After moving out of my dorm in early May, I accepted that I’d be spending the summer doing two things: working 9-to-5, and coming home to watch movies with the coolest people I know, my parents.
Who could blame me? This past summer was a hotbed for theatrical and streaming releases. Whether it was “The Idea of You” and “Hit Man” hitting Amazon Prime and Netflix respectively, or the excitable entrances of movies like “Twisters,” “Trap” and, of course, “Despicable Me 4” into theaters, there was always something to watch.
It was tricky to make it to a good quality theatrical release consistently, so new releases had to be supplemented with a bit of cozy at-home viewing.
Movie lovers of all tastes could find at least one favorite in this five-film collection of my favorite first-time watches from this summer.
“Poor Things” (2023)
Watched: at home
As a longtime Emma Stone fan, my need to finally sit down with this film was dire, especially after its streaming debut.
If you, like me, have never had the pleasure of watching a Yorgos Lanthimos film before, consider this your sign to do so. Wildly funny, poignant and nothing short of whimsical, “Poor Things” takes a zany concept out of Lanthimos’ head and makes it come to life.
Its sets are reminiscent of German Modernism, and its costumes the Victorian era. The production feels so thoughtfully executed from end to end.
Stone powerfully depicts Bella Baxter, a woman who embraces her sexuality while ignoring the control-freak men around her. The graphic nature of the plot does not detract from its message, it is itself the message, daring you to acknowledge a woman’s right to do whatever she pleases.
Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe’s performances as Bella’s travel partner Duncan Wedderburn and her father figure Godwin Baxter, respectively, in combination with Stone’s smashing success, top off its must-watch status.
Though, follow my lead and watch it with your friends, not your parents.
“Poor Things” is available to stream on Hulu.
“Say Anything…” (1989)
Watched: at home
In case it wasn’t obvious, this was my dad’s pick. “Singles,” also directed by Cameron Crowe, is one of my all-time favorites, so I knew to trust him.
“Say Anything…” is simply sublime. Frontman Lloyd (John Cusack) is closer than ever to life after high school and has little idea of what he wants. Enter the beautiful, brainy Diane (Ione Skye), and Lloyd’s life is flipped on its head.
The film follows the two through a perfectly paced first-love romance, alongside a well-executed side plot involving Diane’s over-protective father (John Mahoney). Its optimism, despite the personal challenges faced by Lloyd and Diane, is refreshing.
Cusack’s performance as Lloyd is a must-see, especially considering the film’s 1989 release date. His tender, vulnerable love for Diane is nothing short of special, throwing the more rigid gender norms of the 80s back into the decade’s face in a way that is tasteful and genuine.
If you didn’t believe in love before watching this, you will afterward.
“Say Anything…” is available to rent on Prime Video.
“Twisters” (2024)
Watched: in theaters
Confession time: I’ve never seen “Twister.”
So, what prompted me to see “Twisters” was not a reverence for the original but instead a need to conduct “research” for an article I was writing about Glen Powell.
Powell shines as the complicated tornado wrangler Tyler, who works alongside the star of the film Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her sidekick Javi (Anthony Ramos).
Kate, a former stormchaser with sharp instincts and a troubled past, returns to her native Oklahoma at the behest of Javi, who needs her help studying the state’s unusually intense tornado patterns.
The film’s casting choices turned the plot from passable to engaging; Edgar-Jones and Powell’s intensity and chemistry sell the urgency of the film’s dangerous events and the broader message about the human cost of climate change.
Whether this functions as a good sequel should be left up to “Twister” fans, but I left the theater (mostly) satisfied.
Word of advice, if the kid next to you starts jumping around and the theater is mostly empty, swallow your pride and move seats.
“Twisters” is available to rent on all major streaming platforms.
“Longlegs” (2024)
Watched: in theaters (x2)
I want to preface this by saying that this movie has some infuriating plot holes that drove me slightly crazy after both trips to the theater.
That said, “Longlegs” was a scary good time, and is easily one of the best horror films I’ve seen. Who knew Osgood Perkins from the critically acclaimed (by me) “Legally Blonde” could direct?
The film follows the sensational Maika Monroe, whose phone is likely ringing off the hook after starring in this film. Monroe depicts Lee Harker, a young FBI agent with freakishly good intuition, who is tasked with identifying the brutal serial killer Longlegs (Nicolas Cage). Her hunt for Longlegs quickly gets more personal and darker than she could have imagined.
Seeing this film is a whole-body sensory experience. I saw this with my twin sister and the first time we went, the theater was packed. The audience gasped and laughed in unison, and it was so much fun to experience with dozens of other people. The theater was empty the second time, and the resulting genuine terror running through our veins was off the charts.
The fear factor that this film brings, from Cage’s unrecognizable appearance, to the audio mixing to the suspenseful camera work almost makes you forget about the questions you’re left with at the film’s conclusion.
Almost.
“Longlegs” is available to rent on all major streaming platforms.
“For Love of the Game” (1999)
Watched: at home
Typically, baseball movies are not my thing (sorry “Field of Dreams” lovers).
“For Love of the Game” dared to put that preference to the test. With the perfect balance of 90s romcom and exciting baseball action, this film came out on top for me over its peers in the genre.
Kevin Costner is more than just a pretty face, his portrayal of aging pitcher-in-denial Billy Chapel is deeply relatable. Costner perfectly captures the maddening frustration of giving up something you love when you’re no longer able to see it through, all while reckoning with the sacrifices made to get to where you are.
Throw in a believable love story, a little will-they-won’t they and the bright presence of Kelly Preston as Costner’s love interest Jane, and this one’s a home run.
“For Love of the Game” is available to stream on Prime Video.
Hopefully my favorite watches of the summer can guide your selections for those final hot-weather movie nights, or, in the case of “Longlegs,” your very first spooky season picks.
This article was edited by Alfie Pritchard, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing by Luna Jinks and Charlie Mennuti.
