and Dignan respectively, and is both of their acting debuts. The 1996 crime comedy follows the friends as they attempt a series of heists. Plans go astray, romance blossoms and friendships evolve as the friends carry out their plan.
AMÉLIE
For those who don’t enjoy reading subtitles, this film may not be for you. This French romantic comedy follows Amélie Poulain, a waitress with her own unique way of interacting with the world. Amélie embarks on a mission to improve the lives of those around her. She does so from behind the scenes, unseen in her involvement.
The eccentric woman’s isolation is interrupted however when she falls for a man who collects photo booth pictures. She must overcome her shyness and emerge from the shadows to interact and abandon the comfort of simply observing. This film is also very visually appealing with bright colors and a Parisian aesthetic. “Amélie” is a whimsical watch that will make you long to book a summer trip to Montmartre, France.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
This comedy is sure to tug on your heart strings. Seven-year-old Olive Hoover (Abigail Breslin) and her family embark on a road trip from New Mexico to California so she can participate in the Little Miss Sunshine Beauty Pageant.
This film explores themes of loss, passion, family, insecurity and so much more. Each character has a unique story and perspective on life. Despite this family’s many flaws, viewers will find themselves rooting for the characters to find success on their route.
PONYO
A Studio Ghibli classic, “Ponyo” is set in a small seaside town. Ponyo, a fish, longs to become human. She steals her father’s elixirs and goes to land in search of the boy she loves, Sōsuke. Ponyo must see if this love is truly enough to keep her human or if she will have to leave this life behind.
The animation of this film is bright and creates a gorgeous fantasy setting the viewer longs to crawl into. Filled with magic and heart, “Ponyo” is a family friendly feature that anyone can enjoy. While the film is originally in Japanese, the English dub features a star studded cast with Meryl Streep, Tina Fey, Liam Neeson and more.
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
Based on the novel by André Aciman, “Call Men By Your Name” details the romance between Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer), the summer guest in Elio’s family home. This isn’t just a love story, but a story of obsession, longing and dedication to live in the sweet shadow of someone else.
Elio spends his slow summer learning about Oliver, himself and yearning for a reality he may not get to experience. The countryside of Northern Italy calls to the viewers of this film. Watching the beautiful scenery will have you romanticizing a summer day spent reading in the sun.
