Admittedly, summer should be spent outdoors and not in front of the TV. However, if you should find yourself relaxing on your couch, these movies are worth watching for sure!
Happy viewing!
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1.
Spotlight
(2015)
R
Story:Spotlight is the true story of a team of journalists at the Boston Globe who exposed the Catholic Church's child sex abuse cover-ups.
My take:
This is by far one of my all time favorite movies. I was super nervous to watch it because the subject matter makes me uncomfortable but, wow, I am so glad I did.
2.
Snowden
(2016)
R
Story:
Film based on the now (in)famous actions of Edward Snowden.My take:
This is a great film (though, as someone who has very libertarian leanings, my political opinions may make me slightly biased). What can I say? I respect the liberty of all mankind and I respect Edward Snowden for sticking up for what he thought was right.
3.
World War Z
(2013)
PG-13
Story:Film about a world-wide zombie apocalypse staring Brad Pitt.
My take:
First thing you need to know about me -- I absolutely DESPISE scary/horror movies. So if I'm recommending a film, even a zombie film, you can rest assured it will not keep you awake for the rest of your life.
I think my favorite thing about this movie was the main character's wife Karin (played by actress Mireille Enos) wasn't a nagging, critical cow when everything in her world fell apart. She rolled with it. I hate it when I watch apocalypse movies and, in the midst of the chaos and disaster, the wife turns to her husband and is like, "Well, Gerry, what are we going to do now!?" as if the poor guy caused the problem and must, on his own, fix it for her. No, no, no. I don't need to watch uber-woman, superchick, but, seriously, the guy's fighting zombies chica, not coming up with solutions!
4.
The Last Samurai
(2003)
R
Story:A listless, jaded mercenary takes a job to train soldiers in Japan and ends up being kidnapped and immersed into the samurai culture.
My take:
Every time I watch a Tom Cruise movie I remember why Tom Cruise makes what he does for his pictures. He's just a great actor.
Basically, if you liked Dances With Wolves, you will most likely like this film. They are very similar (in an awesome way) but with different locations.
5.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
(2015)
PG-13
Story:Two spies on opposite sides during the Cold War must team up to stop a baddie with a dirty bomb.
My take:
Great spy film. Best way to describe it? It's sexy but, at the same time, I think my dad would enjoy it. The Russian spy Illya Kuryakin (played by Armie Hammer) is a great character. Worth viewing.
6.
The Intern
(2015)
PG-13
Story:A retiree, bored with retirement, takes an internship at a young, hip, up-and-coming online company and becomes best friends with his young, female boss.
My take:
This story is simply charming and sweetly funny. Best part about this film? The two main characters have a great, professional, strictly platonic relationship foregoing the seemingly mandatory sex between man and women that immerses all films these days. Finally I don't have to sit through the "oh, oops, one night stand, glad we got that out of the way, we're both adults, let's move on and not tell our spouses" scene that I was dreading but never came. Thank you Nancy Meyers (director); I appreciate that not being in this script! Bravo.
7.
Last Knights
(2015)
R
Story:A group of knights battle to avenge the death of their beloved master.
My take:
Honestly, Morgan Freeman could be in a movie doing nothing more than reading the ingredients of shampoo and I'd find it enjoyable. Love his voice and his on screen presence. So take him, add a story of men sacrificing everything for the sake of honor, and what are you left with? A great movie, that's what! The villain, Geza Mott (played by Aksel Hennie), is absolutely despicable. You just really, really want to see this horrible human being get his comeuppance. Aksel Hennie, you sir were nothing short of genius in this role; if my opinion had any merit and I had an award to give, I would give one for playing the best villain I've seen in a long, long time.
8.
Pixels
(2015)
PG-13
Story:Comedy about aliens invading earth using vintage arcade game villains and the hope for mankind rests in the hands of old-school video-gamers. (I cannot make this stuff up.)
My take:
A great Adam Sandler film (regardless of what the haters say.) My husband and I love Adam Sandler movies and this one is no different. It's just a good time. Peter Dinklage is especially fun and his lines are delivered with perfect, comedic timing.
9.
The Legend Of Tarzan
(2016)
PG-13
Story:Tarzan and Jane, who now live an aristocratic lifestyle in Europe, must return to Africa to stop the schemes of an evil prince who has taken over Tarzan's former home.
My take:
Move over Disney; this is now my favorite Tarzan movie! It's just a great adventure flick and the chemistry between Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgard) and Jane (Margot Robbie) sizzles. How refreshing to watch a story where a married couple heats up the screen. Maybe adventure isn't your idea of romance, but, as for me, this is a great date night film!
10.
Ben-Hur
(1959)
G
Story:Based on the run-away best selling novel, Ben-Hur follows the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jew during the time of Jesus Christ who is betrayed in the worst possible way by one of his closest friends, endures great suffering, and acquires a thirst for vengeance.
My take:
It's shocking to admit this but, as someone who has been a fan of this movie since forever, I've never actually read the book. Nevertheless, as a teenager, I would curl up for hours in front of this classic (fair warning: I say hours because it is LONG). Yes, I know that there is a new, "improved" version and I really, really wanted to love it... but it just doesn't compare. For this old soul, CGI effects can never take the place of great actors, compelling story lines, and breathtaking sets. There's a reason this film is immortalized in Hollywood history.
