Summer is just around the corner; days are getting longer, temperatures are rising, and air conditioning is looking more and more appealing. There’s no better way to escape the heat than to sit down with some friends and enjoy a movie. Here are some of my favorite films to make this summer even more entertaining.

Godzilla vs. Kong

“Godzilla vs. Kong” is a movie that needs no introduction, as it’s been one of the most hyped movies of the past decade. Viewers were dying to see what producers and directors would do with the famous comic, and they did not disappoint. This movie is great for both people who don’t know anything about the storyline and for long-time followers. Director Adam Wingard does a great job making it a classic hero story and uses a variety of characters for different, effective purposes. For example, Wingard uses the main character Madison Russell, played by Millie Bobby Brown, purely for exposure to the story. Madison goes on her own exciting journey with a couple of friends, and the obstacles they overcome help develop the plot of the main story. The movie gives viewers insight into what is going on while at the same time providing a sub-plot full of ups and downs that hooks viewers in. I totally recommend the film if you’re looking for something enjoyable and exciting to watch. 

A Quiet Place Part II

I can say with the most confidence that “A Quiet Place Part II” is already easily one of the best films of the year. Expectations were high, and it’s easy to see why. Director John Krasinski succeeds in making it one of the most unique horror films I’ve ever seen. A lot of people may think that the silence of the film would make it boring, but instead it really adds to the suspense of the movie. It lets viewers take in and understand other aspects of the film while at the same time being the core of the plot. The acting is another aspect of the film that I found amazing, especially the children. The pain and fear that they conveyed looked so real. I wouldn’t have thought for a second that actors at their age could be giving such a performance. I absolutely recommend the movie for the summer; it’s a classic to watch with friends for fun, or to watch just to enjoy the beauty and meaning of it.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines

“The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is your classic zero to hero story, as an ordinary family has to step up to save the world. It’s a little cheesy but has humor and a much deeper meaning than one might think. The film deals with both family struggles and the increasing role of technology in our world. There are a lot of similarities with the themes in the movie “Inside Out”, which revolved around a father-daughter relationship, as we can see glimpses of both perspectives and what’s affecting the characters. Viewers get to see the development of every single person in the family as the plot progresses. “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” is a great movie to watch over the summer and I’d recommend watching it with family as it’s full of dad jokes and corniness. 

Nomadland

“Nomadland” is a really beautiful story spotlighting an aging woman named Fern who is left with practically nothing after the Great Recession and decides to journey across the country. Though the story doesn’t have a very distinct plot, it’s complex message completely makes up for it. The movie is almost  documentary in the way it follows a segment of someone’s life.The story also shows how the American economy had let so many people down, doing their best to hide the dark side from society. Following Fern’s life lets viewers see the new, fascinating parts of America’s landscapes, but the horror that is the American workplace. Despite all the setbacks that Fern faces, she chooses to continue to live her life to the fullest, making it a truly inspiring story. If you are looking for a movie to just relax and watch while also making you reflect on the world we live in, I highly recommend “Nomadland”.